Osceola County created NeoCity, a
500-acre technology center in
Kissimmee to attract high-tech jobs.
The Florida Advanced Manufacturing
Research Center, which opened in 2017,
serves as the site’s anchor and will
research micro and nano electronics,
semiconductors and photonics.
In many ways, Grieb and Osceola grew up together. The Mouse
changed everything, as tourism created jobs that attracted new
residents who needed places to live.
Today Osceola boasts a growing population of more than
350,000 residents — that’s nearly an 800 percent increase from
when Grieb moved there. Forecasts say there’ll be 560,000 residents
within the next 10 years.
Central Florida homebuilders find comfort in those numbers.
“Osceola is growing because it’s close to major employment
areas, such as Disney, and offers proximity to highways and local
shopping,” says Anna Almirall, director of marketing for K. Hovnanian
Homes. “It’s a more affordable area to purchase a new home.”
Taylor Morrison, another Central Florida builder, “chose to
build in Osceola County because it offers exceptional value when
it comes to purchasing property,” says Larry Mull, vice president
of sales. “It’s the perfect destination for first-time homebuyers and
growing families.”
In January the median price of a new home in Osceola was
$216,000, according to the Orlando Regional Realtors Association
(ORRA). That’s less than in Orange and Seminole counties.
Richmond American Homes is another builder with Osceola
projects. Builders and buyers are attracted to the county for an array
of reasons, says Scott Harwood, sales director for the company’s
Orlando division. He cites affordability, proximity to Orlando
International Airport and Lake Nona’s Medical City as well as good
schools, a thriving business community and easy commutes to
employment centers.
While much of the economy has centered on tourism and
22 HOMEBUYER // CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION
About Osceola County
• Founded in 1887, Osceola County covers 1,500
square miles that reach from Orange County south
to Okeechobee County.
• There are more than 50 named lakes, including
Lake Tohopekaliga, Florida’s sixth-largest lake at
19,000 acres.
• Osceola has three commuter SunRail stops:
Tupperware Station, Kissimmee/Amtrak and
Poinciana Station.
• There are five hospitals, a free-standing emergency
room and many other medical offices and specialists.
• More than 100 languages are spoken in the schools,
and students represent more than 100 different
countries.
• The high school graduation rate surpasses the state
graduation average and ranks 21st of 67 in the state.
That’s up from the 61st ranking in 2010.
• There are two STEM (science, technology,
engineering, math) Schools, NeoCity Academy and
Tohopekaliga High School, as well as a SLAM (sports
leadership and management) School.
• Valencia College has campuses in Kissimmee
and Poinciana.
Source: Osceola County government