Retiring in Florida is the dream for thousands of Americans, and many are lucky enough to do it every year. Thanks to its proximity to beautiful beaches, stunning state parks, and downtown Orlando, it’s no surprise that living in DeLand, Florida is such a popular choice for retirement.
One of the best things about living in DeLand is the close proximity to all of the great things Florida has to offer. However, the city is still quiet. It’s not overrun with tourists and it still maintains its small-town vibe. DeLand is a very livable, safe small-town community, and it also has one of the best main streets in all of America. Best of all, it’s surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re planning to build your own custom home.
Spending your retirement in DeLand truly can’t be beaten. Here are our three favorite ways to spend our time in the area:
1. Relax On The Beach
Want easy access to the beach, but don’t want to deal with heavy traffic and tourists on a daily basis? The Atlantic Coast is just about a half-hour away. Having the option to jump in the car and head to the beach at a moment’s notice is just one of the many things local residents love about living in DeLand.
Head to Daytona Beach and spend a day relaxing on the beach under an umbrella. Or, take a walk on the famous boardwalk, and then enjoy dinner at some of the best seafood restaurants in the state. If you’re a NASCAR fan, you even catch a race at the Daytona International Speedway.
Looking for something a little quieter? Just a few miles north you’ll find Ormond Beach, where the scene is a little more easygoing and less crowded.
People from all over the world travel to these two beaches, but retirees living in DeLand have them both in their own backyard.
2. Play A Round Of Golf
There are few better places for golf lovers to live than Florida. Truly a golfer’s paradise, the state has an endless number of beautiful courses. Because Central Florida sees sun and warm weather all year long, golf is an activity that can be enjoyed any month of the year. Below is a quick list of some of the best golf courses within driving distance of DeLand:
Top Golf Courses In And Around DeLand
- The Deltona Club
Just south of DeLand is The Deltona Club. Designed by famous architect Bobby Weed, this course won the 20th Best Public Course award in 2013 by Golf Week Magazine. - Glen Abby Golf Club
On the outskirts of town, you’ll find Glen Abby Golf Club. The club hosts a number of leagues and has a pro shop and restaurant on site. - Victoria Hills Golf Club
This beautiful 18-hole golf course is just 10 minutes south of DeLand. After playing, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at Sparrow’s Grille. - DeBary Golf & Country Club
A popular area course and wedding venue, DeBary Golf Course has some beautiful scenery. It’s a great place to play a round of golf, have dinner, or spend time with friends and family.
Top Golf Courses In Daytona Beach (30 minutes away)
- Daytona Beach Golf Club
This 36-hole course designed by Ronald Ross is one of the best public courses in Florida. Enjoy the scenery of tall Florida Oaks and the water. - Pelican Bay Golf Club
This challenging, yet competitive championship Daytona golf course formerly hosted 2 Senior PGA events. All ages and skill levels are welcome. - Riviera Country Club
Just north of Ormond Beach is Riviera Country Club where you can enjoy 18-holes of beautifully maintained golf in a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Visit Some Beautiful State Parks
Florida is home to 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, and some of the best ones are actually located in and around DeLand. If you enjoy hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, picnicking, or any other outdoor activities, there couldn’t be a better place to live. You can spend so much time exploring new parks — there is always something new to see. Below are some of the most popular state parks within a short drive of DeLand.
- Blue Spring State Park
Just 8 miles south of downtown DeLand is one of Florida’s best state parks. Blue Spring State Park offers amazing views, hiking trails, and gorgeous views of the St. Johns River. What really makes Blue Spring alluring is the more than 500 manatees that call the park home. The average water temperature is 72 degrees, so it’s also a great place for a swim. - De Leon Springs State Park
Head 9 miles northwest and you’ll find De Leon Springs State Park. Another great warm water swimming park, enjoy 625 acres of woods and water. This park also has some of the most scenic hiking trails in the area. - Tomoka State Park
Just a short drive away near Ormond Beach is Tomoka State Park. Located right on the Tomoka river, it’s one of the most popular boating, canoeing, and fishing areas in the entire state. This park features over 160 different species of birds. - North Peninsula State Park
This beautiful landscape is just north of Ormond Beach and features just the right mix of sandy beaches and beautiful coastal marshlands. It’s a great place to relax on the beach, surf, fish, or swim in the Atlantic Ocean. - Bulow Creek State Park
If you love history, you’ll want to check out the 150 acres of sugar plantation ruins at this historical state park. Start your day with a self-guided tour of the ruins. Then, you can also hike some beautiful trails, or hit the water in a kayak or canoe.
If you love relaxing outdoors and enjoying warm weather all year long, there couldn’t be a better place to retire than Central Florida. To make things even better, Florida offers a number of financial incentives for retirees. There are no state taxes on social security benefits, pensions, or 401K income. It also doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax.
If you’re planning to retire in Florida, make sure to put the city of DeLand at the top of your list. It has the small-town charm but offers easy access to some of Florida’s greatest amenities.
Don’t forget, building a custom home is a great way to create exactly what you need to be comfortable in your retirement. Contact us at Atlas Homes! We specialize in single-story, single-family homes that are perfect for any stage in life. Our team would be happy to help you build your retirement home.