Living in Daytona Beach

Are you considering a move to Daytona Beach, FL, and want to learn more about the area? Make sure you know these ten things about living in Daytona Beach! 

Situated on Florida's Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach is a great place to live and visit for its miles of pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions, award-winning restaurants, and outdoor activities. Home to the Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, one of the world's largest motorsport events, is hosted here. 

Known as an affordable place to live, Daytona Beach has many affordable homes and a booming job market, attracting many young professionals and families. Considered a popular vacation destination during spring break and summer, the city always welcomes new residents and visitors to the area. 

If you are considering moving to Daytona Beach and want to learn more about the area, you are certainly in the right place. This guide will provide information about what to expect about life in Daytona Beach, with information on local favorites and pros and cons. Keep reading to learn more. 

Here are ten things to know about life in Daytona Beach

Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Daytona Beach is 3% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the state average. Since the cost of living is lower than the national average, everyday expenses in Daytona Beach are generally lower than in other areas. Transportation expenses are 7% lower, utility prices are 3% higher, grocery prices are 9% lower, and healthcare prices are 5% lower than the national average. 

Even though Daytona Beach residents tend to earn less than the average American, with an average annual salary of $47,608, Florida residents do not have to pay state income tax and get to take advantage of low property taxes, which allows residents to spend more money on other things. 

*Data Sourced from PayScale. 

Real Estate 

Daytona Beach is known for having an affordable and somewhat competitive housing market. The median list price in Daytona Beach is $442,953, and the average price per square foot is $552. Most homes stay on the market for an average of 94 days. 

Most people moving to Daytona Beach are relocating from other areas of Florida or New York, Washington, Chicago, and Boston in search of single-family homes, condos, and waterfront homes. With a rental market that is strong and profitable, Daytona Beach is also a great place to invest in real estate. 

Job Market 

With an economy supported by various industries, including hospitality, construction, healthcare, and education, many people are moving to Daytona Beach for unique job opportunities. Experiencing rapid growth, Daytona Beach is a great place to call home for those seeking new employment or wanting to change their career. 

Known to have a less healthy job market than other similar-sized metropolitan areas, the job market has seen an increase of 2% over the last year, and future job growth is predicted to increase by 43.3% over the next ten years. Due to the many residents employed in low-paying industries, the average annual salary is less than the national average of $59,428. 

Spectacular Beaches 

Recognized as a hot spring break destination, Daytona Beach attracts millions of visitors each year for its miles of pristine beaches. Often referred to as "the world's most famous beach" for its large crowds, hard-packed sands, and location near the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach is a must-visit for friends and family.  

Offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach is the perfect destination for sunbathing, shelling, walking, relaxing, and water sports. Most beaches in the area provide easy off-beach parking, a fun atmosphere, and handicap accessibility, all close to top-rated waterfront restaurants and fun things to do.   

Check out these beautiful beaches in Daytona Beach, FL: 

Daytona Beach: Best known for its expansive shoreline and fun atmosphere, Daytona Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun, hang out with friends, and participate in water sports activities. 

Ormond Beach: Located North of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is a lovely area and offers a first-class resort experience with spectacular views and access to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Ponce Inlet: This small beach town situated South of Daytona Beach is known for its small-town atmosphere, incredible waves, white sands, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. 

Daytona Beach Shores: Found on a barrier Island South of Daytona Beach, this popular beach community offers warm weather, pristine beaches, breathtaking views, and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. 

Sun Splash Park: This four-acre beachside park features access to the Atlantic Ocean, a splash pad, restrooms, a playground, walkways, and covered picnic tables. 

Education 

As part of the Volusia County School District, which comprises 45 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and nine high schools, Daytona Beach is home to many highly-rated schools from Pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Teaching over 61,088 students in the district and with a student ratio of 17 to one, Daytona Beach is known to have access to an excellent education. 

Here are some top-rated schools in Daytona Beach: 

* Data Sourced from GreatSchools. 

Daytona Beach is also home to multiple colleges and universities for those searching for higher education opportunities, including Daytona State College, Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, and Daytona College. 

Weather 

Many people move to Daytona Beach for its notoriously warm and sunny weather. Daytona Beach is a sought-after place to live, best known for its long, hot, and mostly cloudy summers alongside short, cool, and partly cloudy winters. Temperatures in Daytona Beach average between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 89 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and temperatures rarely drop below 39 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 93 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Offering up to 230 sunny days per year, Daytona Beach receives an average of 51.3 inches of rainfall annually. Some of the best times during the year to visit Daytona Beach for its outdoor activities and favorable weather are between mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to Late November. 

Crime Rate 

Daytona Beach has a higher-than-average crime rate. With a crime rate of 38.65 per every 1,000 residents, your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Daytona Beach is one in 98, and your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is one in 35. 

While Daytona Beach has its fair share of safe neighborhoods, it is important always to be aware of your surroundings and to follow basic safety tips, especially if you will be living alone. Consider installing a security system and remember always to lock your doors, even when you are at home. 

Restaurants 

Known for its fresh-caught seafood and American classics, Daytona Beach has no shortage of top-rated restaurants to choose from for your next meal. 

Visit these local favorite delicious restaurants in Daytona Beach, FL: 

Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar: This three-story seafood joint is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving the area for over 50 years. This unique dining experience is a must-visit in Daytona Beach, featuring a reggae bar with live music. 

Caribbean Jack's: This lively Caribbean restaurant on the waterfront in Loggerhead Marina is known for its high-quality food, live local music, fresh seafood, and a large selection of local beer and cocktails. 

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: Dine at this delicious, high-end steakhouse that serves grilled meats, freshly caught seafood, and craft cocktails in a refined and classy atmosphere. Providing friendly service and tasty meals, this steakhouse is the perfect place for a celebration or romantic evening. 

Crabby's Oceanside: Known for its laid-back setting, this local hangout is pet-friendly and serves fresh local seafood and sandwiches in a great location. 

The Oyster Pub: Opened in 1979, this local favorite in the heart of Daytona Beach serves pub grub, oysters, and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Considered the home of the best-chargrilled oysters, this restaurant is a go-to for locals and tourists. 

Things to Do 

Full of beautiful beaches, museums, sporting events, and entertainment options for the whole family, there is always something fun to do when living in Daytona Beach. 

Check out these local favorite things to do in Daytona Beach, FL: 

Daytona International Speedway: Opened in 1959, this prestigious NASCAR speedway is the home of the Daytona 500 and is the city's claim to fame. The grandstand can seat over 100,000 people. 

Museum of Arts and Sciences: As a member of the American Alliance of Museums and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, over 30,000 objects are housed here. This is one of the largest museums in central Florida, featuring global art pieces, a planetarium, and Florida history exhibits. 

Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier: Offering fun for the whole family, the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier features local restaurants, gift shops, an arcade, and Screamer's Park, which is full of fun amusement rides. 

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum: Home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida, built in the 1880s, this is one of the best-preserved lighthouses in the country. Visitors can climb 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse to experience breathtaking views. 

Daytona Flea and Farmers Market: Open on the weekends year-round, this flea and farmers market has over 1,000 booths and 400 permanent vendors. 

Traffic and Transportation 

Since most attractions are spread out, the best way to get around Daytona Beach is by car. The streets near Atlantic Avenue and the Daytona International Speedway tend to get the most congested and experience the most traffic.

For those searching for public transportation options, the Daytona Beach area is serviced by Volusia County's Public Transportation System called Votran, which operates almost 20 bus lines throughout the city. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Daytona Beach, FL 

Pros 

• Low cost of living 
• Affordable housing prices 
• Beautiful beaches 
• Warm weather 
• Delicious restaurants 
• Fun things to do 

Cons

• Less healthy job market 
• Higher than average crime rate 
• Risk of hurricanes 

FAQ: Moving to Daytona Beach 

Here are some commonly asked questions about moving to Daytona Beach, Florida. 

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

Daytona Beach is an excellent place to live, known for its warm weather, pristine coastline, and beachfront lifestyle. As one of the best places to live in Florida, Daytona offers year-round outdoor activities and fun things to do. 

Is it expensive to live in Daytona Beach? 

As one of the cheapest places to live in Florida, Daytona Beach is sought-after for its lower cost of living, which is 3% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the state average. 

What is the nicest part of Daytona Beach? 

Daytona Beach is home to many safe and beautiful neighborhoods, but Pelican Bay is one of the nicest and most desirable places for its convenience and proximity to the beach. 

Is Daytona Beach subject to hurricanes? 

Daytona Beach experiences at least one hurricane or tropical storm in a high-risk hurricane zone every season. Since hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th, it is always essential to be prepared in an emergency. 

Moving to Daytona Beach, FL - Final Thoughts 

Whether you are moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, for work or its fantastic weather and access to the beach, this beautiful city has something to offer everyone. From its low cost of living and booming job market to its fun things to do and delicious restaurants, Daytona Beach is the perfect option to call home for anyone moving to Florida. 

If you would like more information about Daytona Beach and its homes for sale, you can contact one of our Real Estate Specialists to help you with your home search. Florida has many beautiful cities and towns like Daytona Beach, Tampa, Hollywood, and Destin. We are always here to help and are ready to answer any questions.