They call DeLand, Florida, the Athens of America, and for good reason, too. Its famed Athens Theater reflects ancient Greek Architecture—as do many of the historic residences that date all the way back to the late nineteenth century. Many of these monuments are perfectly placed in heritage neighborhoods like New York Avenue.
Downtown DeLand’s Woodland Boulevard is a delightful area, as well. It entertains both tourists and locals alike and also boasts a booming film industry.
Most importantly, there’s something else booming in DeLand. Spoiler alert: It’s this area’s residential property market.
DeLand Florida Real Estate: Great Location for Any Age
This hidden gem is a small city of 31,000 square miles located an hour drive northeast of greater Orlando. DeLand is the seat of Volusia County. It’s inland from the following sister coastal cities:
DeLand is a wonderful location to raise families, advance a career, or leisurely retire.
Did you know that this city is named after its founder, Henry Addison DeLand, a New York entrepreneur and land developer? Henry DeLand founded this Central Florida location because it was so well suited for citrus groves, as well as an excellent recreational area.
He began promoting and selling DeLand properties in 1876, and it became the first city in Florida to have electricity.
DeLand Florida Real Estate: Best Attractions and Activities
Florida hit a land boom in the 1920s, and DeLand was in the right position to prosper. Many DeLand heritage homes date back nearly a hundred years and stand testament to tasteful architecture and outstanding landscapes.
Historic homes from the Mediterranean Revival period proudly stand among majestic boulevard trees. In today’s hot DeLand real estate market, they’re highly desirable.
As a Mecca for shoppers and diners, it’s also a central point for a myriad of parks and outdoor recreational activities far and wide. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and DeLeon Hot Springs are two main attractions. DeLand also attracts “something from above.” What we mean is it’s the skydiving capital of America and employs nearly 500 people in this daredevil sport.
Playing host to numerous cultural and academic facilities, DeLand is home to Stetson University—named after the wealthy Philadelphia hat maker—which is a major education center that maintains highly-competitive women’s and men’s basketball teams.
The DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts is a major state attraction, too, as is the Mardi Gras on Mainstreet Dog Parade. Thousands flock to see this furry, four-legged show.
DeLand Florida Homes for Sale
DeLand is also a gem for residential property investors. Zillow reports the average home cost in DeLand at $267,892. House values climbed 19.4% over the past year and show no sign of slowing down. That’s far better housing value than in greater Orlando or the coastal counterparts of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach.
Although considered an Orlando suburb, DeLand is far enough out to create a small city appeal. But it’s close enough to enjoy Orlando amenities and allow a workable commute. Many consider DeLand the perfect compromise for raising a family or letting distant family members visit their retirement home.
No wonder this area is experiencing phenomenal growth and delivering excellent real estate investment value.
Thinking of Investing in DeLand Real Estate?
If DeLand sounds like the perfect property investment gem for you, we’re more than happy to help.
As a full service licensed real estate brokerage company, and an experienced real estate and property management company, our services extend into DeLand, which means we can help you buy, sell, or rent your property.
Ready to call DeLand your new home? Contact us to learn how we can help!
