Florida

Situated 35 miles north east of Orlando, lush DeLand (population 28,000) was settled in 1874 and then developed by New York soda magnate Henry DeLand.  The new town soon became home to DeLand Academy, which today is nationally-recognized Stetson University, and it attracted wealthy residents during the 1920s Florida land boom.   Elegant remnants of this time still stand in the form of renovated stucco Mediterranean Revival buildings, and easygoing DeLand exudes an old fashioned Florida charm.    The cost of living is 9% below the national average, and the median home price is $135,000.   The town is ethnically diverse, and unlike many Southern spots, it has a population nearly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.  The crime rate meets the national average, and 40% of residents are age 45 or better.   Deland enjoys a reputation as a friendly place, and its one hundred year old oak trees and historic structures create a nice oasis in hectic 21st-century America.
	The town is proud of its architectural heritage, and its restored, walkable downtown is award-winning (and the site of numerous festivals).  Woodland Boulevard, with its notable 19th-century structures, has been named the Best Main Street in Florida five times.   The Garden District, adjacent to downtown, boasts 32 restored early 20th-century homes and businesses, and Stetson's beautiful campus is recognized as a National Historic District.  With DeLand's recent growth, 30% in the last decade, new construction now also mingles with the old (and the city has a growth plan in place).  In fact, some of the most popular new homes are in Victoria Park, a master-planned all ages community with a variety of neighborhoods.  Homes here start in the low to mid-$100,000s.
Stetson University, Florida's oldest private college, brings a bit of sophistication to town.  Its theater productions and music recitals enrich the community, and its continuing education department offers classes specifically for the senior demographic (topics include religion, history and the arts).  For sports enthusiasts, various sites host the Stetson Hatters' baseball, basketball and baseball games.   The Museum of Florida Art presents the annual DeLand Festival of the Arts, recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in the state, as well as rotating exhibits.    Housed in an impressive red brick and glass building, the DeLand branch of the Volusia County Library System has Sunday movies, book discussion groups and public computers with Internet access.   Residents enjoy four golf courses, and the city's parks and recreation department has a full calendar of activities for people age 50+.   Boating and fishing along the St. John's River are always a fun way to spend a day, and not far away, Ocala National Forest, Blue Springs State Park, the eastern Florida beaches and the Daytona Speedway give residents even more to do.   Local shopping venues includes a Sears, a Lowe's and Wal-Mart.
Senior services are strong.  The city's Wayne G. Sanborn Activities Center hosts a number of senior recreation activities and programs (and meals are offered by the Council on Aging at an off site facility).  DeLand also has a Senior Citizen's Recognition Program that annually celebrates a senior citizen who has contributed to the local community.  The Senior Council Committee is an advisory group that reports to the city council about senior issues and needs. VOTRAN, the county's public transportation system, provides limited service within DeLand (seniors ride for 60 cents) and service to surrounding towns.  It also has a beach trolley and a reservation-based para-transit service (Monday through Saturday).  Amtrak provides transportaion to points north and south, and Orlando has an international airport.
Florida Hospital DeLand is accredited by the Joint Commission and has 150 beds.  It is award-winning for emergency medicine excellence, and Medicaid and Medicare patients are accepted.    Florida Hospital Fish Memorial is next door in Orange City, and it, too, is award-winning for clinical excellence and emergency medicine excellence.  It is also accredited by the Joint Commission and accepts Medicaid and Medicare patients. Summers are hot and humid (temperatures in the 80s and 90s), and winters are mild and not as humid (temperatures in the 50s, 60s and 70s).  It rains a lot, especially in the summer when 8 inches often fall each month (and parts of the city are prone to flooding).  On the comfort index, a combination of temperature and humidity, DeLand ranks well below the national average.  The sun shines 230 days of the year.   The air quality is well above the national average (but so is the tornado risk).

Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes Have a town in mind for retirement?  Write to us and we will review it in a weekly issue!

With its historic architecture, cute downtown, good medical facilities, strong senior programs, managed growth plan, local university, affordable cost of living and average crime rate, DeLand is a place to consider for retirement.

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