Paula Ross

Hi,
DeLand is a wonderful city. It 's still smal enough to be frendly and it's not overly built out or congested. However, most good jobs are in or near Orlando, depending on your field. The commute is not bad at all. (37 miles to downtown Orlando) and of course there are many job opportunities in Orlando suburbs which are not even that far of a commute. Equally closeby is Daytona Beach. We moved here five years ago and absolutely love it. As far as housing, you get a lot of bang for your buck compared to Orlando prices, yet Orlando area attractions , jobs and shopping are still close. and the beach is a half hour a way as well. Deland also boasts close proximity to the St. john's river, wihch is another added plus, along with the Ocala national Forest within a half hour drive. I think Deland is one of the best kept secrets of Florida. You will not be disappointed. There are good schools, public as well as private. And, like I said, DeLand is in close proximity to everywhere. It's just a great little city with a lot of history and pride, not to mention it's a university town as well. - Sun Apr 13 2008, 15:53