Find the Right Pace of Life in Greater Daytona, FL

Strike a sweet work-life-beach balance in the region.

By Brittany Anas on May 2, 2023

Istock/Michael Warren

Career opportunities with the bonus of beaches stretching along the Atlantic Coast originally brought Piros Pazaurek and her family to the Greater Daytona region a decade ago.

Since setting roots in Port Orange, though, Pazaurek has discovered even more of the area’s business and lifestyle advantages, from friendly and diverse neighbors to a community that welcomes new enterprises and offers a scenic backdrop and a climate conducive to her hobbies – like photography and sports.

“We are situated at the heart of the Interstate 4 and I-95 highways, with easy access to an international airport, and have beautiful beaches,” says Pazaurek, who, in 2019, was inaugurated as Honorary Consul of Hungary in Daytona Beach, Central Florida. “Add to these our abundant higher education opportunities and our relatively low population density, and you have an attractive hub for any operation wishing to do business in America.”

Spoiled with both ocean shoreline and skyline views, the Greater Daytona region has been dubbed the home of the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Nationally recognized as a mecca for racing and sea life enthusiasts, not to mention a historic site for generations of movers and shakers, Greater Daytona remains a destination for people who are drawn to the region’s vibrancy and enviable lifestyle. Did we mention the year-round sunshine?

Ahead, find your just-right pace in Volusia County, where there are high-octane sports, laid-back beaches and everything in between.

A Diverse, Welcoming Population

All are welcome in Daytona, which boasts a multicultural population and a business community that prizes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Central Florida is home to a growing population of Hungarians, and a few years ago, the Hungarian Chamber of Business and Commerce in Florida was established to connect entrepreneurs and professionals.

Notable Hungarian-owned or connected businesses that have a presence in Volusia County include Turquoise Cafe & Bakery, Mama Foo Foo restaurant, United Water Restoration, Revive Fitness and Lifestyle, Code to Escape (an escape room), and Hungarian aircraft manufacturer Magnus Aircraft, which is pioneering ultra-light, single-engine aircraft.

For those relocating to Volusia County, more surprises are in store. The region has a thriving creative scene with several cultural attractions, such as the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, contemporary art exhibits at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the Athens Theatre, a jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture.

Beautiful Wildlife Ecosystems  

From sea turtles and manatees to herons and pelicans, Volusia County has beautiful, healthy, diverse wildlife habitat ecosystems. Today, residents can take a more active part in learning about and protecting the region’s sea life by visiting a pair of interesting education centers.

Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet and Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach are each involved with multiple conservation efforts. Both facilities invite residents to visit and find out about the natural wildlife treasures that are abundant in Volusia County.

Marine Science Center has hosted more than 1 million visitors since it opened in 2002, and it is known for having an extensive sea turtle and seabird rehabilitation center. The center has cared for more than 20,000 injured sea turtles and 18,000 birds during its 20+-year history, and visitors are welcome to view the rehab area as well as enjoy exhibits on tree ecosystems, live animal areas, a nature trail, a boardwalk and a 1,300-gallon touch tank featuring cownose rays.

At Marine Discovery Center, the facility has spent 25 years informing and educating citizens about the biodiversity of Indian River Lagoon, which has more than 4,000 species and stretches 156 miles along Florida’s east coast. Activities at the Discovery Center include camps, lectures, canoeing, kayaking and eco-tours, and attractions include a butterfly garden, an observation mound, an archery range and a natural play area for children.

Racing Hub Reputation

Home to the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona has become synonymous with racing. Beyond the marquee Daytona 500, though, Volusia County has much to offer race fans. Inside the speedway is the Motorsports Hall of Fame, a 20,000-square-foot space that’s filled with historic vehicles and artifacts. In South Daytona, the Living Legends of Auto Racing is home to vintage cars and archival photos that share the story of racing history.

In De Leon Springs, find the Volusia Speedway Park, home of the Dirt Car Nationals. Engines rev yearlong at the New Smyrna Speedway, which hosts sanctioned NASCAR races throughout the year.

A Hot Spot in Aviation and Aerospace

Daytona Beach is home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s leading aviation and aerospace university, which is a major perk for startups or companies looking to relocate or grow.

Ocellott, an electronic engineering company from Brazil, recently expanded its presence to Daytona Beach, benefitting from an incubation period at the John Mica Engineering & Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex), a cornerstone of Embry-Riddle’s Research Park. MicaPlex allows the university community and businesses to collaborate and bring new products and technological services to the market.

The location provides the right culture and environment for Ocellott and also provides a strong talent pool, says Rodrigo Junqueira, the company’s U.S. president.

The university also provides useful studies and research to industry partners.

“We can work closely with the university, potentially offering equipment and training to their students, who will eventually be hired by us,” he says.

Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.