Kissimmee

Tapestry weaves together residential seclusion with the immediacy of modern amenities in an appealing Kissimmee development with a decidedly different look. “Tapestry allows for the exclusivity and privacy of a gated community, but there’s also proximity to the The Loop, which has a movie theater, restaurants, shops and grocery stores,” says Marissa Crawford, principal broker with Compass Florida’s Core4 Global Group who lives in nearby Celebration, the area’s original master-planned community. “We’re in an era now where people want easy access to shopping, and Tapestry also gives you easy access to major highways.” Concentrated in modern, walkable subdivision settings is an attractive array of contemporary housing that features private driveways, attached garages and small, well-manicured front yards. Larger backyards provide room for the many pools that dot the community. Custom contemporary homes mingle with homes influenced by the bungalow style and homes on the cutting edge of residential design. “It’s newer construction for this area,” Crawford says. “The community was built by Mattamy Homes, and it was one of their first ventures outside of Celebration. I’m sure it was appealing for Osceola County to build a community with a neo-traditional look, where homes have full front porches and modern designs that are outside the traditional Florida looks of Mediterranean and saltbox homes.” Prices range from $400,000 for mid-sized homes to nearly $1.5 million for the community’s newest and largest homes. Quaint and colorful townhouses offer the most affordable option, with properties starting at under $300,000. Exclusive amenities are anchored by Tapestry's waterfront clubhouse, a centralized gathering place that features a large pool area with a children’s splash zone and an adjacent barbecue patio on the shores of a man-made lake. Inside the clubhouse, amenities include a fitness center, lounge, multi-purpose room and catering kitchen. In addition, residents have access to a network of paved trails, playgrounds and recreational spaces spread throughout the community. A nearby Boys & Girls Club offers additional recreational and social activities geared toward younger residents, including after-school and summer programs. The nearby Publix at Osceola Village offers one-stop grocery shopping, while The Loop, a sprawling contemporary shopping center located just minutes away in neighboring Hunter’s Creek, offers an array of convenient retail and dining options. JC Penney, T.J. Maxx and Tommy Hilfiger are just of a few of The Loop’s more than 40 stores. A variety of eateries is available in and around The Loop along the Osceola Parkway commercial corridor. “Bonefish is very, very popular over there,” Crawford says. “B.J.’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is huge as well, and 4 Rivers Smokehouse is nice if you want relaxing barbecue.” Students can attend the community’s Renaissance Charter School, a tuition-free K-8 institution given a C rating by Niche, and Celebration High, an A-minus-rated school that offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Programme. Additional nearby options under the direction of Osceola County Schools are Flora Ridge and Kissimmee elementaries, both C-rated schools, and Kissimmee Middle, a C-minus-rated school. Osceola Parkway provides access throughout the region by connecting west to State Route 417 and Interstate 4 and east to the Orange Blossom Trail, which leads directly to Downtown Orlando. Disney World is less than 10 miles west and can be easily accessed via SR 417 as well as U.S. Highway 192, which is located 2 miles south of the community. Only minutes farther south are the Kissimmee Gateway Airport and the Downtown Kissimmee commuter train station. The Orlando International Airport is about a 15-mile trip. “Tapestry is a centrally located community of the future,” Crawford says.

Although known as the gateway to Walt Disney World Resorts, Downtown Kissimmee has its own distinct flair. From its historic downtown to stunning views of Lake Tohopekaliga, the community offers a comfortable suburban life that will keep residents close to Central Florida's favorite theme parks. "Kissimmee is a small name for a huge area. The city is like any other suburb, but downtown is more historical," says Corlia MacDonald, a local Weichert, Realtors Hallmark Properties manager. "The city itself has plenty of events, so there's always a lot of people walking in Downtown Kissimmee. It is crawling with foot traffic, lots of little shops and restaurants. The neighborhood has more of a city-like feel." Downtown Kissimmee is also home to the largest independently owned restaurant district in Central Florida. The no-frills Willy's Wieners is a counter-service restaurant that offers nearly two dozen uniquely named hotdogs. After walking in the sun, locals can cool down with nitrogen ice cream at the outdoor Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory. Three Sisters Speakeasy is a chic establishment with an eclectic menu. "Soul Tapas and Bar is a new restaurant with great food and atmosphere. The interior design is also well-done," MacDonald says. Downtown Kissimmee contains rows of vintage buildings with pastel exteriors outlining the walkable streets. Shoppers get second-hand items at Lanier's Historic Downtown Marketplace, a 10,000-square-foot antique store. Casa Del Artesano showcases works of art, but residents also step outside into an outdoor gallery of colorful murals throughout the city center. Locals can walk past the Monument of States, see the stunning Osceola County Historical Courthouse and then stroll by the 19th-century Makinson Hardware Store. Those looking for fresh produce and specialty foods visit Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market on the weekends. Homes in Downtown Kissimmee have a median price below the national average. Potential buyers will often pay anywhere between $200,000 to $425,000. The community contains contemporary bungalows, small ranch-style homes and midsized homes with multiple stories and attached garages. "Living in downtown, the streets are restricted to certain rules and regulations to preserve the historic nature. So, those wishing to modify their properties should know there are restrictions. But the area also has newer, more modern condos," MacDonald says. Lakefront Park is the neighborhood gathering space for outdoor recreation. "The city renovated downtown's lakefront and it is gorgeous. There are different parks along Lake Toho, even an accessible playground for children. It's a beautiful area for people to walk downtown," MacDonald says. At Brinson Park, visitors cast out on the fishing pier while enjoying sunset views. Others can take to the gym and tennis courts at Oak Street Park & Community Center, just beyond downtown. Designated as one of "America's Great Outdoors" by President Obama, Shingle Creek Regional Park sits along the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Many of the city's festivals take place within the neighborhood. The Taste of Kissimmee is a single-day event showcasing an array of flavors through food and music. During winter, locals gather for the Festival of Lights parade and holiday-themed activities in the park. Commuters can expect traffic congestion along South John Young Parkway and surrounding roads. The Florida Department of Transportation has plans to increase the number of traffic lanes to ease driving conditions over the next few years. "Downtown Kissimmee does not have a lot of parking, but the city constructed a parking garage near the lakefront. People can easily park there and take the SunRail from Kissimmee Station," MacDonald says. Kissimmee Gateway Airport sits right next to the community, and Orlando International Airport is about 15 miles north. For health care needs, locals can visit HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. Kids at Central Avenue Elementary School enjoy several extracurriculars, such as Battle of the Books and Odyssey of the Mind; the elementary receives a C-minus from Niche. Horizon Middle has a C-plus Niche grade and offers specialized programs, including agricultural science, robotics and aeronautics. Osceola High receives a B-minus, and students can participate in more than a dozen sports, including golf, tennis and soccer.

Sitting just outside of Walt Disney World Resorts, North Kissimmee sits in the heart of Central Florida’s busy tourist scene. While there are tourist rentals here, newcomers will find that there’s still a local vibe to the community full of scenic neighborhood parks and community hubs. It’s also perfect for those seeking to be close to Disney parks, so residents can access family-friendly amusement year-round. “Since 2020, there are more and more people moving to the Central Florida area than ever before, but it’s still a place where you can know your neighbors and attend community events,” says Realtor Brad Barnett, a Realtor with Anne Rogers Realty who has been selling real estate since 2001. Most homes were built after 2004 and offer spacious, contemporary enclaves as a respite from a busy day. Being able to offer both newer homes and moderate prices has made the area a highly competitive housing market. In fact, the Kissimmee region was the most popular place to move to in the entire country in 2021, according to U-Haul. Residents can find many midsized homes in traditional and coastal contemporary homes, featuring multi-car attached garages and neatly manicured landscaping. Prices in the community range between $115,000 and $400,000. For buyers looking for something a bit smaller and with a lower price point, consider moving into one of the numerous townhomes that are neatly packed along sidewalk-lined streets. Highlands Elementary School has an overall C on Niche and connects students to Studio Code, an online resource that teaches kids computer science skills. At Denn John Middle School, which has a C on Niche, offers several sports options, including softball, flag football and basketball. Students at Osceola High School, which has a B-minus on Niche, offers a 3-D Design program for students to personalize their education. Residents can spend the morning fishing on the pier and then light up the grill for lunch at Lakefront Park. Those with furry friends will want to stop by the KUA Crumbie Canine Court at Mill Slough Park. During the summer, take a dip in the pool at the Bob Makinson Aquatic Center. Shingle Creek Regional Park sits along the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Residents can take a hike through the trees in search of wildlife or pedal down the bike path. They can also stroll on the boardwalk, go fishing or paddle down the river in a canoe for panoramic lake views. Residents can dine at World Food Trucks, the first permanent food truck park in Central Florida. Select from 60 vendors that serve everything from Caribbean and Mexican to Peruvian and Italian cuisine. Or residents can drop Tortilleria La Mexicana, a spot known for its homemade salsa, tortillas and ice cream. Before leaving, stop by their market to pick up artisanal and specialty foods. The Loop, an outdoor shopping complex with more than 40 stores, is a popular spot for retail. On the weekend, residents can head to Old Town, an 18-acre recreation and entertainment hub brimming with historical architecture and nostalgia. Residents can walk the brick-lined streets and explore more than 70 shops, restaurants, bars and attractions. Of course, residents are minutes from the parks and amusement centers of Walt Disney World, just 10 miles away. Other parks like Universal Studios Florida, are about 13 miles away. Close to John Young Parkway and only about 15 miles from Interstate 4, residents can get around the entire Central Florida area with ease. Residents can get to the dining, retail and entertainment of Orlando’s downtown area or Central Business District in less than a half hour. There are still plenty of amenities in Kissimmee, especially around South Vine Street. There are grocery stores like Walmart and retail and big box stores at Plaza del Sol. Residents can have medical necessities treated at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. For public transportation, residents can get on the Amtrak at Kissimmee Station or use the LYNX bus system. North Kissimmee’s ease of accessibility offers residents convenience and proximity to classic Florida attractions.

Remington, a sought-after neighborhood anchored by a golf course community of the same name, attracts residents with the allure of the Florida lifestyle. The neighborhood includes the Remington Golf Club and Kissimmee Bay Country Club, is bordered by East Lake Tohopekaliga and is within walking distance of the buzzy St. Cloud waterfront. “That’s why homes sell pretty fast and people love the neighborhood,” says Paola Almonte, a Realtor with Re/MAX Premier Properties who has been selling real estate in Central Florida since 2013. “Whether you’re retired or establishing a family, it’s a safe, convenient place, and the prices are very affordable.” If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with Florida living, it’s golf, and residents have access to a pair of 18-hole courses conveniently located in the heart of the neighborhood. Residents of the Remington Golf Club and the nearby Kissimmee Bay Country Club have the ultimate access, but Remington is a public course, and Kissimmee Bay is semi-private, so residents don’t have to live on the course to take advantage of year-round golfing. Remington features a par-72 layout that stretches for more than 7,100 yards, while Kissimmee Bay’s layout covers more than 6,800 yards and plays to par-71. The clubhouses at both courses host holiday parties and regular entertainment that includes karaoke and trivia nights. The shores of East Lake Toho grace the neighborhood’s east side, providing quick and easy access to nautical adventures that include boating and angling for the next big catch in water heavily stocked with bass and other sportfish. Four ballfields anchor the amenities at the Fortune Road Athletic Complex, which also features a pair of children’s playscapes, a large one with a 16-foot slide tower and a smaller one for younger children. Says Brittany Koch, a Kissimmee resident who works at the complex, “Whenever I’m leaving, I always see young families with children running around the playgrounds. I know my kid loves it there.” Lakefront Park is the center of activity in nearby St. Cloud. Children’s amenities include a splash pad and playground. Others can enjoy a bike path, a fishing pier, a boat launch and a marina. Golf course homes and their scenic views highlight the neighborhood’s variety of housing options. The Remington Master Association is an active HOA that holds regular meetings and hosts year-round events such as community yard sales. Additional amenities include a community pool, ballfields, basketball and tennis courts and a fitness trail. Robert Michael of Robert Michael & Company Inc., says the community attracts a lot of homebuyers in their 40s and 50s. “There’s a lot of midlife relocation,” he says. “People want single-story homes where there’s not a lot of yard work.” A Community Development District handles such things as yard work and other infrastructure, and annual fees are only $680. Outside the eponymous golf course community, housing consists primarily of contemporary custom homes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Several self-contained subdivisions feature sidewalks that provide appealing walkability. Many homes feature screened-in backyard pools. Larger homes on spacious lots also can be found in outlying areas. Prices typically range from about $300,000 to $600,000-plus. Estate-style lakefront homes can list in the millions. Partin Settlement Elementary, C-plus-rated by Niche, is a neighborhood school under the direction of the Osceola County School District. Neptune Middle, a B-minus-rated school, and Gateway High, a B-rated school, serve older students. In addition, the neighborhood is home to Professional & Technical High, an A-rated school that features accelerated learning tracks based on chosen career pathways. Osceola Technical College, which provides job skills for employed students and entry-level workers, is located next door. Several private schools are available in and around the neighborhood, most notably Esther’s School, which serves students with special needs and disabilities. Retail and dining options are spread throughout the neighborhood. Independent grocers can be found along the Fortune Road corridor that runs through the heart of the neighborhood, while residents on the north and south sides have access to Publix. Walmart Supercenter and Home Depot anchor a large shopping center just south of the neighborhood along the U.S. Highway 192 corridor. A variety of dining options are concentrated around the corridor. Highlights include Los Cabos Mexican and Cuban Cuisine and Di Carlo Ristorante, one of the highest-rated stops in the area. U.S. Highway 192 and U.S. Highway 441, also known as the Florida Turnpike, provide access to Disney’s attractions and downtown Orlando, respectively. Residents can catch the bus along 192. Orlando International Airport is only 10 miles away.

Along the western shores of Lake Tohopekaliga sits Poinciana, a sprawling suburban community with well-maintained homes and excellent community amenities. The area was initially named Kissimmee Heights and was considered part of the city of Kissimmee. The town was renamed Poinciana, after a type of flower native to the subtropical United States, and features elegant houses just a short distance from schools, local parks, shopping centers and restaurants. Manicured yards and home lots wind around suburban streets and quiet cul-de-sacs. Ponds and lakes dot the landscape, so several waterfront homes are in the neighborhood. Most of the residential landscape is made up of one and two-story single-family houses situated in traditional suburban and private gated communities. Colorful stucco facades and tile roofing typical of Spanish revival mix with more contemporary touches in Poinciana’s houses. There is also a collection of more modest ranch-style houses with spacious floor plans. Most homes feature large, landscaped yards perfect for lawn games and cultivating gardens. Paved driveways and garages are typical amenities, leading onto sidewalks that provide routes for joggers and cyclists. Though most locals only routes out are Pleasant Hill Road and Poinciana Parkway, it's distance from major traffic routes provides an extra level of quiet and comfort, as LPT Realty agent Elijah Paige says, "it's nice to come home and relax in a quiet area." Poinciana’s home prices range from $250,000 for smaller ranch-style houses to as much as $590,000 for larger contemporary houses. Public school students are served by the Osceola County School District, beginning their academic journeys at primary schools like Reedy Creek Elementary. This school has an overall C-plus rating on Niche and teaches from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Horizon Middle and Poinciana High School. Both schools have at least a C-plus overall Niche rating. Poinciana High gives its students a headstart in their careers through specialized culinary arts, construction and A/V technology courses. The high school also has an active athletic program that serves the wider Kissimmee area. Nearby Lake Toho provides locals with the opportunity to connect with nature. At the same time, nearby parks and fitness centers give them a place to get active. Locals take walks and cast fishing lines along the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, with pathways leading to lighthouses and other historical landmarks. Palm Park is a community park with playgrounds for kids to enjoy, as well as tennis courts perfect for pickup games with friends. Along Route 17 is Anytime Fitness, a national franchise health club offering fitness services and space for local members to exercise. Major thoroughfares like Poinciana Parkway and Pleasant Hill Road provide locals with options for retail and dining as well as routes to Downtown Kissimmee. Locals have their pick of department stores, such as Beaalls and Ross, to browse through along Pleasant Hill Road. Grocery stores like Publix offer fresh produce, bulk foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and other household essentials. Locals enjoy the hearty portions and homey interior at Woodsby’s Café, a family-owned and operated country diner serving up all-day breakfast and other homestyle comfort dishes. Local bus stations give residents quick transportation around the neighborhood, and major attractions like Historic Downtown Kissimmee are just eight miles away, thanks to nearby freeways and the Sunrail Commuter Train.

Campbell City offers suburban living along with easy access to the great outdoors and the area's major amusement parks, including Walt Disney World Resort. Thirty miles south of Orlando’s tourism hub and 5 miles from downtown Kissimmee, the neighborhood is also convenient to several shopping centers and an array of restaurants. “This particular little neighborhood has low turnover,” says Erika Brown, a Florida native and Realtor with Keystone Residential Group with over 18 years of experience. “Once they move there, people generally tend to stay there for quite a while. It’s mostly just residential, but everything you could want is close by.” Beyond theme parks and abundant outdoor recreation, the community has a diverse selection of housing for every budget and style. Cypress Shadow Front Park is less than 2 miles south of the neighborhood in Pleasant Hill and has a playground and walking paths circling a lake. Lake Tohopekaliga, the largest lake in Osceola County, sits 4 miles southeast of the community. Known to locals as Lake Toho, this 22,000-acre lake is a hot spot for bass fishing and hosts professional fishing competitions annually. Canoers and kayakers can drop their boats in at the Granada Public Boat Ramp to enjoy an afternoon on the lake or moor at Big Toho Marina on the lake’s west end. Kissimmee Lakefront Park borders the northern shores and offers hiking trails, picnic pavilions, a splash pad and a fishing pier. The park also has a miniature lighthouse at the end of a peninsula where residents walk out and enjoy views of the lake and sunsets. Makinson Island is 3 miles east of Campbell City, which offers residents a picturesque conservation area, hiking trails, a boat ramp, camping and boating. Located on upper Lake Toho, the 132-acre island is one of three on the lake, and boaters can conveniently access the other two for a deeper retreat into nature. The 456-acre Shingle Creek Regional Park is 5 miles east of Campbell City and is the northernmost headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The Shingle Creek Regional Trail, a 32-mile pathway running from Kissimmee to Wekiwa Springs State Park, is popular with hikers and cyclists. Boaters can launch at Stefee Landing or Babb Landing, and anglers can drop a line at Shingle Creek. Tucked away in the park is Pioneer Village, offering an outdoor museum of historic homes built in the 1800s that once existed in different parts of Osceola County. Oaks National Golf Club is 2 miles from the community. The public club offers an 18-hole course and a restaurant. Its quiet, suburban streets are filled with coastal contemporary homes, ranch-style homes, traditional Craftsman styles and some townhouses. Campbell City offers many different subdivisions, accommodating a wide range of budgets and styles. “I’ve sold a few houses in Campbell City, and everything went under contract very quickly,” Brown says. “I think it has to do with people wanting more room. Here, the price point is more affordable, and you can spread out. “Folks who want to garden, have chickens, or park a truck and trailer will appreciate that space and flexibility.” Residents also enjoy multi-car garages and long paved driveways, positioning houses far back from the streets. The 55-plus gated Good Samaritan community offers manufactured homes ranging from around $30,000 for a 600-square-foot two-bedroom home up to approximately $100,000 for a four-bedroom home over 1,400 square feet. Single-family homes to the south of Highway 17 in the Orange Vista subdivision range from around $275,000 to $350,000 with no homeowner's association fees. Single-family homes range from around $375,000 for a three-bedroom over 1,300 square feet to approximately $675,000 for a five-bedroom home over 3,000 square feet. Most homes were built in the late 1980s, but there are some newer builds around 2022 and 2023 in the Cypress Hammock subdivision, which also offers townhouses. Townhouses start around $380,000 for a four-bedroom and come with monthly homeowners’ association fees. Townhouse residents have access to a playground, multi-sports field, walking trails and a resort-style pool. Single-family homes in the Cypress Hammock subdivision do come with monthly HOA fees but offer access to a community pool, park and playground. Houses offer ample space for entertaining or enjoying their yards, with a median lot size of almost 13,000 square feet, but some stretch over one acre. Most shopping and dining options are in the northwestern section of the neighborhood off Highway 17 and off South Hoagland Boulevard. Anchored by Publix, Pleasant Hill Commons also offers a few retailers, banks, and Maracas Restaurant, which features Dominican eats like sweet plantains, Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and a variety of seafood dishes. The Shoppes at Kissimmee has a Dollar Tree, fast food options, Bealls and Ross Dress for Less. Nearby, the no-frills Woodsby’s Café serves breakfast and other diner classics, while Chimiking Restaurant, off Route 532, serves Latin American dishes like mofongo and red snapper. Big box stores like Target and Home Depot are 10 miles north on Highway 17. Old Town, a theme park and entertainment district, is 9 miles away. A re-creation of a classic Florida town with historic architecture and storefronts, it offers shopping, dining and carnival rides. The park offers unique shops like Groovy Store and gift shop Lucky Mouse and dine at hot rod-themed restaurant Bobby’s Garage Bare or get pub eats at Olde Town Tavern. The neighborhood is also a 16-mile drive from Walt Disney World Resort and all its theme parks for weekend fun. Osceola County School District serves the area, and students can attend Pleasant Hill Elementary in the neighboring Kissimmee community, followed by Horizon Middle School and Liberty High School in the Poinciana neighborhood next door. The elementary school, which offers a Disney Musicals in Schools program, earned a C from Niche, and Horizon Middle School received a C-plus. Earning a C from Niche, Liberty High offers football and cross-country teams and an art club. Kissimmee Lakefront Park hosts several annual events, including a Fourth of July fireworks show and a Movies in the Park series, which runs every Friday night. Downtown Kissimmee, several miles away, also provides regular festivities like the annual Downtown Summer Block Party in August and Tour de Foode in June, offering discounts to taste eats from all the mom and pops that line downtown’s streets. Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market occurs downtown monthly on Fridays. Residents can also catch a show downtown at House of Blues Orlando or Hard Rock Live Orlando or enjoy a feast and a knight duel at a Medieval Times Dinner. The entertainment district Old Town is also a convenient option for events. For over 35 years, it has held a weekly car show, making it the longest-running car show in the country. Old Town also offers festivals on Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Highway 17, which runs through the neighborhood and connects to Route 417, makes it easy to get to neighboring areas. Residents can reach downtown Kissimmee in 5 miles, Orlando International Airport is 19 miles, and the nearest hospital is AdventHealth Kissimmee, a 6-mile drive. Most Campbell City residents travel by car, but the SunRail—Central Florida's commuter rail service— is another way to get around town. The Poinciana station, the southern terminus of SunRail, is located on the west edge of Campbell City, off Old Tampa Highway.