What is it like living in Celebration, Florida?
Celebration is a meticulously planned community originally developed by The Walt Disney Company, featuring new-traditional architecture, walkable streets, a charming town center, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy an idyllic small-town atmosphere just minutes from Walt Disney World.
Opened in 1996, Celebration was designed to capture the best elements of classic American small towns. Streets are lined with front porches, white picket fences, and tree canopies. The town center around Market Street features shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and a lakefront promenade. Community events — from the nightly snowfall in December to outdoor movie nights and holiday parades — create a vibrant social calendar. The community is governed by a residential association that maintains strict architectural standards, ensuring the aesthetic consistency that gives Celebration its distinctive character. Neighborhoods include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and estate lots.
Is Celebration still owned by Disney?
No, Disney sold Celebration to Lexin Capital in 2004 and no longer has ownership or management involvement. However, Disney's original master plan, architectural guidelines, and design standards remain embedded in the community's governing documents, preserving the town's distinctive character.
While Disney developed Celebration and established its design DNA, the company divested its interest over two decades ago. Today, the Celebration Community Development District and the residential owners association manage the community's infrastructure and standards. The town's original architects — including Robert A.M. Stern, Michael Graves, and Cesar Pelli, who each designed landmark buildings in the town center — left a lasting architectural legacy. Residents often note that Celebration's quality of design and maintenance has remained strong even without Disney's direct involvement, thanks to the rigorous community standards that were built into its foundation.
How much do homes cost in Celebration in 2026?
The median home price in Celebration is approximately $500,000 in 2026. Options range from $300K condos and townhomes in the village neighborhoods to $1.2M+ estate homes on larger lots near the golf course, with most single-family homes falling between $450K and $800K.
Celebration's real estate market benefits from its unique identity and limited inventory — the community is largely built out, so resale homes are the primary market. Condos and smaller townhomes in the North Village and South Village areas start around $300K. Traditional-style single-family homes in the core neighborhoods range from $450K to $700K. The most prestigious addresses — estate homes near the Celebration Golf Club and waterfront properties — command $800K to $1.2M or more. New construction is rare within the original town boundary, though some adjacent developments have adopted similar design principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Celebration still connected to Disney World?
Celebration sits adjacent to Walt Disney World property and is only a few minutes' drive from the Disney Springs entrance. While Disney no longer owns the community, the proximity is a significant perk for residents who enjoy frequent visits to the parks. Many Celebration residents hold annual passes and appreciate the convenience of living so close to world-class entertainment and dining.
How are the schools in Celebration?
Celebration is served by Celebration K-8 School and Celebration High School, both located within the community. These Osceola County public schools are popular and well-regarded, offering IB programs and strong extracurriculars. The walkable campus locations allow many students to bike or walk to school, reinforcing Celebration's small-town design principles.
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Sources & Local Data
The information on this page is grounded in public records and live MLS data. Verify anything yourself:
- Osceola County Property Appraiser · Public parcel records and assessed values for Osceola County.
- U.S. Census QuickFacts: Osceola County · Population, housing, and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
- GreatSchools (Florida) · Independent school ratings and boundaries. School zoning can change, so verify per address.
Live prices, counts, and availability on this page come from the regional MLS through our own search, and update automatically. We do not publish static numbers that go stale.
Talk to a Local Expert
Questions about living in Celebration? DJ and Lindsey DellaSala know this market cold.