Moving to Daytona Beach, FL? Here Are 9 Communities to Consider

This sunny seaside region offers a wide variety and mix of communities to fit your style of living.

By Kevin Litwin on June 7, 2022

Warm weather, beautiful scenery, numerous outdoor attractions, great jobs, and high-quality education options — it’s easy to see why many people relocate to Greater Daytona and residents choose to stay. Thankfully, this desirable area is full of great communities. Let’s check out a few!

1. Daytona Beach Shores

With a population of 5,223 residents, Daytona Beach Shores is largely a resort and retirement community where the median age is 65. More than 80% of residents live in high-rise condominiums along the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s main highway, State Road A1A/Atlantic Avenue, borders the ocean. The median household income in Daytona Beach Shores is $53,650, and the average home value is $469,070 (Zillow, January 2023). The city is still relatively young – it was incorporated in 1960.

Courtesy of City of Deltona

2. Deltona

The most populated city in Volusia County has nearly 95,800 residents who enjoy life on Lake Monroe along the St. Johns River. The community is largely residential and offers many affordable homes.

3. Edgewater

Nicknamed “The Hospitality City,” tourism is the main contributor to the economy, thanks to its location along the Indian River Lagoon. With a population of over 23,000, the median net worth of residents surpasses $172,000. Besides hospitality, the largest employers are in the health care, government and retail sectors.

Nathan Lambrecht

4. Holly Hill

A growing city of 13,021 residents, Holly Hill is a longtime river community with recreation assets that include 15 parks, Sica Hall Community Center, Pictona at Holly Hill and Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. The median home value is $236,325 (Zillow, January 2023). Top employers include Florida Health Care Plans as well as major manufacturers such as Metra Electronics, Product Quest and Surface Crafters.

5. Lake Helen

Nicknamed “The Gem of Florida” for its beauty, Lake Helen is conveniently located off Interstate 4. The city is known for its namesake Lake Helen that spans 26 acres, and there is also the popular 20-acre Lake Macy. The two lakes are a key reason why tourism is the key contributor to the economy of Lake Helen. The city’s population is 2,863, the median household income is $51,058, and the average home value is $325,472 (Zillow, January 2023).

6. Orange City

Thousands of acres of orange groves give Orange City its name. The population recently surpassed 13,000 residents, and the median age is 48. The community is conveniently situated at Interstate 4 and State Road 472. The median home value is $291,982 (Zillow, January 2023). Orange City hosts a two-day Manatee Festival every January, but its economy comprises more than tourism — the growing community has welcomed an average of 100 new business license holders annually over the past six years. Seven buildings in the community are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Orange City Town Hall.

7. Pierson 

This town of 1,552 residents relies heavily on agriculture. In fact, the sector is especially strong in producing fern plants. Pierson is billed as “Fern Capital of the World,” with its ferns exported worldwide for use in floral arrangements. The median household income in Pierson is $52,917, and the typical home value is $344,261 (Zillow, January 2023). The town owns and operates one of the few grass strip airports in the nation, Pierson Municipal Airport.

Nathan Lambrecht

8. Port Orange

Once a city known for its citrus, farming, ranching and lumber, today’s Port Orange is an affluent bedroom community with several gated communities. The city of nearly 63,500 has an average home value of $355,314 (Zillow, April 2023).

9. South Daytona

With its population at nearly 13,400, this upscale residential city is only minutes from the beaches. Residents have access to beautiful parks, excellent schools, independent restaurants and more. The average home value is $270,369 (Zillow, April 2023).