DeLand is Volusia County seat and one of Florida most charming small cities — a historic downtown anchored by Stetson University, lined with century-old oaks, and positioned midway between Daytona Beach and Orlando. Affordable by any Florida standard, DeLand has gained national recognition as one of America best small towns while maintaining home prices that feel like a different era.
DeLand sits at an inland Volusia County crossroads — 25 miles from Daytona Beach, 25 miles from New Smyrna Beach, and 50 miles from Orlando. This central position, combined with a genuinely beautiful historic downtown and Stetson University campus, has made DeLand increasingly attractive to remote workers, retirees, and families seeking Florida authenticity at affordable prices.
Home prices in DeLand range from $220,000 for older properties to $500,000+ for newer construction and lakefront properties. The median home price is approximately $300,000 — well below the Orlando and Daytona Beach metro medians. Downtown DeLand bungalows and craftsman homes in the historic district are particularly sought after, typically $280,000-$480,000 depending on condition and location.
~$300K
Median Home Price
25mi
From Daytona & NSB
Stetson
University City
Historic
Downtown District
Why DeLand
What Makes DeLand Stand Out
Historic Downtown
Repeatedly named one of America best main streets — independent restaurants, art galleries, craft breweries, and specialty shops in beautifully preserved Victorian commercial buildings. Walkable, charming, and genuine. Not a manufactured town center — DeLand built this over 140 years.
Stetson University
Florida oldest private university anchors DeLand — a beautiful campus with 4,000+ students that brings cultural programming, faculty housing demand, and a collegiate energy that enriches the downtown corridor. Stetson School of Law also provides a legal community that adds professional character.
Skydiving Capital
DeLand Airport hosts Skydive DeLand — one of America most acclaimed skydiving facilities, attracting world-class skydivers and contributing to an adventurous lifestyle identity unique among Florida small cities.
Dual Beach Access
DeLand is equidistant from Daytona Beach (Atlantic) and New Smyrna Beach (Atlantic) — each about 25 miles. This dual beach access makes DeLand genuinely flexible for residents who want beach lifestyle without paying beach prices or full-time coastal living.
For Buyers
DeLand Buyer Profile
DeLand attracts a distinctive buyer mix: remote workers who discovered it during the pandemic and never left, retirees who want small-town character without coastal prices, Stetson faculty and staff, and young buyers priced out of the Orlando and Daytona Beach markets. The historic district bungalows are particularly sought after — buyers who find the right property are often competing with multiple offers despite DeLand lower profile. Starting your DeLand property search with a BKRS agent who tracks the market gives you a meaningful advantage in a market where good properties move quickly.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do homes cost in DeLand, FL?
DeLand home prices range from approximately $220,000 for older properties to $500,000+ for newer construction and lakefront homes. The median is approximately $300,000. Historic downtown bungalows in good condition run $280,000-$480,000. DeLand is significantly more affordable than Orlando, Daytona Beach, or New Smyrna Beach.
Is DeLand FL a good place to live?
DeLand is consistently recognized as one of America best small towns — a genuine historic downtown, Stetson University cultural programming, dual beach access, and strong community identity. It scores well for walkability (for a Florida city), authenticity, and value. Trade-offs: limited major employer base, longer commutes to Orlando or Daytona Beach for most jobs.
What is DeLand FL known for?
DeLand is known for its award-winning historic downtown on Woodland Boulevard, Stetson University (Florida oldest private university), Skydive DeLand, the Gillespie Museum, and proximity to Blue Spring State Park (a major manatee wintering habitat on the St. Johns River). It has been named one of America best main streets multiple times.
How far is DeLand from Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach?
DeLand is approximately 25 miles west of Daytona Beach (25-35 minutes via US-92) and approximately 25 miles west-northwest of New Smyrna Beach (30-40 minutes via SR-44). Both beach access routes are straightforward day trips. DeLand central position between two beaches is a major lifestyle advantage.
Is DeLand FL good for remote workers?
DeLand has become a popular remote worker discovery market — affordable homes, beautiful downtown, coffee culture, Stetson campus energy, and dual beach access create a lifestyle quality that rivals markets costing twice as much. Broadband infrastructure has improved significantly. The challenge is limited local professional networking outside of education and legal sectors.
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Fair Housing Notice: BKRS.com is committed to the Fair Housing Act. All information is provided for general informational purposes only. Consult licensed professionals before making any real estate decision.