What Are The Pros and Cons of Living in Kissimmee, FL?

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Filip Poutintsev

Kissimmee, Florida, is a diverse, bustling mid-sized town in Osceola County. It benefits from Florida’s all-year-round warm climate, easy access to Disney and the state’s attractions, and a low cost of living.

While Kissimmee’s approximately 70,000 residents enjoy these benefits, there are also downsides to living in the town. Humid summers, high crime and poverty rates for the area, traffic, and tourists can be a turn-off for people considering living in Kissimmee.

Moving to a new city is an important decision. So it is necessary to understand the ins and outs. In this article, we take an honest, in-depth look at the pros and cons of living in Kissimmee, FL, to help you understand what it is like to live there.

Pros and cons of living in Kissimmee, Florida, at a glance

Pros:

Climate & lifestyle
Attractions
Cost of living
Entertainment & activities
Safer for hurricanes
Diversity

Cons:

Relatively high poverty & crime rates
Tourists
Summer humidity, alligators & bugs
Schools
Heavy traffic & commute
Construction

Pros of living in Kissimmee, FL

Wondering whether Kissimmee could be the right place for you? Here are some of the reasons why you should move to the town.

Climate & lifestyle

Florida’s climate is a draw for many people who choose to live in Kissimmee, FL. Temperatures will usually range from 52°F to 89°F throughout the year, meaning the town sees hot summers and mild winters.

Citytistics gives Kissimmee a livability rating of 68 out of 100. While the town itself has an urban feel, the location and climate make it great for outdoor activities on its nearby lakes and rivers. It is also convenient for visiting Florida’s beaches, which are as close as an hour away.

Attractions

This area is famous for hosting the magical Walt Disney World attraction parks. Being a resident of Kissimmee means that you are on their doorstep, just an hour away.

While this may not be a daily activity, many Kissimmee residents love the fact that they can drop in quickly and easily. Say goodbye to the stress of organizing overpriced accommodation, flights, meals, and anxiety.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Kissimmee is quite affordable compared to the national average and locally. According to Payscale, living expenses are 11% lower than the national average, considering various factors such as average salary and real estate prices.

Real estate has a particularly low cost in Kissimmee, with housing prices averaging 34% less than the national average.

Entertainment & activities

Kissimmee has many things to do, with fantastic beaches just one hour to the east and plenty of amenities, services, and entertainment available. Although some think the downtown could be improved, Kissimmee has decent shopping facilities and dining options.

The nearby river allows for activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. You can reach many lakes, outdoor areas, and attractions just a short drive away.

Safer for hurricanes

While being in Florida means there is still some risk of hurricanes, the inland location of Kissimmee reduces this risk. If you worry about hurricanes, Kissimmee might be a safer good choice for you to live, and it will bring you peace of mind.

Diversity

Kissimmee is a diverse town with a wide range of people. If you enjoy having a mix of various cultures at your doorstep, you will enjoy the Kissimmee lifestyle.

There are many Hispanic communities in Kissimmee, and if you are Latin American, it may be easier to find similar communities here. Many people want to escape the cookie-cutter demographics of many of Florida’s other towns.

Cons of living in Kissimmee, FL

Now let’s take an honest look at what you might not like about living in Kissimmee, FL.

Relatively high poverty and crime rates

If safety is a deep concern, it is worth considering crime rates. Kissimmee has higher crime rates than many of its surrounding areas and the U.S. average.

Bestplaces ranks Kissimmee’s violent crime as 35.3 out of 100, and this is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 22.7. They rank property crime in Kissimmee at 54.8, again much higher than the U.S. average of 35.4.

What about the poverty rate? The Kissimmee poverty rate is also relatively high. It ranks at 24.4%, which is significantly higher than the rest of Florida.

Tourists

Being located so close to Disney and other attractions, the high numbers of tourists passing through can be frustrating for residents.

The town is, in part, very suburban, with tourist areas and resorts. This means that the town can feel divided and get very busy. At the same time, the city relies on their trade.

Summer humidity, alligators & bugs

While the Florida climate is warm and pleasant, summers get seriously hot. You will find that the humid heat can be oppressive, especially as Kissimmee is not directly on the coast.

With this weather comes a whole host of critters. If you move to Kissimmee, be ready to treat your home for bugs to keep them at bay.

Another downside of waterways around Kissimmee is that many have alligators. The local rivers, for example, are usually unsafe for swimming as they are likely hosting alligators in their depths.

Schools

Kissimmee has quite a young population, making it well-suited for young adults. If you are thinking about moving here with your family, however, the quality of education could be a downside.

The schools are not the best in the state, Citystistics rating education in the town as a B-. Although having said that, with over 69 schools to choose from, there are some well-rated public schools in the area.

Heavy traffic & commute

Driving can be frustrating in Kissimmee due to the high levels of traffic and busy roadways. At the same time, having a car is vital, as many things are most easily accessed by car.

Tourists, retirees, other residents, and construction on the roads can create congestion at different times. Many people complain of long commutes to the town or work from suburban living areas.

Construction

While Kissimmee used to have more surrounding natural areas, the city has seen much construction of housing and developments. Some people complain that areas are too built up and suburban with little to do in the vicinity.

Things to consider for living in Kissimmee, FL

Let’s look at some other considerations for living in Kissimmee, FL.

Is Kissimmee, Florida, a good place to live?

Kissimmee, FL, has both pros and cons. It enjoys a superb climate, plenty of amenities, close access to nearby attraction parks, and a cheap cost of living. On the other hand, it has higher crime and poverty rates than surrounding areas, traffic, tourists, and humid summers.

Is it expensive to live in Kissimmee, Florida?

Kissimmee is actually one of the cheaper places to live with affordable property prices. According to Payscale, the average price to buy a home in Kissimmee is $230,391, and the average rental cost is $721.71 per month.

Is Kissimmee, Florida, Safe?

Kissimmee, FL, is not one of the safest towns in the U.S, and it has higher crime rates than other cities in the state and the U.S. as a whole.

What kind of people live in Kissimmee Florida?

Kissimmee is a diverse town with a range of different people and nationalities. According to World Population Review, the city’s makeup is 62.27% white, 12.17% Other, 11.32% Black or African American, and the remaining percentage mixed. There is a large Hispanic community in Kissimmee.

Is Kissimmee a good place to buy a house?

Kissimmee can be an excellent place to buy real estate due to its affordable property prices. Kissimmee has a high market appreciation rate, which has increased investor interest over the last few years, making it a wise investment choice for property.

Summary

Kissimmee may not be for everyone, but it has a prime location, great climate, decent amenities, and connections, as well as an affordable cost of living. It is a must-move for any Disney-lovers that dream of having the magical park on their doorstep. Therefore, it is clear why many residents love living there.

It is worth remembering that it is not the safest town in the U.S., the school system could see improvements, and tourists and traffic can frustrate residents. Overall, it is down to you and your lifestyle.

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