Living in Daytona

Located along the picturesque Atlantic coast of Florida, Daytona Beach features top-notch dining establishments, beautiful beaches, family-oriented attractions and an array of outdoor adventures. Hosting the renowned Daytona 500 NASCAR race, the city is synonymous with high-speed motorsports. But Daytona Beach is not just for racing enthusiasts; it’s an affordable place to call home and a vibrant vacation destination.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore life in Daytona Beach, covering key aspects like the the cost of living, housing market, employment opportunities, climate, local attractions, and much more.

Cost of Living in Daytona Beach Florida

Daytona Beach has a cost of living that is 3% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the Florida state average. This means lower daily expenses across the board. Transportation costs are 7% lower, although utility prices are 3% higher. Grocery expenses run about 9% higher, while healthcare costs are 5% lower than the national average.

Despite Daytona Beach residents earning less on average than the typical American, with an annual salary averaging $45,691, there’s a silver lining. Florida residents enjoy freedom from state income tax and benefit from lower property taxes, allowing them to allocate more of their budget to other pursuits.

Average Item Prices

• Median Rent: $1,372 per month
• Energy Bill: $182.48 per month
• Phone Bill: $196.31 per month
• Doctor’s Visit: $118.54
• Dentist Visit: $102.27
• Veterinary Visit: $58.07

*Data Sourced from PayScale.

Things to Do

Daytona Beach offers a plethora of entertainment, from pristine beaches to museums, sporting events, and family-friendly amusements. Some of the local favorites include:

• Daytona International Speedway: Opened in 1959, this prestigious NASCAR speedway is home to the Daytona 500 and a cornerstone of the city’s identity, with grandstands that can seat over 100,000 spectators.
• Museum of Arts and Sciences: An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute and a member of the American Alliance of Museums, this museum houses over 30,000 artifacts, featuring global art pieces, a planetarium, and exhibitions on Florida history.
• Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier: Offering fun for all ages, this attraction includes local restaurants, gift shops, an arcade, and Screamer’s Park, featuring thrilling amusement rides.
• Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum: Home to Florida’s tallest lighthouse, this historic structure, built in the 1880s, is among the best-preserved lighthouses in the nation, offering awe-inspiring views from its 203-step climb to the top.
• Daytona Flea and Farmers Market: Open year-round on weekends, this extensive market features over 1,000 booths and 400 permanent vendors, offering a treasure trove of goods.

Real Estate

Daytona Beach is renowned for its affordable and moderately competitive housing market. The median home price stands at $384,135, with an average price per square foot of $737. Most homes remain on the market for approximately 60 days.

People relocating to Daytona Beach often come from various parts of Florida, as well as New York, Washington, Chicago, and Boston, seeking single-family homes, condos, or waterfront properties. With a robust rental market, it’s also an appealing destination for real estate investment.

Job Market

Daytona Beach’s economy is sustained by diverse industries, including hospitality, construction, healthcare, and education, attracting individuals in pursuit of distinctive job opportunities. The city has experienced rapid growth, making it a magnet for those desiring a career change or seeking fresh employment.

While Daytona Beach’s job market may not be the healthiest compared to similar-sized metropolitan areas, there’s reason for optimism. Recent data shows a 2% job market increase over the past year, with future job growth projected at a robust 43.3% over the next decade. However, the average annual salary lags behind the national average of $56,310, partially due to a considerable number of residents working in lower-paying industries.

Spectacular Beaches

Daytona Beach is synonymous with pristine, crowd-drawing beaches, earning it the moniker “the world’s most famous beach.” Visitors flock here, especially during spring break and summer, to revel in the vast, well-packed sands, with the added allure of being near the Daytona International Speedway.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach is ideal for sunbathing, shelling, leisurely strolls, relaxation, and water sports. The majority of the area’s beaches offer convenient off-beach parking, a vibrant atmosphere, and handicap accessibility, all within close reach of top-rated waterfront dining options.

Explore these beautiful local beaches:

• Daytona Beach: Renowned for its expansive shoreline and lively ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, socializing, and partaking in water sports.
• Ormond Beach: Situated north of Daytona Beach, it offers a high-end resort experience, complete with breathtaking ocean views.
• Ponce Inlet: This quaint beach town south of Daytona Beach is celebrated for its small-town charm, rolling waves, pristine sands, and captivating sunrises and sunsets.
• Daytona Beach Shores: Located on a barrier island south of Daytona Beach, this beach community offers warm weather, unspoiled beaches, breathtaking vistas, and family-friendly excitement.
• Sun Splash Park: A four-acre beachside park, offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, a splash pad, restrooms, a playground, walkways, and covered picnic tables.

Education

As a part of the Volusia County School District, Daytona Beach is home to a multitude of highly-rated schools serving students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to one and a district-wide student count of over 61,088, Daytona Beach ensures access to quality education. Here are some of the top-rated elementary schools in Daytona Beach:

• R.J. Longstreet Elementary School
• Palm Terrace Elementary School
• Champion Elementary School

For middle school education, you have:

• David C. Hinson Senior Middle School
• Campbell Middle School
• Chiles Academy

And at the high school level, Daytona Beach offers:

• Seabreeze High School
• Mainland High School
• Halifax Academy

*Data Sourced from GreatSchools.

Additionally, you’ll find several colleges and universities in Daytona Beach, including the Daytona State College, Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach, and Daytona College.

Restaurants in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is renowned for its delectable, fresh-caught seafood and American culinary classics. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a fine-dining experience, there are plenty of options to choose from. Check out these local favorite restaurants in Daytona Beach:

• Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar: A family-owned, three-story seafood establishment that has been serving the area for over half a century, offering a unique dining experience along with a reggae bar featuring live music.
• Caribbean Jack’s: A lively Caribbean restaurant situated on the waterfront at Loggerhead Marina, known for its high-quality cuisine, live local music, fresh seafood, and a wide selection of local beers and cocktails.
• Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: A high-end steakhouse serving grilled meats, freshly caught seafood, and craft cocktails in an elegant, refined setting, perfect for celebrations or romantic evenings.
• Crabby’s Oceanside: A laid-back, pet-friendly local hangout renowned for its fresh local seafood and sandwiches, complemented by a fantastic location.
• The Oyster Pub: A local favorite since 1979, this restaurant in the heart of Daytona Beach offers pub fare, oysters, and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, earning a reputation as the home of the best chargrilled oysters.

Weather

Daytona Beach’s warm and sunny climate is a major draw for many residents. Its summers are long, hot, and mostly cloudy, while winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy. Average temperatures throughout the year range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Rarely does the mercury dip below 39 degrees Fahrenheit or soar above 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

With up to 230 sunny days annually, Daytona Beach receives an average of 51.3 inches of rainfall per year. For outdoor enthusiasts, the prime times to visit are typically between mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to late November.

Crime Rate

Daytona Beach has a crime rate that surpasses the national average. At 38.65 crimes per every 1,000 residents, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are one in 98, while property crime victimization odds are one in 35.

While secure neighborhoods exist, maintaining vigilance and adhering to basic safety precautions is essential, especially for those living alone. Installing security systems and consistently locking doors, even when at home, are advisable safety measures.

Traffic and Transportation

While a car is the most convenient mode of transportation for exploring Daytona Beach FL US, the city does have a public transportation option. Volusia County’s Public Transportation System, Votran, operates nearly 20 bus lines throughout the city. Traffic congestion is most notable around Atlantic Avenue and the Daytona International Speedway.

Pros and Cons of Living in Daytona Beach

Living in Daytona Beach Florida, does have its share of advantages and disadvantages. These include:

Pros:

• Low cost of living
• Affordable housing
• Breathtaking beaches
• Warm weather
• Superb dining options
• Diverse recreational activities

Cons:

• Limited job market
• Higher-than-average crime rate
• Hurricane risk

In short, Daytona Beach offers an appealing combination of affordable living, natural beauty, and a vibrant community. While there are challenges to consider, the city’s charm and unique offerings make it an attractive destination for many.

 

FAQs

Q : Is Daytona Beach a good place to live?

A : Daytona Beach can be a great place to live, depending on your preferences and priorities. It has beautiful beaches, a lower cost of living compared to many other coastal cities, a range of educational institutions and numerous entertainment options.

Q : What is the population of Daytona Beach?

A  Population of Daytona Beach Florida as of 2021, was around 74,437 residents. Please note that populations can change over time, so it’s a good idea to verify the most recent data for the current population Daytona Beach FL. 

Q: What is Daytona Beach like?

A: Daytona Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a range of outdoor activities. Additionally, iconic events such as the Daytona 500 NASCAR race are also hosted in Daytona Beach Florida. The city is often considered an affordable place to live with a growing job market, making it attractive to young professionals and families.

Q : Is Daytona a good place to live?

A : Whether Daytona Beach is a good place to live depends on individual preferences and priorities. It offers beautiful beaches, a lower cost of living than the national average, and a booming job market, making it attractive to many. However, there are some downsides like a higher-than-average crime rate and the occasional risk of hurricanes.

Q : Is Daytona Beach safe 2021?

A : Like many cities, safety can vary depending on the neighborhood and individual circumstances. Generally, Daytona Beach has areas with lower crime rates, and others with higher crime rates. It’s advisable to research specific neighborhoods and consider factors like local crime statistics and community safety initiatives.

Q : Is Daytona Beach expensive?

A : The cost of living in Daytona Beach FL is considered affordable by most standards. The cost of living in Daytona Beach is typically lower than the national average, which means that everyday expenses, such as housing, transportation, and healthcare, are generally more affordable.

Q : What are some of the best places to live near Daytona Beach?

A : Some of the popular places to live near Daytona Beach include Ormond Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, and Palm Coast.

Q : Is Daytona Beach a good place to retire?

A : Daytona Beach can be a great place to retire for many individuals. It offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, a moderate climate, and various activities to keep retirees engaged. The city has a lower cost of living compared to many other retirement destinations in Florida.

Q : Why is Daytona Beach so cheap? 

A : Daytona Beach’s reputation for affordability can be attributed to several factors. First, the absence of state income tax in Florida is a major draw, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings. Additionally, Florida’s property taxes are relatively low compared to many other states.