Is Ormond Beach, FL a Good Place to Live? (2026)

Is Ormond Beach really the hidden gem of Florida living?

Nestled on Florida's east coast, Ormond Beach offers a rare mix: affordable beachfront homes, low crime rates, and a peaceful vibe just minutes from Daytona. Whether you're looking to retire, relocate, or invest, this guide breaks down everything that makes Ormond Beach one of the smartest - and safest - coastal moves in 2025

One of the best parts of living in Ormond Beach, Florida is the variety of neighborhoods that offer something for everyone - whether you’re dreaming of oceanfront mornings, walkable streets, or peaceful gated communities.

So… where’s the best place to live in Ormond Beach? It depends on your lifestyle.

Here’s a quick overview of top-rated Ormond Beach neighborhoods - including price points, perks, and who they’re best suited for.

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Looking for privacy and river access? Tomoka Estates is tucked along the Tomoka River, offering wooded lots, wildlife, and a quiet pace of life. Great for retirees and families who love fishing, kayaking, or sipping coffee with a view.

• Nature trails & boat launches nearby

• Homes with large yards

• Ideal for peaceful, laid-back living

This area tops the list for buyers searching “Ormond-by-the-Sea homes for sale” or “Ormond Beach condos under $300K.” Why? It’s one of the last affordable beachfront communities in Florida.

• Oceanfront condos and homes

• Walkable to beach parks, shops, restaurants

• Lower housing costs than Daytona

While beachfront towns are pricey, Ormond-by-the-Sea remains affordable due to its quieter vibe, smaller population, and fewer resorts compared to Daytona or Miami.

Looking for similar cities? Check out Vero Beach, FL or our list of top beach house locations for 2024.

If you’re thinking “what’s the most walkable neighborhood in Ormond Beach?” - it’s Downtown.

• Art galleries, cafes, live music

• Historic homes with character

• Everything you need is within a short walk

Young professionals love the mix of culture, convenience, and charm. Plus, it’s just minutes from the Granada Bridge, The Casements, and Tomoka State Park.

This gated community is often searched by buyers looking for homes with large yards, security, and private amenities.

• Gated access, parks, and a clubhouse

• Custom-built homes with 3–5 bedrooms

• Close to top-rated schools in Ormond Beach

Ideal for professionals and families who want peace without being far from Daytona or Palm Coast.

You can also explore nearby areas like Holly Hill, Palm Coast, and Daytona Beach if you want more options within driving distance of Ormond.

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If you're wondering, "Is Ormond Beach affordable?" or "Why is Ormond Beach so cheap compared to other Florida cities?" - here's your answer:

Ormond Beach, Florida offers a balanced cost of living - not as expensive as Miami or Tampa, but not as cheap as small inland towns. It's a budget-friendly beach town, especially for families, retirees, and remote workers.

Let’s break it down across key categories:

Compared to other Florida beach towns, Ormond Beach is cheaper because it has fewer resorts, a lower population density, and a quieter tourism profile. This keeps housing prices and living costs more stable, even near the coast.

Ormond Beach is more affordable than most coastal Florida cities. While home prices are slightly above the national average, utilities, groceries, and rent are reasonable. The overall cost of living in Ormond Beach is ideal for families, retirees, and remote workers seeking quality without overspending.

• Bread: $4.00

• Milk: $4.71

• Eggs: $3.49

• Rice (1 lb): $1.99

• Chicken (1 lb): $3.99

Yes - especially housing prices in Ormond Beach. Real estate demand has surged in the last few years due to remote work and retirees moving from pricier cities. However, rent, utilities, and healthcare remain relatively stable.

Tip: If you're planning to buy, consider locking in a fixed-rate mortgage now to avoid future rate hikes.

Ormond Beach is a great choice if you want the coastal Florida lifestyle without the coastal Florida price tag.

Want to compare the cost to build instead of buy? Read:

Cost to build a house in Florida

Or explore top affordable places to live in Florida in 2024

If you're thinking of moving to Ormond Beach, Florida, chances are you’ve wondered:

• Is Ormond Beach a good place to live?

• Is Ormond Beach safe?

• What’s the weather like in Ormond Beach?

Here’s a full breakdown of the Ormond Beach lifestyle - covering safety, weather, schools, healthcare, and things to do - so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you or your family.

Ormond Beach enjoys a warm, coastal climate year-round. With over 230 sunny days annually and mild winters, it’s perfect for beach lovers, retirees, and anyone who enjoys outdoor living.

What is the weather like in Ormond Beach Florida?

Ormond Beach has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. It’s ideal for outdoor activities, though occasional hurricanes can occur between June and November.

Ormond Beach offers quality healthcare at lower-than-average prices. Major hospitals are located nearby in Daytona Beach.

• AdventHealth Daytona Beach

• Halifax Health Medical Center

• Ormond Beach Urgent Care Clinics

Medical costs are 2% lower than the national average.

Is healthcare in Ormond Beach good?

Yes. Residents have access to top-rated hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialists - all at costs slightly below the U.S. average.

Ormond Beach falls under the Volusia County School District, known for several well-rated public schools:

Nearby Colleges:

• Daytona State College
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (15 min drive)

Ideal for: Families looking for stable public school options + access to local colleges.

Ormond Beach is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates lower than nearby Daytona Beach.

• Violent crime rate is 20% lower than the national average
• Neighborhoods like Breakaway Trails and Tomoka Estates report very low incidents
• Ormond-by-the-Sea is especially quiet and peaceful

Is Ormond Beach a safe place to live?

Yes, especially when compared to surrounding areas. While no place is crime-free, Ormond Beach has a strong community feel, active police presence, and lower crime rates than many other Florida cities.

Looking for fun beyond the beach? Ormond Beach offers nature, food, art, and family-friendly experiences - without the crowds of Daytona.

What are the best things to do in Ormond Beach Florida?

Top-rated things to do in Ormond Beach include visiting the beachfront parks, kayaking at Tomoka State Park, biking the Ormond Scenic Loop, exploring The Casements, and enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants.

Ormond Beach is a community-first town. You’ll find friendly neighbors, farmer’s markets, clean streets, and civic pride. People here value balance - work, wellness, and weekend fun.

• 44,695 residents (2025 est.)

• Median age: 53.3 years

• Strong mix of retirees, young families & remote workers

Prefer somewhere cooler? Check affordable cities in Colorado

Or if you're considering school quality first, explore safest places to live in Georgi

Yes - Ormond Beach is one of Florida's top retirement spots.

Why? Because it blends affordability with coastal beauty and peace of mind. Retirees love Ormond-by-the-Sea for its walkable beach lifestyle, while Tomoka Estates offers nature and privacy without HOA fees.

Top retirement benefits:

• Low property taxes
• Excellent healthcare nearby (AdventHealth, Halifax)
• Quiet neighborhoods with low crime
• Homes under $300K near the water

Real estate in Ormond Beach, FL is heating up - with rising prices, limited inventory, and strong competition, especially in coastal neighborhoods like Ormond-by-the-Sea, Breakaway Trails, and Downtown Ormond Beach.

What’s the average home price in Ormond Beach Florida?

The average home price in Ormond Beach is around $293,000, with beachside condos starting from $250K and single-family homes ranging from $275K to over $500K depending on location.

Yes - if you're planning to hold long-term or want to move in before prices rise further.

Home values in Ormond Beach have grown 42% over the past 5 years, making it a strong market for long-term appreciation. Even with interest rates rising, demand is holding steady - especially in neighborhoods with access to beaches, schools, and parks.

Tip: Lock in now before prices outpace mortgage affordability.

• Location: Coastal town near Daytona Beach, with quiet, safe vibes

• Inventory: Limited homes on the market, especially near the beach

• Buyer Demand: High from retirees, remote workers & snowbirds

Housing prices in Ormond Beach are rising due to increased demand from retirees, investors, and remote workers, combined with limited inventory, beach proximity, and ongoing Florida migration trends.

Renters are also feeling the squeeze - especially near the coast.

Key Insight: Rental demand spikes during snowbird season (Oct–Mar), so prices rise around then. Beachside homes and condos rent quickly, often at premium rates.

Experts predict:

• Continued price growth - slower than 2022–2024, but steady

• Mortgage rates may increase again, tightening buyer budgets

• Investors still targeting Ormond Beach FL real estate as undervalued

If you're planning to buy in the next 6–12 months, it’s better to act sooner than later - especially for beachfront or gated communities.

Whether you're seeking affordability, safety, or coastal charm - Ormond Beach checks every box. With walkable beach towns, gated communities, and prices still under $300K, it's one of Florida’s best-kept secrets for buyers in 2025.

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