The town of Kissimmee is partially a throwback to a previous time, while simultaneously being a gateway to the possibilities of tomorrow.
Like its neighboring city, Orlando, Kissimmee is situated close to the amusement parks and attractions of central Florida.
Tourists and residents in Kissimmee have numerous options for attractions and entertainment.
Kissimmee is situated in such a way as to take advantage of the tourist influx without the size of crowds Orlando sees.
Kissimmee also offers affordable housing and a myriad of diverse neighborhoods to work and live in.
This, coupled with the subtropical climate of Florida, are just a few of the many reasons why many consider Kissimmee a dream oasis.
Are you considering relocating to Kissimmee?
We’ve gathered a list of pros and cons for you to consider before making your final decision.
Contents
Pros of Living in Kissimmee
1. Housing Market
If you’re looking to buy a house in Kissimmee, you’ll find plenty of options at a wide range of prices.
Overall, though, Florida does offer reasonable housing values.
Especially considering that housing in Florida usually includes larger tracts of land than other regions of the country, you can really get your money’s worth.
Even traditional suburban residential pricing will offer buyers numerous options to fit a budget, without sacrificing quality.
On average, Kissimmee offers housing costs 30% lower than the national average.
2. Cost of Living
Florida’s cost of living is also surprisingly reasonable.
Fresh produce, meats, and dairy are all produced in the state, so there are fewer importing costs reflected in grocery and food costs.
The average income for Kissimmee residents is just over $54,000.
This, coupled with the city’s low housing costs makes Kissimmee one of the more affordable cities to live in in the state and the nation.
3. No State Income Tax
A primary contributor to more affordable living is Florida’s lack of state income tax.
Residents of Kissimmee won’t see the state tax them a penny for their salary or working hours.
For many, this is the deciding factor when considering moving to the area.
Florida does charge sales tax on applicable purchases.
The current sales tax rate is 7.5%.
From time to time, the state will offer tax holidays for major purchases or back-to-school sales, which further benefits taxation.
4. Florida Climate
For those that enjoy hot summers and mild winters, Kissimmee is the place to be.
As an inland city, Kissimmee doesn’t always get the ocean breeze, but it enjoys sunny, warm Florida weather almost year-round.
The typical Florida climate involves a good amount of rain and sun, which creates a lush, green landscape throughout Kissimmee.
Natural Florida wildlife can also be found in and around the city, as Florida still has a wild animal corridor running through the interior of the state.
5. Entertainment
When it comes to fun things to do, Kissimmee is more than prepared.
The city hosts events in Old Town every weekend, including classic car shows and live concerts.
There are also lots of water attractions nearby, including airboat rides and swimming with manatees.
Of course, the biggest attractions are the nearby amusement parks such as Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and all of Disney’s parks and resorts.
Kissimmee also offers Fun Spot America, Silver Spurs Rodeo, and Lakefront Park as some attractions closer to home.
6. Job Opportunities
There are a variety of job opportunities within the city of Kissimmee, or nearby in the amusement and entertainment sectors.
The region’s most popular industries include the service industry, retail and retail management, healthcare, medical coding, and medical billing.
Jobs are also being created in Florida at a steady pace.
Construction jobs are also in high demand, as well as different trade professions, such as plumbing, welding, and electrical engineering.
Education jobs are also in high demand.
An increasing number of older teachers are retiring, while student enrollment numbers are increasing.
Some school districts are offering financial incentives for signing on with them.
7. Good Schools
Schools in and around Kissimmee are recognized as high-performing.
Kissimmee offers some of the highest-rated elementary, middle, and high schools, with many students excelling in STEM programs.
Kissimmee schools also rank highly in diversity and graduation rates, and students planning to attend secondary schooling.
Many students report finding good-paying jobs in the area, following secondary schooling.
8. Community Diversity
Residents in the Kissimmee area also represent a diverse group of cultures and backgrounds.
Either from families relocating for work or as a reflection of the natural diversity of the state, the city is filled with different faces and voices.
Diversity makes for a well-rounded city, capable of becoming close-knit and able to foster a strong sense of community.
In Kissimmee, diversity is a feature of the city’s history and its future.
Cons of Living in Kissimmee
1. Hurricanes and Weather Events
Although Florida has its beautiful sunny days, it can also experience hurricanes and monsoon-like rain patterns.
Kissimmee is located in the middle of the state, so it’s susceptible to all forms of extreme weather the state may face.
Since Kissimmee isn’t a coastal city, it does experience less damage than other areas of the state, particularly from flooding and storm surges.
Wind will always be a devastating factor for a hurricane, though, no matter how far inland a city is located.
When not dodging hurricanes in the summer months, there are still torrential downpours, which can rain inches at a time.
Flooding is not as much of a problem, but runoff can wash out roadways and undermine building foundations.
2. Crime Rate
Kissimmee’s crime rate is not one of its greatest achievements.
In fact, Kissimmee is a bit higher than the national average in overall crime statistics.
Still, there are areas in Kissimmee that are quite safe.
Crime in Kissimmee is often focused on property crimes, particularly larceny and petty theft.
3. Invading Pests
Florida’s wild natural scenery is home to a host of bugs, reptiles, and other vermin.
Kissimmee’s residents, like those in almost every other city in Florida, have to be diligent in keeping these invaders from entering their homes.
Even the more wild animals, such as deer, alligators, and bears are not uncommon sights in and around Kissimmee.
These animals are great to view from a distance but can become dangerous if startled or threatened.
4. Sinkholes
Florida’s landmass is actually situated over a series of underground rivers and lakes called a Karst system.
This system is how rainwater is directed to the aquifer, which is the primary source of drinking water in the state.
When the water levels in these underground lakes and rivers lessen or dry up, a sinkhole can form.
Sinkholes in this area can form suddenly and are sometimes large enough to engulf a car or house.
5. Snowbirds and Tourists
While they play a vital role in the state’s economy, some residents are not happy when tourist season(s) roll around in Florida.
With Kissimmee’s proximity to so many tourist attractions, there are bound to be some interruptions to daily life as the short-term visitors begin to flow into the area.
Travelers from up north represent a different type of visitor.
The snowbirds fly in for the winter and spend considerably more time and money in the areas they stay in.
More people means more crowded businesses and roadways.
6. Too Much Traffic
In addition to the traffic generated by various tourist groups, there is also a large amount of traffic naturally occurring in and around Kissimmee.
This part of the state is naturally busy, as Orlando is right up the road.
Be prepared for slowdowns and stoppages during rush hour traffic.
There are some toll road options in the Kissimmee area, though, so it is possible to find methods for bypassing them.
7. Road Construction
In an effort to alleviate traffic concerns, there seems to be an ever-present road construction project happening.
Although progress is needed, it can seem as if the highways and byways in and around Kissimmee will never truly be complete.
You’ll also find that the weather and climate in Florida can take their toll on the roads, too.
This leads to more road construction and repairs.
8. Under Funded State Programs
Many residents of Kissimmee will recognize the need for more state funding for roadway and bridge repairs, social services, public schools, and proper growth management to control environmental impacts.
Unfortunately, it seems many of these programs are lacking funding at the state and local levels.
When funding is curtailed and programs slow accordingly, the residents suffer.
Kissimmee is OK as of now but, with more residents moving in daily, it becomes critical to have a well-funded statewide program in place to manage the ecosystem and social system balance.
Pros and Cons of Living in Kissimmee, FL – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Kissimmee | Cons of Living in Kissimmee |
|---|---|
| 1. Housing Market | 1. Hurricanes and Weather Events |
| 2. Cost of Living | 2. Crime Rate |
| 3. No State Income Tax | 3. Invading Pests |
| 4. Florida Climate | 4. Sinkholes |
| 5. Entertainment | 5. Snowbirds and Tourists |
| 6. Job Opportunities | 6. Too Much Traffic |
| 7. Good Schools | 7. Road Construction |
| 8. Community Diversity | 8. Under Funded State Programs |
Kissimmee Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Kissimmee Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Kissimmee?
Housing prices have leveled off recently after a steady increase for almost a year.
The average home price in Kissimmee is currently $375,000.
What beaches are close to Kissimmee?
Since this city is in the middle of the state, there isn’t an ocean beach in Kissimmee. Being in Florida, though, beautiful beaches are a few hours away.
Cocoa, Clearwater, and Daytona Beach are all good options, within relative distance.
What is Kissimmee’s biggest industry?
Kissimmee’s school system is the largest single employer in the city.
Various healthcare and hospitality businesses follow close behind.
How long has Kissimmee been a city?
Known as Allendale prior to incorporation, Kissimmee became a city in 1883.
What does the name Kissimmee mean?
Taken from a word of the Jororo people, Kissimmee means “long water.”
Kissimmee offers a diverse community, affordable housing, and a variety of entertainment options, but it also has its downsides such as extreme weather events, high crime rates, and traffic issues.