Endless opportunity for adventure.
Best known for its outstanding convenience of location, Kissimmee brings more to the table than its position in Disney’s backyard.
Living in the bustling city of Kissimmee puts residents close to everything Orlando has to offer, from the dynamic theme parks and resorts like Walt Disney World Resort to enviable shopping, gastronome-approved dining, and endless opportunity for adventure. Its vibrant Historic Downtown is pressed against lapping lakeshores, serving as a picturesque tribute to the town’s alluring personality.
Kissimmee is both the county seat of Osceola County as well as its largest city and was incorporated in 1883. Kissimmee’s colorful history includes the shift from native ownership to European settlement and the expansion that followed. What isn’t included, however, is a clear understanding of how the town settled on its unique name, though it’s generally attributed as a derivative from Native American language.
The city’s prime location makes it a real estate hotspot, and homes for sale in Kissimmee are often snatched quickly off of the competitive market. Residential properties are wonderfully affordable in Kissimmee, particularly when compared with the markets of nearby Principal Orlando Cities. A bounty of single-family homes in a solid variety of styles is supplemented with an equal number of upscale condos, apartments, and vacation homes.
Kissimmee residents have the best of everything Orlando has to offer right at their fingertips, and never have to travel far for experiences most people are willing to travel the world to find. Its population of around 70,000 keeps things feeling lively, and yet still not as hectic as larger metropolitan cities.
Kissimmee is positively bursting with incredible retail and dining, filled to the brim with a variety of commercial districts that appeal to a diverse range of shoppers. The town’s adorable Downtown District and Main Street area is rich in charisma, loaded with niche shops, local eats, and charming architecture — all set near the serene shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, nicknamed Lake Toho.
Additional districts of note include the area surrounding US-92, the shops at Hunter’s Creek, and The Loop Shopping Center, north on John Young Parkway. At The Loop, a retro-inspired cinema showcasing all the latest releases stands as a focal point surrounded by top-tier shopping and dining. Brands such as Aeropostale, Old Navy, and Michaels sit side-by-side with popular chain eats like Chili’s, Planet Smoothie, and Panera, to create a perfect dining and shopping destination.
Still not satisfied by the sheer abundance of retail opportunities? Less than 30 minutes north, shoppers will marvel at the delights of the Orlando Vineyards Premium Outlets. Here at this mecca of luxury retail, more than 160 stores await perusal, including premium designer brands such as Versace, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors.
Besides access to several of the world’s greatest amusement parks and resorts — think the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld — the town of Kissimmee is overflowing with unique experiences, theme parks, attractions, and local events. Nature combines with adventure at Gatorland, where visitors can choose to zipline over a sea of the state’s most fearsome creatures, encounter wildlife at the petting zoo, or attend any one of the numerous shows and educational programs.
Explore the swamps from the safety and ease of an airboat guided by certified Master Captains through the services of Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. Ride options are available throughout the day, meaning that visitors have the option of both spooky night tours and scenic sunset excursions.
Kid- and family-friendly fun is a certainty at the nearby Old Town theme park, a playful hub for entertainment that features classic carnival rides and games in addition to arcades, live performances, dining, shopping, and an energetic array of bars perfect for after-hours socializing.
Kissimmee is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
