Celebration, Kissimmee, Orlando

        Real Estate

Debbie Greenlees / Broker Associate  -  407-697-8222  -    888-939-0386  -  Debbie.Greenlees@Yahoo.com
A Brief History of Osceola County
 
Osceola County was created in 1886. Osceola County is a 1,506 square mile area that serves as the south/central boundary of the Central Florida Region and the Greater Metropolitan Area. The City of Kissimmee, the County Seat, is 18 miles due south of Orlando. Osceola’s only other incorporated City, St. Cloud, is 9 miles east of Kissimmee, and approximately 45 miles west of the City of Melbourne on the Atlantic Coast.

Osceola County has historically served as a transportation crossroad and is currently crossed by the Florida East Coast, Seaboard and Amtrak Railroad Systems, Interstate Highway 4 and U.S. 17/92, 441, 192 and the Florida Turnpike. The transportation network includes connections to the Orlando Beltway and Osceola Parkway, which provide access from the Turnpike to Walt Disney World. Osceola County is served by the Kissimmee Municipal Airport and is just 10 miles south of Orlando International Airport.

An urban and urbanizing area in the northwest quadrant of the County dominates Osceola County's geography. This area is adjoining to Polk and Orange County and includes most of Osceola's population. It includes the incorporated areas of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, the unincorporated communities of Poinciana and Buenaventura Lakes, and unincorporated subdivisions ranging from Narcoossee in the northeast to Campbell City and Intercession City in the southwest to Deer Run and the St. Cloud Manor areas in the south.

Beyond this northwest quadrant and to the south and east with the exception of a few very small, rural towns, like Holopaw, Kenansville, and Yeehaw Junction, ranch lands and undeveloped prairie, woods and marsh dominate the County. These large regions include the Mormon Church owned Desert Ranches and a number of other large, privately operated ranch and agricultural lands. Also included are the State of Florida's wildlife management areas and preserves at Bull Creek, Prairie Lakes, and the Three Lakes. As the "headwaters" of the South Florida Water Management district and the Lake Okeechobee/Florida everglades ecosystem, Osceola County is bounded by the Kissimmee River, is crossed by a number of partially accessible creeks, and is home to the Kissimmee Chain-of-Lakes, that includes some of the State’s largest and finest fishing and recreational attractions.

Osceola's economic base is dominated by tourism, serving as a "gateway" to Disney World and other Central Florida attractions. The area's historical investments in ranching and citrus are still very strong, while light industry and service enterprises are growing due to Osceola's transportation advantages and proximity to the Greater Orlando area.

The Osceola County courthouse was constructed in 1889 and is the oldest continuously active County Seat in Florida. Kissimmee has a strong historical association with the Florida cattle frontier. On the other hand, St. Cloud's roots include a northern land baron, who failed in an attempt to site a sugarcane plantation nearby, while the city's birth was primarily due to an early land sale organized by Union Army Civil War Veterans
 

Kissimmee Real Estate Guide

Kissimmee real estate offers a variety of life style options ranging from single family homes, gate guarded residences and condominiums.  Kissimmee is located on the northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, simply known as “West Lake” or “Lake Toho” for obvious reasons. The area was founded in the mid-19th century as Allendale but was changed to Kissimmee when the city was incorporated in 1883.

The real estate market in Kissimmee is highly influenced by the real estate market in Orlando.  As a major worldwide tourist destination, Orlando is a popular place to live and work.  Before the opening of Walt Disney World, cattle ranching was an important part of the local economy but that has been replaced for the most part by tourism.  The Kissimmee real estate market is highly influenced by the Orlando real estate market and offers a variety of home styles including single family homes, gate guarded communities and condominiums.

 
Air Excursions

Float over rolling hills in a hot air balloon. Take off in a World War II Fighter trainer. Or get a birds-eye view of the attractions from a helicopter.

Cruises & Waterways

Whether you want to sail away to a private island, or experience some Vegas-style gaming, Port Canaveral is just a short drive away when you vacation in Kissimmee.

Just a short drive in any direction takes you to an exciting one-day adventure. Head for the beautiful white sand beaches and gentle Gulf waters of Florida’s west coast, about 90 miles away. The sun-drenched Atlantic beaches are even closer – perfect for a day of fun in the surf. Blast off for a tour of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or experience the rolling hills and fresh water springs of the Ocala National Forest. It’s all within your reach when you stay in Kissimmee.

Dinner Shows and Themed Restaurants

Jousting knights, incredible horsemanship, dancing gangsters-all during dinner. Now that's food for thought.

Events

The excitement of a real live rodeo! The thrill of hooking a big bass! An outdoor concert under the stars. There's always something going on in Kissimmee, so check out the local events while you're here.

Heritage and Culture

The Kissimmee area is rich with history and culture. Explore a turn-of-the-century Florida “Cracker” house and authentic cow hunter’s camp at the Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum. Here you’ll discover the people, places and events that shaped the area. Experience what life was like yesterday and even still today by touring one of the area’s working cattle ranches. Or join in the heart pounding excitement and foot stomping action that comes with a front row seat at the rodeo.

Museums

The Kissimmee area is home to a host of unique and interesting museums including the one-of-a-kind Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Air Museum. The Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum give visitors a glimpse of life as a Florida Cracker in the late 1800s.

Nightlife

The night comes to life in Kissimmee where you’ll find a special brand of entertainment the whole family can enjoy. For rompin’, stompin’, fun and heart-pounding entertainment every Friday night, there’s live rodeo. Classic cars cruise down the streets of Old Town on Fridays and Saturdays. Themed-dinner shows provide distinctive entertainment each night of the week. Walt Disney World® Resort’s Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. And Universal Orlando® Resort’s CityWalk offer more nighttime entertainment nearby.

Performing Arts

The Osceola Center for the Arts is a great place to catch live theatre, concerts and art exhibits. You'll also find world-class opera, ballet and symphonic performances nearby. Or you might even catch a concert at the new Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park

Spectator Sports

Kissimmee hosts a variety of spectator sports such as championship fishing, world-class Lacrosse and NCAA soccer, not to mention the Houston Astros spring training games

Attractions & Theme Parks

Stroll down the world's most famous Main Street. Pet a dolphin. Ride the movies. It's easy! When you vacation in Kissimmee, you're just minutes away from the world-famous theme parks that make Central Florida and Orlando the most popular tourist destination in the world.

Water Parks

There’s no place better to make a big splash than Kissimmee. Immerse yourself in thrills at Water Mania. Drench yourself with fun at Wet ’n Wild. Or soak up the excitement at Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Recreational Sports and Golf

Pack the clubs! Tee-time in Kissimmee can be as uniquely exciting as the area’s diverse attractions and theme parks. From affordable municipal courses to full-service upscale resorts, your par-busting journey is sure to be filled with memories that hook you into a return visit.

Fishing & Hunting

For the angler in the family, Kissimmee offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the world. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is recognized worldwide for its trophy largemouth bass and proudly holds several bass tournament world records. Cast a line from the shore, bring your boat or hire a guide to take you to his secret honey hole. You might even decide to head over to the coast for some serious deep-sea fishing.

The call of the wild can be answered with fishing and hunting guides who are available year round to accommodate individual and group excursions.

Parks, Preserves and Hiking Trails

Whether you’re looking for an all-day hike complete with woods, water and wildlife or a just a relaxing stroll along the lakefront, you’ll find plenty of nature trails, parks, preserves and recreational paths in Kissimmee

Nature Tours and Sightseeing

Photograph native Florida wildlife that can only be viewed from an airboat. Saddle up for adventure on a trail ride across a cattle ranch. Or have your picture made with an alligator. You can even pick your own oranges at local citrus groves. Exploring the real Florida just comes natural in Kissimmee.
 

Debbie  Greenlees
Broker Associate
660 Celebration Avenue, Suite 110
Celebration, FL 34747

Debbie.Greenlees@Yahoo.com

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