Top 10 Reasons to Move to Volusia County, Florida (Plus the One Downside Nobody Tells You)

Top 10 Reasons to Move to Volusia County, Florida (Plus the One Downside Nobody Tells You)

Have you been searching “best places to live in Florida” or “is Volusia County a good place to live?” If so, you probably landed here for one of two reasons. Either you are planning a move, or you already live here and want to know if you made the right call. Either way, welcome. I have lived here for years. So instead of a real estate brochure version of this county, I want to give you the honest, local take.

Volusia County sits along Florida’s east coast, between Jacksonville and Orlando. It is home to Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, Port Orange, Deltona, and a handful of smaller towns. Each one has its own personality. The county’s population has climbed to roughly 612,000 people. That is up nearly 24 percent since 2010, according to Census based estimates. Growth like that does not happen by accident.

Below are the top 10 reasons people keep choosing Volusia County. Then, at the end, I will share the one downside that comes with all that popularity.

1. World famous beaches without the Miami price tag

Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach give you miles of hard packed sand, warm surf, and some of the best sunrise views on the East Coast. Unlike South Florida, you can still find affordable beachside condos and homes here. This is especially true if you look a bit south toward New Smyrna or north toward Ormond by the Sea.

2. A real small town feel in DeLand

DeLand is consistently one of the most charming downtowns in Central Florida. Think brick streets, local coffee shops, live music, and a walkable core anchored by Stetson University. So if you want historic Florida charm without giving up modern conveniences, DeLand delivers.

3. No state income tax

Florida has no state income tax. That means your paycheck stretches further than it would in states like New York, Illinois, or California. Combine that with a reasonable cost of living compared to South Florida, and Volusia County becomes one of the more budget friendly coastal options in the state.

4. Easy access to Orlando and the theme parks

DeLand and Deltona sit close enough to Orlando that a day trip to Disney World or Universal Studios is easy. Even so, you still get to come home to quieter streets and a slower pace at night.

5. A growing job market

Volusia County’s economy has diversified well beyond tourism. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University anchors a growing aerospace and engineering sector near Daytona Beach International Airport. Meanwhile, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing jobs have expanded steadily as the population has grown.

6. Outdoor recreation beyond the beach

There is no shortage of kayaking, hiking, and fishing right in your backyard. Between the Spring-to-Spring Trail, Blue Spring State Park in Orange City where manatees gather every winter, Tomoka State Park, and the St. Johns River, you have options in every direction.

7. Motorsports and events that bring the world here

Daytona International Speedway hosts the Daytona 500, the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and the Rolex 24. On top of that, Bike Week and Biketoberfest draw riders from across the country every year. So if you love a good hometown event calendar, this county never really slows down.

8. Good schools and a strong university presence

Families have solid options for education at every level here. Between Stetson University in DeLand, Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Daytona State College, and a well regarded public school system, there is a path for nearly every student.

9. A housing market with room to grow

Prices have risen with demand, that part is true. Still, Volusia County offers more affordable entry points than Seminole, Orange, or coastal Palm Beach counties. Median household income has climbed to around $66,500, and new construction continues in Deltona, Port Orange, and DeLand to help keep up with demand.

10. That laid back old Florida vibe

Even with all the growth, Volusia County has managed to hold onto a genuine, unpretentious feel. Locally owned restaurants and fish camps line the St. Johns, and the beach culture here has never fully gone corporate. In short, it is the kind of place where people still wave at their neighbors.

The one secret downside: traffic has caught up with us

Here is the part most “why you should move here” articles skip. All of this growth comes with a real tradeoff. That tradeoff is traffic.

The county is adding thousands of new residents each year. As a result, roads that used to feel wide open now back up during peak season. A1A through Daytona and Ormond Beach slows to a crawl on weekends, and especially during Bike Week and Speedweeks. Meanwhile, I-4 through Deltona and DeLand has become one of the more congested stretches in Central Florida, as more commuters head toward Orlando each year. Even local roads like Dunlawton Avenue in Port Orange and Beville Road in South Daytona see real backups during snowbird season and summer beach traffic.

None of this is a dealbreaker. In fact, most longtime residents will tell you it is a small price to pay for everything else on this list. Even so, if you are moving here expecting the empty roads of twenty years ago, plan for a little patience during season. It also helps to think through your commute route before you buy.

Final thoughts

Volusia County earns its reputation as one of Florida’s most livable coastal counties for a reason. Beaches, affordability, jobs, good schools, and outdoor recreation all in one place is a hard combination to beat. Just build a little extra drive time into your plans, especially from February through April, and you will fit right in.

Thinking about making the move? Drop a comment below with the neighborhood or city you are considering, and I will share what I know from living here.