The South Florida city of Port Orange, located along the Halifax River, is an integral part of Florida’s Fun Coast Region. Once a community built on traditional industries, such as citrus and boat building, this community of nearly 65,000 is now surrounded by aviation and aerospace employers. It offers access to nautical adventures, buzzy beachfronts and dozens of parks and recreation centers that hum with all-ages activity. Residents also enjoy proximity to the region’s premier attractions, including Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk amusement park. “Port Orange combines coastal beauty, a community spirit and Florida charm. It’s a lifestyle built around the water,” says Sherie Zebrowski, a senior real estate specialist with Keller Williams based in the city. “It’s a perfect blend of living and excitement. It has a smalltown feel with big-event energy.”
Broken Bow Estates is a short drive to the beautiful beaches in Daytona Beach.
Cypress Head residents can enjoy the peace and relaxation of the beach at Wilbur by the Sea.
Bring your horses and take a walk along the shady trails at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.
Daytona International Speedway is less than 15 minutes from the Allandale community.
Bring your boat to one of the public boat launches for a day on the water in Harbor Oaks.
The farmers market in Harbor Oaks has new vendors each week.
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Oceanfront beaches, City Center Sports Complex are recreational highlights
Positioned along the Intracoastal Waterway, within minutes of barrier islands, the city is a haven for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. “When you go over the Dunlawton Bridge, you’re right at the beach in Daytona Beach Shores, and you’re 5 miles from Ponce Inlet, which also has a beautiful lighthouse,” says Donna Kearfott, a real estate agent with Adams Cameron & Co., who has totaled nearly $25 million in regional property sales in the past five years.
Riverwalk Park along the Halifax River is the city’s premier recreational space. “There’s always something fun happening there,” Kearfott says.” The north side is dedicated to water-based activities, with a kayak launch and fishing pier. The south side is geared toward children and features a variety of playscapes, including a splash pad. The City Center Sports Complex, which hosts organized leagues for children and adults, features multi-purpose athletic fields, tennis courts and playgrounds. Communities like Willow Run and Countryside rest in close proximity to the sports complex.
The city’s nearby recreation center, known affectionately as the REC, added 10,000 square feet of space as part of a recent renovation. The city’s Adult Activity Center serves residents 55 and over. Pickleball, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts are among its amenities. Spruce Creek Nature Park and Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens are city attractions that cater to outdoor lovers and those seeking more tranquil recreation. Cypress Head Golf Club offers a public 18-hole course, and there are six more courses in Daytona Beach.
Watch the boats cruise along the river at Port Orange Causeway Park.
Harbor Oaks is a water enthusiasts paradise with ample access to bays, canals and rivers.
The Ponce Inlet lighthouse is a focal point at Lighthouse Point Park.
Cypress Head is a suburban community with easy access to shopping, dining, and the beach.
Port Orange's Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location for a photo op or selfie.
Hidden Lake youth spend their afternoons at the Port Orange REC Center.
In the warmer months kids can frolic and play at the splash pad at Riverwalk Park.
Riverwalk Park is host to many community events throughout the year.
Kids of all ages can enjoy fishing off the pier at Riverwalk Park in Georgetowne.
The Dunlawton Bridge connects South Port Orange to the coast.
When you visit Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens in Foxboro keep an eye out for the gnome tree.
Groves youth love the skatepark at the REC in City Center.
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Family Days, Lakeside Jazz Festival are signature events
Port Orange is an active community known for its events, including Family Days, a popular event held every October at the Port Orange City Center. The four-day festival attracts more than 60,000 visitors each year. Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater, part of the city center complex, hosts the annual Lakeside Jazz Festival. A three-day showcase for aspiring jazz musicians in the southeastern U.S., the festivities are open to middle and high school jazz bands, and serve as a recruiting event for colleges, universities and military organizations.
Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater is located near Groves in City Center.
Port Orange City Center hosts a variety of community events year round.
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Housing costs lower than other parts of the state
The median sales price is $365,000, lower than the state average. “I think Port Orange is such a gem, because it hasn’t caught up with the prices in the south,” says Zebrowski, who also runs the Smooth Transitions concierge service to assist seniors in relocating to the area. “To get a house this close to the water, you can’t find the prices we have here down south. It would be in the millions.”
Options range from manufactured homes in several neighborhoods to large custom homes in exclusive neighborhoods such as Bentwood . Modern developments such as Sunrise Oaks offer a suburban subdivision feel. Golf course communities range from the manufactured home offerings at Crane Lakes to the high-value contemporary housing at Cypress Head . Harbour Point is a waterfront neighborhood with many homes featuring private boat docks along the river. New construction is found in pockets throughout the city and consists primarily of single-family model homes in planned developments. Homebuyers should be aware that insurance rates are likely to be affected by severe weather typical of a coastal city. During hurricane season, the risk of flooding ranges from moderate to severe, and wind damage is a significant risk.
Cypress Head Golf Club is located near Bentwood & has a magnificent course & driving range.
Cypress Head Golf Club is located near the Bentwood neighborhood.
Unique waterfront homes in Bentwood feature eclectic architectural influences.
Colonial influenced homes can be found in the Bentwood community.
Homes in Harbour Point give residents of Port Orange access to Halifax River.
This Foxboro 2-story home features lush landscaping and curb appeal.
A row of color manufactured homes in Briarwood 55+ Resort.
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Sweetwater Elementary, Spruce Creek High are top-rated schools
Students are served by Volusia County Schools, a district that earns a B from Niche. Its two highest-rated schools are located in Port Orange. Sweetwater Elementary School and Spruce Creek High School are both rated A-minus by Niche. Their presence provides a family-friendly foundation for those looking to move to the city. “The housing market in Port Orange is very good because the schools in Port Orange are very good,” Kearfott says.
Allandale teenagers will likely attend Spruce Creek High School.
Sweetwater Elementary School educates nearly 700 area students each year.
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Aunt Catfish's On The River is a popular waterfront option
The Pavilion at Port Orange and Dunlawton Square are major shopping centers along Dunlawton Avenue. They're located east of Coraci and in South Port Orange , respectively. Dining options are concentrated along the corridor as well as the riverfront. Aunt Catfish’s On the River is a well-known destination among the many dockside restaurants that are accessible by boat. “It’s right on the water, so you have beautiful views, and you can watch dolphins swim by,” Kearfott says.
Residents of Broken Bow Estates should be cautious of hurricane damage.
Crystal Lake residents love Aunt Catfish's On The River for its seafood and service.
Residents in Cypress Head enjoy The Pavilion's expansive shopping center in Port Orange West.
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I-95, Dunlawton Avenue are primary roadways
Interstate 95 runs through the city’s west side and offers direct access to cities up and down the coast. It connects to Interstate 4 just north of the city. Orlando is about 60 miles away via I-4. Commercial flight service is only 5 miles away at Dayton Beach International Airport. Votran, Volusia County’s public transportation system, provides daily bus service even closer to home. Halifax Health Medical Center is conveniently located along Dunlawton Avenue. Halifax Health is one of the top employers in the county.
Crime in Port Orange
The latest annual report from the Port Orange Police Department shows that overall crime was down 8.2% in 2022. Through the first six months of 2023, the rate of offenses per 100,000 was on pace to be the lowest in a decade.
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