$368,415Average Value$256Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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
Jenifer Krupienski,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lake Helen, FL sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Helen, FL over the last 12 months is $335,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience refined Florida living in this impeccably maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a versatile den easily convertible to a third bedroom. From the moment you enter, you are welcomed by an abundance of natural light, elegant finishes, and an open, thoughtfully designed floor plan that lives far beyond its square footage. The luxurious primary suite serves as a private retreat,
This home has just been renovated,Fresh Paint Inside and Outside,Great Condition,Includes all appliances plus Washer and Dryer,Large Shed,Rent includes Lawn and Trash and Cable TV and Internet and Phone for 1st, tennis/ pickle ball courts, shuffleboard, Clubhouse, billiard room, heated pool and hot tub; and many activities, One Year Buyers Protection Plan,Ask about our FREE Buyers Benefits
Experience refined Florida living in this impeccably maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a versatile den easily convertible to a third bedroom. From the moment you enter, you are welcomed by an abundance of natural light, elegant finishes, and an open, thoughtfully designed floor plan that lives far beyond its square footage. The luxurious primary suite serves as a private retreat,
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.
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. NEW PRICE! Welcome to effortless Florida living at 414 Tisbury Ct, a beautifully maintained home offering serene pond views and a lifestyle designed for comfort, convenience, and low maintenance living. This thoughtfully designed residence features two bedrooms plus a den and is located in a highly desirable natural gas community with resort style
This lot is centrally located to several trails in the area, and zoned RC (RESOURCE CORRIDOR (AKA RECREATION). The primary uses for land in this area, are camping, hunting, off grid living, or holding for a future investment. The land has easy access to I-4, beaches (ORMOND BEACH, DAYTONA BEACH & NEW SMYRNA BEACH – less than an hour away!), conservation areas and recreational activities
Beautiful .59-acre buildable lot located in the desirable Lake Helen area. This oversized homesite offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in a peaceful, natural setting. The property features a scenic, wooded backyard with a tranquil creek running along the rear of the lot. High and dry and located in Flood Zone X. Don’t miss this opportunity—schedule your visit before it’s gone.
Owners reduced the price by $10,000 for a quick sale! NEW SURVEY reveals that a larger house than previously thought can be built on this lakefront homesite (see attached survey - the building envelope is just over 8,000 square feet in area). If you can find a better lake lot you should buy it! If not the owner of this lot is motivated to sell and willing to provide some owner financing ! Lovely
Charming home ideally located directly across from Lake Helen’s Central Park, steps from the Saturday farmer’s market, playground, and year-round community activities. This home offers incredible potential for the buyer with vision. Inside, you’ll find beautiful wood floors and stunning wood-plank ceilings in the living and bedroom rooms, adding warmth and character. , providing a clean canvas to
Welcome to a rare live–work opportunity in the heart of Lake Helen’s Downtown Commercial District. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 1,040 total square feet and sits on a buildable double lot, opening the door to endless possibilities for living, working, and creating income in one of Central Florida’s most beloved small towns. Conveniently positioned across from Blake Park, home to
Potential to build multifamily or mixed-use units located in Lake Helen’s Beautiful Downtown Commercial District (DCD). Permitted uses include multifamily residential, mixed-use commercial, retail, professional, medical office, and much more. This property does not appear to have wetlands and is not located in a flood zone. Easy access to I-4, shopping, beaches, Orlando Attractions, and all your
Motivated to rent! Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Lake Helen! This beautifully maintained property sits on a corner lot with a garden, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting. Inside, you'll find an updated kitchen and bathrooms with modern finishes, while still maintaining the homes inviting character. Enjoy plenty of natural light, spacious living areas, and a detached garage for extra
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