The rankings are in—and according to the U.S. News & World Report, Daytona Beach is the 7th best city to move to in 2018.
The ranking puts Daytona Beach in the company of some of the country’s most beloved metro areas and confirms a key trend we have noticed: the “World’s Most Famous Beach” is an increasingly welcoming place for families, retirees, young professionals and newcomers of every sort.
Of course, this is good news for companies with locations in Daytona Beach and throughout Volusia County, too. With residential growth comes an increased talent pool, local spending and a sense of community pride that can help business thrive.
Read on to learn more about the criteria that earned Daytona Beach its top-ten rating—as well as a few exciting takeaways for companies considering expanding to the area.
A unique population
One of the things that make Daytona Beach such a popular place to move to, is its unique, ever-shifting population. According to U.S. News, it “swells and wanes like the ocean tide,” which is certainly one of the most apropos ways to describe the unique demographic makeup of Daytona Beach. As one might expect, the city is a popular place to retire—number-seven on the report of best places to retire—but it is also home to an increasing number of millennials, suggesting that there’s more to the city than might meet the eye. And of course, much of the “swell” in population every year can be attributed to a seasonal (and sizeable) group of vacationers, who either visit on trips or make Daytona Beach their cool-weather home every year. For area businesses, this diverse, dynamic population offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work with a wide variety of people with unique levels of experience and expertise to bring to the table.
More than just a beach
Though Daytona Beach’s name might give away its most popular feature—the sandy shores perfect for cruising, swimming or playing in the sand—the beach is certainly not the only attractive feature of the city, according to the report. The ranking made note of the diverse appeal of Daytona Beach attractions, from outdoor fun like golf, beaches and racing to shopping, dining, history, art museums, theaters and other cultural offerings. The unique medley, according to U.S. News, makes the city “one of Florida's most well-rounded metro areas,” a top quality for potential new residents looking for a bit of it all. The same holds true for businesses located in the area, or considering a move here, since the wide array of attractions leaves room for an equally wide array of industries to thrive here.
Transportation perks
Another highlight of Daytona Beach is its means for residents to get around. Proximity to other popular destinations gives residents the chance to work and live throughout the metro area with ease, and an average commute time of 25.4 minutes (which is lower than the national average) is certainly an attractive feature, especially at a time when commutes nationwide are higher than ever before. This is, of course, important to any growing workforce. The ability to get to and from work with ease can certainly factor in potential residents’ decision to call a place “home.”
At Team Volusia, we’re proud to play a part in making Daytona Beach and the surrounding area a top place to move—for residents and businesses alike. Contact us today to learn more about the one-of-a-kind economic opportunities that make the Greater Daytona Region an exceptional place to live, work and grow.
