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Historic Westside

Historic Westside

Suburban Neighborhood in New Smyrna, Florida

Volusia County 32168

$247,753 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Community is at the heart of Historic Westside

In Historic Westside, it's not the homes or a specific monument but the people that are being honored. The community's deep history is always on display at Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, a tiny 1890s-era church. The building, named after a longtime resident and former school teacher, was constructed in the 1800s and once held a lively congregation. Today, memorabilia adorn its exhibits, chronicling the story of a neighborhood born during segregation. "Families who built homes here in the 1920s were really responsible for building out New Smyrna. Today, it's a walkable neighborhood with a lot of opportunity. With all that's coming alive along Canal Street, it has the potential to create the future of New Smyrna," says Jim Frost, a local Realtor with Kincaid Realty who's sold homes in New Smyrna Beach for eight years. Canal Street brings breweries, eateries, boutiques and a lively event scene within walking distance of homes. Surfing and kayaking can also happen on a whim, as wide beaches and the Indian River are a short drive away. Properties here are affordable side for the city, with many calling out for revitalization.

The Historic Westside is near both the Indian River and South Causeway Bridge.
The Historic Westside is near both the Indian River and South Causeway Bridge.
The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum is in New Smyrna Beach's Historic Westside.
The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum is in New Smyrna Beach's Historic Westside.
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New construction in Historic Westside mimics its most vintage cottages

The neighborhood's gridded streets spring with palm trees and Spanish-moss-draped oaks and wrap around community anchors, from the heritage museum to Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church and Pettis Park. Healthy Palm trees and Spanish-moss-draped oaks spring from yards, with some homes sitting on half of an acre while others almost butt up to the curb. A slapdash assortment of cottages and ranch styles line the roads, often painted in pastel hues or maintaining original red brick. The building stages are clear through 1970s ranch styles, and new construction mimics the neighborhood's most vintage 1930s cottages. Historic Westside is far more affordable than riverside and waterside communities in New Smyrna, where prices rise to over $1 million. "If someone is shopping 'the we're going to put it back together' market, they might find something in the 100,000 range. Outside of that fixer-upper market, I'd say you need to be planning on $250,000 to $350,000," says Gregory Holbrook, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who's sold homes in New Smyrna for 20 years. Vintage cottages from 500 to 900 square feet start as low as $70,000 when they require a complete overhaul, and new construction begins in the $300,000s.

Historic Westside features many charming single family homes.
Historic Westside features many charming single family homes.
New construction and recently renovated homes can be found throughout Historic Westside.
New construction and recently renovated homes can be found throughout Historic Westside.
Newer portions of Historic Westside offer townhouse style living for residents.
Newer portions of Historic Westside offer townhouse style living for residents.
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Tropical Storms come and go in Florida

Flood and storm insurance is required here, according to Holbrook. “Dealing with tropical weather systems is just a reality. We can go a lot of seasons and never have tropical impacts and we can have seasons like 2004 where we got ready for five storms and were hit by three of them. It is typical of just about anywhere in Florida."

Pickleball until dusk at Pettis Park

Pettis Park is the heartbeat of the neighborhood, with multiple recreational opportunities, including a small skate park that even novices can enjoy. Kids bond at the playground, and athletes head to the lighted courts to play pickleball or tennis until dusk. They might reserve time with the on-site coach and practice at the wall to strengthen their game. Golfers travel north to the 18-hole New Smyrna Golf Club, with its flat green enhanced by small ponds and trees. Riverside Park is just over a mile east, with boat docks and a popular fishing pier that stretches into the Indian River. Paths for casual strolling weave throughout the park's 8 acres. "Any time you walk the river, you're likely to see dolphins. It's a very nature-rich place without a lot of boat traffic," says Frost. New Smyrna Beach is within 4 miles for afternoons by the ocean.

Historic Westside locals enjoy a riveting game of pickleball at Pettis Park.
Historic Westside locals enjoy a riveting game of pickleball at Pettis Park.
Pettis Park in Historic Westside is a family favorite local park.
Pettis Park in Historic Westside is a family favorite local park.
Pettis Park features a vibrant skate park for Historic Westside youth.
Pettis Park features a vibrant skate park for Historic Westside youth.
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Canal Street offers an eclectic array of commerce

Canal Street is just a walk from every neighborhood home, housing local restaurants and boutiques on one street. Retro awnings adorn historic storefronts, creating pockets of shade for pedestrians. The warm aroma of scented candles greets shoppers at Posh Pineapple, a small boutique selling gifts, from home decor items to jewelry and custom handbags. Canal Street Chic is a consignment store featuring an assortment of designer women's clothing. Big Joe's Subs serves 16-inch hoagies with a side of fries. The homemade slices at Panheads Pizzeria are crafted from family recipes and have become well-known after being featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." But Frost says one of the most beloved local haunts is Prima: "It's this super-small and tight Italian spot with maybe 25 seats, but they're true New York style, and it's bustling all the time." For nights in, there's a Publix just over a mile south.

Big Joe's Subs, a lunch hotspot, is just a stone's throw from the Historic Westside.
Big Joe's Subs, a lunch hotspot, is just a stone's throw from the Historic Westside.
Historic Westside residents can find special items for sale at The Posh Pineapple.
Historic Westside residents can find special items for sale at The Posh Pineapple.
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Kwanzaa celebrations at Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum

"Obviously I’m a historian that got hooked by the stories of New Smyrma and all its layers of history. Outside of all of those great stories there is so much to do here," says Holbrook, who's also the executive director of New Smyrna Museum of History, just over a mile east. In December, locals head to the museum for Kwanzaa celebrations, gathering for African food and a candle ceremony. The sounds of hymns and African drumming radiate from the park in February when the Black Heritage Festival is held at Pettis Park. The festival, an over 30-year tradition, also features crafting activities – from quilting to soapmaking – and Storytime for kids. Locals also use this time to tour the museum and heritage house, educating the next generation about the neighborhood's deep well of history. Canal Street hosts IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, now in its 50th year, hosting an array of vendors and over 50,000 visitors. New Smyrna Museum of History runs programs with guest speakers throughout the year. "I you're a member, it's free," Holbrook says.

Students attend Volusia County Public School District

Students attend the Volusia County Public School District, where kids start at Chisolm Elementary, a school rated B-plus ranking on Niche. “Chisolm was recently rebuilt and now has some of the most high-tech equipment in town,” Frost says. From there, students filter into New Smyrna Beach Middle School, which maintains a B-minus, before advancing to New Smyrna Beach High, given a B rating. Frost says the high school is known for its stellar sports teams. “Both the girls’ volleyball team and boys’ soccer teams recently won championships.”

Chisholm Elementary School near Historic Westside, earns a B+ on Niche.
Chisholm Elementary School near Historic Westside, earns a B+ on Niche.
New Smyrna Beach Middle School offers a S.T.E.M. Program and is home to the Stingrays.
New Smyrna Beach Middle School offers a S.T.E.M. Program and is home to the Stingrays.
New Smyrna Beach High School welcomes nearly 2,000 local students each school year.
New Smyrna Beach High School welcomes nearly 2,000 local students each school year.
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Public transit in Historic Westside along U.S. 1

Being inland, Historic Westside is secluded from the tourist bustle. "There's no island connectivity, so there's none of the transient, cruise-through traffic you'll find in other Florida beach towns," Frost says. Public transit is available along U.S. Route 1 at Volusia County Votran bus stops, which heads 20 miles north to Daytona Beach International Airport. U.S. 1 stretches along the right side of the neighborhood and Lytle Avenue, aka State Route 44, forms the southern border and flows eastward toward the ocean. AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, a general hospital, is less than 2 miles south.

The Votran public transportation system has many stops near Historic Westside.
The Votran public transportation system has many stops near Historic Westside.
Historic Westside residents can access the beach and other nearby amenities via Lytle Ave.
Historic Westside residents can access the beach and other nearby amenities via Lytle Ave.
Canal Street in New Smyrna is home to many shops and restaurants near Historic Westside.
Canal Street in New Smyrna is home to many shops and restaurants near Historic Westside.
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Kathryn Ashworth
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Kathryn Ashworth
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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

28 min drive

Bus

Mary & Us 1 Ib

Bus

Washington & 1 Ib

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Historic Westside US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$200,000
Median Single Family Price
$230,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$198
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Months of Supply
4.70
Median List Price
$237,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
529
Median Year Built
1970
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,221
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,073
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

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
1,554
Median Age
44
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$45,444
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,634

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.4%
College Graduates
19.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.4%
% Population in Labor Force
57.6%
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®

42 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

45 / 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.

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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
Historic Westside