Is Central DeBary safe?
Daytona Beach, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Central DeBary as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Central DeBary
“Go. Central DeBary is a peaceful, family-oriented suburban community in southwest Volusia County with very low crime and clean residential corridors. Visitors will find safe parks, scenic nature trails, and historic landmarks without significant safety concerns day or night.”
About the area
Central DeBary offers a relaxed, wooded suburban atmosphere centered along Charles Richard Beall Boulevard (US-17/92) and Dirksen Drive. It blends mature residential neighborhoods and golf-cart-friendly routes with quick access to the St. Johns River basin and county parks.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Tree-Lined
- Nature-Oriented
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Central DeBary
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 48/100
While commercial corridors lack protected on-street bike lanes, DeBary connects directly to the regional Spring-to-Spring Trail and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop multi-use paved trail network; there is no municipal bike-share system.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are substantially lower than both state and national averages.
- High homeownership rate near 80% and strong median household incomes supporting stable, well-kept neighborhoods.
- Active local law enforcement presence through the Volusia County Sheriff's Office DeBary sub-station.
Cons
- Car-dependent layout with sparse pedestrian infrastructure outside designated multi-use trails.
- Fast-moving traffic along US-17/92 can pose hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Limited street lighting along interior residential roads during night hours.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Central DeBary, though occasional transient individuals may be seen near transit nodes or major arterial intersections.
What Central DeBary is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, with locals walking dogs, jogging along trail corridors, and heading to local breakfast spots.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and quiet throughout residential pockets, with standard commercial traffic flowing steadily along US-17/92.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and relaxed; local restaurants and parks wind down comfortably with negligible safety risks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely peaceful and deserted, with virtually zero street activity and exceptionally low late-night crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Votran with local bus Route 31 serving US-17/92, and the SunRail DeBary commuter rail station sits just south on Fort Florida Road connecting travelers directly to downtown Orlando.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free in dedicated surface lots at shopping plazas, trailheads, and municipal parks.
Things to do in Central DeBary
- Explore 19th-century history and majestic live oaks at DeBary Hall Historic Site.
- Play an 18-hole disc golf course and hike shaded paths at River City Nature Park.
- Access the paved multi-use paths linking to the regional Spring-to-Spring Trail system.
Local favorites
- Swamp House Riverfront Grill · American / Waterfront Dining · 4.4★ (3200)Laid-back riverside eatery serving seafood, burgers, and tropical drinks overlooking the St. Johns River.
- Nonno's Ristorante Italiano · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (850)Cozy, family-run dining room offering traditional pasta specialties, veal dishes, and house-made sauces.
- DeBary Diner · Diner / Breakfast · 4.5★ (1150)Classic community diner known for hearty breakfast platters, friendly service, and comforting daily specials.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.