You’re dreaming about living near the magic—but you’re not sure what your first move should be.
Do you rent first to get the lay of the land?
Or dive in and buy before prices climb even higher?
It’s one of the most common questions I get from people moving to the Disney area… and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The truth depends on you—your lifestyle, your timeline, and your goals.
But today, let’s break it down so you can make an informed, confident decision.
🏠The Case for Buying Right Away
Buying a home near Walt Disney World can be one of the smartest financial and lifestyle decisions you make—especially if:
âś… You know you want to stay for at least 2+ years
The longer you stay, the more equity you build. And in high-demand areas like Horizon West, Celebration, and Winter Garden, appreciation is historically strong.
âś… You want to lock in a predictable payment
Rent prices around Disney are rising fast. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your payment stays steady—even while your property value may go up.
âś… You want to make the space your own
No more temporary furniture, “can I paint this wall?” debates, or restrictions on pets. When you buy, you’re planting roots and creating a true home base near the magic.
🛋️ The Case for Renting First
Renting can be a smart move if you’re still figuring things out.
✅ You’re not sure exactly where you want to live
Maybe you’re torn between Windermere schools and Clermont’s space, or you want to experience traffic patterns and park proximity before deciding. Renting gives you flexibility to explore before committing.
✅ You’re relocating quickly or haven’t sold your current home
Sometimes you just need a soft landing. Renting gives you time to get settled, find a job (or start one), and time your purchase when you’re truly ready.
âś… You want to test the Florida lifestyle
The heat, the HOA rules, the bugs, the tourism traffic… Florida isn’t for everyone. Renting for 6–12 months lets you test-drive life here before diving into ownership.
🤔 So… What’s Right for You?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
If You… | Consider Buying |
---|---|
Plan to stay 2+ years | âś… |
Have a stable job/income | âś… |
Want to build equity now | âś… |
Value long-term cost savings | âś… |
If You… | Consider Renting |
---|---|
Need flexibility | âś… |
Aren’t sure where you want to live | ✅ |
Are relocating quickly | âś… |
Prefer a shorter commitment | âś… |
🤝 Need Help Choosing the Right Path?
I work with both buyers and renters relocating to the Disney area—and I’d love to help you figure out what’s right for you.
Whether you’re ready to tour homes or just want a short-term rental close to the action, I’ll connect you with the options that match your goals and lifestyle.
đź“© Message me to get my personal guide to renting vs. buying near Disney, including neighborhood comparisons and updated price ranges.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter