I'm back to livin' Floridays /Blue skies and ultra violet rays /Lookin' for better days." (-- Jimmy Buffett, "Floridays")
If blue skies and sunshine are your vision of better days, then come on down to Florida, where you can enjoy Floridays year-round
I'm back to livin' Floridays /Blue skies and ultra violet rays /Lookin' for better days." (-- Jimmy Buffett, "Floridays")
If blue skies and sunshine are your vision of better days, then come on down to Florida, where you can enjoy Floridays year-round. Located midway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, Deltona is a sprawling city along Interstate 4. Primarily residential, this city has a large number of commuters that work in either of the neighboring, larger, cities. Bordered by Lake Monroe and the St. John River, locals enjoy ample scenery, water sports, and outdoor adventures. If you are moving to the Sunshine State, you should definitely pick a spot that has plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. Deltona fits the bill with easy access to theme parks, beaches, world-class entertainment and anything else you could ask for in city living.
As America's retirement capital, Florida always has a fair amount of real estate available to buy or rent, and Deltona is no exception. Neighborhoods typically have vacancy rates above 10 percent, giving you more control over the process of renting an apartment. When vacancy rates are very low, you take what you can get. In Deltona, you have more negotiating power, sometimes allowing you to push down the price or add in some extras at no charge.
One month's rent is the standard charge for a security deposit, but there is nothing that enforces that amount. If you have good credit, you might be able to negotiate that amount down to a fraction of the rental fee. Hone up on that Bargaining for Dummies book on your shelf. If you can't get the landlord to budge on the numbers, ask about interest-bearing savings accounts for your deposit. If the landlord places the money in one of those, you get an annual payout for the interest. If you have to pony up the money, at least make sure you get something out of the deal. Florida rental laws allow you to earn interest, so why not take advantage?
Deltona is made up of several, distinct neighborhoods, though the entire area was originally founded as a retirement community. It is a predominantly residential area, so don't expect much in the way of entertainment in the neighborhood. Thankfully, with easy access to both Daytona Beach and Orlando, you will never be stuck at home on a Friday night, looking for something to do. Floridays are meant to be outdoors!
City Center: The high vacancy rate of 14 percent might indicate a large number of vacation rentals in another area, but in Deltona it is simply a response to lower demand. This means you can get a steal of a price on a very nicely sized apartment. Average rental prices are very affordable when compared to the national average. $$
Garfield Rd / Doyle Rd: This large, southernmost neighborhood in Deltona has a large number of military personnel, making it one of the lower crime neighborhoods. Thank you, servicemen and women! Reasonable property values and rental prices create a neighborhood that is very family friendly. $$
Courtland Blvd / Newmark Dr: Average rents are about average for the city in this smaller residential neighborhood in east Deltona. Here, you can find plenty of good-sized homes--five or more bedrooms in some cases. A room for your pet or arcade machine awaits! Most properties are single-family homes, so finding a long-term rental may be a challenge. Be prepared to jump if what you are looking for hits the market. As there are very few 1- or 2-bedroom rentals, you may wind up with more house than you know what to do with. Of course, there's no such thing as too much house. Especially not for a growing family. $$$
East Kicklighter Rd / Ranch Rd: Full of new construction (many houses were built in 2000 and later) this gem of a neighborhood is one of Florida's most family friendly. Where many areas struggle to provide a solid education, the public schools here are some of the nation's best. The low crime rate, reasonable average rental price, and preponderance of owner occupied homes put this neighborhood at the top of the list for families with school-age children or young couples starting a family. $$$$
Saxon Blvd / Fruitland Dr: With one of the higher vacancy rates in Deltona--over 16 percent--this area has plenty of potential for renters. Rental prices are affordable for most families. You might want to start your search a bit early--like right now!--since most of the real estate in this neighborhood is for sale, not for rent. Rent to own might be the most available option, giving you the best of both worlds. $$$
One of the great things about urban living is easy transportation. You don't have to own a car to get around in Deltona. (You're thinking of Daytona, home of NASCAR's Daytona 500.) The VOTRAN bus system runs throughout the county and Orlando. Of course, with most commuters looking at a 30- to 40-minute drive one way, don't cancel your insurance policy just yet. You might not need a car to get around, but it certainly adds to the convenience factor.
In Deltona, the area is primarily residential, but there are some great local entertainment spots. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens houses exotic animals from around the world in an intimate viewing experience. The Monroe Harbour Marina, on the St. Johns River, is only blocks away from Historic Downtown Sanford. There you can rent boats, buy a slip or sign up for a variety of water sports. For adults, Rivership Romance offers lunch and dinner cruises along the river. The incredible scenery and live entertainment lets you enjoy date night in a unique ambiance. You just need to get a date first--easier said than done, huh?
Most of Deltona's entertainment options involve spending hours outdoors. The Lyonia Preserve has great hiking trails and hours of fun for birdwatchers. The Deltona Golf Club has some very challenging courses.. If you prefer indoor fun, a short drive into Orlando lets you check out tons of museums, theaters, art shows, and more.
For great weather, top-notch schools, and low crime rates, Deltona can't be beat. The low cost of living doesn't hurt either. When you're looking for an apartment along the Florida coast, spend some time shopping in the Orlando Metro area. You might just find an unbeatable deal when searching for your next place. Of course, a visit to see Mickey & Minnie isn't too bad either.
