Best Places to Live in Daytona Beach

What are the best neighborhoods in Daytona Beach, FL? Here are seven great places to live in Daytona Beach with information on local favorites. 

Everyone wants to find the perfect place to call home, and luckily, Daytona Beach, Florida, offers just that. Best known as a popular spring break destination and a great place to retire for its warm weather, miles of pristine beaches, affordable housing, and low cost of living, it is no surprise that Daytona Beach is also the destination of some great neighborhoods. 

Featuring safe and family-friendly communities near some of the best Daytona Beach amenities and things to do, the homes for sale in Daytona Beach will appeal to any lifestyle. If you are moving to Daytona Beach and want to learn more about the best places to live, this guide is for you. Check out these seven best neighborhoods in Daytona Beach. 

Here are seven of the best neighborhoods in Daytona Beach 

Pelican Bay

Pelican Bay is a beautiful suburban neighborhood considered one of the best places to live in Daytona Beach. As a gated golf community, it is also one of the safest places to live. Home to over 3,500 residents with an average age of 59, most homeowners are retirees. 

Featuring multiple sought-after amenities, including Pelican Bay Golf Club, which consists of two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, a clubhouse, and an outdoor pool, this popular Daytona Beach community has a lot to offer. Made up of 1,806 units, most of which are single-family homes, plenty of beautiful homes were built between 1980 and 2006.

Most homes in Pelican Bay range from 1,330 to 4,160 square feet and have one to five bedrooms. Featuring lake or golf course views, residences may include vaulted ceilings, granite countertops, and private pools. With a median listing home price of $327,871 and an average price per square foot of $196, many homes in Pelican Bay are affordable. 

Situated in a prime location close to the beach, residents are just steps away from exploring the Atlantic Coast and can easily access fun outdoor activities. Pelican Bay residents also use the neighborhood homeowners association, which maintains common areas and outdoor home repairs. 

Local Favorites: 

Millie's Restaurant and Catering: Dine on fresh local American food and seafood in a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by nautical-themed decorations. Since all of the food served is fresh, the menu is known to change frequently. 

Bay Street Seafood: Enjoy fresh grilled, fried, or blackened seafood at this southern seafood favorite with plenty of outdoor seating. 

Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar: This top-rated family-owned restaurant was first opened in 1940 and features live music, dancing, great food, and karaoke at this three-story seafood restaurant with a perfect view of the bay. 

Indigo Lakes 

Indigo Lakes is a popular Daytona Beach community found in a central location near the Daytona International Speedway and LPGA Boulevard. Comprised of mature single-family homes, Indigo Lakes is a beautiful place for families and retirees to call home. With homes in Indigo Lakes ranging in style and size, most residences consist of three bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

Home to a golf course and surrounded by trees, Indigo Lakes is often described as a tight-knit community that is friendly and welcoming. Found near top-rated restaurants, fun things to do, and sought-after amenities, residents are never bored when living in Indigo Lakes. 

For those moving to the neighborhood with school-aged children, some of the best schools in the area include Palm Terrace Elementary School, Indigo Christian Junior Academy, and Mainland High School. 

Local Favorites: 

Fancy Q Japanese and Thai Restaurant: Enjoy a variety of Japanese and Thai favorite dishes in a contemporary and upbeat atmosphere. All menu items are reasonably priced, and there are lunch specials available. 

Daytona International Speedway: First opened in 1959, this world-famous speedway is the home of the Daytona 500, considered the most prestigious race in NASCAR. The track also features tours and interactive race car attractions for visitors. Tickets for races can be purchased online. 

Daytona Boardwalk Amusements: A famous structure on Daytona Beach, the boardwalk and amusement center is the perfect destination for family fun. Offering a carnival atmosphere, visitors can participate in beachfront rides, games, and attractions. Free concerts and fireworks occur every Saturday night during the summer till the end of September. 

Seabreeze Historic District 

Seabreeze Historic District is a beautiful beachside suburban neighborhood in Daytona Beach between the "World's Most Famous Beach" and the Intercoastal Waterway. Founded May 24, 1901, this historic district is full of history since it first existed as an independent city before merging with Daytona in 1926. 

Considered a coastal community, most homes are small to medium-sized single-family homes and apartment complexes. Providing top-rated dining options, shopping, and nightlife experiences, living in the Seabreeze Historic District offers a unique experience from the rest of the city. 

Local Favorites: 

The Oyster Pub: Opened in 1979, this favorite local corner tavern is in the heart of the Daytona tourist district. Featuring 45 TVs, pool tables, a DJ, and an extensive menu full of pub grub and seafood. Home to the largest oyster bar in Daytona Beach, order raw, steamed, or char-grilled oysters. 

Sloppy Joe's Daytona Beach: Offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean, this beachfront restaurant is best known for its delicious seafood, American favorites, tropical drinks, and live music. 

The Red Bud Cafe: This cozy cafe offers coffee drinks, homemade crepes, and other delicious dishes from around the world made from recipes acquired from the owner's travels. 

Ortona 

The beachside community of Ortona is a beautiful place to call home, providing all residents with a high quality of life. Considered the second most walkable neighborhood in Daytona Beach, spending time outside and exploring is one of the best ways to get to know the area. 

Ortona is an urban neighborhood comprising small to medium-sized apartment complexes, high-rise apartments, and single-family homes. Recognized as an established community but not described as old, many homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with a select few residences constructed between 1940 and 1969. 

As part of the Volusia County School District, some of the top public schools in the area include Ortona Elementary School, Campbell Middle School, and Seabreeze High School. 

Local Favorites: 

Steve's Famous Diner: This family-friendly restaurant provides a friendly atmosphere and serves mouthwatering home-cooked food that is made fresh daily. Providing booth and table seating, enjoy breakfast platters, sandwiches, and entrees served at a reasonable price. 

Crab Knight Daytona Beachside: Serving some of the most authentic and freshest seafood in Daytona Beach, this highly-rated local restaurant is a go-to place for good food, drinks, and fun times. 

Miyabi Sushi: Get your sushi fix at this local restaurant by Chef Eason and Jason. Not only are dishes reasonably priced, but there is a variety of beer, wine, and sake on the menu. 

LPGA 

LPGA is a fantastic neighborhood in Daytona Beach that is best known as a world-class golf community. This suburban neighborhood offers luxurious living in a prime location. Daytona Beach might be the community you have been looking for, home to two championship 18-hole golf courses with beautiful green fairways alongside an abundance of highly-rated amenities. 

Featuring plenty of real estate options in LPGA, from large single-family homes to affordable townhomes, LPGA is a great place to call home for all lifestyles. Most housing options range from two to five bedrooms and were built between 1996 and 2021, making this an established community with newer homes. 

Local Favorites: 

Oliv Grill LPGA: Influenced by flavors around the Mediterranean, this contemporary and modern restaurant serves fresh and healthy food made daily. 

LPGA International: This renowned, world-class golf course features two 18-hole courses designed by Arthur Hills and Rees Jones. Perfect for all skill levels, this is the leading golf facility used by the Ladies Professional Golf Association, 

Brunch Daytona: As one of the best brunch restaurants in Daytona, this modern American restaurant serves elevated comfort food and mimosas in a friendly atmosphere. Providing easy parking, outdoor seating, and excellent customer service, this is a must-visit for your next brunch outing with friends and family. 

Mosaic 

Mosaic is a beautiful new community in Daytona Beach that offers its residents a tight-knit lifestyle. A great place to live for young professionals, families, and the young at heart, this master-planned community was designed with community in mind since it features various social spaces that can be used for gathering and socializing with others. 

Offering multiple open floor plans, most homes in the neighborhood have one or two stories and have modern styles, magnificent views, and energy-efficient features. Ranging from 1,650 to almost 3,000 square feet in size, each home in Mosaic provides lots of space and is affordably priced. 

Local Favorites:

Sweet Marlay's Coffee: This beloved coffee shop in Daytona serves custom coffee blends, lattes, homemade bagels, boba tea, loose-leaf tea, pastries, and desserts, in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. 

Stonewood Grill and Tavern: Dine at this smart casual grill that serves upscale American dishes in a contemporary setting. This popular restaurant is open every day during the week and provides happy hour specials.

Museum of Arts and Sciences: Featuring history exhibits, a planetarium, and over 30,000 objects, this museum is considered one of the largest museums in central Florida. 

Latitude Margaritaville

Latitude Margaritaville is located just off Interstate 95 and is known as an award-winning 55+ community. A perfect place to retire, this community is inspired by Jimmy Buffet's "no worries" lifestyle since it features plenty of amenities, including fantastic dining and nightlife experiences, recreational activities, and community gatherings. Home to various villas and single-family homes that are energy efficient, there is no better place to call home when searching for homes for sale in Latitude Margaritaville. 

Local Favorites: 

Dancing Avocado Kitchen (daK): A unique dining experience, this casual and fresh breakfast and lunch restaurant offers plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Using only the best locally sourced ingredients, this historic downtown Beach Street restaurant is also pet-friendly. 

Martini's Organic Restaurant: Serving seafood and steak in a high-end and classy atmosphere, this restaurant in South Daytona is a charming dining experience with a bar and garden seating. 

Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory: Check out this small candy factory and chocolate shop that sells housemade confections. Creating tasty chocolates and candies since 1925, this old-fashioned candy shop features an on-site factory and offers free samples. 

FAQ: Best Places to Live in Daytona Beach

If you are considering a move to Daytona Beach, here are some commonly asked questions about the best neighborhoods in Daytona Beach. 

Is Daytona Beach, Florida, an excellent place to live? 

Considered one of the best places to live in Florida, Daytona Beach is a popular tourist destination known for its warm weather, pristine coastline, and beachfront lifestyle. 

What is the safest place to live near Daytona Beach? 

Daytona Beach has many safe neighborhoods, including Pelican Bay, Ortona, and the LGPA golf community. 

Is it expensive to live in Daytona Beach? 

Daytona Beach is considered affordable, with a cost of living that is 3% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the state average. 

Is Daytona Beach good for retirement? 

Daytona Beach is a great place to live for retirement due to its warm weather, low cost of living, high quality of life, affordable housing, and lack of personal state income tax, estate tax, and inheritance tax. 

Best Neighborhoods in Daytona Beach, FL - Final Thoughts 

This guide to the best places to live in Daytona Beach means you can find your dream home quickly. There is bound to be a great neighborhood that meets your budget and location preferences if you are moving to Florida.

Florida has many beautiful places, such as Daytona Beach, Boca Raton, and Destin. With the help of the experts at UpHomes, starting your home search could not be any easier. Please feel free to contact us when you are ready to make the move.