Ponce Inlet sits between the Atlantic and the Halifax River on the tip of a barrier island. The town’s 11-mile distance from downtown deters tourists but delights locals as life here is slower, and less commercial. "Ponce Inlet is one of the least populated and least built-up areas in Daytona Beach," says Davis Hamilton of Ocean Properties and Management, who's sold homes in the city for 20 years. "Most beach towns in Florida are beginning to get overbuilt as far as the natives are concerned." Light pollution here is minimal, not only because Ponce Inlet remains so natural, but also because protections are in place for sea turtle hatchlings who rely on the guidance of clear moonlight. With the trifecta of the ocean, the Halifax River and Spruce Creek flowing through the town, life here is wrapped around waterside recreation and dining. The best view of the coastline comes from the community's historic lighthouse, the tallest in Florida.
The Ponce Inlet lighthouse is a focal point at Lighthouse Point Park.
The observation tower at Lighthouse Point Park overlooks the Halifax River.
1/2
Ponce Inlet's known for its calming coastline
The coastline of Ponce Inlet is spacious and quiet and just a walk from any house. "I had a beach home in New Jersey, and you'd go to the beach in the summertime, and you could reach out and touch someone. You come down to our beach, and you're lucky and surprised if someone is 20 yards away from you," says John Oebbecke, the director and vice president of the Ponce Inlet Community Center. The town also has several nature preserves. To the north, Ponce Preserve's winding trails lead through mangroves, and its boardwalk connects to both the Halifax River and the beach. The preserve is also known for its historic shell mound, which was left behind by the indigenous community. Hamilton says the mound is so tall that sailors used it to guide them to the shore before the lighthouse existed. Lighthouse Point Park offers an untouched coastline to the south where people fish off the jetty and let their dogs run. Timucuan Oaks Garden preserves the town's wetland and offers canoe and kayak launches. The area has several boat ramps for larger vessels, including one along the A1A. Meanwhile, Harbour Village Marina is in town for boat storage.
Bring your pup to the dog friendly swimming area at Lighthouse Point Park.
Lighthouse Point Park offers many opportunities to fish, either on land or off the dock.
1/2
Beachy dwellings along the Halifax River and Atlantic Ocean
Homebuyers will find an eclectic mix of beachy dwellings spread between tall palms and well-landscaped lawns in Ponce Inlet. "There are some built high on stilts. A lot of them have old-time metal roofs. But there's every kind you can think of in Ponce Inlet: Mediterranean-style, contemporary-style, old Florida-style housing," Hamilton says. In addition to single-family homes, there are plenty of condos and a few townhouses. Townhouses list in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. Condos price from the mid-$300,000s to the high $800,000s when they are on the ocean. And single-family homes generally range from the high $600,000s to over $1 million. A rare few inland homes begin in the $200,000s, and ultra-luxury beachside mansions can rise to $3 million. Outside of square footage and condition, pricing is determined by proximity to the water. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4. Though Florida is prone to hurricanes, Hamilton says it's not an issue here. "This area is one of the least affected areas in Florida by hurricanes. The gulf stream will steer the hurricanes up to the Carolinas." Oceanside properties must use special shutters and lighting to protect the local turtle population.
Lush mature trees provide shade and privacy to homes in Ponce Inlet.
This row of Ponce Inlet homes have clean lines and clear views.
1/2
Climb to the Moon at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Live music plays at Ponce Inlet’s waterside restaurants throughout the week. Most establishments have large decks where the bands play from, and people steer to the events on their boats. Friends also anchor at islands along the Halifax River, which Hamilton says become “party havens” during the day. For family fun, the lighthouse’s museum puts on a monthly Climb to the Moon event that offers evening tours paired with beverages. Bonds also form at the Ponce Inlet Community Center on Peninsula Drive. “Every resident of Ponce Inlet is indeed a standing member of the community center,” Oebbecke says. “We are fortunate to have several clubs — Garden, Womens, Lions, Veterans, Art Guild — that use the Center for all their activities. We also have numerous exercise and yoga classes conducted during the week.”
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is known for being the tallest in the state.
Ponce Inlet's Lighthouse Park has a gift shop and museum open to residents and visitors.
1/2
Down the Hatch and Boatyard has been here since the 1940s
Dock-and-dine restaurants are plentiful. For an extra casual spot, residents head to Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill, where they dine on key lime pie and shrimp. Down the Hatch and Boatyard has been around since the 1940s and serves a daily special to keep things fresh. Lighthouse Ice Cream & Snacks is a go-to for a sweet treat. Locals can rent a sunset cruise or trip out to the sandbar on the local Tiki Boat. Ponce Inlet isn't known for its retail options. "It takes a special kind of person to live here. One who enjoys the solitude of the area," Hamilton says. "There are no shopping centers with grocery stores in Ponce Inlet. You're going to have to travel probably 6 miles or so north on the A1A to get to Daytona Beach Shores before you get to any shopping center." Florida State Route A1A is the bridge to the mainland and leads to Publix in just over 7 miles.
Down The Hatch in Ponce Inlet serves fresh seafood, drinks and has beautiful river views.
Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy great food & drinks at Our Deck Down Under in Ponce Inlet.
1/2
B to B-plus-rated schools on Niche
Public school options are through Volusia County Schools in neighboring mainland communities. Students may start at Port Orange Elementary School, which receives a B-plus rating from Niche. Silver Sands Middle and Atlantic High earn B ratings, and the high school is known for its accomplished athletic programs. The Atlantic Sharks have won several state championships since 2010, from bowling to basketball and tennis. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona State College and University of Central Florida Daytona Beach are higher education options within 12 miles.
R.J. Longstreet Elementary School is located between the ocean and the river.
Silver Sands Middle School, in Port Orange, is just minutes from the Allandale community.
1/2
Dunlawton Avenue connects locals to the mainland
Locals can head into the mainland and major highways, including U.S. Route 1, interstates 95 and 4 via the A1A, aka Dunlawton Avenue. The closest hospital is Halifax Health Medical Center, around 13 miles away. Disney World is within 80 miles following I-4, making it less than a 2-hour drive away. Though most residents commute by car, there are bus stops lining South Atlantic Avenue — a major road here — through Votran, Volusia County’s public transportation service.
The Votran provides public transportation to Ponce Inlet and surrounding areas.
Use the Dunlawton Bridge for easy access to the mainland in Ponce Inlet.
On average, homes in Ponce Inlet, FL sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Ponce Inlet, FL over the last 12 months is $625,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
As a dedicated Realtor in Florida, my mission is to guide you seamlessly through every step of your real estate journey, whether you’re buying or selling. With a passion for helping others, I prioritize listening to your needs and concerns, leveraging my strong negotiating skills and a wealth of resources to achieve your goals.
In addition to my real estate expertise, I am a certified mobile notary and loan signing agent, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of your transactions. I believe that a successful experience is built on collaboration, and with the support of my talented team and fellow associates, you’ll benefit from a collective wealth of knowledge and experience.
When I’m not immersed in real estate, you’ll find me enjoying a good cup of coffee, advocating in support of neurodivergent children and services, serving on the Board of Directors for The Chase Academy, or inspiring others as a mentor. Let’s work together to make your real estate dreams a reality—I can’t wait to meet you!
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.
