|
|
|
DeLand, Florida
| Nestled in north
eastern Florida, DeLand is home to prestigious Stetson
University, which has roughly 3,000 students. The
town is situated among hills and lakes just an hour or
so west of some famous Florida beaches. With
roughly 28,000 residents, DeLand is neither too big nor
too small and has a great location. Streets are
tree-lined, and the architecture is interesting, with
the University having a good selection of Victorian and
Tudor style structures. Of the
population, 40% is age 45 or better. The
median household income is below the national average,
and the crime rate is slightly above the national
average.
|
|
|
This pleasant city got its start as the dream of a
baking soda entrepreneur from New York City.
It grew during the 1920s when Florida experience a land
boom, and much of the architecture that still stands is
Mediterranean-style. Many homes have been lovingly
restored and evoke times past. The median home
price is roughly $135,000, and the cost of living is
about 8% below the national average. Not bad
for a town that is surrounded by plenty of natural
beauty and is home to the annual DeLand Fall Festival of
the Arts, an event that today draws nearly 50,000
people. The town is well kept, and it exudes
a welcoming community spirit.
|
| With
Stetson University here, retirees enjoy a good selection
of cultural events that include symphonies, touring
theater companies and speeches from world leaders.
Students seem to be everywhere, but they add a youthful
vibe, and their hangouts include fun coffeehouses, cool
bookstores and alternative theaters, which give DeLand a
funky feeling not found in a lot of other Florida towns.
Several recreation areas are close at hand, including
DeLeon Springs State Park, which is considered to be the
original Fountain of Youth. The beautiful St.
John's River runs through the area and is a wonderful
spot for fishing, swimming and boating.
Because
this is Florida, summers are hot
and muggy and winters are mild. The average
January high temperature is 72° and the average July
temperature is in the mid-90s. The area receives roughly
50 inches of rain each year, and on the comfort index, a
combination of humidity and temperature, celebration
comes in well below the national average. The sun shines
270 days of the year.
Florida
Hospital is the primary health care facility, and it is
award-winning. It has 150 beds and is
accredited by the Joint Commission.
With
its outstanding outdoor recreation, beautiful landscape,
restored homes and slightly electric mood, DeLand is
worth considering for retirement, although the high
crime rate should be kept in mind.
|
|
