Central Florida is one of the most resilient vacation-home markets in the U.S. because it’s powered by year-round demand—not just seasonal travel. Orlando alone welcomed 75.3 million visitors in 2024, with record activity across the destination. That tourism momentum matters if you want a vacation home that you can enjoy and potentially monetize when you’re not using it.
But here’s the key: in Central Florida, “best place” depends on your goal.
If your priority is short-term rental income, you’ll want areas built for tourism with STR-friendly zoning/HOAs and strong guest demand.
If your priority is a true second home, you may prefer lifestyle neighborhoods near lakes, golf, dining, and major highways—often with stricter rental rules (which can be a good thing for personal enjoyment).
Below is a practical, local guide to the best options—plus what to check before you buy.
Why Central Florida Works for Vacation Homes
A healthy vacation-home market needs three things: demand, accessibility, and variety.
Demand: Central Florida tourism generated a record economic impact and visitor spending in 2024—supporting consistent lodging demand.
Accessibility: Orlando International Airport and major highways (I-4, 429, 417) make weekend use and guest turnover easy.
Variety: From resort-style communities near Disney to lakefront escapes, you can match the home to your strategy.
First: Know the Rules (This Impacts Where “Best” Really Is)
Before we get into locations, it’s important to understand how regulation works in Florida:
State licensing: Many short-term rentals require a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (different classifications exist).
Local zoning + city rules: Local governments can restrict where STRs can operate. For example, Orange County zoning notes that in many zoning districts, short-term rentals/transient rentals are prohibited.
City of Orlando: Orlando allows “home sharing” under specific rules (often owner-occupied style models), which is different from a full-time entire-home vacation rental.
Tourist taxes: Short-term rentals may require collecting/remitting tourist development taxes depending on county and booking channel. Polk County explains its Tourist Development Tax structure and owner/operator responsibility.
State + local transient rental taxes: Florida’s Department of Revenue publishes the local option transient rental tax rates and explains they are in addition to the state sales tax.
Bottom line: The “best” location is the one where your intended use is clearly permitted—by zoning, HOA, and county tax compliance.
The Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home in Central Florida
1) Kissimmee (Osceola County) — The Classic Disney Vacation-Home Hub
If your goal is a true “vacation rental” close to theme parks, Kissimmee remains one of the most searched and traveled-to bases for visitors.
Why it’s strong:
Built around tourism infrastructure (restaurants, attractions, resort amenities).
Large inventory of purpose-built communities for vacation rentals.
Consistent demand tied to Central Florida’s tourism engine.
Best for:
Families, groups, and repeat visitors
Buyers wanting a home with a pool, game room, and resort amenities
Local pro tip:
In Osceola, zoning designations and overlays exist that specifically support tourist-related housing and short-term rental policy.
2) Davenport / Four Corners (Polk County) — Value + High Demand Near the Parks
Davenport (especially the Four Corners area) is popular because you can often get more home for the money while still being within easy driving distance to Disney/major attractions.
Why it’s strong:
Heavy concentration of resort-style communities
Strong demand from guests seeking space, pools, and proximity
Polk tourism has been growing (supporting the broader vacation ecosystem).
Best for:
Investors targeting value + scale
Buyers who want newer builds and larger floorplans
What to check:
Polk tourist development tax obligations and registration pathways for rentals.
3) Reunion Area — Upscale “Resort Lifestyle” + Premium Guest Profile
If you want a more luxury-leaning vacation-home experience—golf, resort amenities, higher-end finishes—the Reunion area is a common choice.
Why it’s strong:
Resort positioning supports premium nightly rates when allowed
Golf + amenities attract longer stays and higher-budget travelers
Still within the Disney/Orlando travel orbit (Reunion Resort markets itself as minutes from Walt Disney World).
Best for:
Luxury buyers
Owners who want both personal use + a polished guest experience
4) ChampionsGate Corridor — Convenience + Amenities + Easy Highway Access
ChampionsGate is popular for buyers who want:
Quick access to I-4
Resort amenities (clubhouse, pools, fitness)
Strong guest appeal for theme park trips and golf travel
Best for:
Buyers who prioritize convenience for guests and owners
Owners who want a “turnkey” resort community feel
5) Winter Haven / Lake Wales (Polk County) — “Beyond Orlando” Family Vacations + Lakes
Want a vacation home that’s still Central Florida, but not purely theme-park centered? Winter Haven and Lake Wales offer a different angle: lakes, outdoor lifestyle, and nearby attractions like LEGOLAND.
Why it’s growing:
Polk County tourism has posted record-setting periods recently.
Best for:
Buyers who want a lakes-and-weekends second home
Families who want a quieter base with day trips into Orlando
6) Clermont — Lakes + Trails + A True “Second Home” Feel
Clermont is often ideal when the goal is:
Personal-use weekends
Lake lifestyle
A more residential “escape” vibe
Important note:
Many Clermont neighborhoods and HOAs are designed for primary residences or longer-term leasing—not full STR operations. This can be perfect for lifestyle buyers, but it’s not automatically ideal for Airbnb-style use. (Always verify rules.)
Best for:
Second-home buyers prioritizing peace + outdoor living
Buyers who want proximity to Disney without living in a tourism corridor
7) Winter Garden / Horizon West — Premium Lifestyle, Often Better for Mid-Term Stays
Winter Garden and Horizon West are among Central Florida’s most desirable lifestyle areas—restaurants, trails, newer communities, and strong schools. But vacation rental strategy matters here:
Many areas in Orange County have stricter short-term rental allowances depending on zoning.
The City of Orlando’s framework highlights how “home share” can differ from full-time STR models.
Best for:
Owners wanting a luxury “home base” near Orlando
Buyers considering mid-term rentals (30+ days) for traveling professionals (depending on rules)
Quick Decision Guide: Pick Your Best Fit
Choose Kissimmee or Davenport/Four Corners if you want:
Resort communities built for visitors
Pool homes designed for guest stays
A rental-first strategy (with compliance + management)
Choose Reunion / ChampionsGate if you want:
More upscale positioning
Amenities that support premium guests
A blend of personal use + polished rental appeal
Choose Clermont / Winter Haven if you want:
Lifestyle-first second home
Lakes, nature, quieter neighborhoods
Less dependence on nightly rental demand
Choose Winter Garden / Orlando-area lifestyle if you want:
High-end living and long-term desirability
A second home that can also support mid-term strategies (where allowed)
Due Diligence Checklist (Don’t Skip This)
Before making an offer, confirm:
Intended use: personal-only, STR, or mid-term?
Zoning + city/county rules: confirm allowed use for the address.
HOA rules: STR restrictions, minimum lease periods, guest rules, parking, noise, signage
Licensing needs: DBPR vacation rental licensing category and renewal expectations.
Taxes: state + local transient rental tax obligations and county tourist development taxes.
Insurance: adequate short-term rental coverage if applicable
Property management: local team, cleaning turn costs, pool care, inspections, emergency support
Conclusion: Work With a Local Expert (So Your “Best Place” Matches Your Strategy)
The smartest vacation-home buyers in Central Florida don’t start with a city—they start with a plan, then match the plan to the right zoning, community rules, and demand drivers.
If you tell us:
your budget,
how often you’ll use the home,
and whether you want STR income, mid-term flexibility, or a pure second home,
Alongside Dream Finders Realty Group, I specialize in filtering your options to find the perfect community for your goals, while protecting you from costly ‘not allowed here’ surprises.
