Is South DeLand safe?
Daytona Beach, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates South DeLand as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on South DeLand
“Go. South DeLand is a quiet, predominantly residential suburban area with relatively low violent crime rates and stable residential pockets. Visitors mainly pass through for commercial corridors or outdoor trails, and simple daytime and nighttime awareness is sufficient for a trouble-free visit.”
About the area
South DeLand is an unincorporated suburban community in Volusia County situated immediately south of historic downtown DeLand. The area features a mix of established single-family neighborhoods, newer master-planned developments, and commercial strip centers along South Woodland Boulevard. It offers a relaxed, low-density atmosphere with easy access to regional parks and central Florida nature corridors.
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet Residential
- Strip Commercial
Walking and biking in South DeLand
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 42/100
While commercial roadways lack dedicated cycle lanes, the neighborhood connects directly to the regional Spring-to-Spring Trail multi-use path system; bike-share programs are not available.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than urban centers across Volusia County.
- High rate of owner-occupied single-family homes contributes to neighborhood stability.
- Convenient access to regional outdoor amenities, including the Spring-to-Spring Trail and Lake Beresford Park.
- Affordable dining and retail strip access along the main highway corridors.
Cons
- Commercial corridors along US-17/92 experience intermittent vehicular property crime and retail shoplifting.
- Lacks cohesive pedestrian infrastructure away from main residential subdivisions.
- Noticeable economic contrast between older semi-rural parcels and modern subdivision developments.
- Heavily reliant on personal vehicles with limited public transportation options.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in residential subdivisions, though occasional individuals or panhandlers may be seen near bus stops and commercial retail plazas along South Woodland Boulevard.
What South DeLand is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm, with quiet neighborhood streets and commuter traffic gathering on major arterial roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active around shopping plazas and dining establishments along South Woodland Boulevard, remaining safe and straightforward.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and family-oriented, with traffic thinning out and neighborhood streets settling into quietness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic; unlit stretches along secondary roads warrant caution against poor visibility rather than street crime.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Votran, with Route 20 and Route 31 connecting South DeLand along the US-17/92 corridor to the DeLand SunRail Station and surrounding cities, though service frequency is limited.
Parking is exceptionally easy, with large, free surface parking lots available at all commercial strip centers, parks, and dining venues.
Things to do in South DeLand
- Play a round of golf or dine at the scenic Victoria Hills Golf Club.
- Access the Spring-to-Spring Trail at nearby Lake Beresford Park for walking, running, and cycling.
- Explore local vintage markets and roadside eateries along the South Woodland Boulevard corridor.
Local favorites
- Brian's Bar-B-Q Restaurant · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.3★ (1920)Longtime local staple serving pit-smoked ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and homestyle Southern sides.
- Sparrow's Grille · American Restaurant · 4.2★ (380)Relaxed clubhouse venue offering classic burgers, sandwiches, and patio views over the Victoria Hills greens.
- Taqueria Mi Rancho · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (420)Authentic, low-key spot serving traditional tacos, quesadillas, and house-made salsas.
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.