Section Image

Bethune Beach

Bethune Beach

Rural Neighborhood in New Smyrna, Florida

Volusia County 32169

$1,134,775 Average Value
$588 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

An idyllic coastal community named for a civil rights activist

Located just south of New Smyrna Beach, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Bethune Beach is known for its beautiful homes and sugar-sand beaches. “It’s laid-back luxury with all of the coastal charm,” says Debbie Meihls, President and CEO of New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau, who also notes that the community has "an amazing independent food scene.” Bethune Beach is named after civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University, who spearheaded the effort in the 1930s to create a beach for African Americans to enjoy without restriction. Today, a historical marker on the beach honors her legacy.

Bethune Beach residents love being surrounded by the water.
Bethune Beach residents love being surrounded by the water.
Bethune Beach is set between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Bethune Beach is set between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean.
1/2

Kayaking at the Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

Bethune Beach is set on a narrow strip of land and is surrounded by nature. “It’s a big sea turtle area,” says Davis Hamilton, a Realtor with Ocean Properties and Management, who’s been selling homes in the area for more than 50 years. “That’s a major attraction.” Beyond that, residents can admire wildlife while kayaking or canoeing around the mangrove forest-lined Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve, a 21,000-acre protected wetland that borders the Canaveral National Seashore. Here, manatees and dolphins frolic and pelicans and herons soar above. This preserve is part of the Indian River Lagoon, which also encompasses the Banana and Indian rivers and is a hot spot for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. At Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, there's a boardwalk fronting a wide beach and a fishing pier; it also features outdoor tennis-pickleball courts, picnic pavilions and a playground. On the river side, Mary McLeod Bethune Park West is a prime spot to view manatees, dolphins and pelicans.

Bethune Beach is located along a peninsula bordered by the Atlantic coast and Indian River.
Bethune Beach is located along a peninsula bordered by the Atlantic coast and Indian River.
Fishing is popular along the pier at Mary McLeod Bethune Park Westside.
Fishing is popular along the pier at Mary McLeod Bethune Park Westside.
1/2

Bethune Beach offers everything from luxury homes to condos

Bethune Beach offers luxury waterfront houses, cottages and a few condominium complexes, many in beachy pastel colors. Properties feature rooftop terraces, porches and spacious decks for admiring the ocean, lagoon, or both. Most houses were built in the late 1990s to the present day and feature towering palms and expansive driveways, perfect for parking boats. “It’s primarily a family-oriented, beach-style resort town,” Hamilton says. “It’s old Florida. There aren't a lot of high-rises. It’s not built up and they want to keep it that way. It’s a really unique part of Florida that hasn’t been lost to commercialism.” She also notes that "most people live there year-round," but there are also a number of vacation homes in the area. Oceanfront single-family homes typically range from $2 million to $4 million, while houses further from the shoreline cost between $600,000 and $1.5 million. Waterfront condos go for $600,000 to $1 million and those inland sell from $350,000 to $600,000. Bethune Beach is at “extreme” risk of flooding with a 9 out of 10 score, according to Risk Factor. The community has an overall crime score of 1 out of 10, according to the CAP Index Crime Score, significantly lower than the national average of 4.

Many Bethune Beach homes are built above garages due to coastal flooding potential.
Many Bethune Beach homes are built above garages due to coastal flooding potential.
Bethune Beach residents can purchase homes right on the Atlantic coast.
Bethune Beach residents can purchase homes right on the Atlantic coast.
Many Bethune Beach homes have unique style details.
Many Bethune Beach homes have unique style details.
Bethune Beach is home to a variety of condo styles.
Bethune Beach is home to a variety of condo styles.
1/4

Community events in nearby New Smyrna Beach

Bethune Beach is 9 miles from New Smyrna Beach’s Canal Street Historic District, where community events are regularly held. Locals go to the Smyrna Beach Farmers’ Market on Saturdays to shop for local crafts and produce and Sip & Stroll brings folks together to sample wine and craft beer every first Saturday of the month.

Local musicians play during the Christmas in July Market on nearby Canal Street.
Local musicians play during the Christmas in July Market on nearby Canal Street.
Local New Smyrna children can get their faces painted during Canal Street Oktoberfest.
Local New Smyrna children can get their faces painted during Canal Street Oktoberfest.
1/2

Shopping and dining along A1A

For dining, locals head to JB's Fish Camp on Pompano Avenue for fresh seafood dishes like clam chowder, fried oyster baskets and crab cake sandwiches. The restaurant also offers kayak and paddle board rentals, so residents can grab a bite and then head for a day of fun on the water. A few miles up A1A, there’s Chase’s on the Beach for upscale waterfront dining and Mi Mexico, serving up authentic Mexican fare. At Ocean Village, residents can pick up essentials at Dollar General Market, work up at a sweat at Nautilus by the Sea and enjoy breakfast classics at C’s Waffles. The strip mall also has a hair salon, ice cream shop and beach outlet store. Indian River Village, also along A1A, is anchored by Publix and offers CVS, department store Bealls Florida, an urgent care facility, a bank and Red Dog Surf Shop.

Chase's on the Beach is a great place for seafood near Bethune Beach.
Chase's on the Beach is a great place for seafood near Bethune Beach.
Bethune Beach residents enjoy the catch of the day along the Indian River at JB's Fish Camp.
Bethune Beach residents enjoy the catch of the day along the Indian River at JB's Fish Camp.
Bethune Beach locals who love to surf can purchase all of their gear at Red Dog Surf Shop.
Bethune Beach locals who love to surf can purchase all of their gear at Red Dog Surf Shop.
1/3

Students attend well-ranked New Smyrna Beach High

Bethune Beach is served by the Volusia County Schools district. Students may attend Coronado Beach Elementary, New Smyrna Beach Middle and New Smyrna Beach High. Home of the Barracudas, the high school has an engineering academy that prepares students for future careers in the field and scores a B Niche grade. The elementary school has a B-plus rating, while the middle school earns a B-minus.

Coronado Beach Elementary receives a B+ rating from Niche.
Coronado Beach Elementary receives a B+ rating from Niche.
New Smyrna Beach Middle School educates hundreds of Bethune Beach students every year.
New Smyrna Beach Middle School educates hundreds of Bethune Beach students every year.
New Smyrna Beach High School is one of the highest rated schools in all of Volusia County.
New Smyrna Beach High School is one of the highest rated schools in all of Volusia County.
1/3

Locals hop on Route 1 to get to Daytona Beach

Thanks to the community's compact size, residents can skip the car and stroll or bike to the beach, parks, shops and restaurants. It's only accessible by one road, County Road A1A, also known as South Atlantic Avenue, with New Smyrna Beach less than 10 miles to the north. AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, a 109-bed hospital, is about 9 miles away. Just west, Route 1 helps residents conveniently get around the broader region. Daytona Beach is about a 24-mile drive north along the highway, and the Daytona Beach International Airport is 25 miles away.

Bethune Beach locals can find an electric bike at the local Pedego shop.
Bethune Beach locals can find an electric bike at the local Pedego shop.
Bethune Beach locals head to the beach for various activities.
Bethune Beach locals head to the beach for various activities.
1/2
Claudia Pinto
Written By
Claudia Pinto
Samantha Houtchens
Video By
Samantha Houtchens

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Scott Yurchison, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Daytona Beach International

43 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bethune Beach US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$685,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,400,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$529,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$588
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Last 12 months Home Sales
40
Months of Supply
7.50
Median List Price
$1,050,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
12%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
604
Median Year Built
1988
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,128
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,018
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,225
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    6912 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

    $1,199,999

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,800 Sq Ft
    • 6912 S Atlantic Ave

    Escape to the quieter side of New Smyrna Beach with this charming 3/3/2 beachview retreat, nestled on a rare double lot offering ample space and privacy. Conveniently located with access from both Turtlemound Rd and S. Atlantic Ave, this home provides plenty of parking, a two-car garage, and even space to park a boat or RV, all with no HOA restrictions. A long driveway allows for ample parking,

    Ted Viator II THE WILKINS WAY LLC

    Section Image
  • Friday, Apr 25
    10am - 1pm

    6244 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

    $1,400,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,120 Sq Ft
    • 6244 S Atlantic Ave

    Rare opportunity to own 3 lot oceanfront home! Property is high and dry, one of highest dune elevations in New Smyrna Beach. Robust vegetation anchors the dune, making it extremely protected. The private deeded dune walkover is in the coveted, secluded beach section of Bethune Beach! Home has amazing ocean views from the large wrap-around deck along with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and multiple

    Deborah Denys WEICHERT REALTORS HALLMARK PR

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 2pm

    6555 Engram Rd, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

    $1,493,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,500 Sq Ft
    • 6555 Engram Rd
    • New 26 days ago

    Stunning brand-new yr 2025 custom built concrete block 1st and 2nd floor, and stucco beach home with spray foam (Icynene) insulation throughout, a designer-scored and painted concrete drive, and PGT hurricane impact resistant windows. This 4 bed/4 bath residence features high grade luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, 8' doors, a 1-car garage, two additional carports, and covered parking

    Patricia Collado Collado Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Scott Yurchison, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,283
Median Age
68
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
6.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
57.2%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,823
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,263

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
49.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.6%
% Population in Labor Force
44.8%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
49°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Bethune Beach neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bethune Beach