Is West DeLand safe?
Daytona Beach, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates West DeLand as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on West DeLand
“Go with care. West DeLand is largely a tranquil, semi-rural and working-class residential area with low daytime risk for general visitors. However, dimly lit residential streets and pockets of elevated property crime warrant standard situational awareness after dark.”
About the area
West DeLand is an unincorporated community situated just west of historic downtown DeLand, characterized by modest single-family homes, manufactured housing communities, and natural greenery. Visitors generally pass through while exploring nearby natural springs, the St. Johns River, or commuting into central Volusia County.
- Semi-Rural
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Modest Residential
Walking and biking in West DeLand
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure within West DeLand is minimal, but cyclists can connect to segments of the Spring-to-Spring Trail network in neighboring DeLand and surrounding Volusia County parks.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower density and quiet residential streets limit typical urban street crime
- Convenient access to the DeLand SunRail station and major state routes
- High rate of single-family homeownership creating stable residential pockets
- Close proximity to ecotourism destinations like Hontoon Island State Park
Cons
- Elevated property crime and vehicle burglary rates compared to upscale Florida suburbs
- Higher poverty rate (around 16%) and modest median household income compared to the state average
- Sparse street lighting and lack of sidewalks on many residential secondary roads
- Commercial strips along SR 44 can experience occasional petty theft and loitering
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low in the residential neighborhoods, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near major intersections and commercial corridors along State Road 44.
What West DeLand is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and unhurried as residents commute and local breakfast diners start their day.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with typical suburban traffic along arterial roads like SR 44 and Spring Garden Avenue.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet in residential pockets, though activity slows significantly outside of highway-adjacent retail strips.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dark and sparsely populated; walking along unlit back roads is not recommended due to minimal pedestrian infrastructure.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public bus transit is operated by Votran with routes like Route 20 and Route 31 connecting through DeLand. The commuter rail DeLand SunRail Station sits right on Old New York Avenue on the western edge of the CDP.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, primarily via open surface lots at commercial plazas and private residential driveways.
Things to do in West DeLand
- Catch a passenger train ride or explore transit links from the DeLand SunRail Station
- Launch a kayak or boat along the nearby St. Johns River waterways and marshes
- Take a short drive east to browse the historic downtown DeLand cultural and dining district
Local favorites
- DeLand Bakery & Natural Market · Bakery · 4.6★ (780)Longstanding health-conscious bakery and grocery offering organic, gluten-free, and natural baked goods.
- Brian's BBQ Restaurant · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.2★ (1850)Local staple serving classic pit-smoked pork, ribs, brisket, and Southern sides in a casual setting.
- Cook's Cafe · Diner · 4.5★ (1120)Down-home breakfast and lunch diner known for hearty omelets, pancakes, and friendly service.
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.