2023 Best Places to Live in Volusia County

Current Resident: I moved to Port Orange, FL from New Jersey when I was just 5 years old. I attended the best public schools that were rated very high in the area and the United States. I was able to receive a very good education and have the opportunity to complete advanced placement courses to improve my chances of college acceptance. I always felt safe in my town and had the opportunity to participate in all types of recreational sports including soccer, t-ball, baseball, basketball, and cheerleading. The area is filled with middle class to upper class residents with minimal local crime. The only downside to Port Orange is how geographically close it is to Daytona Beach, Florida where there is a struggle with drug addiction amongst a majority of its residents and higher levels of poverty. Although, this rarely bleeds over into the local town of Port Orange due to the strong police presents which detours such criminal activity. Overall, it is a very comfortable family friendly town, good for family.... Read 173 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 62,197

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  56 reviews

Current Resident: I love that this is such a small and quaint town. It’s a hidden gem close to all the attractions in Orlando yet quietly tucked away next door to Sanford. Conveniently located. Debary has the St. John’s River and many Springs nearby. Awesome for recreational activities. The city is underdeveloped right now but it is evolving. I can’t wait to see what it’s going to become.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 22,015

• Town in Florida

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  88 reviews

Current Resident: I love my town so much. It has developed so much with so many great new additions, but you still always have the opportunity to run to the beach and enjoy every bit of it! I have always felt safe in my community and love how it continues to flourish every day.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 42,707

Nearby Resident: Ponce Inlet is a small, quiet town - at least not during tourist season - and it is a great place to be if you like peace a quiet. We are friends with all of our nearby neighbors, and often go to the neighborhood get-togethers for special events like birthdays or holidays. The only thing I would like to be changed is the quality of the roads, which are generally poorly maintained, but overall I love my small town!... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 3,342

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  147 reviews

Current Resident: Deland, Florida has a strong sense of community, a vibrant culture, and a kind energy. I grew up here, attended high school here, and have recently returned to pursue a graduate education at Stetson University. Deland is a smaller, close-knit community perfect for raising children, settling down, and building a home. Deland has strong community resources in mental health and social outreach. Stetson University brings a strong academic culture to Deland as well, diversifying the community from those who move for the college and end up loving the community and building lives here. The downtown Deland events are consistent; consisting of art festivals, music festivals, food and drink events, parades, etc. Deland has even been rated one of the best downtown areas in the country. Deland is rich in opportunity, community, and culture, which makes it a hidden gem among the central Florida area. Deland is close to the beaches, natural springs, theme parks, and much more.... Read 147 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 36,528

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: #1 Main St. in the U.S.! Local small town charm with an excellent mix of dining choices, arts & entertainment. Walking distance to all of this from Stetson University. Short drive to all major central FL attractions. Love being close to outdoor activities like, biking, boating, fishing & many natural parks.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 3,403

Current Resident: Close to the beach and shopping areas. Convenient to highways for commuting to larger cities. Lots of parks and activities nearby.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Population 12,984

Current Resident: Its a great community that seems very safe and quiet. Lots of great beaches. Granada has lots of stores and restaurants. Mid-February to Mid-March seem to be the busiest as the Daytona 500 and Bike week attract a lot of people.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 6,414

Current Resident: The pros: one of the state's most beautiful beaches, a beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, several commercial areas and historic sites, and a high degree of safety. The cons: increased traffic from the Orlando area, high house prices, and a below-par education system. With a rapidly growing population, likely in the 40,000 range by now, the city is a popular destination for retirees and families, but has looming problems particularly surrounding the issue of population growth.... Read 76 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 29,674

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  65 reviews

Current Resident: I've live in orange city for about 12 years. Basically my whole childhood growing up to now. I have never had a problem with the area! Everyone was always super friendly. The school systems are great and everything has been very good for me living in orange city for my childhood years!... Read 65 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 12,748

• Town in Florida

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  Rating 3.47 out of 5  330 reviews

Current Resident: It's a City that was developed for "retired people". It's Excellent location to I-4, Daytona beach, New Smyrna beach, Flagler beach, Orlando & All the Amusement Parks, the house prices, the excellent schools system & the beautiful weather it attracted a lot of people! So bc of that, it grew very fast! Now it's population is 90,000 & like a City of that size it's changing w/ the times! By choice, the Sheriff's department is in charge of the department of safety!( DOING A VERY GOOD JOB!). We moved here from CT. 22 yrs. Ago & r very happy to call Deltona OUR HOME!... Read 330 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 93,464

Current Resident: Daytona Beach Shores is a beach location, family-friendly, but definitely leans towards a retiree demographic. The area is very safe and most of the residences are secured high-rise buildings. The beach is average, and driving on the beach is permitted. It is only a short drive to Ponce Inlet which has great beaches. Very few restaurants, no night-life to speak of. Again, the area caters to the retiree crowd. Outside of the hotels and a few retail establishments, there are few job opportunities but the larger towns of Daytona Beach and Port Orange are only a short drive. I wouldn't recommend this area for younger people unless safety and a quiet environment are high on your must-have list.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 5,086

• Town in Florida

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  337 reviews

Current Resident: Daytona Beach, or simply Daytona, is a city of about 73,000 residents in Central Florida on its Atlantic coast. Daytona Beach is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles on the beach in restricted areas.This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach and Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters of NASCAR. Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in August, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.... Read 337 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 71,041

Current Resident: I live in a quiet, family neighborhood. Walkable to publix, pharmacies and bike able to ormond or daytona.... Read 24 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 12,833

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: I have lived in my small quiet town for about 18 years and I have loved every second of it. Our neighbors have always been friendly and willing to lend a helping hand in our times of need. One downside is that Lake Helen only has 2 gas stations which the gas can be a little pricier and if it is packed then you will be waiting awhile to fill your tank. Lake Helen offers some amazing schools for example, Blake Christian Academy!... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 2,827

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Friendly neighbors, and their is an elementary school nearby with friendly staff and children. We have a park and springs where people can go and have a good time with friends and family. We also have our famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House where you can have breakfast you even get to make your own pancakes! It's a very nice place to start your morning off.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 2,481

Current Resident: Although I’ve traveled a lot I’ve always called edgewater home, some of the people are a bit shady but overall it’s a beautiful town to live in. The only reason the water bill is high is because other things like trash on also on the bill. It’s close to both I-95 and the beach. Great place to call home!... Read 62 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 22,952

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 1,074

Current Resident: Oak Hill is a very small and quiet town. It’s about 15 minutes away from grocery stores and 30 minutes away from shopping plazas. If you’re a person who wants to be somewhat secluded in your own little area this is the spot for you. This community is very connected and friendly! Many families have been here for generations and have a lot of amazing history. The town consists mostly of senior citizens who are looking to retire.... Read 1 review

• grade C+

• grade B

• Population 1,866

• Town in Florida

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: What I enjoy about Seville is that even though it is a small town, it is very quiet and peaceful and those are the types of environments I adore the most.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 1,220

• Town in Florida

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Pierson about 4 years ago. A beautiful small town, the fern capital of the world. Mainly a fern farming town. Most of the citizens here have been here for most of their lives. A lot of families and relatives live in Pierson. We felt a little bit like outsiders because we had no family attachments to Pierson. As you can imagine, everyone knows everyone. The majority of the population is made up of Mexican farm workers. The elementary school is majority Spanish speaking. My children attended it for two years, but I ultimately took them out and now school them at home. There is a rodeo arena here but it could use some love. I think it could be a better town if the old white Piersonites would embrace the Mexican culture and its people. There is a big divide.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 1,575

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

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  Rating 4 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: North Deland, Florida has a feel of rural country, yet you are just a few miles from major shopping. I would like to see more sidewalks. It can be dangerous for those walking the main road east and west.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 837