"Sweet iced tea and Jerry Lee. Daytona Beach. That's what gets to me. I can feel it in my bones." - Tim McGraw, Southern Voice
Daytona Beach might be best known for its miles of sandy beaches and fast cars, but South Daytona is a spot many individuals call home. A few miles down Atlantic Avenue from the tourist hub, this quiet, ocean-side spot offers places to live at moderate prices.
When you rent an apartment in South Daytona, your instinct might drive you due east to the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean and sandy beaches
"Sweet iced tea and Jerry Lee. Daytona Beach. That's what gets to me. I can feel it in my bones." - Tim McGraw, Southern Voice
Daytona Beach might be best known for its miles of sandy beaches and fast cars, but South Daytona is a spot many individuals call home. A few miles down Atlantic Avenue from the tourist hub, this quiet, ocean-side spot offers places to live at moderate prices.
South Daytona Rentals
When you rent an apartment in South Daytona, your instinct might drive you due east to the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean and sandy beaches. However, your mission is to find the right beachside spot for you, so ignore the siren call of sun and sand and explore the city with your apartment search in mind. South Daytona's cost of living is just under the national average, so you can expect apartment rents to be reasonably priced.
While South Daytona is certainly a tourist destination, many residents -- upward of of 12,000 -- call this city home. Many apartments and duplexes for rent exist in this community. Checking out different apartment complexes a couple of months before your move should give you plenty of time to find an available unit. You can find one-, two-, and 3-bedroom apartments in the area. Many South Daytona complexes will check your credit, rental history, or both, as well as ensure you have the funds to pay for your pad by checking your employment status.
Exploring South Daytona Neighborhoods
South Daytona offers a unique mix of housing options. If hearing the waves crashing onto the beach is your goal, you can find complexes near the Atlantic Ocean and South Daytona's "strip" -- Atlantic Avenue, or A1A. Move a bit inland, and you'll position yourself near retail and business spots and get away from the touristy vibe of A1A. While South Daytona is a few miles away from the city's Boardwalk and Ocean Center -- that is, the tourist hub -- you'll still catch some vacationers just south of the city.
Ganymeade: A few blocks back from the Halifax River, Ganymeade is an inland community. However, the Atlantic Ocean is just a quick drive over the bridge. Since the community is not on the beach side, rents are reasonably priced. Grab some wings at the nearby South Turn Lounge and Restaurant or another nearby establishment.
Palm Grove: Another inland community, Palm Grove sits between Ridgewood Avenue and Nova Road, two major thoroughfares through South Daytona. This community is a bit pricier than neighboring Ganymeade. Thanks to quick access to Nova Road, you'll have a Publix and plenty of eateries nearby, leaving you well fed.
Beachside: When you cross the Dunlawton Bridge, you're on the beach side of South Daytona. If salty air and crashing ocean waves are must-have amenities, this area is right for you. On this side of the bridge, the area is more favorable for pedestrians thanks to crosswalks across A1A, leading you straight onto the sandy beach. Hidden under the Dunlawton Bridge, you'll find Our Deck Down Under, an open-air seafood restaurant with water views.
Life as a South Daytona Resident
When you're on the beach side of South Daytona, you might find yourself walking more often than you drive. The beach itself is just a few blocks away, and parking along A1A is minimal. You can hop from convenience store to surf shop to beachside restaurant or bar with ease. However, once you venture off of A1A, you'll need a car. While a city bus system exists, most South Daytona residents rely on their own cars to get to them around.
South Daytona has a relaxed vibe synonymous with a beachy town. Naturally, much of the area's residents enjoy what nature has to offer. From surfing and paddleboarding to boating and fishing on many of the area's waterways, to simply soaking up the sun on the beach, South Daytona is an outdoor lover's paradise. If fast cars are more your style, Daytona International Speedway means NASCAR is on city residents' minds year-round. You might even spot at driver at your favorite restaurant, as some of NASCAR's best call Daytona home during the off-season.
