Hey everyone, Been living here since 2016. With a population of 79,504, Kissimmee is a smaller city. Median household income is $51,277, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,553 for rent here. Household incomes average around $51,277 in Kissimmee. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. Appreciate any input. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
17 Replies
Landon Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Noah
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Daniel Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Walter L.
been saying this for years
30 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Allison Ortiz
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much established but now it's hit or miss.
22 upvotes
Mateo Rivera
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Andrew Thompson
I've lived in West for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
matthew_local
underrated comment
14 upvotes
Evelyn Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 52, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Abigail P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Mason D.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Jaxon G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Sadie Martin
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (South) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
5 upvotes
Isla J.
bump
4 upvotes
Adeline S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to LA it's excellent.
3 upvotes
Elizabeth C.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
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