Your Guide from a North Florida Native & Real Estate Pro
Thinking of trading city hustle for Florida’s coastal life? If your short list includes Flagler Beach and Ormond Beach, you’re on the right track—both offer sun-soaked days, salt air, and a genuine sense of community that’s often lost in bigger metro areas. But which one is right for you? As someone who’s lived and worked in this stretch for the past 19 years, let’s break down the decision with a true local’s lens.
Community Vibe & First Impressions
Flagler Beach: “Old Florida” Spirit on Display
Set between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, Flagler Beach has earned cult status among locals and savvy snowbirds for its unfiltered coastal charm.
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Picture this: pastel cottages, quirky surf shops, local art on every corner, and Saturday mornings spent at the farmers’ market under the shade of the iconic A1A palms.
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There’s a no chain stores on the beach rule, and you’ll find a hardcore community spirit that rallies around surfing comps, dog rescue events, and classic car nights at the pier.
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The local crowd? Eclectic. You’ll meet everyone from lifelong fishermen to artists, retirees, and friendly digital-nomad transplants—all in board shorts.
It’s the kind of town where your barista and your realtor might be the same guy (I’ll let you guess if that’s ever been me). Here, people wave to each other on the street, and the city calendar is packed with live music, art festivals, charity 5Ks, and beach cleanups.
Ormond Beach: Polished, Laid-Back, with Room to Grow
Head south, and Ormond Beach greets you with a more established vibe—think family-friendly neighborhoods, well-kept parks, and beautiful old live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
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You’ll find a larger year-round population, a slightly more “suburban” feel inland, and a growing culinary, fitness, and culture scene downtown.
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Don’t let its proximity to Daytona fool you: Ormond has held onto its character and charm, while offering things like Whole Foods, bigger medical complexes, riverfront dining, and easy highway access.
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Want to kayak after work or bike scenic trails on weekends? You’ll get plenty of options, with Tomoka State Park and the Halifax River both right next door.
The community here leans neighborly, with excellent schools, established HOAs, and a city infrastructure that supports families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Housing & Cost of Living
Flagler Beach: Coastal Cottages, Endless Views
Flagler’s housing stock is a funky mix of classic cottages, 60s/70s ranches, small condos, plus brand-new modern beach homes.
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Median home price as of 2025? Mid to high $500Ks for property with a water view, but smaller homes or those just off the beach can start in the low $400Ks.
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Rentals are tighter (this is a hot market for seasonal leases), and locals snap up long-term rentals fast—so if you see one, move quickly!
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Property taxes and homeowners insurance are lower than the South Florida coast, but as with all Florida beach towns, expect variation based on age, proximity to water, and flood zones.
Ormond Beach: More Choices for Every Budget
Ormond offers a broader range—historic homes on “The Loop,” sprawling ranches, condos, townhomes, and new construction further inland.
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Median home value generally tracks in the high $300Ks, giving you more house (and yard) for your money compared to most beach towns, with entry-level condos and fixer-uppers still below $300K.
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Want a pool home, a golf community, or a quiet cul-de-sac? It’s all on the menu.
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Rentals are more abundant here, too, and you’re likely to get newer amenities and bigger floorplans than in Flagler for the same price.
Curious about listings? See available homes in each city here.
Lifestyle Expenses & Everyday Living
Both towns are refreshingly affordable compared to Florida’s larger metros, but there are subtle differences:
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Utilities: Expect electric, water, and broadband costs similar to the Palm Coast averages ($150–$220/month for power, $50–$100/month for internet). Flagler’s older homes may run hotter/cooler, so factor in insulation and AC/heat upgrades if buying resale.
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Groceries/Gas: Comparable in both areas—8–10% below Florida’s city averages. Ormond, being larger, offers more big-box options and delivery services.
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Healthcare: Both towns offer strong hospital and specialist coverage, with Ormond delivering quicker access to major regional medical centers.
Beaches, Parks & Outdoor Living
Flagler Beach
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Miles of uncrowded, cinnamon-colored sand. Pets are welcome (as are your paddleboards).
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Surf breaks off the pier, and local fishing is phenomenal—grab a license and you’re set.
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Kayak the Intracoastal or stroll the city’s walkable pier and boardwalk any evening.
Ormond Beach
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Wide, soft sand. Some stretches allow vehicles (like Daytona Beach to the south), but most spots are serene.
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Kayaking, hiking, and camping abound in Tomoka State Park. The Halifax River is a paradise for boaters and jet skis.
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Strong local rec programs, two golf courses, and easy access to both ocean and river recreation.
Schools & Family Amenities
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Flagler Beach: Served by Flagler County Schools, which consistently rank above state averages. Smaller schools mean tighter communities, but you may need to drive for some extracurriculars.
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Ormond Beach: Volusia County Schools offer some of the region’s top elementary and high schools, with more choices for advanced programs, athletics, and clubs.
Both communities feature active library systems, youth sports programs, public recreation centers, and well-maintained public parks—so if you’ve got kids (or grandkids), you’re in good hands.
Community Events & Culture
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Flagler Beach: Paddleboard races, “First Friday” street fests, art walks, outdoor yoga on the sand, live bands on the pier, and quirky events like the annual “Tomato Fest.”
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Ormond Beach: Riverfront art festivals, farmers markets, city-run music series, and robust holiday parades. The city is also minutes from all the dining and nightlife of Daytona, but keeps its own pace.
The Verdict: Which Beach Town Fits Your Dreams?
Choose Flagler Beach if:
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You crave walkable streets, vintage surf-town charm, and the “live and let live” spirit.
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A place where neighbors quickly become friends, and you live by the rhythm of the tides.
Opt for Ormond Beach if:
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You want more housing options, established neighborhoods, and larger schools.
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Access to big-box stores, hospitals, and a wider range of dining and family activities is high on your list.
Not sure what fits? Let me give you the inside scoop, tailored to YOUR lifestyle.
Connect with me here and start your search for a perfect coastal Florida home.
