Why live in DAYTONA BEACH Florida?
Thanks for reading this blog article – “Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?”. Lubansky & White Realty is dedicated to providing only the best information about the communities we help to sell homes in. Lubansky & White Realty has been selling real estate in Daytona Beach Florida which is part of Volusia County for over 40 years. So enjoy learning about this unique city in Central Florida.
Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?
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.
Located on the east coast of Central Florida in Volusia County, Daytona Beach is internationally known for its racing roots, hosting some of the largest motorsports events in the world including the Daytona 500, also known as the “Great American Race.”
What is Daytona Beach Florida like?
This city is known for its world-famous 23-mile long stretch of white sandy beach allows vehicle driving during daylight hours, and offers nearly every water sport imaginable as well as a lively boardwalk.
Does Daytona Beach Florida have a lot of crime?
If you’re looking for a safe place to spend your vacation or live with your family, look no further than Daytona Beach. The city has very low crime rates, and in recent years there have been much fewer violent crimes than in other cities its size. The beachside is relatively safe, with lifeguards on duty all year round.
How far is Daytona Beach Florida from Orlando?
Daytona Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the planet. But how far is Daytona Beach from Orlando? It’s only 55 miles away, which means it will take you less than an hour to get there.
City of Daytona Beach History – Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?
Influential visitors have been flocking to the Greater Daytona Beach area for centuries, and their contributions live on for all to enjoy! The area where Daytona Beach is located was once inhabited by the indigenous Timucuan Indians who lived in fortified villages. The Timucuas became extinct as a racial entity through assimilation and attrition during the 18th century. The Seminole Indians, descendants of Creek Indians from Georgia and Alabama, frequented the area prior to the Second Seminole War.
During the era of British rule of Florida between 1763 and 1783, the King’s Road passed through present-day Daytona Beach. The road extended from Saint Augustine, the capital of East Florida, to Andrew Turnbull’s experimental colony in New Smyrna. In 1804 Samuel Williams received a land grant of 3,000 acres from the Spanish Crown, which had regained Florida from the British after the American Revolutionary War.
This land grant encompassed the area that would become Daytona Beach. Williams built a plantation to grow cotton, rice, and sugar cane. His son Samuel Hill Williams would abandon the plantation during the Second Seminole War when the Seminoles burned it to the ground.
The area now known as the Daytona Beach Historical District was once the Orange Grove Plantation, a citrus and sugar cane plantation granted to Samuel Williams in 1787. The plantation was situated on the west bank of the tidal channel known as the Halifax River, 12 miles north of Mosquito Inlet. Williams was a British loyalist from North Carolina who fled to the Bahamas with his family until the Spanish reopened Florida to non-Spanish immigration.
After his death in 1810, the plantation was run by his family until it was burned down in 1835. In 1871, Mathias Day Jr. of Mansfield, Ohio, purchased the 3,200-acre tract of the former Orange Grove Plantation.
Matthias Day, a wealthy northern tycoon, was so completely enamored with the entire area that he became the founding father of Daytona (now called Daytona Beach) and built its very first hotel in 1874. He built a hotel around which the initial section of town arose. In 1872, due to financial troubles, Day lost the title to his land; nonetheless, residents decided to name the city Daytona in his honor and incorporated the town in 1876.
In 1886, the St. Johns & Halifax River Railway arrived in Daytona. The line would be purchased in 1889 by Henry M. Flagler, who made it part of his Florida East Coast Railway. The separate towns of Daytona, Daytona Beach, Kingston, and Seabreeze merged as “Daytona Beach” in 1926, at the urging of civic leader J. B. Kahn and others. By the 1920s, it was dubbed “The World’s Most Famous Beach”.
Daytona’s wide beach of smooth, compacted sand attracted automobile and motorcycle races beginning in 1902, as pioneers in the industry tested their inventions. It hosted land speed record attempts beginning in 1904 when William K. Vanderbilt set an unofficial record of 92.307 mph (148.554 km/h).
Land speed racers from Barney Oldfield to Henry Segrave to Malcolm Campbell would visit Daytona repeatedly and make the 23-mile beach course famous. Record attempts, including numerous fatal endeavors such as Frank Lockhart (Stutz Black Hawk, 1928) and Lee Bible (Triplex Special, 1929), would continue until Campbell’s March 7, 1935 effort, which set the record at 276.816 mph and marked the end of Daytona’s land speed racing days.
On March 8, 1936, the first stock car race was held on the Daytona Beach Road Course, located in the present-day Town of Ponce Inlet. In 1958, William France Sr. and NASCAR created the Daytona International Speedway to replace the beach course. Automobiles are still permitted on most areas of the beach, at a maximum speed of 10 mph
Famous explorer Ponce de Leon, during his 1513 search for the Fountain of Youth, discovered the now-popular DeLeon Springs, located just west of Daytona Beach. Dr. Andrew Turnbull homesteaded 101,000 acres of land as the New Smyrna colony (now called New Smyrna Beach), just south of Daytona Beach.
Many more entrepreneurs endeavored to bring commerce and vision to the community. Famous philanthropist John D. Rockefeller discovered Ormond Beach’s immaculate golf courses and made his winter home at The Casements. Civil rights leader and educator Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune overcame great obstacles to found the now-called Bethune-Cookman University in 1904. And of course, Bill France founded NASCAR in 1948 and built the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway, in 1959.
What is Daytona Beach’s Recent History?
Today, the Daytona Beach area entertains more than 10 million influential visitors each year! These visitors, who influence friends and family with their vacation stories, come from around the world to relax and enjoy the area’s many treasures, both old and new.
The trend continued with other entrepreneurs endeavoring to build a city of commerce and vision. Commodore Charles Burgoyne began by building a community center in Daytona Beach in the early 1900s. Burgoyne organized concerts along the riverfront actively promoting the town’s events to travelers.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune established a school. Daytona Beach not only inspired those who wanted to test the limits of speed but also those who desired to test the limits of society. Daytona Beach’s role in the history of civil rights is significant.
On March 17, 1946, Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated spring training baseball game with the Montreal Royals, a farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Later he became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. Today, Robinson’s name identifies the stadium, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, in Daytona Beach and a life-size statue of him has been cast at the entrance.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune established a school in 1904 to educate the daughters of African-American workers on the railroads called Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) and was later appointed to government positions by Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Roosevelt, and Harry Truman. Today, students and visitors can learn about her life’s achievements at her former home which is now a museum on the University’s campus. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Gravesite
Automobile racing became a regular pastime along the hard-packed beaches at the turn of the 20th Century. Ormond Beach became known as the “birthplace of speed” due to the various land speed records set there.
In 1947, the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing was founded in Daytona Beach. Motorsports gained new ground in 1959 with the opening of the Daytona International Speedway, which continues to satisfy hundreds of thousands of speed-hungry fans each year.
Today, the Daytona Beach area entertains visitors from around the world who come to relax and recreate on one of the most beautiful, family-friendly beaches in Florida. For more information about the history of the Daytona Beach area, be sure to visit the Halifax Historical Museum located in downtown Daytona Beach.
Why is normal to drive on Daytona Beach? – Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?
During the summer, it’s not uncommon on Volusia County beaches to see a crowd of beachgoers huddled around a car or simply cruising up and down the beach enjoying the nice sea breeze.
Daytona Beach is dubbed the “World’s Most Famous Beach” for a variety of reasons, but mainly for its 23 miles of wide, hard-packed white-sand beaches that welcomed the first automobile and motorcycle races in 1902.
Today, while professional drivers stick to the track at the ‘World Center of Racing’, Daytona International Speedway, visitors still enjoy driving very slowly (10 mph) along Daytona Beach in designated areas, tide permitting.
Beach driving is one of the most popular and iconic activities beachgoers have come to enjoy as part of their Daytona Beach vacation tradition. Take a scenic ride or put your car in park to enjoy a beach day with everything you need just a stone’s throw from your beach towel.
Cars aren’t the only mode of transportation worthy of our breathtaking beaches. You can rent golf carts in Daytona Beach and those traveling on two wheels can have just as much fun. Our white-sand beaches are perfect for an early morning pedal, a relaxing afternoon cruise, or a romantic ride at dusk before a night on the town.
Beach driving is a selective activity that can only be enjoyed in a few areas around the United States and in Florida is limited to the spectacular beaches right here in the Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach areas on Florida’s East Coast.
Beach access points can be found along Florida’s Atlantic Highway, otherwise known as A1A, in the heart of Daytona Beach. Cars are permitted in designated areas of the beach from sunrise to sunset, tidal conditions permitting.
Does Daytona Beach Have Any Parks?
Yes, Parks and recreation
The Daytona Beach area is home to more than 10 beachfront parks that offer families endless oceanfront fun with the convenience of picnic areas and pavilions, restrooms, splash parks, boardwalks for fishing, and playgrounds. Highlights include Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park on opposite sides of Ponce Inlet offering a combined 125 acres of fun with some areas welcoming pets for a walk, run, or a swim.
Topping out at 40 acres in Ormond Beach is Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park with areas for favorite sports – football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Other beachfront parks to choose from include Andy Romano Beachfront Park, Al Weeks Sr. North Shore Park, Frank Rendon Park, Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, Tom Renick Park, Sun Splash Park, and Winterhaven Park.
Daytona Beach Area Dog Parks
No matter your locale, there is a dog park near you: Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, Ormond Beach; Riviera Oaks Dog Park, Holly Hill; Manatee Island Dog Park, Daytona Beach; Lighthouse Point Park & Ponce Inlet Dog Beach and Happy Tails Dog Park, Ponce Inlet; Smyrna Dunes Park, New Smyrna Beach; Barkley Dog Park, DeLand. Be sure to bring doggie bags and fresh water.
Daytona Beach has a Sea Turtle Nesting Season
From May 1 through October 31, the area beaches host an unusual marine visitor – the sea turtle. These magnificent animals emerge from the surf at night to lay their eggs in nests dug into the dry sand, then return to the sea.
And only in a short 2 months later, about a hundred baby turtles (hatchlings) emerge from each of these nests and crawl into the ocean. This amazing cycle of Mother Nature is thousands of years old.
The Daytona Beach and Volusia County governments have taken several steps to protect these gentle creatures and the fragile dune area. Beach driving and parking are prohibited west of an established dune conservation zone and beachfront lighting at night is limited. The tiny hatchlings can be confused by bright lights and stray west onto busy Highway A1A. Which would hurt the overall population of Sea Turtles worldwide.
Youth Activities in Daytona Beach FL
Daytona Beach is an active community with dozens of sports options for children! Daytona Beach has youth team sports leagues like baseball, basketball, and football; as well as individual sports like gymnastics tennis, martial arts plus, and much more. here is a brief list of the organized youth sports available in Daytona Beach Florida.
- Archery and Fencing
- Baseball, Softball, & TBall
- Basketball
- Bowling Leagues
- Cheer
- Boxing and Kickboxing
- Cycling
- Family Sports
- Flag and Tackle Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Health and Fitness – Crossfit
- Hockey and Skating Sports
- Homeschool Sports
- Horseback Riding
- Lacrosse
- Martial Arts and Self Defense
- Ninja and Parkour
- A Variety of Preschool Sports
- Rock Climbing
- Running and Field Sports
- Scuba Diving
- Soccer
- Special Needs Sports
- Specialty Sports – Ultimate Dodgeball
- Swim and Dive Teams
- Swimming Lessons
- Tennis and Racquet Sports
- Tumbling
- Volleyball
- Water Sports
- Wrestling
- Yoga and Pilates
Daytona Beach is an active community with citizens serving on a wide variety of volunteer boards and committees. The City administers a Neighborhood Watch Program, and a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as well as offering presentations on subjects important in the lives of our residents.
What schools are available for children living in the City of Daytona Beach? – Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?
Elementary schools
- Bonner Elementary
- Ortona Elementary
- Champion Elementary
- Palm Terrace Elementary
- R.J. Longstreet Elementary
- Turie T. Small Elementary
- Westside Elementary
Middle schools
- David C. Hinson Middle
- Campbell Middle
High schools
- Seabreeze High
- Mainland High
- Father Lopez Catholic High School
What higher education opportunities are available for DeBary residents?
- Bethune Cookman University
- Daytona State College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Keiser University
- The Airline Academy
- Keiser College
- Phoenix East Aviation
- WyoTech
- University of Central Florida (Daytona campus)
What fun things are there available to do in Daytona Beach Florida?
Daytona Beach is home to the headquarters of the LPGA, NASCAR, IMSA, International Speedway Corporation, in Florida. The Daytona International Speedway hosts the annual 24 Hours of Daytona (Rolex 24 at Daytona) and Daytona 500 races, among other events.
In addition to motorsports, Daytona is also the home of the Daytona Tortugas, a minor league baseball team of the Low-A Southeast who play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark; it was established in 1993 and currently has 6 championships.
Daytona Beach has Golf Courses and Country Clubs too.
- Daytona Beach Golf Course: Two courses, North and South Courses designed in 1922.
- LPGA International: The golf club offers two 18-hole courses, Hills and Jones (originally Legends and Champions).
Daytona Beach has museums and art exhibits as well. – Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?
The Museum of Arts and Sciences is the primary cultural facility for Daytona Beach and Volusia County. Other museums located in the city include the Southeast Museum of Photography and the Halifax Historical Museum.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences is actually a collection of museums and galleries and includes the Klancke Environmental Complex, the Cuban Museum, the Root Family Museum featuring one of the largest Coca-Cola collections in the world, the Dow American Gallery, and the Bouchelle Center for Decorative Arts which together form what is probably one of the finest collections of furniture and decorative arts in the Southeast.
It also includes the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, which houses the largest collection of Florida art in the world. There are also changing exhibitions and a children’s science center opened in 2008. Since 1952, the non-profit Daytona Beach Symphony Society has sponsored performances by U.S. and international orchestras, opera, and dance companies each season at the Peabody Auditorium
Daytona Beach has local business networking for professionals.
- Volusia Building Industry Association
- Daytona Regional. Chamber of Commerce
- Port Orange-South Daytona Chamber of Commerce
- Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce
- Holly Hill Chamber Of Commerce
- Daytona Beach Moose Lodge 1263
- Lions Club of Daytona Beach
- Junior League of Daytona Beach
- Rotary Club of Daytona Beach
Thanks for reading this blog article – “Why live in Daytona Beach Florida?”. We hope we can help you find your perfect dream home in Daytona Beach Florida. Contact us today or check out more about us now.
