7 Reasons to Move to St. Cloud, Florida

Updated on April 4, 2025: This story was originally published on January 15, 2025, and has been updated with new information.

Are you dreaming of a new home in a vibrant yet peaceful Orlando suburb? Look no further than St. Cloud, Florida! This charming city, nestled southeast of the city of Orlando in Osceola County, is super desirable for home buyers thanks to its suburban small-town feel with convenience to Orlando.

And, Orlando convenience is far from the only reason St. Cloud is a great place to call home. With a strong sense of community, good schools, and easy access to theme parks, major employers, outdoor recreation, and even beaches, living in St. Cloud places you in the center of it all, with an attractive cost of living.

If you’re searching for a new home near Orlando, here are seven reasons why you should consider a new home in St. Cloud, Florida!

1. Desirable Hometown with Orlando Convenience

St. Cloud is perfectly situated for those who work and play in Central Florida. With quick access to major roadways, you are only a short distance from Lake Nona (10 miles), the Orlando International Airport (18 miles), the I-Drive and Convention Center area (25 miles), and Downtown Orlando (30 miles), with each of these areas offering diverse shopping and dining, entertainment destinations, and employment opportunities. In addition, Orlando attractions are less than 30 miles away, ensuring there’s always something exciting to enjoy, from a day at Universal Orlando to an evening out at Disney Springs.

Plus, St. Cloud itself offers everything you would expect in your hometown, making life simple and enjoyable! In downtown St. Cloud, explore charming local shops, restaurants, and community events. Whether you’re grabbing groceries, getting gas, or looking for sit-down or takeout restaurants, all of these necessities are close to home.

2. Outdoor Recreation and Beaches Near St. Cloud

Central Florida is known for its natural beauty, and with serene lakes, lush parks, and protected natural areas, St. Cloud is a haven for nature lovers.

For those who enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing, areas like Isle of Pine Preserve, the Lake Lizzie and Lake Runnymeade Conservation Areas, and the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area are just waiting to be explored.

In downtown St. Cloud, East Lake Toho and Lakefront Park are destinations for fishing, boating, entertainment, and simply hanging out. The park features a splash pad, playground, marina, fishing pier, bike paths, volleyball, and even a sandy beach. When you are ready for a bite or beverage, Crabby Bill's on the lakefront provides panoramic views of the lake and marina, and a pet-friendly deck.

Nothing says Florida living like a day at the beach - when you live in St. Cloud, beaches on Florida's East Coast, such as Melbourne Beach and Cocoa Beach, are within 50 miles of home, meaning sun, sand, and surf are less than an hour away.

3. Highly-Rated Schools and Healthcare

St. Cloud is served by the School District of Osceola County, which consistently receives high grades from Niche.com. Our St. Cloud new home communities are served by schools with A and B ratings from the Florida Department of Education, offering a high level of education for students of all ages. In addition, there are top-rated charter and specialty schools through the Osceola School District Choice program, such as the Osceola County School for the Arts, multiple IB-focused high schools, and NeoCity Academy, ranked the #53 Best Public High School in America.

Meanwhile, whether you work in the medical industry or want to ensure ease of access to top healthcare facilities, highly-rated hospitals are located near St. Cloud - In fact, this area is known as a healthcare hub and places you near some of the best medical care in Florida!

Lake Nona's Medical City, just 10 miles away, is a 650-acre healthcare and life sciences park that is home to everything from Nemours Children's Hospital to UCF's College of Medicine and the Orlando VA Medical Center, the 4th largest VA medical center in the U.S., hosting multiple accredations, specialities, and research programs. In addition, multiple Orlando Health locations near St. Cloud are recognized among the top hospitals in the nation.

4. Job Opportunities and a Strong Economy

For many people moving to St. Cloud, the suburb’s proximity to major job centers in Orlando is a significant draw. With industries ranging from aerospace, healthcare, and transportation/warehousing to attractions, accommodations, and the arts, there are abundant career opportunities in the Orlando metro area. The proximity to Lake Nona’s medical and tech hub makes it particularly attractive for professionals in healthcare or technology, and the nearby Orlando International Airport and surrounding area provide job opportunities in aviation and industrial fields.

The economy in St. Cloud is strong, with the city posting a low unemployment rate, low poverty rate, and high household income compared to Florida and national averages. Plus, Florida has no state income tax and offers property tax exemptions, business tax incentives, and several sales tax holidays, which means you keep more of your money in your pocket compared to living in other U.S. states.

5. Safety and Security

A big appeal of living in St. Cloud is its reputation as a small, quiet suburb with a low crime rate. The city’s inland location means it faces a lower risk of hurricanes and flooding compared to coastal areas, offering peace of mind during Florida’s storm season. With its low crime rate, which is well below the state and national average, and friendly, close-knit community, St. Cloud is a great place to live if you value security and tranquility.

6. Thriving Community and Quality of Life

Speaking of community, St. Cloud’s community spirit sets it apart from other cities. The city has a robust Strategic Plan aimed at continued growth and improvement, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, from farmers’ markets to festivals, which provide opportunities for neighbors to connect and enjoy the local culture. Whether you’re seeking a friendly neighborhood atmosphere or simply looking for a place to relax and unwind, St. Cloud’s welcoming vibe makes it an ideal spot to plant roots.

7. Affordable Cost of Living

If you've been shopping for a new home near Orlando, you'll find that St. Cloud offers an attractive cost of living that is ideal for homebuyers looking for more value for their money. The overall cost of living is 8% below the national average; housing, in particular, is 31% below the national average.

On a more local level, real estate in St. Cloud, FL, is quite the value compared to nearby cities. The median sales price in St. Cloud is $378K as of March 2025, which is cheaper than Orlando proper ($400K) as well as other Orlando suburbs such as Oviedo ($527K), Winter Garden ($545K), Kissimmee ($382K), and Apopka ($404K). In other words, you get more for your money when you buy a home in St. Cloud.

This may leave you wondering...

Where to Buy a New Home in St. Cloud, FL

Highland Homes is proud to build beautiful new homes in St. Cloud, FL, in two of the city's most desirable neighborhoods: The Crossings and Gardens at Lancaster Park. Both communities provide modern, stylish homes in a peaceful suburban setting, perfect for those looking to enjoy all that St. Cloud has to offer.

Gardens at Lancaster Park features spacious and luxurious single-family homes priced from the $450’s in a quiet, residential area with open space, ponds, and wetlands, and a select number of exclusive waterfront homes. Homes are located on large homesites and offer 2,029 to 2,956 square feet of living space with three to five bedrooms, a 2 or 3-car garage, and elevated features such as granite, staggered cabinets, and a spa bath. This picturesque community also includes park amenities with a trail, pickleball courts, and a basketball court.

The Crossings, located in the desirable Narcoossee area of St Cloud, offers resort-style amenities, including a pool with a waterslide and splash pad, clubhouse, playground, trails, and gathering areas, and a wide variety of home options to fit every lifestyle:

• Low-maintenance townhomes from the mid $300's offering 3 bedrooms plus a loft, an alley-access 2-car garage, and beautiful finishes throughout 1,705 to 1,923 sq. ft. of living space;
• Detached bungalows offering 1,946 to 2,335 sq. ft. of living space from the high $300's, with 3 or 4 bedrooms, beautiful curb appeal including a front porch and Craftsman-style exterior design, and an alley-access 2-car garage;
• Single-family homes from the high $300's with 1,715 to 3,162 sq. ft. of living space, including 3 to 6 bedrooms, a 2 or 3-car garage, and exclusive waterfront and conservation homesites.

Now that you know more about the benefits of living in St. Cloud, Florida, we'd love to help you make the move to this amazing city! Our St. Cloud New Home Specialists look forward to meeting you to show you the best neighborhoods in St. Cloud and help you find the perfect home for your needs. Call or email us today to connect!