If you’re thinking about moving to the area and want sun-soaked beaches, a relaxed coastal pace, and strong community roots—without sacrificing convenience—Ormond Beach, Florida deserves a spot at the top of your list. Nestled just north of Daytona Beach along the Halifax River and the Atlantic, Ormond Beach blends small-town warmth with big-time amenities. From the scenic Ormond Loop to family-friendly parks, vibrant events, and a robust mix of neighborhoods, this city offers a lot of value for homebuyers, sellers, and investors alike.
As a local real estate professional with Shoreline Realty, Matthew McLean helps newcomers and long-time residents navigate the market with confidence. Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a vacation home, or ready to invest, Matthew knows the nuances of each neighborhood, how to structure winning offers in today’s market, and which hidden-gem properties fit your goals.
Below, you’ll find an in-depth guide to moving to the area in Ormond Beach—covering neighborhoods, schools, lifestyle, costs, commuting, and what to expect—all tailored to help you make a clear and confident decision.
What Makes Ormond Beach Special
Ormond Beach is known for its mix of scenic beauty and everyday convenience. You’ll find:
- The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail: A breathtaking drive and cycling route lined with live oaks, marshes, and glimpses of the Halifax River and Tomoka River—perfect for nature lovers.
- Beaches for every mood: From the quiet, coquina-sand stretches in Ormond-by-the-Sea to family-friendly spots like Andy Romano Beachfront Park, beach days are part of your routine here.
- Rich local culture: The Casements (John D. Rockefeller’s winter home), the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, and Rockefeller Gardens along the river anchor a year-round calendar of arts, festivals, and community events.
- Access and ease: With I-95, US-1, and SR-40 (Granada Boulevard) running through the heart of the city, commuting, shopping, and weekend getaways are straightforward.
If moving to the area means balancing calm living with plenty to do, Ormond Beach checks the boxes.
Where to Live: Neighborhoods and Vibes
Every move begins with finding the right neighborhood fit. In Ormond Beach, you can choose from beachside communities, established mainland enclaves with tree-lined streets, and newer master-planned areas with amenities.
- Ormond Beachside (east of the Halifax River): Close to the ocean, with a mix of condos and single-family homes. Walk or bike to the beach, hear the waves at night, and enjoy local eateries along A1A. Popular parks include Andy Romano Beachfront Park and Birthplace of Speed Park.
- Ormond-by-the-Sea: A quieter, largely residential stretch north of the city along A1A with a no-drive beach and distinctive coquina rock formations. Great for those seeking a slower pace and salt-air living.
- The Trails and Tomoka Oaks: Established mainland neighborhoods near The Trails Shopping Center. Expect larger lots, mature trees, and easy access to everyday errands. Many residents love the walkability and community feel.
- Breakaway Trails and Hunters Ridge: Gated and planned communities on the west side of town, offering amenities like pools, tennis, trails, and community events—ideal if you want newer homes and a neighborhood social scene.
- Ormond Lakes and Northbrook: Known for peaceful streets and proximity to major roads without feeling busy. Often appealing for families and retirees alike.
- Plantation Bay and Halifax Plantation: Golf and country club communities on the northern edge with a range of price points, amenities, and social calendars for active lifestyles.
- Oceanside Country Club area: Centrally located near Granada Boulevard and the beach, with a mix of classic coastal homes and proximity to clubs and dining.
Not sure which part of town fits your lifestyle? This is where working with an experienced local agent like Matthew McLean pays off. He’ll match your daily routine, budget, and wish list to the right pockets of Ormond Beach, avoiding common relocation missteps.
Housing and Market Snapshot
Moving to the area often means comparing prices and property types. Ormond Beach offers:
- Single-family homes: From mid-century houses in established neighborhoods to newer builds in master-planned communities. Typical prices range from the mid-$300,000s to the $500,000s, with premium locations and renovated homes commanding more.
- Condos and townhomes: Attractive options for low-maintenance living near the beach or along the Halifax River. Entry-level condos can start in the upper-$200,000s, with upscale oceanfront or riverfront residences priced higher.
- Luxury and waterfront: Oceanfront or riverfront estates and luxury condos can range from the high $700,000s to $1 million-plus, depending on size, views, and finishes.
- Investment properties: Duplexes, small multifamily buildings, and seasonal rentals exist in select areas. Zoning and rental regulations vary, so consult a local expert to understand what’s permitted.
Market conditions can shift with seasonality and interest rates. Matthew’s on-the-ground insight—like how to time your offer, which listings are overpriced, and who’s motivated to sell—helps you navigate with precision.
Schools and Education
Families moving to the area often put schools at the top of their list. Ormond Beach is part of Volusia County Schools and includes a range of well-regarded options:
- Elementary: Ormond Beach Elementary, Pine Trail Elementary, Tomoka Elementary, and Pathways Elementary serve various parts of the city.
- Middle: Ormond Beach Middle School is centrally located and draws students from surrounding neighborhoods.
- High: Many Ormond Beach addresses are zoned for Seabreeze High School in nearby Daytona Beach; zoning can vary by neighborhood.
Private and parochial options include St. Brendan Catholic School and other independent institutions in the greater area. For higher education, Daytona State College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are a short drive away, supporting a local workforce in healthcare, aviation, and technology.
Before buying, verify school zoning and transportation options. Matthew and Shoreline Realty will help you confirm the most current school assignments for specific addresses.
Commuting and Transportation
One of the perks of moving to the area in Ormond Beach is convenience:
- Major roads: I-95, US-1, and SR-40 (Granada Boulevard) connect you to Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and Orlando.
- Airports: Daytona Beach International Airport is the closest, with larger hubs in Orlando and Sanford within reasonable driving distance.
- Local transit: Votran provides regional bus service throughout Volusia County.
- Biking and walking: Many neighborhoods offer sidewalks, trails, and parks, and the Granada Bridge is popular with runners and cyclists for sunrise and sunset workouts.
Compared to larger metros, commute times are generally manageable, and quick beach access is part of the lifestyle.
Lifestyle: Beaches, Parks, Dining, and Events
Ormond Beach is more than a place to live—it’s a community with a rich calendar and excellent outdoor options.
- Beaches: Enjoy family-friendly access at Andy Romano Beachfront Park, explore the quieter sands of Ormond-by-the-Sea, or watch surfers from the shore on breezy days.
- Parks and nature: Tomoka State Park is a local treasure for kayaking, birding, and picnics along the Tomoka River. Central Park’s interconnected lakes offer trails and playgrounds. Cassen Park features a fishing pier and boat access to the Halifax.
- Arts and culture: Visit the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens and stroll Rockefeller Gardens along the river. The Casements hosts classes, tours, and community events year-round.
- Events: The Ormond Beach Celtic Festival, art walks, riverfront concerts, and seasonal celebrations bring the community together. Proximity to Daytona means easy access to marquee events like the Daytona 500 and Biketoberfest—without the constant bustle.
- Dining and shopping: Granada Boulevard is the city’s dining corridor, with local cafes, seafood, and upscale casual spots. The Trails Shopping Center and boutique shops beachside make daily errands and date nights easy.
If your version of moving to the area means sunrise beach walks, weekend markets, and a strong sense of place, you’ll feel at home quickly.
Cost of Living, Taxes, Insurance, and Utilities
Florida-friendly tax policies and reasonable everyday costs are part of Ormond Beach’s appeal, but it’s smart to plan for coastal ownership realities.
- No state income tax: A major plus for W-2 earners, remote workers, and retirees.
- Property taxes: Rates vary by property and exemptions. Florida’s Homestead Exemption can reduce taxable value on a primary residence, and the Save Our Homes assessment cap limits annual increases for homesteaded properties.
- Home insurance: Wind and storm coverage can be a significant line item near the coast. Ask about wind mitigation credits, roof age, and elevation certificates. Matthew can recommend trusted local insurance agents who understand Volusia County’s nuances.
- Flood zones: Properties near the Halifax River or ocean may sit in designated flood zones. Understanding AE and VE zones, lender requirements, and elevation data will help you budget and assess risk.
- Utilities and services: Florida Power & Light (FPL) provides electricity. The City of Ormond Beach handles water, sewer, and trash for most addresses. Internet options typically include Spectrum and AT&T. Most residents set up service before move-in to avoid delays.
When you’re moving to the area from out of state, a local guide to these logistics prevents surprises. Shoreline Realty offers a curated vendor list—from insurance and inspectors to movers and contractors—to streamline your transition.
Weather, Seasons, and Storm Readiness
Ormond Beach enjoys mild winters, warm springs and falls, and hot, humid summers perfect for beach and pool time. Afternoon sea breezes offer relief, and winters are ideal for outdoor festivals and patio dining.
Hurricane season runs from June through November. Practical steps:
- Choose homes with newer roofs, impact-rated windows, or shutters.
- Review flood zone maps and consider flood insurance when applicable.
- Keep a storm kit and know your evacuation zone, even if you don’t expect to use it.
- If you’re buying a condo, ask about reserve funds, building maintenance history, and protective features.
Matthew can evaluate listings with these factors in mind so your coastal lifestyle is as resilient as it is enjoyable.
A Practical Checklist for Moving to the Area
Make your Ormond Beach relocation smoother with this step-by-step plan:
- Clarify your priorities: Beachside vs. mainland, school zones, commute time, yard size, HOA vs. no HOA.
- Get pre-approved: A local lender familiar with coastal underwriting helps you move quickly in competitive situations.
- Tour strategically: Schedule in-person or virtual tours. Matthew offers video walk-throughs for out-of-state buyers.
- Analyze total cost: Factor insurance, HOAs, utilities, and potential upgrades into your monthly budget.
- Inspect thoroughly: Use inspectors who know coastal construction, roofs, stucco, and wind mitigation.
- Plan your timing: Many families move between late spring and early fall; winter can offer cooler moving weather and less humidity.
- Set up services: Arrange utilities, internet, and mail forwarding before closing. Explore local gym memberships, beach passes, and pet licensing if needed.
- Finalize Florida residency: Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration, register to vote, and apply for Homestead by the deadline if the home is your primary residence.
How Shoreline Realty—and Matthew McLean—Make Relocation Easy
Choosing the right agent matters when you’re moving to the area. With deep roots in Ormond Beach and Volusia County, Matthew McLean at Shoreline Realty offers:
- Hyper-local neighborhood knowledge: From Breakaway Trails to Ormond-by-the-Sea, Matthew explains micro-market differences, school zoning, and lifestyle trade-offs.
- Data-backed pricing and negotiations: He pairs market stats with on-the-ground insights to price strategically and negotiate confidently—especially important in changing interest rate environments.
- Off-market opportunities: Through local relationships, Matthew often hears about homes before they hit the open market.
- End-to-end concierge: Need contractors, inspectors, insurers, movers, or designers? You’ll get introductions to trusted local pros who show up and do the job right.
- Out-of-state buyer support: Virtual tours, digital signatures, remote closings, and consistent communication keep your purchase on track, even from hundreds of miles away.
- Post-close guidance: From setting up services to navigating HOA rules and finding your new favorite coffee shop, Matthew’s support doesn’t end at the closing table.
If you want a smooth, stress-reduced experience that’s tailored to your goals, work with a local who lives and breathes Ormond Beach real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to the Area in Ormond Beach
- Is Ormond Beach family-friendly? Yes. You’ll find excellent parks, a strong community atmosphere, and numerous youth programs. Many neighborhoods have sidewalks, playgrounds, and easy access to beaches and schools.
- How’s the beach access? There are multiple public access points along A1A, including amenities like showers, restrooms, and lifeguards in designated areas. Ormond-by-the-Sea features a no-drive beach for a quieter experience.
- What industries are nearby? Healthcare, education, hospitality, logistics, and aerospace all have a presence in the greater Daytona area. Proximity to Daytona Beach International Airport and the I-95 corridor supports regional employment.
- When is the best time to move? Fall and winter offer comfortable weather and lighter humidity. Families often target early summer to align with school schedules.
- Can I find a walkable lifestyle? Yes—especially beachside and near Granada Boulevard, where dining and shops are close. For suburban comfort with amenities, consider communities like The Trails, Breakaway Trails, and Halifax Plantation.
Ready to Start Moving to the Area? Let’s Talk
Ormond Beach delivers the Florida coastal lifestyle with a welcoming, community-first feel. Whether you’re beachbound, seeking a golf community, or prioritizing schools and convenience, there’s a neighborhood that fits—and a seasoned guide to help you find it.
When you’re ready to take the next step in moving to the area, reach out to Matthew McLean at Shoreline Realty. From first conversation to keys in hand, you’ll get expert guidance, clear communication, and a plan tailored to your goals in Ormond Beach, Florida.
