
Is Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea safe?
Daytona Beach, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea
“Go. Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea is a peaceful, scenic coastal community that is exceptionally safe for visitors looking to avoid the crowds and crime of the central Daytona strip. Violent crime is rare, making it ideal for quiet stays, riverfront walks, and beach outings.”
About the area
Situated between the Halifax River and the Atlantic Ocean, Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea is a tranquil residential enclave characterized by mid-century single-family homes and coastal vegetation. It offers a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere popular with retirees and visitors seeking a slower pace.
- Quiet Coastal
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
- Retiree-Friendly
Walking and biking in Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no public bike-share system, but recreational cyclists frequently use local roads to connect with the renowned Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to broader Volusia County
- Scenic waterfront proximity to the Halifax River and Tomoka Basin waterways
- Stable, established residential neighborhood with high homeownership and low turnover
Cons
- High car dependency with virtually no walkable retail in the immediate northwest quadrant
- Limited street lighting on interior residential roads at night
- Vulnerability to tidal flooding and storm damage during severe weather
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this residential neighborhood, with shelter resources and unhoused populations located further south in Daytona Beach.
What Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with retirees and locals walking dogs along low-traffic residential lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with minimal traffic, offering a safe environment for outdoor recreation.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and calm with negligible foot traffic and very low risk of street crime.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dark due to sparse street lighting, but virtually inactive and safe with little to no disturbances.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Votran via Route 1 along Ocean Shore Boulevard, though service is infrequent and there is no passenger rail or BRT system.
Parking is abundant and free, with easy driveway/street parking in residential areas and free public lots at nearby river and beach parks.
Things to do in Northwest Ormond-by-the-Sea
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard into the Halifax River from nearby public river access points
- Take a scenic drive or road ride along John Anderson Drive and the nearby Ormond Scenic Loop
- Explore nature trails and sports facilities at Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park
Local favorites
- Alfie's Restaurant · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1850)Longtime, family-friendly staple serving classic homestyle American breakfasts, comfort food, and fresh seafood.
- Lagerheads Bar & Grill · Seafood & Grill · 4.5★ (1720)Laid-back open-air coastal eatery known for smoked fish dip, burgers, and live outdoor music.
- Stavro's Pizza House · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (560)Beloved local outpost serving traditional stone-baked pizzas, grinders, and Greek salads.
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.