Daytona Beach, located on the east coast of Florida, is a desirable destination for both tourists and homebuyers alike. With its beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that the city’s real estate market is thriving.
Market Trends
The Daytona Beach real estate market has seen consistent growth in recent years, with home values increasing by over 10% in the past year alone. This growth is expected to continue, as the city’s population continues to grow, and demand for housing remains high. Despite this growth, however, Daytona Beach remains more affordable than other popular Florida cities, making it an attractive option for homebuyers.
Property Types
Daytona Beach offers a variety of property types to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Beachfront properties, such as condos and homes, are popular choices for those seeking a waterfront lifestyle, while inland properties offer more affordable options. The city also has many new construction developments, offering modern amenities and energy-efficient features. Additionally, there are many vacation rental properties available, making Daytona Beach an attractive location for investors.
Investment Opportunities
Daytona Beach’s thriving real estate market makes it a great place for investors looking to build wealth through property ownership. The city’s growing population and strong rental demand create a favorable environment for landlords, while the city’s tourism industry provides a steady stream of vacation rental income. Additionally, many new developments offer opportunities for pre-construction investments, allowing investors to purchase properties at a discount before they are even built.
History
One of the most significant events in Daytona Beach’s history was the establishment of the Daytona International Speedway in 1959. This iconic racetrack has hosted many of the world’s most famous auto races, including the Daytona 500, and has helped cement Daytona Beach’s reputation as a hub for automobile racing.
Another notable event in Daytona Beach’s history was the 1986 dedication of the Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The ballpark is named after the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in professional baseball in 1947. Robinson played in Daytona Beach in the 1940s during spring training, and the ballpark now serves as a tribute to his legacy.
Daytona Beach also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1960s, the city was the site of several important protests and demonstrations, including a 1961 sit-in at a local Woolworth’s store that helped catalyze the movement in the South.
Head to the Beach
1. Beaches
Daytona Beach’s most famous beach is, of course, Daytona Beach itself. This beach is known for its hard-packed sand, which makes it ideal for driving on. In fact, driving on the beach is one of the most popular activities in Daytona Beach, with visitors and locals alike cruising up and down the shoreline. Other popular beaches in the area include New Smyrna Beach, which is known for its surfing, and Ormond Beach, which offers a quieter, more secluded experience.
2. Water Activities
In addition to beach activities, Daytona Beach is home to many water-based activities. Surfing is particularly popular, with surfers coming from around the world to catch waves at the city’s many beaches. The area is also known for its great fishing opportunities, with both offshore and inshore options available. For those looking for a more adrenaline-fueled experience, jet skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding are all popular activities. And for those who prefer a more leisurely experience, paddleboarding and kayaking are great options.
3. Daytona Beach Pier
The Daytona Beach Pier is one of the city’s most popular attractions, offering a variety of activities for visitors. At the pier, visitors can fish, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or simply take in the views of the ocean. The pier is also home to several amusement park rides, including a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel, making it a great destination for families.
Attractions and Entertainment
1. Daytona International Speedway
The Daytona International Speedway is one of the city’s most famous attractions, drawing visitors from around the world for its thrilling auto races. The speedway hosts several major events throughout the year, including the Daytona 500, which is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious races in the world. In addition to auto racing, the speedway also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
2. Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier is another popular attraction, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. At the boardwalk, visitors can enjoy amusement park rides, carnival games, and a variety of restaurants and shops. The pier is a great spot for fishing or simply taking in the stunning views of the ocean.
3. Daytona Lagoon Waterpark
For those looking for a fun day in the sun, the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark is a great option. The park offers a variety of water slides, wave pools, and other attractions, as well as mini-golf, laser tag, and a variety of other activities.
4. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a historic landmark and popular tourist attraction in Daytona Beach. The lighthouse, which was built in 1887, offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its observation deck. The museum features exhibits on the history of the area, as well as artifacts and displays related to the lighthouse.
5. Daytona Beach Bandshell
The Daytona Beach Bandshell is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. The venue is located right on the beach, offering stunning views of the ocean and a great atmosphere for live music.
Dining and Shopping
1. Dining
Daytona Beach is known for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants in the area that offer delicious seafood dishes. Some of the top seafood restaurants in the area include Joe’s Crab Shack, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Aunt Catfish’s on the River. In addition to seafood, there are also plenty of other dining options available, including Italian, Mexican, and American cuisine.
2. Shopping
Daytona Beach is home to several shopping destinations, including the Tanger Outlets, which offer a wide variety of designer and name-brand stores. The Volusia Mall is another popular shopping destination, with more than 100 stores and restaurants. For those looking for a more unique shopping experience, the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach offer a variety of boutique shops and galleries, as well as a farmers’ market on Saturdays.
3. Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also a great destination for shopping and dining. At the boardwalk, visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants, including seafood, pizza, and ice cream shops. The boardwalk also features several souvenir shops and beach gear stores.
4. Beach Street
Beach Street is a historic district in Daytona Beach that offers a variety of shopping and dining options. The area features several boutiques and specialty shops, as well as a variety of restaurants offering everything from pizza to sushi.
Events and festivals
1. Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a NASCAR Cup Series race held every February at the Daytona International Speedway. It is one of the most prestigious races in the world of motorsports and attracts thousands of fans from all over the world.
2. Daytona Beach Bike Week
Daytona Beach Bike Week is a 10-day event held in March that celebrates all things motorcycle-related. The event features motorcycle shows, concerts, and races, as well as vendors selling motorcycle gear and accessories.
3. Daytona Beach Reggae Festival
The Daytona Beach Reggae Festival is a two-day event held in May that celebrates reggae music and culture. The festival features live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors.
4. Halifax Art Festival
The Halifax Art Festival is a two-day event held in November that showcases the work of more than 250 artists from around the country. The festival also features live music, food vendors, and a student art competition.
Daytona Beach, Florida offers a wide range of attractions and opportunities for both visitors and locals. From its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities to its motorsports culture and rich history, there is always something to explore and enjoy in this vibrant city. With its affordable living costs and growing economy, it’s no wonder why Daytona Beach is considered a nice place to visit and live.