Info on SPECIFIC Kissimmee areas - help!!! (Poinciana, Lake Mary: relocating, gated)

[Perault]

Hello! So I am looking for infomation on two SPECIFIC areas of Kissimmee that I've yet to see much about on the forums. I have found a home in both of these areas that is do-able and I am considering all my options before purchasing one in either. I'm essentially trying to "decide" between these two:

1. Off 192 and Polynesian Isle Blvd. going down the road and past the overpass there is a neighborhood of homes. Not sure of the exact name of the subdivision but it seemed nice. Very sunny. Is it noisy due to 192 being close? How is crime?

2. Off Bass Road, by the Wal-Mart. I am looking at a home in the "Indian Point" area, and one right off Bass Rd across from the Kids' Village. Does the Wal-Mart attract crime? I really like this area, seems quiet.

PLEASE any input would be greatly appreciated!! I'm trying to cover all of my bases. Btw, I work off 192 so that is why I chose to live off of it.

Thank you! God Bless!

Kim

[cfIfan]

To be honest, the whole if Kissimmee has quite a high crime rate, simply because it is full of tourists, and where tourists are with lots of cash, crime tends to follow. Also keep in mind many of these areas are zoned short term rental, so neighbours will constantly be changing. That being said, there are some great priced homes in that area. I would recommend checking out the schools if you have kids. The Wal-mart area is pretty bad to be honest. These sort of homes i recommend to my investors, because they are short term zoned, low in price, and in the tourist trap so they are desireable for tourists to stay at. This area wouldnt be high on my plist of places to recommend for people relocating here with families to be honest.

If you need any further info feel free to ask.

[Perault]

Originally Posted by cfIfan

To be honest, the whole if Kissimmee has quite a high crime rate, simply because it is full of tourists, and where tourists are with lots of cash, crime tends to follow. Also keep in mind many of these areas are zoned short term rental, so neighbours will constantly be changing. That being said, there are some great priced homes in that area. I would recommend checking out the schools if you have kids. The Wal-mart area is pretty bad to be honest. These sort of homes i recommend to my investors, because they are short term zoned, low in price, and in the tourist trap so they are desireable for tourists to stay at. This area wouldnt be high on my plist of places to recommend for people relocating here with families to be honest.

If you need any further info feel free to ask.

Thank you SO much!

I am suprised to hear the area by Wal-Mart as being bad...it seemed so quiet and the location was convenient for where I work (a resort off 192). Not having to commute far is important for me...I have medical issues and I like to stay close by my home.

Are there ever issues in place with owning a home long-term in a short-term rental area?

We don't have kids in grade school (they are in college), so that is not something we are worrying about.

When you say the Wal-Mart area is bad, what kind? Violent crimes or gangs? Or is it just theft and petty crimes?

Thank you!!!!!

[cfIfan]

To be honest, just because there is so much short term and it is in the middle of the tourist trap, that is what brings in the trouble. When there they dont discriminate between short term and long term, but i would have to say there are some great deals to be had around the area, and if you dont need to orry about schools then you wont have a problem also. In terms of crime, when i used to live in Celebration i used to drive past the Walmart as a I am English and a firend of mine owns an english pub in the area, and you would often see police cars there. My friend would tell me about robberies there and also that prostitutes live directly behind the Walmart (not in housing but outside).

But you can lower your risk , buy looking further down that road and by selecting a community which is gated.

Im curious whether you have a budget and sq footage/beds/baths in mind. Also are you already working with a realtor who has offered you any advice on the area, and if so what have they said?

Also are you currently in the area to look at the different neighbourhoods?

Originally Posted by Perault

Thank you SO much!

I am suprised to hear the area by Wal-Mart as being bad...it seemed so quiet and the location was convenient for where I work (a resort off 192). Not having to commute far is important for me...I have medical issues and I like to stay close by my home.

Are there ever issues in place with owning a home long-term in a short-term rental area?

We don't have kids in grade school (they are in college), so that is not something we are worrying about.

When you say the Wal-Mart area is bad, what kind? Violent crimes or gangs? Or is it just theft and petty crimes?

Thank you!!!!!

[Alphaman]

Both areas have crime problems.Polynesian Isle Blvd being worse. kissimmee has gang issues especially the closer you get to BVL and off 192 between jyp and 535

[cfIfan]

In my experience, Poinciana is nice if your an Investor or over 55+ and want to live in Solivita, although there is a very nice community south of Poinciana, but then you are talking about quite a hefty commute time, Poinciana is one of the most popular short term rental zones aswell. There are pockets of nice areas there, but again crime is an issue. I would recommend visiting it yourself, even just to rule it out to be honest.

[Perault]

Thank you everyone. Perhaps I need to rethink my choices. Shame, because we found some really affordable properties in both places. But safety needs to come first...I'm thinking now a condo in the Champion's gate area,...

[cfIfan]

Championsgate is a nice area

[cfIfan]

Originally Posted by Tainter

Just make sure to watch your ass...!!!!

What is that meant to mean?

[LauraB]

Agreed Kissimmee has high crime because of the high tourism, I lived very near that area at one point. It is ok because it's tucked back and if i'm correct there are some time shares nearby. 192 is very busy and especially on bike nights it can be noisey and dangerous. The police are very active in Osceola county though that seems to help. However the schooling is not so good. It is more affordable as well as poinciana because aside from disney as a job most jobs are located in downtown and lake mary. Kissimmee is still ref to as "the sticks" by locals.. although I thought it was a rather large "sticks" but whatever. Good luck in your search. You may want to give Lake Mary and Heathrow a looksie. More expensive but far less tourism up that way.