Lake Helen, Florida, offers a distinct living experience with its rural feel and focus on a slower pace of life. Here’s a breakdown of what it’s like to live there:

Atmosphere and Lifestyle:

• Rural Charm: Lake Helen has a quiet, rural atmosphere with tree-lined streets, and many residents own their homes. It’s often described as being “off the beaten path,” which appeals to those seeking a more relaxed environment.
• Community-Oriented: The city prides itself on being a quaint community. You’ll find a focus on family-oriented events and outdoor activities.
• Retirement Friendly: Many retirees choose to live in Lake Helen, contributing to its generally conservative leanings.

Housing and Cost of Living:

• Affordable Homes (Compared to some areas): The median listing home price in Lake Helen in April 2025 was around $485,000, though this can fluctuate. Homes can range from the high $100s to luxurious houses in the $600s, with some even higher.
• Buyer’s Market: As of April 2025, Lake Helen was considered a buyer’s market, meaning there’s more supply than demand for homes. Homes tend to sell after about 70 days on the market.
• Rent: The average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Lake Helen was around $1,600 in June 2025.
• Overall Cost of Living: Compared to the U.S. average, rent in Lake Helen is slightly higher, while mortgage costs are generally lower. Gas and energy bills are comparable to the national average.

Demographics:

• Population: Lake Helen is a small city, with a population of approximately 2,880 people (as of 2023).
• Race and Ethnicity: The majority of residents are White (Non-Hispanic), followed by a smaller percentage of Black and Hispanic residents.
• Age: The median age in Lake Helen is around 43.8 years, with a significant portion of residents being 65 and older.
• Income: The median household income is around $95,096 (for the 32744 ZIP code).

Things to Do:

• Parks and Outdoors: Lake Helen boasts several parks, including Lake Helen and Lake Macy, which offer opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, with amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The Lake Helen Equestrian Center is also available.
• Nearby Attractions: While Lake Helen itself is quieter, it’s a short drive to various attractions:
  • Nature: Blue Spring State Park (known for manatees), Lake Monroe, Gemini Springs Park.
  • Culture & History: Stetson Mansion, Athens Theatre (in DeLand), Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp (a unique nearby community).
  • Entertainment: Epic Theatres of West Volusia (in Deltona), Volusia County Fairgrounds, Daytona International Speedway, and the popular theme parks of Orlando (Universal and Walt Disney World) are about an hour’s drive away.
  • Beaches: Daytona Beach is also within reasonable driving distance.

Schools:

• Public Schools: Lake Helen is served by Volusia County Schools. Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts (K-8) is located in Lake Helen and is highly rated. Other nearby public schools in Volusia County also receive good ratings.
• Private Schools: There are private school options in the area, such as Central Florida Academy.

Crime Rate:

• Lake Helen generally has a lower crime rate compared to many other cities in Florida. For example, the crime rate for 2018 was 249.82 per 100,000 population, which is significantly lower than larger cities like Daytona Beach or Orlando.

In summary, living in Lake Helen offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community, appealing to those who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. While it has its own local parks and charm, it’s also conveniently located to access a wider range of attractions, amenities, and employment opportunities in the greater Volusia County and Central Florida areas.

1 Acres Wildlife Sanctuary Peaceful and Secluded

$350,000