DeLand Apartments and Rentals

Located in Volusia County, Florida, the county seat of DeLand is a small community with a rich historical background. The tree-lined streets of downtown DeLand are filled with quaint shops and local restaurants. The arts and culture are alive and well in DeLand, as there are many galleries and museums to browse. Downtown DeLand is an award-winning MainStreet community that embraces its past and cherishes the modern amenities that keep the economy moving. DeLand is also home to Stetson University, whose  campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

DeLand apartments for rent are ideal for someone seeking a small-own life. DeLand is located halfway between Orlando and Daytona where residents can get a taste of the big-city lifestyle, spend the afternoon on the beach or explore the many parks of Orlando. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population has increased greatly over the past 20 years. In 1990, roughly 17,000 residents lived in DeLand, but today more than 27,000 people call the town home.

The city of DeLand is situated in east central Florida along the eastern shore of St. John’s River. Although historians know the history of Volusia County dates back some 400 years, the first occupants of DeLand left little trail of their lives. Large mounds of oyster shells, pottery, weapons, domestic tools and bones were the only things found in the area. Some believe the first settler of the area was Ruben Marsh, who moved to the area after the Civil War in 1846.

The area now known as DeLand was previously called Persimmon Hollow because of the abundance of persimmons that grew in the area. In 1876, Henry Addison DeLand traveled with his family to the area filled with towering pine trees and rolling terrain in search of orange groves. Before his first day in the area was over, he purchased more than 159 acres of land. DeLand became very financially secure and helped the community become prosperous, and settlers later voted to name the town after him.

DeLand is a college town and home of Stetson University, a top-rated university in the south. Founded in 1883, Stetson is Florida’s first private university, first law school and first school to be granted a chapter of Phi Betta Kappa. Today, the school has two campuses and two satellite locations. Students looking for rentals in DeLand can also attend the city’s campus of Daytona State College.

In Volusia County, there are plenty of opportunities for employment. The manufacturing industry is very alive and well in the area and provides jobs for many. The headquarters for NASCAR/International Speedway Corporation are also nearby. Other top employers include Halifax Health, Stonewood Holdings and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Living in DeLand is fairly inexpensive, especially when considering the amount of amenities at residents’ fingertips. According to Best Places, the overall cost of living is 10 points lower than the national average, food is 6 points higher and utilities are 10 points lower. However, the average commute is four minutes less than the national average.

According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cost of rentals in DeLand is $833.

DeLand is a music city with annual music festivals around town. The DeLand Original Music Festival began in 2000 and is considered the largest independent music festival in the Southeast. The festival hosts more than 200 acts on six different stages in the historic downtown center.

DeLand is surrounded by nature at its best, and there are several springs close by. Blue Spring State Park, DeLeon Springs State Park and Silver Glen Springs are all within 40 minutes of DeLand. There is an immense amount of wildlife in these areas, including bass, mullet, catfish, tilapia, alligators, manatees, eels, skates, black bears, gopher tortoises and many others.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a DeLand apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.