Imagine waking up to the sound of ocean waves, biking through a canopy of live oaks before breakfast, then grabbing fresh seafood for lunch, all without the chaos of a big city. That is not a vacation fantasy. That is just a regular Tuesday in Ormond Beach, Florida.
If you have been thinking about making a move to the Sunshine State, this city might just change everything you thought you knew about Florida living.
Why Ormond Beach Keeps Winning
Ormond Beach is not just another Florida town riding on beach tourism. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked it the 7th best place to live in Florida out of 81 cities, recognizing its strong quality of life, outdoor appeal, and job market. It sits right along the Atlantic coast in Volusia County, just north of Daytona Beach, roughly an hour’s drive from Orlando and under two hours from Jacksonville. You get coastal living with real city access.
What Does It Cost to Live Here?
Ormond Beach’s cost of living sits right around the national average, making it more accessible than most Florida beach towns.
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Median home price: Around $395,000 to $400,000 in early 2026, up 14.6% year over year
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Median rent: Approximately $1,515 per month
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Groceries: About 4% higher than the national average
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Healthcare: Below the national average, which is a real plus for families and retirees
Home values have grown 42% over the past five years, which means buying now is still a smart long-term move before prices climb further. The housing market is moving toward more balanced conditions in 2026, so buyers have a bit more breathing room than in previous years.
Pick Your Neighborhood, Pick Your Vibe
One of the best things about living in Ormond Beach is how different each neighborhood feels. There is genuinely something for every kind of lifestyle.
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Ormond-by-the-Sea: Affordable oceanfront living starting around $220,000, popular with beach lovers and snowbirds
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Breakaway Trails: A gated community with spacious homes from $450,000 and up, great for families seeking privacy and good schools nearby
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Tomoka Estates: Quiet riverfront homes around $321,000, ideal for nature lovers and retirees
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Downtown Ormond Beach: Walkable, artsy, and full of character, with historic homes, galleries, and local dining
Schools That Actually Deliver
If you are moving with kids, you will be happy to know that Ormond Beach public schools rank in the top 30% in Florida. Math proficiency scores average 64% compared to the statewide average of 52%, and reading scores follow the same trend.
Top schools like Ormond Beach Elementary, Pine Trail, and Tomoka Elementary consistently earn strong marks. Burns Science and Technology Charter School also serves K-12 students with a STEM-focused curriculum.
Jobs and the Local Economy
Ormond Beach has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, lower than the national average. Future job growth is projected at over 40% in the next decade, well above the national projection of around 30%. The average salary is about $60,229, with the sciences topping out at nearly $92,794. Its proximity to Daytona Beach and easy highway access to Orlando mean your career options are not limited to city limits.
Thinking about buying a home in Ormond Beach before the market heats up even more? Whether you are relocating from out of state or just looking for the right neighborhood to plant roots, The Weller Team is ready to make that process easy and stress-free for you.
Your Days Here Will Never Be Boring
This city punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do. Here is what daily life actually looks like for residents:
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Bike or drive the 34-mile Ormond Scenic Loop, one of the most beautiful stretches of road on the East Coast
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Kayak and bird-watch at Tomoka State Park, a 2,000-acre preserve that feels worlds away from city life
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Explore The Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s former winter home, right in the heart of downtown
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Walk through the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens for a free dose of culture and greenery
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Catch live performances at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
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Enjoy local events like the Celtic Festival and Riverfest Seafood Festival throughout the year
Central Park, a 150-acre neighborhood retreat with lakes and paved trails, is also a favorite for families who want nature without driving far.
Safety, Comfort, and Quality of Life
Residents have access to top-tier healthcare through AdventHealth and Halifax Health, both of which serve the greater Volusia County area. The pace of life here is relaxed without feeling sleepy, and the year-round warm weather makes outdoor living a genuine daily habit, not just a weekend thing.
Come See Ormond Beach for Yourself
Ormond Beach, FL, continues to earn its spot as one of Florida’s most livable cities in 2026. It has the beach, the community feels, the good schools, and the growth that makes it a smart place to put down roots.
If you are ready to take the next step, whether that is buying your first home, upgrading, or relocating from out of state, reach out to me. Let’s find the perfect home in this city together.
Sources: foundationrp.com, publicschoolreview.com, bestplaces.net, visitflorida.com, plantationoaksoformondbeach.com, payscale.com
Header Image Source: nextdoor.com
