Debary

About DeBary

DeBary is a small city in the Daytona Beach metropolitan area, part of Florida's Volusia County. It's just 2 miles southwest of Deltona and 95 miles northeast of Tampa, and lies along the northern shore of the St. Johns River.

In DeBary, you'll enjoy easy access to recreational facilities including Daytona Beach, the St. Johns River, and Gemini Springs and Blue Spring parks. Annual events like the Halloween Haunted Hike, the Christmas Lighting Display contest and the Christmas Parade help bring the people of the city together, contributing to the tight-knit sense of community it's known for.

The History of DeBary

The land where DeBary now sits was originally home to the Timucuan Indians, who were displaced by the Seminole people around 1760. In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spanish rule, but DeBary could not be settled until after the Seminole Wars.

Oliver and Amanda Arnett were the first couple to purchase land and settle in DeBary. In 1871, they sold a 400-acre parcel to Samuel Frederick DeBary, a wealthy wine merchant who established his mansion, the state's first swimming pool, and extensive orange and pecan groves on the land. He purchased additional land for development, eventually creating a steamboat transport service that fueled the area's growth. As the city's entrepreneurial namesake, he continued to develop the land and adjoining areas, helping to shape DeBary into the successful city it is today.

The DeBary Economy

DeBary's educated workforce and convenient location close to Interstate 4, U.S. Highway 17/92 and three international airports help attract many businesses to the local area. The education, government and health care industries are the largest employers in DeBary. Manufacturing is also an increasingly important part of DeBary's economy, thanks to the presence of firms including Seminole Precast Manufacturing, QuantumFlo and Maschmeyer Concrete Co. of Florida.

DeBary's population is slightly more educated than the national average, with a significant percentage of adult residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The city is home to Seminole Community College and only a short drive from the Deltona campus of Daytona State College. The higher-than-average education level in DeBary is another attractive factor for businesses looking for efficient, intelligent workforces.

DeBary Schools

The Volusia County School District is responsible for the public schools in DeBary and many of its neighboring communities. Because DeBary is a fairly small city, private school options are limited, but you can easily send your child to a campus in a nearby town.

If you're planning to pursue higher education, you can attend the local Seminole Community College or make the short commute to Daytona State College's Deltona campus.

Resources for Moving to DeBary

Here's some handy information for planning your move to DeBary:

• Utilities: Volusia County manages water services for the community of DeBary. Florida Public Utilities is the central energy provider in the area, supplying electricity, natural gas and propane.
• Garbage and Recycling: Your trash, yard waste and recyclables will each be collected one time per week.
  
• Transportation: The Voltran transit system is the main form of public transportation in and around DeBary. In general, a personal vehicle is the most popular way of getting around the city.

DeBary Housing

Properties in DeBary are affordable considering the Florida city's coastal location, though prices are rising quickly. If you're a golf lover, you can live near the greens at the Glen Abbey and DeBary Golf and Country Club communities. Luxurious waterfront properties are available at the exclusive Riviera Bella community on the banks of the St. Johns River. If your focus is on budget, there are a number of affordable apartments and condominiums for rent in the city as well.