$362,847Average Value$262Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Greta Bost,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Lake Helen, FL sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Helen, FL over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Sitting on .92 acres, this one owner home gives you the space and privacy that is getting harder to find, while still being close to everything you need. Inside has a warm, comfortable feel with wood floors, an updated kitchen, and a layout that flows easily from room to room. It is the kind of home that just feels right the second you walk in. Out back is where it really stands out. The
Welcome to your 5-acre country retreat in Central Florida! This stunning ranch-style block home is less than five minutes from I-4, offering the perfect blend of privacy, space, and accessibility. The property features a custom-built deck, private drive, and a Morton building that can easily be converted into a barn with stalls, workshop, or storage for equipment and toys. The 5 acres of improved
***Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer*** BUILT 2021 | ENERGY EFFICIENT METAL ROOF | SMART FEATURES | NO HOA | ENDLESS UPGRADES & UNDENIABLE CURB APPEAL! Experience modern comfort and Southern charm in this IMMACULATELY MAINTAINED 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with over 1,800 square feet of single-story living in the heart of Lake Helen! Just FOUR YEARS YOUNG, this beautifully
Discover timeless charm and exceptional potential with this 1935 cottage located at 130 W Pennsylvania Avenue in Lake Helen. Situated within the Downtown Commercial District (DCD) and part of the city's Historic Gateway corridor, the property offers unique flexibility with the potential for short-term rental use, live-work opportunities, or the thoughtful restoration of a classic Florida cottage.
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.
Step back in time and imagine the possibilities. Built in 1888, this storied 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is waiting for the right hands and the right heart to bring it back to life. Rich with historic character and timeless charm, this property isn’t about perfection—it’s about potential. Set on nearly 3⁄4 of an acre in a desirable Lake Helen location, this expansive lot offers room to expand, garden,
This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on 1.25 acres in Lake Helen and was built in 2002 by the owners and has only had one owner, offering a well-maintained property with a functional layout and thoughtful features throughout.Inside, the home features vaulted ceilings, a tray ceiling in the primary bedroom, and a spacious layout designed for everyday living. The primary suite includes a
One of the only Over 55+ Gated Communities in DeLand. Discover this Prime Victoria Gardens location on quiet cul de sac with a beautiful wide, lake view that offers extra privacy. This is the sought after Azalea floor plan with high quality upgrades that include 42” cabinetry with crown molding and quartz countertops with custom tile backsplash. The office/ den has 8’ French doors and could serve
Dreaming of life in the charming town of Lake Helen? Now’s your chance! Bring your builder and design the custom home you’ve always wanted on this spacious 3-acre parcel. Enjoy the perfect balance of peaceful, small-town living with the convenience of a short drive to DeLand and the beautiful nearby beaches.
Sitting on .92 acres, this one owner home gives you the space and privacy that is getting harder to find, while still being close to everything you need. Inside has a warm, comfortable feel with wood floors, an updated kitchen, and a layout that flows easily from room to room. It is the kind of home that just feels right the second you walk in. Out back is where it really stands out. The
“These are the days” you have been waiting for. 2023 POOL HOME | 40' x 30' METAL SHOP | RV CARPORT WITH 50 amp RV HOOKUP | GORGEOUS ADU | 10 ACRES | OLD FLORIDA VIBES, AND JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF COUNTRY LIVING TO MAKE YOU NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. Built in 2023, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a beautiful 10-acre property that truly gives you room to breathe. Step inside to a bright, welcoming
Welcome to 289 Garden Street in the desirable City of Lake Helen. Situated on an oversized corner lot, this home offers just under 2,400 square feet of living space and over 3,300 square feet under roof, along with a detached two-car garage under air, three large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an in-ground pool. Located just outside Lake Helen’s historic district with no HOA, the area blends Queen
Welcome to the charm and tranquility of Lake Helen—often called the “Gem of Florida.” This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with a versatile bonus room offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience. Major updates have already been taken care of for peace of mind, including a new roof (2019), low E insulated windows, electrical panel, HVAC system, water heater, and
Property Id: 1560575Welcome home to this newly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit in the charming town of Lake Helen, FL. You'll have your own fenced yard for privacy. The home is in a very quiet neighborhood and is only 20 minutes to Daytona and 30 minutes to Orlando. Lawn care included! Don't miss out on this cozy space in a prime location!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
