$370,024Average Value$271Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
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.”
Lake Helen’s calm waters provide a serene setting for fishing and wildlife watching.
Lake Helen locals enjoy live music and festive vibes at the Volusia County Fair.
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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.
Lake Macy Park in Lake Helen features a covered deck overlooking the scenic lake.
Lake Helen’s Mitchell Brothers Sports Complex is a hub for community baseball and softball play.
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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.
Mediterranean-style architecture can be found throughout Lake Helen’s quiet neighborhoods.
Single-family homes in Lake Helen offer easy access to local cafes and shops.
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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.
Daytona Beach International Airport is just a short drive northeast of Lake Helen.
AdventHealth DeLand provides 24-hour emergency care just 18 minutes from Lake Helen.
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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.
The Lake Helen Arts & Craft Show highlights handmade goods and local creativity each year.
For 50 years, the Butler Express has brought seasonal joy to Lake Helen families.
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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.
Fresh coffee and deli favorites await at Lil’ Cafe in the heart of Lake Helen.
Lake Helen’s nearby Publix offers convenient access to fresh produce and pantry staples.
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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.
DeLand Middle School serves a large student body close to the Lake Helen community.
DeLand High School sits north of Lake Helen in the heart of Volusia County.
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Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Mark Tilley
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonathan Gildon, PA,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Lake Helen, FL sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Helen, FL over the last 12 months is $325,000, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a 5-acre pool home offering privacy, space, and the freedom of country living just minutes from dining, beaches, parks, and city conveniences. This custom-built 3-bedroom, 2-bath concrete block home is set behind a professionally landscaped electric gate and features fresh exterior paint, a fully fenced horse pasture, and agricultural zoning, ideal for
Recently renovated duplex in Lake Helen. Exterior has been painted, roof replaced in 2023. Unit 136 has been refreshed inside with luxury vinyl planked flooring throughout, bathroom has been retiled with new plumbing fixtures and vanity, new lighting and fans, and recently painted inside.
Escape the noise and discover your own slice of untouched land. This 1⁄2-acre parcel sits in a quiet, off-the-grid area—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, future builders, or anyone seeking privacy and open skies. Discover the possibilities on this 1⁄2-acre vacant parcel tucked away in a peaceful, secluded setting. With open space, natural surroundings, and no nearby neighbors.
Beautiful over-sized lot in Woods of Lake Helen. This home-site is builder ready with underground utilities already installed. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to build your dream home in this desirable, architecturally unique community in Lake Helen.
Stunning home in a 55+ community in Deland. This home backs up to the conservation area which will afford the tenant additional privacy. Immaculate and ready for occupancy. Enjoy all the amenities that are part of this community such as golf course, clubhouse, fitness center and community pool.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
