New Smyrna Beach

South Mainland is a community on the edge of New Smyrna Beach’s city limits, quite literally on the cutoff of the zip code. According to Chris Schwarz and Tim Loomis, owners of White Whale Real Estate and area experts, “Locals call this area ‘in between US-1 and the river.’ This is a highly sought-after area because of its old-school charm, no HOA, closeness to the historic downtown Canal Street and, of course, the river.” With Indian River North to the east, a commercial center to the west and downtown around the corner, residents regularly set sail and shop around the neighborhood. Situated along Indian River North, boating is a popular pastime in South Mainland. Many locals are members of Smyrna Yacht Club, which Schwarz and Loomis say is “currently at capacity and on a three-year wait list.” In addition to time on the water, the club offers tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a pool. Residents wanting to get physically active can visit Planet Fitness or Jessie Stevenson Kovalenko Memorial Gymnasium, commonly called the City Gym, which is maintained and operated by the New Smyrna Beach government. Families can head north to Riverside Park, a green space just outside the neighborhood with various amenities. Kids can run around the shaded playground and look out at the water from an adjacent mini boardwalk. Visitors like to walk along the paved paths that wind throughout the park past a few memorial statues. Homebuyers are spoiled for choice in South Mainland, where various architectural styles, colors and sizes line the residential blocks. Schwarz and Loomis share that the area has homes “ranging from the 1900s all the way to new luxury-built homes. Many find this a great alternative to living on the beachside, as it is a little more laid back and they don’t have to battle the beach traffic.” Intimate two-bedroom bungalows and long ranch-style homes are next door to larger renovated multi-story properties. Some residences were built as early as the 1920s, but newer builds are also available. Prices range between $350,000 and $750,000, while waterfront, resort-style homes are priced over $1 million and feature unobstructed views of the river and private docks. These also vary in style, ranging from highly modern aesthetics to Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Children can attend Read-Pattillo Elementary School, which earns a B on Niche and has a highly involved Parent-Teach Association. Older students move on to New Smyrna Beach Middle School, which has a B-minus on Niche, followed by New Smyrna Beach High School. The school has a score of B and is the fourth-best public high school in Volusia County. Students can take Advanced Placement, Career and Technical Education, dual enrollment and Cambridge Pre-AICE (IGCSE) courses alongside their core curriculum. Educational opportunities continue at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, where children and teens gather after school and during summer vacation. The library provides spaces for personal growth and community connection through craft sessions, skill-building classes, book clubs and story hours. The New Smyrna Shopping Center hosts a few businesses for shopping and entertainment. Residents can rummage through vintage goods at Coronado Antiques & More Vendor Mall or pick up discount goods at Dollar General. Movie night is every night at AMC CLASSIC New Smyrna 12, which has rotating deals on movies, like $5 Fan Faves showtimes. When shoppers feel hungry, they can swing by McKenna's Place NSB, a sports bar serving a seafood-focused menu and American bar fare. Spanish River Grill and Wine Bar is also an option, specializing in Latin American cuisine and signature tapas and drink pairings. When residents need to restock their fridges, Perrine’s Produce is on the other side of U.S. State Route 1. As part of the mainland, the neighborhood has many more transportation options than other Intracoastal areas. U.S. State Route 1, also known as South Dixie Freeway, runs along the area’s western border, and Florida State Route 44 insects with Route 1. The area is less than 1 mile from bus stations and under 5 miles from Interstate 95. New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport is 3 1/2 miles away for out-of-state travel. For comprehensive medical care and emergency services, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach general hospital is just north of the neighborhood.

Islesboro, a small Intracoastal community, snugly sits above New Smyrna Beach’s regional airport and in between the waterways of Turnbull Bay and Ponce de Leon Inlet Cut. According to Chris Schwarz and Tim Loomis, owners of White Whale Real Estate and area experts, “Boaters love this location because there is a boat ramp minutes away that is situated in between New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet that leads directly to the ocean and allows for incredible fishing.” Turnbull Bay and Ponce de Leon Inlet Cut are a boater’s dream, and sailors take full advantage of being right next door to both waterways. However, they also know to be aware of protected areas. “We have several different species of protected marine life, with our local manatees topping the list,” Schwarz and Loomis share. “The waterways are well marked with no wake zones in certain areas. I feel like we have a good mix of wake and no wake zones that give boaters the freedom to go full throttle or just take a pleasure cruise.” Residents like to gather at Rocco Park, where kids run around the playground and groups play sports or cast a line off the fishing pier on Turnbull Bay. Around the corner is New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, which contains football, baseball and multi-purpose fields, and The New Smyrna Beach Garden Club. This non-profit brings together the community through gardening classes and green-thumb activities that focus on environmental education and protection, as well as community support and beautification. Members can also grow their own produce at the community garden or participate in annual events, like the club’s rummage sale and Festival of Trees. L-shaped and forward-facing ranch-style homes are set back off the neighborhood's residential blocks. Larger single-family residences are also peppered around Islesboro. Homeowners take creative liberties when decorating their homes, adding bright exterior paint jobs and ornamental lawns. Prices typically range between $275,000 and $490,000. Homeowners may not have oceanfront views, but being between two major waterways offers plenty of natural landscape for residents to enjoy. When locals feel hungry, they can spend an evening dining at Bello Valentino’s, a local low-lit Italian restaurant near the highway. Diners settle in with a glass of wine and savor the restaurant’s signature linguine con vongole. For more casual fare, Brat Haus serves authentic German dishes and beer, while Lost Lagoon Wings and Grill’s menu has American classics like wings and burgers. Both restaurants are within 1 mile of the neighborhood. Grocery shopping takes locals a bit farther away from home, as the closest grocery store is Perrine’s Produce 4 miles south. However, in the area is Circle K, a convenience store carrying a selection of everyday items. For a bit of art appreciation, residents visit the Atlantic Center for the Arts a little over 1 mile away. The center has rotating exhibitions and is active in the community as an advocate for conservation efforts. It also offers a year-round schedule of inter-generational and accessible creative workshops. Neighborhood students attend schools within the award-winning Volusia County Public Schools District. Learners begin at Chisholm Elementary, which earns a B-plus from Niche and has programs where students can attend classes virtually full-time, part-time or in conjunction with homeschooling through Volusia Online Learning. Middle schoolers continue to New Smyrna Beach Middle, which has a B-minus score, followed by New Smyrna Beach High School, which has a B on Niche. Home of the Barracudas, affectionally known as the Cudas, the secondary school boasts a graduation rate of 96%, according to Great Schools. Frequent flyers have convenient access to the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, which is directly south of the neighborhood. “Residents do have to deal with air traffic noise,” Schwarz and Lomis say. “However, this is not a major airport, so you won’t have large jets flying in and out. The city is also working on noise abatement protocols.” Commuters are right by U.S. State Route 1 and the Votran bus stops that run along it, and Interstate 95 is only 6 miles west.

On any given day in Buena Vista Shores, locals can feel a cool breeze flowing through this borderline island-like neighborhood, nestled between the waterways of Indian River North. Less than a mile from the beach and the mainland, locals settle into homes that feel like they’re in a world of their own. When not on the clock, people spend their days fishing and boating on the river. Buena Vista Shores is almost entirely encircled by the Indian River North. Angler fishers delight in an afternoon spent on the Indian River’s water, home to over 685 fish species. Locals set sail from the New Smyrna Marina or join their sailing buddies at the New Smyrna Freedom Boat Club. Even if members don’t own a boat, the club lets people reserve a vessel from their fleet for a day on the water. Kayakers and canoers also take to the waters, sometimes making pit stops at Chicken Island and Lilly’s Island. At Buena Vista Park, the two piers ranging upward to 250 feet long offer hours of fishing from sunrise to sunset. Kids run around the playground while parents picnic nearby and watch pelicans scoop fish out of the water. For a day at the oceanfront, residents only need to head east on Causeway North toward Central Beach 1 mile away. The neighborhood is small, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few local options for dining and entertainment. Many locals start their day at Island Roasters Coffee Company with an iced latte and a freshly baked pastry. In fact, the eatery has become a staple in the neighborhood; resident and owner Scott Clawson says, “There’s always lots of people from the community socializing and networking at our location.” He also shares that the company “supports pop-ups with local bakers who often make fresh bread and cinnamon rolls.” For a night out, Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille is known for its signature Mojito cocktails made with mint-flavored tequila, or friends head to Merk’s Bar and Grill for a game of shuffleboard while chowing down on pub fare. When residents want a good laugh, Madcap’s Comedy Club has an open mic on Mondays and comedy showcases on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Oftentimes, the weekends are filled with star-studded headliners. If residents need groceries, they make a trip to the mainland. Perrine’s Produce is less than 2 miles away and stocks all sorts of produce and prepared foods. Buena Vista Shores has something for everyone looking to live a coastal lifestyle. The area has abundant listings for condos and even a few detached homes between $250,000 and $590,000. Listings on the higher end typically cost between $750,000 and $2 million. Detached housing typically comes in the ranch style, but multi-story and Mediterranean-inspired houses are also common. The community’s streets are lined with lush lawns and vibrant green palm trees, and properties are painted in soft pastel blues, greens, yellows and pinks. Students are zoned for Coronado Beach Elementary School, which has a B-plus score on Niche. Older students move on to New Smyrna Beach Middle School, which has a B-minus on Niche, and ultimately graduate from New Smyrna Beach High School. The school has a score of B and is the fourth-best public high school in Volusia County. Students can take Advanced Placement, Career and Technical Education, dual enrollment and Cambridge Pre-AICE (IGCSE) courses alongside their core curriculum. Learning opportunities continue at the Marine Discovery Center, which frequently partners with the Volusia County School District to teach students about conservation, a cornerstone of the center’s mission. In fact, in 2014, the center used government grant money to restore five acres of the salt marsh in Buena Vista Shores. They also have monthly public lectures and daily eco-tours, allowing people of all ages to expand their knowledge of the estuary, the salt marsh and its inhabitants. Public transportation isn’t available outside the mainland, so residents are car-dependent. However, heading into the mainland or toward the oceanfront is a breeze with Causeway North bisecting the neighborhood. Drivers are connected to U.S. State Route 1 by heading west, and heading east changes Causeway North into the popular Flagler Avenue, which leads straight to the beach. When residents need to take a trip out of town, New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport is a little over 3 miles away.

In North Beach, homes are located on the highest elevation in the area. Residents of this Intracoastal community can have views of the Halifax River waterway and the currents of the Atlantic Ocean while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the neighboring beachfront communities’ nightlife. “You get more of a private feel because there is nothing north of Flager Avenue,” says Realtor Lindsey Baldwin who has 8 years of experience in the area and works with Collado Real Estate. “There is no through traffic, especially after the beach closes at sundown.” South of Daytona Beach, North Beach is composed of a beachside park and blocks of single-family homes. Although the area isn’t walkable, it features large, manicured yards decorated with shrubs and tall palm trees. From private balconies, locals can admire scenic views from the comfort of a wicker chair or hot tub. Like most in this community, homes here adopt inspiration from the southern Lowcountry architectural style as illustrated by the open-air concepts and contemporary coastal architecture exemplified through large windows and high-ceiling interiors. There are also waterfront mansions on the river and next to the ocean. Many homes have painted various nautical theme colors throughout the neighborhood, including shades of salmon pink and teal greens. “It historically carries the highest price per square foot, usually every year,” Baldwin says. “It was one of the first places where people started building larger houses.” Prospective buyers can purchase a three-bedroom home for $795,000, while larger houses can be found at around $5.9 million. Those looking for condominiums, including Inlet Marina Villa, can buy high-rises between $310,000 and $900,000. Students in North Beach go to the Volusia County School District, which earns a B rating according to Niche. Schools include Coronado Beach Elementary School, New Smyrna Beach Middle School and New Smyrna Beach High School. The elementary school has a B-plus rating, the middle school has a B-minus and the high school has a B rating on Niche. At the high school, courses range from Journalism to Ceramics/Pottery. Smyrna Dunes Park is a sprawling inlet on the southern shoreline where residents have views of the Atlantic Ocean, an ideal place to go swimming in the subtropical climate. Pet owners can bring their furry friends to soak up the sunshine at an adjoining dog beach on the park’s river shoreline. Along the long fishing pier, anglers can cast their rods for saltwater fishing. While inshore fishing, speckled trout, black drum and flounder are common catches in the region. For new wardrobe pieces, locals can shop at boutiques throughout nearby Central Beach, such as Vintage Thang, Nejma’s Boutique and Angles by the Sea. Residents can stock up on groceries from Publix Supermarket or get pharmacy needs at Walgreens. As for restaurants, Flagler Tavern is a lively casual dining location by day, but in the evening transforms into a live music venue and bar ideal for nightlife. Avanu on Flagler, a Polynesian-inspired restaurant, serves seafood and drinks until the late hours on a rooftop bar. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum has a lighthouse that visitors can climb for panoramic views of the ocean or learn about the history of lighthouses. At the New Smyrna Museum of History, locals can learn more about their community vis artifacts or check out the books in the library. About 15 miles from downtown Daytona Beach, residents of North Beach can easily commute to the big city via U.S. Route 1 by car since there are no bus stops in the community. As for a nearby hospital, locals can go to AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. Residents can also access the Daytona Beach International Airport for further travel from business trips to vacations.

The Canal Downtown neighborhood is an active coastal community on the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach that blends the residential charm of Old Florida with the convenience of a quaint commercial downtown. The mixed-use neighborhood is anchored by the Canal Street Historic District, a palm-tree-lined stretch of eateries and boutique shops at the heart of the city's transformation. “Fifteen years ago, there was hardly any commerce,” says Susan Hounsom, a 20-year New Smyrna resident and Realtor with Beachside Realty of Volusia County Inc. “Now, all the buildings have been renovated, and the area looks beautiful. It could be featured in a magazine.” The residential areas that surround Canal Street are populated by established, picturesque homes in a variety of architectural styles. Owners enjoy year-round access to recreation on the river, and the Atlantic Ocean only minutes away. Those who relocate to the neighborhood, Hounsom says, "are getting a small-town atmosphere with a lot of amenities that a big city can provide." A colorful collection of homes, some dating as far back as the turn of the 20th century, stands out among single-family housing. Prices range from $400,000 to $800,000, and though many of the homes have been renovated, they still maintain their original charm. “The neighborhood has a lot of history, and everything downtown has been redone, including just about every beautiful house,” Hounsom says. Key West-style cottage homes are prominent, but other featured architectural styles include Coastal, Dutch Colonial and bungalow. A handful of ranch-style homes with private driveways and attached garages also can be found. The neighborhood’s multi-use zoning means several residences are split between home and office use or converted altogether into businesses. This is best illustrated by the large Southern Colonial- and Antebellum-inspired housing along Riverside Drive. Multi-family options starting in the low $400,000s can be found nearby in the form of mid-rise condominiums that feature resort-style amenities, stunning views of the river and easy access to waterfront recreation. The walkable downtown district provides the ultimate in convenience for residents. "One of the things that separates New Smyrna Beach from other communities nearby is that we are known for our unique restaurants," says Sharon Snow of Collado Real Estate, who lives in the neighborhood. "They're all privately owned; we have no chains." Featured stops along Canal Street include Little Griddle, a popular eatery housed in a former Vaudeville-era theater that serves up comfort food favorites with a side of nostalgia, and Corkscrew Bar & Grille. "That's a nice contemporary restaurant," Snow says. "And everyone goes there because they have $5 margaritas." The Galley is a gourmet grocer that specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegars – something to elevate homecooked meals after a trip to the nearby Publix. Shoppers can brighten up their wardrobe at Canal Street Chic, a boutique clothing store, and brighten up their home with decorative arrangements from New Smyrna Beach Florist. Anglers will find what they’re looking for at New Smyrna Outfitters. Downtown, however, is more than a dining and retail destination. The district sponsors several community events highlighted by Canal Street Nights, where neighbors gather to enjoy live music, food and extended shopping hours every third Thursday of the month. Regular events such as art walks and Sip & Stroll are staples of the Canal Street cultural offerings. "It’s an arts district, so it attracts a lot of local artists," Snow says. "We have art galleries, museums and First Saturdays with featured artists." The First Saturday events are held at The Hub on Canal, a showcase for local art. Every Saturday morning, the neighborhood hosts the New Smyrna Beach Farmers’ Market, a pet-friendly event with live music that features locally grown products among its many items. Each spring, the New Smyrna Museum of History hosts the city’s signature event, the annual Heritage Days celebration. The event features a museum open house and guided tours of local historic sites. The downtown area is anchored by Riverside Park, a hub of neighborhood activity where children can play on the shaded, pirate-themed playground and residents can fish from the pier and take relaxing walks along a network of paved pathways. Boaters can start and end their days at a pair of adjacent marinas, which provide year-round access to nautical adventures. If you don’t own a boat, you can rent one from River Deck Marina to explore the river and the rest of the Intracoastal Waterway. “New Smyrna Beach and its neighbor, Edgewater, have spent a lot of money to redo the waterfront," Hounsom says. "It's a very attractive, lovely area." Just a short trip across the causeway are the popular beaches that dot the Atlantic Coast. In addition to the swimmers and sunbathers, the public beaches are a popular destination for surfers. Pettis Park just west of the neighborhood offers athletic amenities that include lighted tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts and a skating bowl. Younger students can attend Chisholm Elementary, rated B-plus by Niche, and New Smyrna Beach Middle, rated B-minus. New Smyrna High, a B-rated school that offers the prestigious Cambridge International course of study, serves students in ninth through 12th grades. Knight’s Christian Academy, the only neighborhood school, is a small private institution for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The neighborhood’s location affords access to convenient travel throughout the city and surrounding areas. The causeway leads directly across the river to destinations such as the Publix-anchored Indian River Village shopping center and the city’s public beaches. Florida State Road A1A provides access to the many beaches that dot the Atlantic Coast heading south. U.S. Route 1, also known as Dixie Highway, forms the west side of the neighborhood. It leads north to neighboring Daytona Beach and south to Space Coast destinations such as Cocoa Beach and Melbourne. Route 1 roughly follows the path of Interstate 95, which is located about 4 miles west of New Smyrna Beach.

Surrounded by the Indian River Lagoon and just steps from New Smyrna Beach, Central Mainland treats residents to charming, coastal vibes blended with historic districts and dining and shopping scenes as vibrant and diverse as its outdoor recreation. “Our town’s appeal goes beyond our miles of sandy beaches and highly rated surfing,” says Debbie Meihls, President and CEO of New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau. “Cutting-edge cuisine, a nationally recognized arts scene and historical ruins are just the beginning here.” The quiet, but bustling neighborhood offers single-family, ranch-style homes, Floridian-style bungalows and riverside properties. Most homes were built in the 1940s and ‘50s, ranging from $265,000 to $900,000. However, homes closer to the water cost up to $2.4 million, boasting additional resort-style features and property add-ons such as carriage houses, quaint guest cottages and direct beach access. Pastel-hued houses, nautical accents, spacious driveways with boats, and other toys pepper the landscape. Most houses offer multi-car garages and well-kept yards with beautiful landscaping filled with palms and towering oaks. Central Mainland’s Turnbull Street Park offers a playground and basketball court with a small lake perfect for admiring wildlife and fishing. And at Buena Vista Park on the west side of the Indian River, residents can kayak around, picnic in its green space, walk the trail or fish off its piers as pelicans and herons scoop up their meals. Or shred some pavement over at the New Smyrna Beach Skatepark. For youth and adult athletics, head to New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, nestled near Turnbull Bay, and boasts a football and baseball stadium, multiple baseball, soccer and softball fields and the Fregolle Miracle League, a youth baseball league for those with special needs. North Dixie Highway and the downtown Canal Street Historic District are the hub of all the action. The areas are overflowing with restaurants, shops and attractions, and it has one of the community’s leading art districts, with murals adding to its vibrant culture. Flagler Avenue is also lined with bars and eateries with a laid-back beachy vibe. The New Smyrna Beach City Marina is within walking distance, where residents can stroll the dock and grab a bite at River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant, a bright eatery with Caribbean flare serving up rasta fish dip, shrimp jambalaya and key lime pie – along with tiki drinks to sip late into the night while admiring the Intracoastal Waterway views. Corkscrew Bar & Grille is another popular nightlife spot. For more fresh seafood in an upscale atmosphere, Blackbeard’s Inn is the go-to, and for a laid-back vibe, head to the colorful Taco Shack for Latin specialties, from tacos to Puerto Rican mofongo. Grab essentials at Perrine’s Produce on Dixie Highway, or head to the New Smyrna Beach Regional Shopping Center, a 3-mile drive. Anchored by Publix, the strip offers Dollar Tree, a pet store and other retail options. Grab a sweet treat on the way home at Frozen Gold Ice Cream. The Volusia County Schools System serves local students who attend Chisholm Elementary School, New Smyrna Beach Middle School and New Smyrna Beach High School. The elementary school received a B-plus from Niche, and the middle school received a B-minus. Chisholm offers STEM education, regular literacy nights and a dance team. Earning a B from Niche, the high school offers swimming and cross-country teams, an Agriscience Academy and a robotics club. While many shops and restaurants are within walking distance, U.S. Highway 1, better known as North Dixie Highway, is the central thoroughfare through town, easily getting residents to just about any retailer or locally owned restaurant they desire. The route also gets residents to the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport in 1 mile and Daytona Beach in 14 miles. The North Causeway Bridge conveniently gets residents to the beach. Or hop on a bike or rent a scooter from George’s Scooters to zip around town. Catch a show at Brannon Center or a movie at AMC Classic New Smyrna 21 or stroll through one of the buzzing districts for endless entertainment from a monthly Classic Car Show, Holiday Street Festival and monthly art shows. “There’s always something happening on Flagler Avenue or Canal Street,” says Meihls.