$378,517Average Value$274Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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
Laurie Cain,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Lake Helen, FL sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Helen, FL over the last 12 months is $446,995, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Nestled on 2.3 beautiful acres in the “Gem of Florida, " Lake Helen, this unique property offers a spacious main home and separate guest cottage, providing flexibility for multi-generational living, guests, or potential rental opportunities. The main residence features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2 car garage, and a relaxing back patio overlooking the expansive yard.The GUEST COTTAGE
Welcome to your own slice of small-town paradise in the heart of charming Lake Helen. Perfectly positioned on an oversized corner lot with breathtaking views of Lake Helen, this one-of-a-kind home offers an incredible opportunity for multigenerational living, growing families, or anyone seeking room to spread out while enjoying the relaxed Florida lifestyle. All with no HOA! Originally designed
This beautiful home is a must see!! Completely remodeled in 2018 with all new electric, plumbing, central air and heat, hurricane windows and door; insulation and drywall and roof. Quality upgrades throughout include all new laminate, tile and carpet flooring, wood ceilings, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances and so much more. Located in Lake Helen Villas in a 55+ Community in a quiet
Welcome to The Woods of Lake Helen a quaint community of one-of-a-kind custom-built homes!This well built, stately home welcomes you from the moment you step inside!Nestled on a large lushly landscaped corner lot with side entry oversized two car garage that connects to the home through a breezeway. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms and two baths...a well-appointed open, flow through kitchen
Virtually Staged. Rare opportunity to acquire this Lake Helen Circa 1890s Historic Florida Vernacular Charmer nestled on picturesque 15+/- acres with 7 stall barn and drive through garage/workshop. Fenced and cross fenced with scattered majestic live oaks, this estate is a horse lovers dream come true! Offering 5 bedrooms 3 baths plus oversized 3 car garage. Charming wood burning fireplace with
BACK ON THE MARKET. AT NOT FAULT TO THE HOME!! Discover this Prime Victoria Gardens location on quiet cul de sac with a beautiful picturesque wide, Lake view that offers extra privacy and invites nature year round! Nestled in sought after Victoria Gardens. Kolter's top rated Azalea floor plan with high quality upgrades that include 42” cabinetry with crown molding and quartz countertops with
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.
Tucked away in the heart of Lake Helen, this beautiful half-acre lakefront lot offers the kind of setting that's becoming increasingly difficult to find. Situated on Lake Macy, the property enjoys peaceful water views, remarkable privacy, and a quiet shoreline with very limited development. The elevated homesite gently slopes toward the water, creating an ideal backdrop for a custom residence
Rare opportunity to own 1.45 acres in the heart of Lake Helen's Historic District. These three buildable lots are being offered together and are zoned Downtown Commercial, providing a unique opportunity for a variety of permitted uses in one of Central Florida's most charming small towns. Enjoy a prime location just steps from the character and appeal of downtown Lake Helen, with convenient
Nestled on 1.33 acres of picturesque lakefront property, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home offers the privacy and freedom you've been searching for—without the restrictions of an HOA. Tucked away at the end of a 640-foot private driveway, you'll be welcomed by mature trees, lush landscaping, and breathtaking waterfront views.Inside, the 1,890-square-foot home has been updated
Come see this MOVE-IN READY Kolter Ivy with a 15’ x 28’ stone paver patio with privacy hedge that shows like a model within the 55+ Cresswind at Victoria Gardens neighborhood. This 3 Bedroom 2 Bath floorplan is LIGHT & BRIGHT and has a GREAT ROOM layout. Kitchen features 42” Dark Taupe wooden cabinets, tumble stone backsplash, Quartz countertops, breakfast bar w/ pendant lighting above, 5-burner
Eric Hansen
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE MANN GLOBAL P
**Nestled on 2.3 beautiful acres in the “Gem of Florida, " Lake Helen, this unique property offers a spacious main home and separate guest cottage, providing flexibility for multi-generational living, guests, or potential rental opportunities. The main residence features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2 car garage, and a relaxing back patio overlooking the expansive yard.The GUEST COTTAGE
Beautiful .70-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 owner previously completed a wetland and topographical survey and had his home plans approved with the City of Lake Helen already. The property features a scenic, wooded backyard with a tranquil creek running
Enjoy the charm of Lake Helen in this inviting rental home. Set on a spacious lot, it offers a peaceful setting while still being just minutes from I-4, DeLand, and Daytona Beach. A great place to enjoy small-town living with everyday conveniences nearby. All info to be verify by tenant.
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