DeLand, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

DeLand is a northern suburb of Orlando in Central Florida. Its warm year-round temperatures and community events, as well as its access to Orlando and the Daytona Beach area make it a popular destination for retirees. DeLand’s affordable housing makes it easy to retire near the water without the price tag.

Climate & Geography 

Located 25 miles inland from the eastern coast of Florida, DeLand has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot, and humid, while winters are short, dry, and pleasant. Residents can expect higher than average rainfall, especially in the wet season of late summer, but no snowfall. There are, on average, 232 days of sunshine each year.

DeLand lies on a terrain of rolling hills and abundant lakes. St. Johns River flows just outside DeLand and is used commercially and recreationally. The Ocala National Forest is northwest of the city, while Tiger Bay State Forest is northeast. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

A smaller, mainly residential city, much of DeLand’s entertainment revolves around its downtown community. The historic and recently renovated downtown area has local boutiques, businesses, and eateries. Residents can shop for local food and art at the Friday Farmers Market in Artisans’ Alley. The Athens Theater, a fully restored historic theater, also hosts community events and gatherings in addition to concerts.

Outdoor lovers can head to Hontoon Island State Park, just west of the city, for hiking trails, camping, fishing, biking, and canoeing. The coast of Daytona Beach is only a half-hour away and the attractions of Orlando are an hour away.

In addition, residents enjoy golfing at the various golf clubs in the area, visiting the historic Stetson Mansion built during the Gilded Age, and checking out museums in nearby Deltona.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

DeLand’s cost of living is just below the national average. The main reason for this is the lower cost of housing, but other indexes like groceries and health care are also below average. Transportation and utilities hover slightly above average.

Florida is tax-friendly to retirees because the state has no income tax at all, meaning all forms of retirement income remain untaxed. Homeowners can qualify for an additional homestead exemption to help with property taxes, and DeLand’s sales tax rate of 6.5 percent is average for the U.S.

Health Care

According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, Florida ranks in the top 20 states.

AdventHealth DeLand is the only hospital in the city. Other nearby hospitals inlcude AdventHealth Fish Memorial and Central Florida Regional Hospital, the latter of which was rated high performing by U.S. News. Additional high performing hospitals in Daytona Beach include AdventHealth Daytona Beach and Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach.