Lake Helen is a rural retreat in Central Florida
Lake Helen is a slice of country life in the Sunshine State. Located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Lake Helen was originally envisioned as a winter retreat for New Englanders in the late 1800s with wood cabins, small lakes and citrus groves. Over a century later, more people are discovering and moving to Lake Helen for more land, local wildlife and outdoor activities such as fishing and horseback riding. “It’s known as the gem of Florida,” says June Troy, a 30-year resident and Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty Orlando. “It’s a very small and unique place with lots of amenities that many other small towns don’t have.”
Local lakes, ball fields and equestrian amenities
Lake Helen has several large and small lakes where people can go sailing or rowing. There’s no swimming allowed, but boats with trolling motors can go out and fish for bass, crappie and catfish. The West Volusia Saddle Club operates the equestrian center in the middle of town and has an 18-stall barn, a practice arena and a small playground. “You can go and see kids train on horses over there,” says Wolfpack Realty Deltona broker Cassie Landron. “You’ll sometimes find people riding on horses around town.” Melissa Park has a basketball court and horseshoe pits, while Blake Park has shuffleboard and tennis courts. Little League games are held at one of three baseball fields at the Mitchell Brothers Sports Complex, and there are a handful of churches by Main Street where families gather for Sunday worship.
Florida homes with diverse architecture on wooded acres
There are mostly historic homes in Lake Helen, some of which date as far back as the 1900s. “There are some beautiful homes right on Lake Helen," Landron says. "It has that rural, country, small-town lifestyle." Single-family stucco homes that are less than 2,000 square feet with quarter-acre and 1-acre lots are most common and range from $160,000 to $400,000. Traditional, contemporary and Florida architecture are the primary housing styles, and the area is heavily wooded by tall oak and pine trees. Craftsman and bi-level homes ranging between 2 and 8 acres cost between $400,000 and $750,000, some of which also have barns and horse stables. Large luxury custom homes built on acreage in the last few years are most expensive between $1 and $2.5 million.
An interstate, public transit and two international airports
Residents can walk or ride their golf carts from one side of town to the other thanks to the many sidewalks and trails throughout the community. Interstate 4 runs along Lake Helen’s west side and leads 20 miles south to the Orlando Sanford International Airport or 22 miles northeast to the Daytona Beach International Airport. DeLand is 7 miles northwest and has the 24-hour AdventHealth DeLand Emergency Room and bus stops for the Volusia County Transit.
Weekly markets and annual festivals at Blake Park
Lake Helen hosts several local events throughout the year. Market At The Park is held at Blake Park every Saturday morning and features over 100 vendors offering homemade goods. The West Volusia Saddle Club hosts barrel racing competitions at the equestrian center every month, and the annual Strawberry Fest showcases farm-fresh berries in home-baked pies, shortcakes and lemonade. The Butler Express rolls into town every December and takes passengers to see Christmas lights while singing carols.
Local cafes and family-style eateries
The Lil’ Cafe in Lake Helen is a family-owned restaurant that opened in fall 2024 and serves coffee, ice cream and deli sandwiches. Roma Pizza is across the street and is well known for its Sicilian-style square slices. Cassadaga is a psychic community south of the town with local shops that offer apparel, crystals and jewelry. The Victoria Park Village Center is 2 miles west and has a nail salon, medical offices and restaurants including Village Cafe, Murph’s Patio Bar & Grill and City Wine & Cigar. More shops and restaurants are farther north in DeLand, with grocery stores including Publix, Aldi and Winn-Dixie.
Public and charter education options
Volusia Pines Elementary is a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade campus on the southeastern corner of the town that earns a B-minus on Niche. DeLand Middle School earns a C-plus, while DeLand High School earns a B. While public education is an option through the B-rated Volusia County Schools, many choose to enroll their children in the Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts in the middle of town instead, which earns a B-plus.
