Best Place to Live in Ormond Beach, Florida

February 25, 2025

6 minutes

Ormond Beach, nestled in beautiful Volusia County, offers a peaceful coastal lifestyle with stunning white sand beaches, vibrant parks, and easy access to the excitement of Daytona Beach. Residents enjoy a mix of charming local dining, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures. However, as more people discover its appeal, the area faces rising home prices and a competitive housing market.

Ormond Beach is projected to have a population of about 44,695 in 2025. The city offers a mix of affordability and quality of life, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 53.3 years. Ormond Beach provides a peaceful environment suitable for families and retirees, with a growing job market.

Thinking about making Ormond Beach your home? Explore our guide for insights on neighborhoods, cost of living, and the housing market to help you make the best decision.

Neighborhood Analysis for Ormond Beach, Florida

Ormond Beach has many different neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, a lively downtown area, or a beachfront escape, there’s something for everyone. Below is a simple breakdown of some of the best areas to live in Ormond Beach.

Top Neighborhoods in Ormond Beach

NeighborhoodMedian Home PriceBest ForWhat Makes It Special?
Tomoka Estates$321,000Families, retireesQuiet, nature-friendly, close to the river
Ormond-by-the-Sea$220,000Retirees, beach loversAffordable, ocean views, relaxed coastal life
Downtown Ormond BeachVariesYoung professionals, artistsWalkable, historic charm, great restaurants
Breakaway Trails$450,000+Families, professionalsGated community, large homes, private amenities

Neighborhood Highlights

1. Tomoka Estates – Peaceful & Nature-Filled

If you love nature and a quiet lifestyle, Tomoka Estates is a great choice. Located along the Tomoka River, this neighborhood offers affordable single-family homes, lots of greenery, and a peaceful environment. It’s perfect for families and retirees who enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

2. Ormond-by-the-Sea – Affordable Beach Living

Want to wake up to ocean views? Ormond-by-the-Sea offers affordable top beach houses and condos, making it an excellent choice for retirees and beach lovers. It’s quieter than nearby Daytona Beach but still offers great restaurants and local shops.

3. Downtown Ormond Beach – Lively & Walkable

For those who love city life, Downtown Ormond Beach is the place to be. You’ll find historic homes, trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. It’s ideal for young professionals and anyone who enjoys being within walking distance of entertainment and nightlife.

4. Breakaway Trails – Gated Community with Family Perks

If you prefer spacious homes in a safe, gated community, Breakaway Trails is a top choice. It offers large homes, private parks, a clubhouse, and great schools nearby. Families and professionals looking for a quiet, upscale neighborhood will feel at home here.

Which Neighborhood Is Right for You?

  • For nature lovers: Tomoka Estates
  • For beach lovers: Ormond-by-the-Sea
  • For city life & entertainment: Downtown Ormond Beach
  • For families wanting space & security: Breakaway Trails

Each area has its own unique benefits, so think about what’s most important to you when choosing your new home!

Buy your dream home commission-free

Get the guidance of reAlpha's AI and real estate professionals in buying your dream home without paying any commission.

Ad Icon

Cost of Living in Ormond Beach, Florida

Ormond Beach is slightly more expensive than the average U.S. city, but it is still more affordable than many other places in Florida. The biggest cost factor is housing, as home prices are higher than the national average. However, rent, utilities, and healthcare are more budget-friendly, making the area attractive for different lifestyles.

Breaking it Down:

1.Housing:

  • If you want to buy a home, expect to pay around $293,000, which is slightly more expensive than the national average of $281,900.
  • If you’re renting, a two-bedroom apartment costs about $1,130 per month, which is actually cheaper than in many other cities.

2. Utilities:

  • Monthly bills for electricity, water, and trash are about $200 per month, which is pretty standard for most U.S. cities.

3.Food & Groceries:

Grocery prices in Ormond Beach are only about 1% higher than the national average, meaning you won’t see a big difference in food costs.

Example prices:

  • Bread: $4.00
  • Milk: $4.71
  • Eggs: $3.49

4.Transportation:

  • Gas costs around $3.39 per gallon, which is about the same as the rest of the U.S.
  • Public transit is limited, so most people drive their own cars.

5.Healthcare:

  • Healthcare is about 2% cheaper than the national average, and Ormond Beach has good hospitals and clinics.

Housing prices are rising, so buying a home may cost more over time. Rent, healthcare, and utilities are affordable, making Ormond Beach a good option for families, retirees, and young professionals.

Quality of Life in Ormond Beach, Florida

Quality of life encompasses various factors, including climate, education, healthcare, and community engagement.

Climate and Environment

  • Weather: Ormond Beach enjoys a warm, subtropical climate with over 230 sunny days per year, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, summers can be humid, and the area is prone to hurricanes during peak season (June–November).
  • Air Quality: Generally good, with occasional spikes in allergens due to coastal vegetation.
  • Outdoor Activities: Residents can enjoy Tomoka State Park, scenic bike trails, and water sports along the Halifax River and Atlantic Ocean.

Healthcare Access

  • Hospitals & Clinics: Nearby options include AdventHealth Daytona Beach and Halifax Health Medical Center, both offering top-rated services.
  • Medical Costs: About 2% lower than the national average, with affordable primary care and specialized services.

Education & Schools

Public Schools:

Ormond Beach falls under the Volusia County School District, which includes highly rated schools such as:

  • Tomoka Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 8/10)
  • Ormond Beach Middle School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
  • Seabreeze High School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
Higher Education:

Nearby institutions include Daytona State College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which provide a range of academic and vocational programs.

Job Market & Economy

  • Top Industries: Tourism, healthcare, and aerospace are dominant sectors.
  • Employment Opportunities: The unemployment rate in Ormond Beach is around 3.1%, slightly lower than the national average.
  • Average Salary: The median household income is approximately $58,300.

Community & Culture

  • Events & Activities: Ormond Beach hosts annual festivals such as the Celtic Festival and Riverfest Seafood Festival, fostering a strong sense of community.
  • Dining & Nightlife: While nightlife is quieter compared to nearby Daytona Beach, residents enjoy a variety of local seafood restaurants, breweries, and live music venues.

Buy your dream home commission-free

Get the guidance of reAlpha's AI and real estate professionals in buying your dream home without paying any commission.

Ad Icon

If you're thinking about buying or renting a home in Ormond Beach, it's important to understand the current real estate market.

Home Prices & Market Conditions

  • The average home price in Ormond Beach is about $293,343, which is 7% higher than last year.
  • There are more homes available now compared to previous years, but demand is still strong.
  • The market currently favors sellers, meaning homes sell quickly and often at high prices.

Is It a Good Time to Buy?

  • Home values have gone up by 42% in the past five years, making Ormond Beach a good place to invest.
  • However, higher mortgage rates are making it more expensive for buyers to afford homes.

Rental Market

  • Rent prices are increasing, especially near the beach.
  • The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,130 per month.

What’s Next?

  • Prices may slow down in the next year as interest rates rise.
  • If you’re buying, be prepared for competition and higher monthly payments due to mortgage rates.
  • If you’re renting, expect prices to continue rising, especially in beachfront areas.

Final Thoughts: Is Ormond Beach, Florida, Right for You?

Choosing where to live is more than just looking at home prices—it’s about finding a place that fits your lifestyle, budget, and future goals. Before making a move to Ormond Beach, consider these key factors:

  • Does the cost of living match your budget?
  • Are there good job opportunities in your field?
  • Does the neighborhood offer the safety, schools, and amenities you need?
  • Will you enjoy the warm climate and coastal lifestyle?
Still Deciding?

Take the next step by exploring local neighborhoods, comparing costs, and connecting with real estate experts or visit reAlpha. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or invest, Ormond Beach has options for every lifestyle. Start your journey today!

Buy your dream home commission-free

Get the guidance of reAlpha's AI and real estate professionals in buying your dream home without paying any commission.

Ad Icon
Subscribe to the newsletter

Get the latest market trends, homebuying tips, and insider updates—straight to your inbox. No fluff, just the good stuff.

Article by

DA
Daniel Ares

As a great communicator with excellent negotiation skills, I focus more on establishing unbreakable ties between my clients, as opposed to just helping them achieve their real estate dreams. As a representative of both buyers and sellers, I understand how to lead a transaction process to ensure that the needs of both are met. My track record speaks for itself. Since I ventured into the industry in 2013 as a realtor, I have not only helped many buyers land perfect homes, but I have also assisted tons of owners and investors build wealth.