Is 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 Ormond-by-the-Sea as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Ormond-by-the-Sea
“Go. Ormond-by-the-Sea is a tranquil, residential coastal community with violent crime rates well below both national and metropolitan averages. It is an exceptionally safe destination for beachgoers looking to avoid the heavier crowds and commercial congestion of Daytona Beach.”
Local news centers primarily on beach dune restoration and infrastructure repair along State Road A1A following seasonal storms rather than violent crime.
About the area
Situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River, Ormond-by-the-Sea offers an unhurried, low-rise beach town setting. The area is known for its traffic-free, reddish-sand beaches and peaceful residential streets populated largely by retirees and long-time homeowners.
- Coastal / Beachfront
- Quiet Residential
- Retirement-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Ormond-by-the-Sea
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share program, though cyclists frequently ride on the paved shoulders along State Road A1A and nearby scenic coastal routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and significantly lower than central Daytona Beach.
- High homeownership rate of over 75% supports a stable, well-maintained residential environment.
- No-drive beaches provide a calm and pedestrian-safe oceanfront experience.
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout with fast-moving traffic along State Road A1A.
- Elevated property vacancy during off-peak seasons due to vacation rentals and second homes.
- Limited street lighting along residential side streets after dark.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Ormond-by-the-Sea; social services and encampments are concentrated further south in urban Daytona Beach.
What Ormond-by-the-Sea is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals and visitors walking dogs along A1A or enjoying the sunrise on the beach.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant beach activity with steady local traffic along Ocean Shore Boulevard, maintaining a very secure atmosphere.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and mellow as casual restaurants wind down; walking near beach access points remains safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very sleepy with almost no foot traffic; street crime is rare, but low lighting on side roads requires standard personal awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
Votran operates local bus service via Route 1N along State Road A1A connecting southward to Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach; there is no passenger rail service.
Free public parking is readily available at county beach access lots and roadside turnouts along A1A, with no parking meters or garage facilities.
Things to do in Ormond-by-the-Sea
- Spend a relaxing day on the traffic-free shoreline at Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park.
- Walk the coastal trails and launch a kayak into the Intracoastal Waterway across from the beach.
- Drive scenic State Road A1A north toward North Peninsula State Park for unspoiled coastal dunes and birdwatching.
Local favorites
- Lagerheads Bar & Grill · Seafood Restaurant · 4.5★ (1450)Laid-back open-air beach shack serving fresh seafood baskets, burgers, and cold drinks with live music.
- Alfie's Restaurant · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1620)Enduring, family-friendly diner known for hearty breakfasts, seafood specials, and homemade desserts.
- Lenny's NY Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.6★ (780)Casual neighborhood pizzeria dishing out classic New York-style hand-tossed pies, calzones, and subs.
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.
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