Moving to Greater Daytona? Here Are 16 Communities to Consider

Daytona Beach Area CVB

Bordered by the St. Johns River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east – with sandy beaches, bustling tech hubs and small-town living sprinkled throughout – Volusia County offers something for everyone. If you’re thinking about moving to Greater Daytona, consider taking a tour of the region’s delightful mix of communities.

Each of the county’s 16 municipalities carries a unique identity, ensuring that no matter what your interests or skills, you can find your ideal community. 

Daytona Beach 

POPULATION: 77,958 

Daytona Beach attracts millions of visitors annually to its hard-packed sand beach (also known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach”). While some come to relax, others visit to join the crowd of fans at Daytona International Speedway or experience all the city center has to offer, from the Riverfront Esplanade to the Museum of Arts & Sciences. While tourism is a major economic driver, Daytona Beach also provides career opportunities in high-tech fields such as aviation, aerospace and logistics. 

Daytona Beach Shores 

POPULATION: 5,182 

Daytona Beach Shores, a coastal municipality, offers 5.5 miles of beaches. With high-rise condos that stretch along the Atlantic, it’s a premier resort and retirement community. Residents enjoy ample recreation opportunities, like miniature golf, tennis courts and pickleball courts. 

DeBary 

POPULATION: 22,956 

With 12 parks and 600+ miles of trails, DeBary is recognized as an official Trail Town, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It’s also a great launching point for Central Florida exploration, thanks to the DeBary SunRail Station. From the DeBary SunRail Station, riders can take day trips to other destinations like Orlando.

DeLand 

POPULATION: 41,324 

DeLand boasts an award-winning downtown with myriad shops and restaurants. Artisan Alley, in the heart of downtown, hosts a farmers and makers market from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday. Home to companies like DaVita Labs and Aerodyne Research, DeLand prides itself on being a hub for innovation. 

Deltona 

POPULATION: 97,267 

Deltona is also a designated Trail Town, with nearly 50 trails spanning 369 miles. As a relatively new community in Volusia County, established in 1995, the city offers plenty of undeveloped areas to explore. While the population continues to grow, companies both big and small continue to expand their presence in the area, including Amazon, which announced plans to add another logistics facility in Deltona in 2023. 

Edgewater 

POPULATION: 23,506 

A waterfront community along the Indian River, Edgewater is home to numerous species of wildlife and offers plenty of opportunities to participate in water sports. So, it’s no wonder that some of the most internationally recognized boating manufacturers set up shop in Edgewater, including EdgeWater Boats, Boston Whaler and Everglades Boats. 

Holly Hill 

POPULATION: 13,076 

Holly Hill delights sporting enthusiasts with Pictona, a 49-court pickleball facility that has hosted the Professional Tour of Pickleball, and the Volusia Sports Center. The community also offers 17 parks, including one dog park. 

Lake Helen 

POPULATION: 2,827 

Architecture buffs enjoy the Victorian Florida vernacular and Queen Anne-style homes that remain in Lake Helen, a serene community that was founded in 1880. A museum inside City Hall allows visitors to take in more than a century of local history. 

New Smyrna Beach 

POPULATION: 32,119 

Located on the Atlantic Ocean, New Smyrna Beach is a surfer’s paradise. But when the waves are flat, there’s still much to do, including shopping at the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market on Saturdays and viewing exhibitions at the Atlantic Center for the Arts. 

Oak Hill 

POPULATION: 1,866 

Oak Hill proudly shares its motto, “Where we make fishers of many.” The city offers dozens of fishing charters and is home to the world-famous Mosquito Lagoon, a hot spot for competitive sportsmen and hobbyists alike. 

Orange City 

POPULATION: 14,897 

Orange City is a major center for retail and commerce, offering proximity to big-brand stores, supermarkets and other conveniences. The city sits midway between two major metropolitan areas, Orlando and Daytona Beach, which makes it a popular choice for commuters who want to live outside of the hustle and bustle. 

Ormond Beach 

POPULATION: 44,052 

Ormond Beach offers beautiful parks, museums and cultural venues, including the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens. Ormond Beach MainStreet, a volunteer-led nonprofit, hosts annual events and a weekly farmers market. In addition, major employers, like Edgewell Personal Care and Security First Insurance, provide residents with attractive career opportunities. 

Pierson 

POPULATION: 1,575 

Pierson, known as the Fern Capital of the World, is a small rural community in Northwest Volusia County. With acres of fern farms, ferns grown in Pierson are exported worldwide for use in floral arrangements and decor. 

Ponce Inlet 

POPULATION: 3,364 

Ponce Inlet is a small, quiet town that provides ample access to nature. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, a national historic landmark, is Florida’s tallest lighthouse. The town also offers waterfront restaurants, executive housing, and plenty of gardens, parks and reserves. 

Port Orange 

POPULATION: 64,870 

While close to Daytona Beach, Port Orange offers suburban living in neighborhoods that feature charm and family-friendly attractions. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, for instance, is a botanical garden, with beautiful Spanish moss that serves as a picturesque backdrop for nature walks and picnics. 

South Daytona 

POPULATION: 13,654 

South Daytona, located on the Halifax River, offers a palm tree-lined business corridor, nine parks and plenty of shops and restaurants. Park facilities include disc golf courses, fishing piers, boat ramps, walking trails and a splash park.