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Kissimmee, Florida

Short-Term Vacation Rentals | Long-Term Vacation Rentals

Situated in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in central Florida, the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area is one of natural beauty with many lakes, citrus groves and easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing and boating are popular sports and wildlife is abundant.  The Caloosa people, the original inhabitants, called the area "Heaven’s Place."

 

Its 30-mile proximity to Disney World, the Epcot Center, Sea World and other famous attractions at Orlando provide outstanding entertainment. Its own cultural hub, the Osceola Center for the Arts, offers theatre, light opera and musicals year-round. It also sponsors visiting groups from Orlando that present operas, symphonies, and ballets.

There are numerous tennis courts and six golf courses here, and Osceola County is Spring-training ground for the Houston Astros. Annual events include: a Bluegrass Festival, power-boat racing, competitive bass fishing, balloonists, aerobatics, and a boat parade at Christmas time. Shopping, too, is plentiful, with malls, boutiques, and outlet stores.

There is much to do and see here in a beautiful, natural setting and at a low cost-of-living, so, many retirees are happily ensconced in its charm!  This area’s proximity to Disney World, Epcot Center, and Sea World can, however, be thought of as a drawback or a plus, probably depending on how many grandchildren you have. Parts of Kissimmee are jammed with traffic and tourist attractions, but if you are a Disney World fan, Kissimmee’s close proximity, prosperous economy, and low cost-of-living might just be "Heaven’s Place" for you.

Statistics:

Population:  The population of Kissimmee/St. Cloud is 157,143. Senior citizens make up 14% of that figure. Located in central Florida, 30 miles southwest of Orlando, Kissimmee is situated among rolling hills amid clear lakes. 

Climate: The area is subtropical and warmed by both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Winters are sunny and dry, but summers are hot and humid. Annual rainfall is 46% with frequent thunderstorms. Humidity averages 55%.

Cost-of-Living:  AACRA places the Orlando area at about 2% below the national average. Utilities run 10% more than average, but housing costs are nearly 9% below.  State sales tax in Florida is 6%.  There is no state income tax.  Estates are taxed only above a $600,000 valuation, and property is taxed at approximately $21 per thousand.  Assessed value is based on 100% of market value.

Health Care:  Three hospitals serve the area: Florida Hospital-Kissimmee, Osceola Regional Hospital, and St. Cloud Hospital.  They are full-service facilities with 373 beds and 150 physicians.

Housing:  The average cost of a 3 bedroom home is about $117,000 with utilities running about $1,606 and taxes, $995. Rents average $500 per month but the rental market is seasonal, with high season from December through March, when you will pay a premium.

Safety:  Kissimmee has a relatively high crime rate with 120 crimes per 1,000 population.. Osceola County averages about 80 incidents per thousand.

Education:  The University of Central Florida at Orlando has a Learning Institute for Elders that offers liberal arts courses for $125. Florida residents over 60 can register for regular classes, free of charge, on a space-available basis.

Transportation:  Bus service is somewhat limited.  Seniors pay 25 cents per ride or can purchase a monthly pass for $12.00. The area is linked to major Florida cities by highways: US 441, US 192, the Florida Turnpike, Florida Greenway and I-4.  Orlando International Airport is 15 miles north of Kissimmee and has 20 scheduled carriers including 8 international airlines.

Senior Services:  Osceola County Senior Citizen Center/Council on Aging provides a variety of social and educational activities for seniors. The Elder Helpline provides assistance referrals to other agencies.

Contact:  Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, 1425 East Vine St., Kissimmee, FL 34744. Phone: 407-847-3174.