Every winter, Florida becomes a haven for snowbirds who are looking to escape the chilly winters up north. Once spring arrives, they pack up and head back to their northern homes until the chilly weather returns, and then they do it all again. This cycle of migration works for some. But for others, it can become old after a while, and they decide to take the leap and stay in Florida. And one of the places on the top of their list for buying a home is DeLand.
Here are the top five things that snowbirds love enough about DeLand to move here.
#1. DeLand is One of the Best Florida Cities to Live In
DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County, but don’t let that fool you. It is still considered a smaller town with a population of just over 30,000 people. But while it is a smaller town, it has plenty to offer and has the honor of being listed as one of “The South’s Best Small Towns” by Southern Living Magazine.
The median home price in DeLand is around $250,000, which makes buying a home here more affordable than in bigger Florida cities. There is a lower cost of living and the average age of most single-family homes is around 30 years old. DeLand is unique in that it offers various neighborhoods that are attractive to different age groups, such as families or retirees.
What makes it even more attractive is that it is situated in between Orlando and Daytona with each being 30 to 60 minutes away. This means close access to healthcare and plenty of activities that you would find in larger cities without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of living in one. DeLand is just off of I-4 and the nearest airport is Orlando Sanford (SFB), but Daytona and Orlando International airports are not too far away. Amtrak also offers a daily train from Tampa, too.
#2. Great Weather and Endless Sunshine in DeLand Year-Round
Snowbirds flock to Florida each year to enjoy the great weather and endless sunshine. This is what snowbirds love about DeLand and leads to them buying a home here. The average temperatures throughout the year range between 48 to 91 degrees.
A big part of the appeal of DeLand’s climate is that the winters are short, and the temperatures rarely drop below 34 degrees. Springtime and fall are beautiful in DeLand and are the best times for getting outside for warm-weather fun. Yes, the summers can get hot, but the temperatures rarely go above 95 degrees, and remember, you are in Florida so there is always air conditioning wherever you go and, of course, pools and beaches galore!
#3. DeLand’s Quaint Downtown
Part of DeLand’s claim to fame is its quaint downtown area that has won acclaim for the city as an award-winning Main Street community through the National Main Street Center organization. The downtown area is known for its “old Florida charm.” Lined with historic buildings, Downtown DeLand features:
- Numerous independently and locally owned shops
- Independently owned coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants with a variety of cuisines
- Amazing public art, including the DeLand Mural Walk, Sculpture Walk, and Miniature Art Adventure
- History galore with the Stetson Mansion and museums like the Museum of Art and African American Museum of Art
- Numerous spas, salons, and wellness facilities for indulging in self-care
- Unlike some small towns, the streets do not rollup at sundown downtown and a lively nightlife can be found
#4. DeLand’s Close Proximity to Beaches
Florida isn’t called the “Sunshine State” for nothing. The first things that come to many people’s minds when they think about Florida are fun in the sun and beaches. Living in DeLand puts you within 30 minutes of the world-famous Daytona Beach. This makes going to the beach whenever you want very convenient and accessible, especially when entertaining out-of-town family and friends who want to experience Florida’s natural treasures.
#5. There is Always Something to Do in or Near DeLand
People who live in DeLand have so many options of things to do in or near DeLand. There are plenty of parks and recreational programs available to get out and enjoy nature, whether you enjoy hiking, walking, cycling, fishing, or playing golf. You can always enjoy the history that DeLand has to offer or take in a show at the historic Athens Theatre, too.
If your family enjoys the excitement of theme parks when visiting, DeLand is only an hour north of Orlando. This makes it easy to enjoy a day at one of the various theme parks that Orlando has to offer. And as a full-time Florida resident, versus being a snowbird, you reap the benefits of a lower cost for your personal theme park tickets.
Seeing is believing! Learn more about why snowbirds keep DeLand at the top of their list for buying a home. Contact Palmetto Realty to speak with one of our experienced real estate agents that can tell you all about the things to love about living here in DeLand.