Located along the southern banks of East Lake Tohopekaliga near Kissimmee and just south of Orlando, St. Cloud is a quiet city that was originally known as a retirement destination for Civil War veterans.
In addition to having a rich history, the area also offers a type of small-town living that is getting harder and harder to find here in Florida. Combining that small-town atmosphere with access to all of the amazing amenities located just to the north in Orlando makes St. Cloud a perfect mixture of old and new Florida living.
St. Cloud is located about 27 miles S/SE of downtown Orlando, and about 20 miles due south from Orlando International Airport, which by the way will be your best bet if you are flying to check out St. Cloud.
St. Cloud History
The land that would eventually become St. Cloud was awarded to Hamilton Disston from Philadelphia in exchange for digging canals to drain the swamp in the area.
Most historians believe that Disston named the area after St. Cloud, Minnesota, but there are also people who argue that it was named after St. Cloud, France.
In the early 1900s, the St. Cloud area was purchased by the Seminole Land and Investment Company to create a retirement community for Civil War veterans.
More recently, St. Cloud has made a name for itself by embracing its small-town culture and resisting the urge to make everything bigger and better like they do up in Orlando.
St. Cloud Healthcare
Finding good healthcare in and around St. Cloud should not be a problem!
St. Cloud is located near Lake Nona's Medical City featuring Nemours Children's Hospital and Research Campus, Orlando VA Medical Center, and UCF Lake Nona Hospital. Other medical centers in the area, include Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women, AdventHealth Lake Nona ER, and Orlando Regional Medical Center.
St. Cloud Weather
I couldn't find average temperatures for St. Cloud specifically, so here’s a look at the average low and high temperatures in nearby Orlando throughout the year:
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High |
| January | 50 | 71 |
| February | 53 | 73 |
| March | 57 | 77 |
| April | 62 | 82 |
| May | 68 | 88 |
| June | 73 | 91 |
| July | 76 | 92 |
| August | 76 | 92 |
| September | 74 | 89 |
| October | 68 | 84 |
| November | 60 | 78 |
| December | 54 | 72 |
St. Cloud Cost of Living
With a cost of living index of 104.1, St. Cloud comes in just a tad bit higher than the rest of Florida as an average for cost of living. You can see how various parts of Florida score on cost of living in this article.
St. Cloud Lifestyle
Everything about the lifestyle in St. Cloud revolves around the community's small-town atmosphere. Whether you are looking to get out and enjoy the nearby lakes or keep to yourself on your private lanai, everything is calm in this town.
There are lots of hidden gems like Dan Tarell Memorial Point, Deseret Ranch, Lake Runnymede Conservation Area, and Peghorn Nature Park.
St. Cloud Shopping
The place to go for shopping in St. Cloud is the downtown business district. Here you will find a fun assortment of storefronts selling everything from antiques and furniture to handmade arts and crafts.
And like we talked about with cultural attractions, residents also have access to an incredible amount of shopping options like The Mall at Millenia, The Florida Mall, Disney Springs, and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets right up the road in Orlando.
Where to Eat in St. Cloud
St. Cloud residents enjoy hitting up Jimmy Bear's BBQ for smoked meats, Rancho Chico for tacos, Mutt's on 13th for hot dogs, and The Catfish Place which is where locals go for outstanding fried seafood.
Where to Retire in St. Cloud
The Lakes at Harmony, an active adult community, is the newest addition to Harmony in St. Cloud. From the miles of walking and biking trails, to the community garden, parks and fitness center, Harmony has something for everyone. Gather at the Town Square which includes a spa, market, physician's office, restaurants, and more, or play a round of golf on the only Johnny Miller Signature course in Central Florida without ever leaving your community.
The Lakes at Harmony offers two and three bedroom homes built for the way you live today, with space where you need it most. Among the spacious outdoor living space, many of which include water or conservation views, residents also enjoy a private recreation center and pool.
You can request more information about The Lakes at Harmony here:
