Ormond Beach

Just minutes away from Ormond Beach's breezy shores is Breakaway Trails — a gated community off State Road 40 offering quiet suburban vibes and proximity to a wide range of nearby amenities. With the oceanfront to the east and multiple nature preserves to the west, adventurists and beachgoers alike will feel right at home in Breakaway Trails. Homes aren't cheap, but the perks make the price point worth it. Residents don't need to travel far to explore the great outdoors. Tiger Bay State Forest sits just south of Breakaway Trails, offering over 28,000 acres of natural land fit for hiking, cycling and fishing in the heart of Volusia County. And 7 miles east, of course, locals can soak up the sun along the Ormond Beach oceanfront. Closer to home, Breakaway Trails also features a neighborhood park off River Chase Way, where kids let their imaginations run wild at the jungle gym and locals meet for friendly tennis matches. "Over 120 residents already play there, and I've watched a lot of new friendships develop since the courts were installed," says longtime resident Beverly McMurtry Grissom, who serves as the homeowner association president. Breakaway Trails isn't known as a foodie's paradise, though there are some revered locally owned eateries just a short drive away. Off State Road 40, Fresh Guacamole Tequila & Bar is a neighborhood staple for Mexican fare, while Little Tomoka Yacht Club is the place to go for seafood. National chain restaurants can also be found closer to Interstate 95, which runs a mile east. Publix and its adjacent Walmart Supercenter are the usual stops for groceries, though Ormond Towne Square contains several big-box retailers as well, including Ross and Bealls. Homebuyers will find a host of styles along Breakaway Trails' tree-shaded, cul-de-sac-heavy streets. Contemporary ranch-style homes are abundant, while larger Mediterranean-inspired properties catch the eye amid the community's fountain-filled ponds. Most homes price between $500,000 and $800,000, though some larger properties with ample square footage and covered swimming pools can sell for over $1 million. With the average home selling for nearly $650,000, Breakaway Trails is among the priciest neighborhoods in Ormond Beach. Breakaway Trails is not walkable, so residents are usually car-dependent. However, solid access to I-95 makes for easy traveling along the Florida coast and beyond, while State Road 40 connects locals to the smaller communities surrounding Lake George. Though public transportation is virtually nonexistent within Breakaway Trails itself, Daytona Beach International Airport is just a 10-mile drive south on I-95. Breakaway Trails is served by Volusia County Schools. Kids may go to the nearby Pathways Elementary School, which earns an overall grade of B-plus from Niche, or the B-rated David C. Hinson Sr. Middle School on North Clyde Morris Boulevard. Teens attend Mainland High School, which also earns a B grade. Offering an array of extracurricular clubs and organizations, the high school also houses the Academy of Scientific Inquiry and Medicine, better known as ASIM.

Deer Creek is one of the original subdivisions of the Hunters Ridge planned urban development that now spans Volusia and Flagler Counties. Most of the homes in Deer Creek are Martha Stewart-designed and built as early as 2007. Nancy Cortez, Realtor with Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors who’s lived in the Daytona Beach area for three decades, has witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of Hunters Ridge. “It’s huge and it’s not even done yet. When it was first built, it had little subdivisions named for streets, but since then, it's been built way beyond that with several separate and distinct communities,” she says. Upon entering Deer Creek from Airport Road, residents see bikes and basketball hoops along the curvy, meticulously landscaped subdivision’s streets. Neighbors stroll wide sidewalks and play catch on ample lawns. Deer Creek’s single-family homes range in price from the low-$300,000s to the mid-$400,000s. Many of its three- to four-bedroom homes feature three-car garages. Most Deer Creek homes are non-custom models with Contemporary and Craftsman-inspired facades. Deer Creek residents enjoy all of Hunters Ridge amenities, including three pools, a gym and tennis and basketball courts. Deer Creek homes tend to be more moderately priced than many of the newer subdivisions in Hunters Ridge, Cortez says. Although they were built nearly two decades ago, these layouts and design hold up well in today’s market. “The floor plans are really lovely and unique and I still like them today,” says Cortez, who’s also the vice president of Ormond Beach MainStreet, a volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enlivening Ormond Beach’s historic core business district. Deer Creek’s youngest students attend Pathways Elementary School, which earns a B-plus from Niche. They move on to David C. Hinson Sr. Middle School, which Niche gives a B grade. High schoolers travel 10 miles away to attend Mainland High School, which earns a B on Niche. Mainland offers its students a college and career preparation program through Daytona State College. Private schools include the Riverbend Academy, which Niche names the fourth best private high school in Volusia County, giving it a grade of B-plus. Residents are steps away from the neighborhood’s nature preserve where they may encounter wildlife, including wild turkey, wild hogs, deer and quail. Body surfing and seashell hunting are just eight miles away at Ormond Beach. Right across from the beach on the other side of the Halifax River, Fortunato Park offers a fishing pier and non-motor boating. Its walking loop spans from the east to the west side of the Granada Bridge. The park’s entrance and parking lot are both wheelchair accessible. Ormond Beach’s largest music festival is eight miles away at The Casements. The Annual Ormond Beach Live Original Music and Arts Festival is just eight miles away at The Casements, a city-owned historical site on the grounds of John D. Rockefeller’s former home. The multi-day festival features over a hundred musical acts, including hip-hop, rap, jazz, rock, country and folk artists who perform on a dozen different stages.  Ormond Towne Square, home to restaurants, markets and other retail shopping is only four miles away. Locals grab pizza at Delcato’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant or dine out at the Red Bowl Asian Bistro. They bargain-hunt at Ross Dress for Less and shop for groceries at Publix or at the Love Whole Foods Café and Market right off of Williamson Boulevard. Within three miles, residents can be heading north or south on Interstate 95 or west on Florida State Road 40.

In Halifax Plantation, Spanish moss hangs from giant oak trees, and sprinklers mist the morning air in front of pastel stucco houses. At the center of it all is the Halifax Plantation Golf Club, where the green course and recreational amenities anchor the neighborhood as a community gathering place. Located in Ormond Beach and flanked by Bulow Creek State Park, residents have sandy shores and beautiful green spaces in their backyards. "Most of it is non-gated, first of all, so there's this quality of accessibility. Halifax Plantation has such a wide variety of areas within it. There are 55-plus villas, a small gated section, and tons of luxury homes," says Lancelot Lenard, Realtor with Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage; he's been selling homes in the area for nearly a decade. "Driving around the neighborhood roads is like driving a scenic highway with all those gorgeous trees. It has its own little plaza, a clubhouse, and is right next to amazing nature." Custom homes in Halifax Plantation sit along wide, clean residential streets dotted with palm trees and trimmed boxwoods. Homes in the neighborhood are contemporary, built from 2000 and onward. Homes draw from various styles, typically Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman and ranch houses. Many homes have stucco exteriors and feature details like recessed entryways, prominent two-car garages and columns. "There is a huge range when it comes to homes there, price-wise. Your typical three-bedroom is still large, and most people can buy for somewhere between $300,000 and $600,000. The south end is seeing the most new construction," Lenard says. "Then, you've got your million-dollar mansions. It's important to know that the north is zoned to Flagler County and the south to Volusia County. So taxes and water bills will be different, but not by much. Still, it matters to some people. It also impacts school zoning." The CAP Index Crime Score for Halifax Plantation is 1 out of 10, with the national average being 4. Most kids in the area will be zoned to the Volusia County School District and can start at Pine Trail Elementary, which scores an A-minus on Niche. Students move on to Ormond Beach Middle, which scores a B, before heading to Seabreeze High, which gets a B-plus. Volusia County Schools offers full- and part-time online learning options for kids in kindergarten through twelfth grades, as well as a Spanish-English Dual Language Program. Currently undergoing expansion, this program aims to instruct the subjects of science, math and language arts in both English and Spanish, with the goal of all students achieving the Florida Seal of Biliteracy by the time they graduate high school. Residents spend time outdoors at Bulow Creek State Park, famous for the Fairchild Oak. As one of the oldest trees in the South at over 400 years old, it's the heart of the 5,600-acre park. Wildlife lovers look out for white-tailed deer and barred owls around Boardman Pond and Cedar Creek along the park's trails. Bulow Creek, which gives the park its namesake, is also a popular kayaking, canoeing and fishing spot. Residents who want in-neighborhood recreation can walk over to Clubhouse Drive. "They've got an 18-hole golf course, a junior Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts – they actually just re-did the greens, and I played a few games there; it's nice and smooth. The clubhouse has its own restaurant and events, so it's a popular place for people to hang out," Lenard says. Halifax Plantation is 9 miles from Ormond and Flagler Beach and 20 miles from Daytona Beach. "You're not far from Interstate 95, and there are a couple of roads that lead over the river, so you can get to the coast in less than 10 minutes," Lenard points out. The neighborhood streets are quiet and safe for walking and biking within the community. After an afternoon of golfing or tennis, locals gather at The Tavern at Halifax Plantation Golf Club for dinner and a drink. Off Roscommon Drive is Halifax Plantation Village, a small shopping and dining area in the neighborhood with a Publix, Truist, a salon and a few restaurants. Thai Elephant is a go-to for panang curry, while Mezzaluna Pizzeria offers hot slices in a laidback shop.

Located 3 miles from the coast, the Northbrook neighborhood in Ormond Beach is a prime location for those who want proximity to the beach and parkland. Tomoka State Park, an expansive 2,000-acre plot of undisturbed land on the Tomoka River rests against the neighborhood’s western edge. “There are huge 100-year-old oak canopies throughout the state park. It’s super scenic,” says Eric Zimmerman, a Realtor with Adams, Cameron & Co., who lives in the area. “It’s really popular during Bike Week. People ride their motorcycles through there. It’s a really popular spot for bicyclists too.” Residents also enjoy easy access to shopping and dining on Granada Boulevard, right next to the oceanfront. “There’s everything you could want on Granada Boulevard from big box stores to independent restaurants,” Zimmerman says. Tomoka State Park offers hiking and biking trails and boat ramps for a day of floating on the Tomoka River. Bailey Riverbridge Gardens is located at the foot of the Granada Bridge, and residents can walk, bike or drive over the bridge to reach the coastal side of Ormond Beach. It’s not uncommon to see locals kayaking, fishing or checking out marine life there. “I like to go paddleboarding out there,” says Michelle Cecchini, a Realtor with Shell Realty, who’s been selling homes in the area for a more than a decade. “There’s a lot of wildlife and the manatees will swim up right next to you.” Birthplace of Speed Park, on Ocean Shore Boulevard is where locals can sunbathe on the beach or go for a swim in the ocean. Northbrook offers homebuyers a wealth of three- and four-bedroom ranch-style homes in a quiet setting. Properties rest along winding streets with grassy front lawns, front-facing garages and plenty of palm trees. “It’s an established neighborhood,” Zimmerman says. “There are a lot of long-term residents. It’s not used for rental properties or anything like that.” With Northbrook being landlocked, price tags here are less competitive than those of neighboring riverfront communities like Oak Forest or Woodmere. Single family homes range from $300,000 to $500,000. According to the CAP Index Crime Score, Northbrook has an overall crime score of 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4. Just across the Granada Bridge on Granada Boulevard residents will find the Granada Plaza Shopping Center, a dining and entertainment complex complete with surf shops, restaurants and an art gallery too. Residents can grab sushi from Sushi 99 or burgers and tacos at Jimmy Hula’s. The Crepevine, another popular spot, offers a menu of made-to-order customizable sweet and savory crepes. A grocery run can be easily handled at the Publix Super Market at Halifax. The Casements, a 9,000-square foot historical home once owned by John D. Rockefeller, is a year-long attraction for locals and visitors alike. Now operating as a cultural center on Riverside Drive, The Casements hosts a range of community events from Pilates, yoga and tai chi classes to a free monthly film series called Movies on the Halifax. “I love the classes at The Casements,” Cecchini says. “They have art classes, cooking classes. It’s really fun.” In November, the town gathers for the Riverfest Seafood Festival in The Casements’ Rockefeller Gardens, and come wintertime, they have an annual Christmas gala as well as holiday concerts and Breakfast with Santa. Northbrook is served by the Volusia County Schools district. Pine Trail Elementary scored an A-minus from the educational review site, Niche, while Ormond Beach Middle received a B and Seabreeze High received a B-plus. Home of the Sandcrabs, the high school offers dual enrollment opportunities with Daytona State College. U.S. Route 1 is nearby, and residents can take it to get up and down Florida's east coast. “Ormond Beach has a small-town feel while still being close to bigger cities like Orlando, St. Augustine and Melbourne,” Cecchini says. Daytona Beach is 8 miles south, Halifax Health Medical Center is 10 miles south, and the Daytona Beach International Airport is 11 miles south.

Nine miles from Daytona Beach, Oak Forest is a neighborhood on the banks of the Halifax River that lives up to its name. “It has an old Florida feel with bright houses and tons of trees, making it a really green area,” says Hilary Deininger, a local Realtor with Keller Williams. The Ormond Beach neighborhood is largely residential, but shops, restaurants and the oceanfront are just 3 miles away along East Granada Boulevard. The riverfront provides many residents with scenic views and easy access to boating and kayaking on the water. The massive Tomoka State Park sits directly north, adding a sense of rural living. “It’s still on the river, but it’s quieter than the busy Ormond Beach area,” Deininger says. “It’s the type of place where people know their neighbors and have a real relationship with them.” The 2,000-acre Tomoka State Park features hiking and biking trails and boat ramps for a day of floating on the Tomoka River. Canoe rentals are also available. Just south of the neighborhood, Sanchez Park offers a playground and is a popular spot for fishing. Birthplace of Speed Park, on Ocean Shore Boulevard, is where locals can sunbathe on the beach and cool off in the ocean. “Oak Forest is a charming family neighborhood offering a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience,” says Emily Van Doorn, a Realtor with Realty Pros Assured, who sells homes in the area. “It's only a quick 10-minute drive to the beach.” The majority of homes in Oak Forest were built in the 1970s and 80s. Styles range from split-levels to modern asymmetrical designs, but ranch homes are most common. Houses sit on narrow, sidewalk-free roads and typically feature wide paved driveways and two-car garages. Properties come with spacious yards marked by palm trees and mature Florida oaks, providing shade from the hot Florida sun. Oak Forest has an overall crime score of 1 out of 10, according to the CAP Index Crime Score, significantly lower than the national average of 4. Prices typically range from $350,000 to $450,000, but larger properties on the river cost between $800,000 and $1.5 million. According to Risk Factor, Oak Forest is at “extreme” risk of flooding, with a score of 9 out of 10. Nearby Granada Boulevard serves as a hub for shopping and dining. For date night, residents can head to Rose Villa, a white tablecloth restaurant serving steak and seafood dishes in a century-old home. Lulu’s Oceanside Grill is a go-to spot for burgers with a side of sweet potato fries. The beach-themed restaurant also offers happy-hour cocktails and live music on the weekends. A grocery run can be easily handled at Publix Super Market at Halifax along the same stretch of road. The city of Ormond Beach hosts more than 30 community events throughout the year, including the Home for the Holidays Parade, which takes place on West Granada Boulevard around Christmastime, and Summer Sounds, a free weekly summertime concert series at Rockefeller Gardens on Riverside Dr. Oak Forest is served by the Volusia County Schools district. Students start off at Pine Trail Elementary, which has an A-minus Niche grade and is rated as the second-best school in the county. From there, students move on to B-rated Ormond Beach Middle School, before finishing at Seabreeze High. The high school has a B-plus rating and offers students dual enrollment opportunities with Daytona State College. North Beach Street runs through Oak Forest. Following the road south, leads to multiple prominent destinations. Daytona Beach is a nine-mile drive by way of North Beach Street and Ridgewood Avenue. Daytona Beach International Airport is a 12-mile trip on North Beach Street. AdventHealth Daytona Beach, a 362-bed hospital, is 9 miles away via North Beach Street and West Granada Avenue. The neighborhood is located within a mile of both Route 1 and Interstate 95, making it easy to navigate the state.

Made up of 12 distinct subdivisions, Ormond Lakes is a scenic community found 10 miles north of Daytona Beach. Its natural atmosphere is in the name, with several bodies of water scattered throughout the neighborhood; the winding Halifax River and Tomoka State Park also border Ormond Lakes. Featuring custom contemporary homes and community-only amenities, this suburb draws in potential homebuyers for its proximity to highly rated schools, nearby commercial areas and abundant outdoor recreation. It's just 5 miles from the heart of Ormond Beach and the beloved local shops that surround the Granada Bridge, which locals use to cross the river and head to the shores of the Atlantic. In Ormond Lakes, custom homes draw from Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles, with tiled roofs and domed archways. Many are adorned with pastel paint over stucco exteriors, and lots are large and well-maintained. "It's all new construction, built since 2000. They have several builders designing custom homes," says Lancelot Lenard, Realtor with Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage; he's been selling homes in the area for nearly a decade. "The HOA really keeps the neighborhood maintained, and most homes there are big, with amenities like pools. So it's pricier, but you get a lot for your money." Smaller custom homes sell between $400,000 and $500,000, while large custom homes, especially ones with lake views, sell between $600,000 and $900,000. Jackie Thompson, member of the Ormond Lakes Homeowner's Association, mentions that landscaping is part of the appeal. Ormond Lakes has several bodies of water and mature, tall trees shading the wide roads. The community has a notable score of 1 on the CAP Index Crime Score, with the national average being 4. Public schools are served by Volusia County Schools, and children can start at Pine Trail Elementary, which scores an A-minus on Niche. It's not only one of the top-rated schools in Volusia County, but it falls into the top percentile of best elementary schools in Florida. Students move on to Ormond Beach Middle, which scores a B, before heading to B-plus-rated Seabreeze High. Volusia County Schools offers full- and part-time online learning options for kids in kindergarten through twelfth grades, as well as a Spanish-English Dual Language Program. Currently undergoing expansion, this program aims to instruct the subjects of science, math and language arts in both English and Spanish, with the goal of all students achieving the Florida Seal of Biliteracy by the time they graduate high school. Ormond Lakes is home to a clubhouse that features a community pool, lit tennis courts, a playground and a fishing pier that stretches into one of the many neighborhood lakes. Nearby Tomoka State Park has plenty of hiking trails and allows camping on 2,000 acres of protected land. Canoe rentals and boat launching areas are available for those who want to head out on the Halifax or Tomoka River. For those with kids, Ormond Beach Sports Complex is home to many youth sporting events, offering over 25 different fields. Following Route 1 for 6 miles over the Granada Bridge, residents can be at the shoreside of the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of events to attend around Ormond Lakes, from the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens' free Saturday Art Walks to the annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach. Even within the neighborhood, residents work hard to ensure neighbors have plenty of chances to gather. "There is a social committee here, and they host at least one, sometimes more, events per month," Thompson says. "In December, we have Santa's Breakfast, where the committee makes everyone pancakes, and children can sit on Santa's lap." The Trails Shopping Center is only a few miles from Ormond Lakes down Route 1, and most residents get groceries there at the Publix. It also has several retail stores and local specialty shops, from clothing boutiques to salons. While there are plenty of fast-casual chain restaurants just outside of Ormond Lakes, several local eateries are nearby. From the upscale Italian restaurant of L'Angolo to the waterfront views at River Grille, serving cocktails and Cajun-inspired seafood, there are plenty of options for different flavors. While most residents drive, the Votran bus system has stops along Route 1. Route 1 and Interstate 95 are the area's major thoroughfares, making coastal commuting easily accessible and quick.