Reviews & Comments
DeLand, FL
We Love DeLand! -
8/31/2007 Having personally lived all over the U.S.and in foreign countries, also, DeLand is a total delight. People sincerely care about one another. People living here are truly happy.
Stetson University (a private and historical university), restaurants, shopping and quality medical facilities are all within a 5 minute drive. The YMCA has lots of activities and after school care. The Art Museum has many classes. The Theater puts on many plays. Downtown is thriving with beautiful historical buildings including great coffee shops, art galleries, yoga studios, antique shops, etc. Hand painted murals adorn the downtown buildings. Festivals, wine tasting, dog parades are just a few of the downtown activites.
The St. John's River and the numerous State Parks offer boating, fishing, watching manatees, swimming in the springs, etc. Ocala National Forest is nearby.
Typically we go to Daytona Beach, a 20 minute drive, for movies, a walk on the beach and dinner out once a week minimum. Orlando has an International Airport 45 minutes away that we use regularly. The theme parks in Orlando offer special deals to those living in Florida; thus, that is a one day activity of fun for all ages.
Our friends here are college level professionals in their work; our neighbors watch out for one another (mow each other's lawns, etc. when one is away). Crime is minimal. Life here in DeLand is what one makes of it: Like Atrracts Like. For us, it is the "All American Small Town" that we have not seen duplicated elsewhere, yet.
DeLand is a "best kept secret", as stated in Southern Living Magazine. We are self employed and can work anywhere in or out of the country. DeLand has been a real gem and a wonderful life experience for us personally.