DeLand, FL is the county seat of Volusia County and one of Central Florida's most exciting locations for active-adult living. The city has a strong historic element (one claim to fame is that it was the first city in Florida to have electricity) and suburban feel. But it has plenty of modern conveniences too, as well as a thriving downtown with all sorts of independent shopping, dining, and entertainment options. 

If you're looking for a new or second home that gives you easy access to the endless active-adult lifestyle offerings of Central Florida, definitely investigate DeLand further. When you live here, you're so close to world-famous beaches, some of Florida's most amazing state parks and springs, Orlando and its theme parks and resorts, and lots more. 

Check out the basic information about DeLand below. It'll help you decide whether this city deserves a closer look as you search for that perfect Central Florida home for your 55+ years. 

  • DeLand is nearly 19 square miles and has a population of almost 30,000
  • A little more than 40 percent of residents are 45 and older
  • The median home value in the city is $144,600 as of mid-2016; it's risen 8.4 percent in the past year
  • It's a half-hour drive from DeLand to Daytona Beach and 40 minutes to Orlando; it's also just over an hour to The Villages and just over two hours to Tampa
  • A number of small cities—perfect for day trips or weekend getaways—are close by, such as St. Augustine, Gainesville, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Sanford, Winter Park, Mount Dora, Tavares, Winter Garden, Lakeland, and others
  • DeLand sits along Central Florida's major thoroughfare, the I-4 corridor, which extends from Daytona Beach southwest to Tampa; it's also convenient to I-95 and other major roads
  • There's an Amtrak station in town
  • Stetson University, a small, renowned private university with a beautiful campus is right next to the downtown main street area
  • Many of the state's most beloved springs, state parks, campgrounds, and other nature destinations are nearby, including DeLeon Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Hontoon Island State Park, Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Ocala National Forest, and many others
  • Downtown's main street district has a microbrewery, wine bars, and coffee shops; live music venues; unique craft, clothing, music, book, and other retail stores; diverse high-quality restaurants; and more, all within several pedestrian-friendly blocks
  • The historic Athens Theatre located downtown is a great place to catch show
  • The Museum of Art DeLand and the Stetson Mansion are just two other local cultural attractions
  • If you've always wanted to try skydiving, Skydive DeLand is one of the state's most popular places to do so

Photo Credits: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock.com