By Holley Long
For the past 30 years, Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway has been known as a main tourism corridor in Orlando because of its proximity to Walt Disney World Resort. That’s seen in the many hotels, resorts, and, (somewhat corny) gift shops along the roadway.
Many parts of the area (especially the gift shops) are in need of an upgrade, and one is underway as Osceola County’s West 192 Development Authority looks to revitalize the area.
What is Irlo Bronson?
Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, or U.S. 192, is a 15 mile stretch of road that runs up and down Kissimmee. On it are around 1,800 businesses providing around 30,000 jobs. Those businesses include souvenir and T-shirt shops featuring Disney and other theme park themed merchandise, but there are also attractions like the Island H2O Water Park and Fun Spot America in Old Town Kissimmee.
A lot of Irlo Bronson is still in need of revitalization, but new spots have started popping up, like a new Arby’s, CVS, and Starbucks. Hotels have also seen renovations, and other restaurants, like the Chicago-style hot dog chain Portillo’s, have opened along the strip.
Image by Portillo's Kissimmee
What’s Coming to Irlo Bronson?
Through funds from the state and federal government, the Development Authority is working to breathe new life into the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. One way they’re doing this is by breaking the stretch of road into districts, so it’s obvious to locals and vacationers alike when they’re entering the entertainment district versus the more residential areas - like Celebration.
Starting at the county line is the first district, Four Corners, and that’s where one of the biggest projects coming to Irlo Bronson will live.
Everest Place is a 200+ acre development that, when complete, will have a shopping village, a medical center, luxury and more affordable hotels, and so much more. It’ll even have a Nickelodeon resort, with kid-friendly amenities, upscale residences, and live entertainment.
Image by Everest Place
Another big project under development is Magic Place by Pininfarina in the Celebration area of Irlo Bronson. With a design inspired by the hills of Italy and the Italian Piazza, the over 450-acre area, once complete, will include a massive food hall, restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues, as well as hotels, apartments, condos, and townhomes.
Image by Magic Companies
Neighborhoods and Housing on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
It should come as no surprise that Irlo Bronson real estate provides a great investment opportunity. The area is close to Disney World, of course, but it’s also close to I-4, which can get vacationers to other theme parks in Orlando like Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando.
Windsor Hills and Solara Resorts are popular vacation rental home communities on Irlo Bronson, as are the brightly colored villas and condos at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, which range in price from $250K to the multi millions.
Images by Windsor Hills (left) and Margaritaville Villas (right)
But something Irlo Bronson will see more of in coming years is affordable, long-term housing. Apartment complexes are under construction throughout the strip to provide those who work in the area a more comfortable living experience without breaking the bank.
Overall
Irlo Bronson has a long way to go, but the development underway is exciting to say the least. In a few years the area will start to lose the gimmicky “tourist trap” look as the more structured changes take hold. We can’t wait to see what becomes of the strip, and if you’re just as excited for the revitalization to come and are looking to buy in the area, we would love to help!
Kissimmee
Spanning over Osceola County into Orange, Kissimmee is adjacent to popular vacation destinations like Reunion and Celebration. Walt Disney World is just minutes away if you’re on the west side, but can be up to 25 minutes from the east side near downtown Kissimmee. Popular weekend spots for locals are Lake Toho and downtown Kissimmee, where you can find classic staples like print shops, barber shops, restaurants and even some shopping.
The average sale price of homes in the 34747 zip code is in the mid $500’s. However, the average price for a home in Kissimmee is in the mid $300’s, making it one of the more affordable places to live in the Orlando area. Kissimmee is certainly a great place to live, but the city’s location to tourist destinations makes it worthwhile to invest in a property that can be used as a short-term or long-term rental.
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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