About DeLand

DeLand was named after its founder, Henry A. DeLand, a retired manufacturer from Fairport, NY. He came in 1876, bought a tract of land, and laid out the city, including DeLand Hall which became the founding building of Stetson University. Vincent Kirk came to Enterprise, a thriving tourist destination at the time, and walked the few miles to Alexander’s landing (Beresford) and built a homestead on what is now East New York Avenue. Thus, Kirk was probably the first settler in the territory within what is now the corporate limits of DeLand. Little by little other settlers arrived, opening stores and planting orange groves. DeLand was incorporated in March 1882. In 1886 a disastrous fire started in the Wilcox saloon, destroying a large part of DeLand and many of the original structures were destroyed. DeLand became the seat of Volusia county in 1888. Stetson University was chartered in 1883 and is one of Florida’s oldest private universities. It enjoys a tradition of academic excellence and a long history of cultural contributions to the DeLand community. Today, DeLand holds reputation as a leader among Florida’s small cities. Historic neighborhoods shaded by ancient oaks and tropical palms, thriving commercial and industrial districts, and a center for government have created a growing city with southern history, warmth and charm. DeLand is one of just five U.S. communities to win Great American Main Street awards in 1997. In addition to county government buildings, DeLand is also the site of the Volusia county school board, the Florida Department of Transportation’s District office and Daytona Beach Community College’s west campus. The population is estimated at over 25,000. DeLand has one high school, two middle schools, five elementary schools, several private schools and the Duvall Home for retarded and exceptional persons. A huge variety of recreational activities are available in DeLand including fishing, bird watching, manatee sighting, bicycling, hiking, hunting, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, skydiving, festivals, cultural and musical events, high school and college sports, tennis, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, roller skating, browsing through shops and galleries, and golf. The West Volusia Family YMCA, the DeLand Museum of Art and the DeLand Cultural Arts Center offer constructive activities as well as approximately 150 civic organizations. DeLand is also within an hour’s drive of some of the world’s favorite beaches and tourist attractions. More than 30 motels, hotels and bed & breakfast inns with over 1000 guest rooms and some 1500 campground sites await travelers visiting DeLand. The DeLand Municipal Airport accommodates private and charter aircraft and is the home of one of the world’s leading skydiving centers. Daytona Beach International Airport, 20 miles east of DeLand provides service worldwide. There are more than 150 churches representing leading denominations. More than 175 physicians, dentists and other medical specialists serve health care needs in the DeLand area. Facilities include two accredited acute-care hospitals, and ambulatory eye surgical center, a multi-specialty out-patients surgical center and numerous health clinics. DeLand’s main fire station is a fully equipped facility with 24 full time firefighter and four volunteers. The police department has 63 sworn officers, 23 non-sworn and 8 reserve plus a compliment of 24 staff members. The Volusia county Sheriff’s department has 590 personnel including 334 sworn officers. The mean annual temperature is 71 degrees, average humidity is 56% and average rainfall is 55 inches.

If you have any questions about the DeLand area or properties currently available, please call our toll free number or our direct line and please ask for either Al or Lorraine. We would be happy to set up an appointment to show you our lovely city or send you specific information that will help you evaluate property values that are of interest to you. 386-775-7222.