Moving to Kissimmee, FL

Whether visiting to spend a holiday or permanently moving to Florida to live in the Vacation Home Capital of the World, moving to Kissimmee, Florida, is a destination many expatriates seek. If you are one of these individuals, please read the blog post for more information.

Founded by cowboys, Kissimmee was nicknamed  “Kowtown” and Allendale after Civil War Confederate Major- JS Allen, later became a trade and commerce hub from Lake Tohopekaliga to Okeechobee. This Florida city hosts the world’s sole wheelchair-accessible zip line, 22 18-hole golf courses, diverse wildlife home to alligators and crocodiles coexisting, The Monument of States, Walt Disney Theme Park, and The Museum of Military History. 

Besides these, this guide will provide information about what to expect about life in Kissimmee, along with significant stats and pros and cons. Reading to learn more about relocating to Kissimmee, Florida. 

Quick Facts before moving to Kissimmee, FL:

Where is Kissimmee, FL, Located?

Kissimmee, in Osceola County, Florida, is in the southwestern part of Orlando.

Hunters Creek borders the city to the north, Pleasant Hill to the south, Saint Cloud to the east, and Celebration to the west.

With coordinates 28°18′15″N latitude and 81°24′46″W longitude, Kissimmee is a principal city in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Population in Kissimmee, FL

As of the 2020 census, the estimated population of Kissimmee, Florida, was 79,226 residents.

By July 1, 2022, Kissimmee’s population had slightly increased to 80,003.

Diversity in Kissimmee, FL

Kissimmee is remarkably diverse, with a diversity score of 93 out of 100, surpassing many other U.S. cities.

The U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts provides the following racial composition:

• White alone: 52.0%
• Black or African American alone: 9.7%
• Asian alone: 2.8%
• Two or More Races: 15.6%
• Hispanic or Latino: 70.1%
• White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 17.7%

Cost of Living in Kissimmee, FL

Upon moving to Kissimmee, Florida, it is imperative to be aware of the average household income and monthly living expenses to ensure financial preparedness. Here is what you need to know about the cost of living in Kissimmee, Florida. 

• The cost of living in Kissimmee, Florida, is slightly higher than the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 101.1.
• This means that the total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities is 1.1% higher than the U.S. average.
• The median household income in Kissimmee is approximately $41,746, while the average household income is reported to be $56,291.
• To live a comfortable life in Kissimmee, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $66,240 for a family and $57,600 for a single person.
• The average cost of living in Kissimmee, Florida, is $1805 per month.

Category	Cost/Index
Overall Cost of Living	101.7
Housing	82
Rent for a Two-Bedroom Unit	$1,630 per month
Utilities	93
Transportation	101
Grocery	103
Healthcare	92
Median Home Price	$346,300
Median Rent	$1,177 per month
Average Monthly Salary After Tax	$3,044

 

How Is the Housing Market in Kissimmee, FL?

The housing market in Kissimmee, Florida, is somewhat competitive, influenced by factors like home prices, rental rates, and ownership rates. As you prepare to move to Kissimmee, Florida, here is information regarding the housing and rental market to assist you in your decision-making process.

1. The average home value in Kissimmee is about $373,138, with a slight 0.1% increase over the past year.
2. The median sale price of a home in Kissimmee is $359,999 in 2023.
3. Kissimmee’s median sale price per square foot varies from $214 to $229.
4. Regarding population, 45.21% of occupied housing units in Kissimmee are owner-occupied, while 54.79% have renters.

Average rental price in Kissimmee, FL

1. The average rental price in Kissimmee is around $1,196 per month.
2. Studio Apartment: The average rent for a studio apartment in Kissimmee, FL, is $1,828.
3. 1-Bedroom Apartment: The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kissimmee, FL, is $1,385. 
4. 2-Bedroom Apartment: The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Kissimmee, FL, is $1,828.
5. 3-Bedroom Home: The average rent for a 3-bedroom home in Kissimmee, FL, is $2,298.
6. 4-Bedroom Home: The average rent for a 4-bedroom home in Kissimmee, FL, is $2,748

How is the job market in Kissimmee, FL?

Upon moving to Kissimmee, Florida, the following information can be used to determine the job market and average salary for each position.

1. The job market in Kissimmee, FL, grew by 3.9% in the past year, and predictions suggest a 45.5% increase in the next ten years, surpassing the US average of 33.5%.
2. As of 2023, the average salary in Kissimmee, FL, is around $46,713 per year, while the average income for a resident is $16,943 annually.
3. Kissimmee’s unemployment rate, reported at 3.30% in September 2023, is lower than the long-term average.

What are the top employers in Kissimmee, FL

1. Osceola County School District
2. Sterling Hospitality Inc
3. Breezes at Orange Lake Resort
4. Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
5. Comtech Antenna Systems, Inc
6. Jr. Davis Construction Company Inc
7. Toho Water Authority
8. Discovery Intermediate School
9. Family Health Care of Central Florida
10. Tupperware Brands Corporation (corporate headquarters)

What are the most common job titles in Kissimmee, FL

1. Cashier
2. Assistant Manager
3. Receptionist
4. Volunteer
5. Front Desk Agent
6. Stocker
7. Secretary
8. Shift Manager
9. Sales Manager
10. Housekeeper Supervisor

Highest paying jobs in Kissimmee, FL

Certainly! Here are the job titles you provided:

1. Construction
2. RN (Registered Nurse)
3. Nursing

How safe is it to live in Kissimmee, FL?

Kissimmee, Florida, has a crime rate higher than the national average but is not among the highest crime communities. If you were moving to Kissimmee, Florida, with your family or after retirement, here is what you can expect the crime and safety scenes of the city to be. 

1. The chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime in Kissimmee is 1 in 40.
2. The total crime rate in Kissimmee is 2,103.7 per 100,000 people, with a violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 people.
3. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Kissimmee is 1 in 241, and the chance of property crime is 1 in 48.
4. The most common violent crimes in Kissimmee are assault and robbery, while property crimes include theft and burglary.

Top Safest Neighborhoods in Kissimmee, FL

1. Solivita West
2. Country Crossing / Fortune Lakes
3. Indian Ridge
4. Poinciana Villages South
5. Solivita / Poinciana Villages
6. Legacy Park
7. Lake Marion Village South
8. Reunion

How Fast Can You Commute in Kissimmee, FL?

The average commute time in Kissimmee, FL, is 32.2 minutes, longer than the national average of 26.4 minutes.

Kissimmee is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metro Area, where the average one-way commute time is 28.2 minutes, indicating relatively longer commutes within the city compared to the region.

Kissimmee, Florida, has various public transportation options for residents and visitors, making navigating Kissimmee and its surroundings convenient.:

Bus Services

• LYNX: This public transportation system serves Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, providing local bus service for work, shopping, school, or leisure.
• Greyhound: Kissimmee is a convenient stop for Greyhound, offering bus services to various locations.

Rail Services

• Amtrak: Providing rail service to Kissimmee, Orlando, Winter Park, and Sanford, the Kissimmee station is the closest to Walt Disney World® Resort.
• Brightline: This high-speed rail system connects Central Florida to South Florida.

Shuttle Services

• Freebee: A free transportation service operating in Downtown Kissimmee, AdventHealth Kissimmee, and Valencia College from Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Other Transportation Options

• SunRail Poinciana: A commuter rail system with a Poinciana station near Kissimmee, which serves the Greater Orlando area.
• I-Ride Trolley: A bus service traveling throughout the International Drive Resort Area.

How’s the weather in Kissimmee, FL?

Kissimmee’s climate is marked by hot, humid summers and mild winters with significant rainfall. The city experiences many sunny days and typically does not see snowfall.

1. Kissimmee, Florida, has a subtropical climate with long, hot, and primarily cloudy summers and short, cool winters.
2. There are two main seasons in Kissimmee: a hot, wet season and a cooler, dry season.
3. The temperature in Kissimmee typically ranges from 52°F to 89°F, with rare extremes below 38°F or above 94°F.
4. July is the hottest month in Kissimmee, with an average high of 92°F, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 49°F.
5. Kissimmee receives 52 inches of rain annually, higher than the US average, and does not usually experience snowfall.
6. Kissimmee enjoys 232 sunny days per year, exceeding the US average of 205 sunny days.
7. The best time to visit Kissimmee, Florida, is during winter.

How is the Education in Kissimmee, FL?

Kissimmee, Florida, is served by the Osceola County School District, offering diverse educational opportunities. Suppose you are relocating to Kissimmee, Florida, with your child to provide them with a quality education. In that case, the following critical statistics will assist you in understanding the city’s education system and deciding the best school for your child.

1. Kissimmee schools rank 2/10 on average, placing them in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools. Some schools, like Professional & Technical High School and Osceola Science Charter School, rank higher.
2. Education costs in Kissimmee vary; for example, North Kissimmee Christian School charges annual tuition ranging from $3,500 to $7,450, and Osceola Christian Preparatory School charges $10,000 yearly.
3. The Osceola County School District, covering Kissimmee, has 85 schools and 68,640 students. The district’s average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1, but it varies by school. Kissimmee Elementary School has a ratio of 16:1, while Osceola High School has a ratio of 22:1.

Best Middle Schools in Kissimmee, FL

1. Lincoln-Marti Charter Schools (Osceola Campus)
2. Osceola Science Charter School
3. Celebration School
4. Neptune Middle School
5. Horizon Middle School

Best Elementary Schools in Kissimmee, FL

1. Partin Settlement Elementary School
2. Canoe Creek K-8
3. Harmony Community School
4. Hickory Tree Elementary School

Best High Schools in Kissimmee, FL

1. Professional & Technical High School
2. Osceola High School
3. Liberty High School
4. Poinciana High School
5. Osceola County School of Arts

Best Universities and Colleges in Kissimmee, FL

1. University of Central Florida
2. Valencia College – Osceola Campus
3. Everglades University
4. Johnson University Florida
5. AdventHealth University

What are the best things to do in Kissimmee, FL?

The famous attractions and best things to see in Kissimmee, Florida, are as follows:

1. Experience thrills at Fun Spot America, an amusement park with rides for all ages.
2. Explore Old Town, a complex with shopping, dining, and entertainment, often featuring classic car shows.
3. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Kissimmee Lakefront Park with walking paths and picnic areas.
4. Learn about U.S. military history at the Museum of Military History.
5. Immerse yourself in nature at Shingle Creek Regional Park, offering activities like hiking and kayaking.
6. Embark on outdoor adventures, from air boating to ziplining, and explore the Florida Everglades.
7. Start your day with a unique city view on a hot air balloon ride.
8. Discover wildlife at Wild Florida, a park dedicated to showcasing a variety of animal species.
9. Explore Celebration, a community with unique architecture, shops, and a pleasant atmosphere.
10. Indulge in diverse dining options, from celebrity chef restaurants to local favorites, and explore top-notch shopping in Kissimmee.

Best Neighborhoods in Kissimmee, FL

The best places to live in Kissimmee,  Florida, are:

1. Celebration
2. Poinciana
3. Buenaventura Lakes
4. Campbell
5. Kissimmee Bay
6. Mill Run
7. Osceola Corporate Center
8. Pleasant Hill Lakes
9. Artisan Park
10. Tapestry

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Kissimmee, FL?

Moving to Kissimmee, CA, requires understanding the benefits and disadvantages of living in the city. The following table summarizes the pros and cons of living in Kissimmee, CA:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living	High Crime Rate
No State Income Tax	Heavy Traffic
Flourishing Job Market	High Tourist Population
Pleasant Weather	Competitive Job Market for Entry-Level Positions
Opportunities for Entertainment	Poor Road Infrastructure
Diverse Community	Risk of Hurricanes and Weather Events
Affordable Housing	Environmental Impacts Due to Population Growth
Proximity to World-Class Theme Parks and Attractions
Learning Opportunities (e.g., Spanish)
Outdoor Activities

Conclusion 

Kissimmee is not just a vacation destination for the world but also a beautiful base camp offering family-friendly activities, endless sunshine, and its reach for off-the-beaten-path adventures. From its lower cost of living, no state income tax, and flourishing job market to limitless opportunities, entertainment, attractions, theme parks, and outdoor activities, Kissimmee Is the perfect option to call home for anyone moving to Florida. If the city suits your requirements and preferences, wait no longer, start packing your stuff for a fantastic move to Kissimmee, Florida. Meanwhile, Remember to read How to Become a Florida Resident blog post.