Worst things about Daytona Beach nobody talks about
Curious what people think. Rent is about $1,239/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Owen
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
Julian Collins
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Asian places. it exceeded my expectations.
28 upvotes
Addison Sanchez
I'm a contractor and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Adam Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Jose Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 1 years. Moved from Miami for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Zoey Gutierrez
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Lydia Ortiz
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..