Is South 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 South DeBary as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South DeBary
“Go. South DeBary is a quiet, exceptionally safe suburban community bordered by nature reserves and the St. Johns River. Visitors face virtually no violent crime risks, making it a peaceful destination for outdoor recreation and easy regional transit.”
About the area
South DeBary is a tranquil residential and recreational area in southern Volusia County, situated along the St. Johns River and serving as the northern terminus for the SunRail commuter train. The neighborhood is characterized by leafy subdivisions, scenic parks like Gemini Springs, and paved multi-use trail networks.
- Quiet Suburban
- Nature-Adjacent
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in South DeBary
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 52/100
While commercial bike-share is not available, the area offers excellent trail cycling infrastructure via the paved Spring-to-Spring Trail and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates fall well below Florida and national averages
- Direct regional transit access via the DeBary SunRail station
- High homeownership rate and stable, well-maintained residential subdivisions
- Immediate access to premier regional parks and nature trails
Cons
- Car dependency is high away from the immediate commuter rail corridor
- Limited commercial dining and nightlife options within the neighborhood
- Occasional vehicle burglaries targeting unlocked cars in residential driveways
- Street lighting is sparse on residential and rural-style backroads
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a significant presence in South DeBary, with no established encampments or visible panhandling.
What South DeBary is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighborhood joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward the SunRail station.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with family traffic near parks and nature trails, presenting no safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding down with minimal street activity and safe conditions throughout.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and silent with minimal street traffic; completely safe though low lighting requires care when driving or walking.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is anchored by the DeBary SunRail Station, located within the neighborhood for direct rail service southward to downtown Orlando. Local bus connections are provided by Votran (Route 31 and VoRide microtransit).
Parking is abundant and entirely free throughout the neighborhood, including dedicated park-and-ride surface lots at the SunRail station and large trailheads.
Things to do in South DeBary
- Explore the crystal-clear natural springs, shaded dog park, and hiking paths at Gemini Springs Park
- Cycle the scenic paved corridors of the Spring-to-Spring Trail network
- Take a commuter trip south across Central Florida departing from the DeBary SunRail Station
Local favorites
- Swamp House River Front Grill · Seafood Restaurant & Bar · 4.3★ (3200)Rustic waterfront destination offering classic Southern seafood, live music, and scenic river views.
- DeBary Diner · Diner · 4.5★ (1150)Local home-style eatery serving hearty American breakfast favorites and classic lunch plates.
- Highbanks Marina & Campresort · Marina & Campground · 4.4★ (480)Full-service marina on the St. Johns River offering boat slips, cabin rentals, and camping amenities.
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.