5 Best Affordable Cities To Live Near Disney World
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Surprise: You don’t have to be as rich as Walt Disney himself to live near Disney World. While cities like Celebration and the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando serve up luxury living at high prices, there are several affordable alternatives within an hour’s drive of the Magic Kingdom that are just as nice and a heckuva lot cheaper.
These hidden gems have lower housing costs, family-friendly amenities and easy access to all the theme park magic Orlando has to offer. After all, isn’t that what you’re there for?
Here are the five best affordable cities to live in near Disney World.
St. Cloud
St. Cloud combines old Florida charm with modern convenience, making it one of the most attractive affordable options near Disney. Located just 25-30 minutes from the parks, this lakeside community offers spacious lots and homes that give you room to breathe.
According to Payscale, the average cost of living is 8% lower than the U.S. national average, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $76,196.
What makes St. Cloud special is easy to recognize right off the bat. It has the beautiful lakes like East Lake Tohopekaliga, perfect for water sports and just maximum relaxation. The historic downtown areas are being revitalized with craft breweries and local cafes, while the generous house lot sizes mean you can actually have room to breathe.
Winter Haven
Known as the “Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven offers 42 natural lakes and serves as home to Legoland Florida. This makes it perfect for families who want theme park access without paying Orlando prices.
According to Best Places, the cost of living is 8.4% lower than the U.S. average and 11.2% lower than the average for Florida, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $59,604.
Housing costs are much lower than Disney-adjacent areas, and the city is all about its excellent water recreation opportunities. From fishing and boating to waterfront parks and trails, outdoor lovers will find plenty to do between Disney visits. Plus, with Legoland right there, there’s excellent infrastructure that supports families, with good schools and family-friendly businesses.
Davenport
Davenport flies under the radar despite being perfectly positioned near I-4, putting you just 15 minutes from Disney and easy driving distance to Universal. This rapidly growing community has plenty of new construction homes at prices that are pleasantly surprising.
According to Best Places, the average cost of living is 8.4% lower than the U.S. average and 11.2% lower than the average for Florida, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $65,127.
As far as what to do once you live there, Posner Park area has become the shopping and dining destination, bringing chain restaurants, retail and entertainment options galore. New golf communities and quiet family neighborhoods are being developed away from tourist traffic, creating residential areas that feel separate from the theme park chaos.
Kissimmee
Ah, Kissimmee! It sits right next to Disney property, with some neighborhoods even having views of Disney fireworks from your backyard. This proximity makes it incredibly popular with Disney fans and theme park employees who want super short commute times.
According to Payscale, the average cost of living is 11% lower than the national average, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $51,227.
The city offers tons of housing options from affordable starter homes to vacation rental properties. Lake Tohopekaliga is a water lover’s dream, and Old Town has tons of entertainment and excellent vintage shopping. The cultural diversity creates excellent dining options, and the short-term rental market provides investment opportunities if you’re interested in Airbnb properties.
Clermont
Clermont stands out in flat Florida with its rolling hills and reputation as “Choice of Champions” due to its world-class athletic training facilities. Located 30-40 minutes from Disney, it’s an easy jaunt to the parks, but feels removed in a peaceful way.
According to Payscale, the average cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $79,789.
The National Training Center attracts Olympic-level athletes, creating a fitness-focused community culture. Multiple lakes provide water recreation, while hiking and biking trails take advantage of the area’s rare topography. The South Lake Trail system offers miles of scenic paths, and public lake access means you don’t need waterfront property to enjoy boating and swimming.
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