Kissimmee has dozens of communities that allow short-term rentals. Not all generate the same results. The difference between a property with 65% occupancy and one reaching 82% or more is not always the price or the size. It is often the community.
This article compares the main resort communities in Kissimmee using real 2026 occupancy, rate and guest profile data. This is not a list of the most attractive ones. It is a comparison for making investment decisions.
Why the community matters as much as the property
In Kissimmee’s vacation market, the Airbnb listing does not just sell the property: it sells access to the community’s amenities. A property in a community with a lazy river, water park and restaurant can charge 25% to 30% more per night than an identical property in a community without amenities, even if both have a private pool.
Guests traveling to Orlando with families understand this. When they search on Airbnb or Vrbo, they filter for specific communities they know by recommendation or have visited before. Storey Lake, Champions Gate and Reunion Resort have their own brand recognition among frequent Orlando travelers.
That has direct economic value reflected in the rates you can charge and the occupancy rate you can sustain.
Comparison table: main STR communities in Kissimmee 2026
| Community | Location | Top amenities | Entry price (4 bed) | Average occupancy | Annual gross income (4 bed) | Approx. monthly HOA |
| Reunion Resort | Kissimmee | 3 golf courses, spa, restaurants, resort pool | $600,000 – $1,200,000+ | 68% – 78% | $55,000 – $90,000 | $500 – $900 |
| Champions Gate | Davenport | Water park, golf, clubhouse, restaurant | $380,000 – $700,000 | 72% – 82% | $50,000 – $75,000 | $350 – $600 |
| Storey Lake | Kissimmee | Resort pool, kayak, playground, lake access | $350,000 – $550,000 | 70% – 80% | $45,000 – $68,000 | $280 – $400 |
| Solterra Resort | Davenport | Resort pool, splash pad, tennis court | $320,000 – $480,000 | 65% – 75% | $40,000 – $60,000 | $220 – $350 |
| Windsor at Westside | Kissimmee | Pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, playground | $320,000 – $500,000 | 68% – 78% | $42,000 – $62,000 | $180 – $280 |
| Windsor Hills | Kissimmee | Pool, jacuzzi, tennis court | $320,000 – $400,000 | 68% – 78% | $42,000 – $58,000 | $180 – $260 |
| Veranda Palms | Kissimmee | Resort pool, splash pad, gym | $300,000 – $450,000 | 62% – 72% | $38,000 – $55,000 | $200 – $300 |
Data is reference-based for 2026. Gross income depends on size, condition, management and seasonality. HOA can vary by specific section within each community.
Community analysis
Reunion Resort The premium segment of Kissimmee. The three golf signatures (Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson) attract a wealthier adult traveler than the average family tourist. Higher nightly rates offset the entry price and high HOA, but the purchase price means net ROI is similar to or lower than more accessible communities. For those seeking the luxury segment with available capital, it offers the highest market positioning.
Champions Gate The combination of golf and water park makes it the most versatile option: it attracts both families with children and adult groups. The Oasis Club infrastructure is the most concrete differentiator it has over other communities. The price point is more accessible than Reunion and the income is solid. It has the best balance of entry price, amenities and income for the upper-middle segment.
Storey Lake Has a privileged location: literally next to Disney. Kayak access on the lake and resort-style amenities position it as a competitive alternative to Champions Gate at a generally lower entry price. It has gained recognition on vacation rental platforms in recent years and occupancy has risen consistently.
If you are evaluating Storey Lake or Champions Gate with financing, you can review the options available on our mortgage loans for foreigners in Florida page.
Solterra Resort A good entry point into Kissimmee’s resort market with lower initial investment. Amenities are competitive though they do not reach Champions Gate or Reunion’s level. Occupancy is more modest but the lower entry price can generate a comparable net ROI.
Windsor at Westside and Windsor Hills The closest to Disney on this list. Windsor Hills is less than 5 minutes from Magic Kingdom, which remains a very strong selling point. Amenities are more basic than Champions Gate or Storey Lake, but proximity compensates for the segment of families who prioritize park access over resort amenities.
Veranda Palms The most price-accessible option on the list. Amenities are sufficient but not exceptional. It works for an investor who wants to enter Kissimmee’s short-term rental market with the lowest possible investment, accepting that occupancy and nightly rates will be more modest.
Which community has the best net ROI in 2026
The highest net ROI does not always correspond to the community with the most gross income. It depends on what you pay for the property, the HOA and operating costs.
Comparative example for a 4-bedroom property with private pool:
| Community | Gross income | Operating expenses (50%) | Annual HOA | Taxes + insurance | Net income | Purchase price | Net ROI |
| Champions Gate | $62,000 | $31,000 | $5,400 | $8,500 | $17,100 | $520,000 | 3.3% |
| Storey Lake | $56,000 | $28,000 | $3,600 | $7,800 | $16,600 | $470,000 | 3.5% |
| Windsor Hills | $50,000 | $25,000 | $2,400 | $7,200 | $15,400 | $380,000 | 4.1% |
| Solterra Resort | $48,000 | $24,000 | $3,240 | $7,000 | $13,760 | $390,000 | 3.5% |
Windsor Hills has the highest net ROI in this exercise despite generating less gross income than Champions Gate, because purchase price and fixed costs are lower. That does not automatically make it the best option: it depends on what you optimize — cash flow or appreciation.
For a personalized analysis with available properties in these communities, the Florida HomeGroup Realty team can show you specific options with real market data.
FAQ about STR communities in Kissimmee
Do all Kissimmee communities allow Airbnb?
No. Only communities in vacation rental zoning zones whose HOA permits it. Within the city of Kissimmee itself, restrictions are stricter. The communities listed in this article are in areas where short-term rentals are legal, but HOA rules must be verified property by property.
Can I rent my Kissimmee property when I am not using it personally?
Yes. Many investment property owners never use the property personally. The property operates as a full-time vacation rental business. If you want to use it personally for a few weeks per year, those weeks get blocked in the reservation calendar.
How long does it take to recover the initial investment?
It depends on net ROI and purchase price. With a 3.5% net ROI and a $450,000 purchase price, capital recovery through cash flow alone would take more than 20 years. The equation changes if you include property value appreciation, which historically in these zones has been significant.
Do communities have minimum stay periods?
Some do. Certain communities or sections within them have minimums of 3 or 7 nights to reduce turnover. Verify the rules before buying if your pricing strategy depends on short 1 or 2-night stays.
In Kissimmee there is no universally better community. There are communities that fit better with different budgets, strategies and guest profiles. The work is in identifying which combination makes sense for your specific situation.
Request the Kissimmee STR community comparison report with updated data
