Volusia County · Florida

DeBary City Guide

Real places, real neighborhoods and current market numbers, verified by broker Ryan C. Winslow.

OverviewNeighborhoodsFoodHangoutsShoppingParksAttractionsEventsSchoolsBuying tips

Life in DeBary, FL

DeBary sits on the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe in southwest Volusia County. It is known for DeBary Hall, the 1871 winter estate of Frederick deBary, and for Gemini Springs Park, where two springs push out about 6.5 million gallons of fresh water a day. It also has a SunRail station, so commuters can ride the train south to Sanford, Winter Park and Orlando.

Wine merchant Samuel Frederick deBary bought 400 acres on Lake Monroe and built DeBary Hall in 1871. In 1876 he started the DeBary Merchants' Line, a steamboat service on the St. Johns River that later merged into the DeBary-Baya Merchants' Line. The city incorporated on December 31, 1993, and a SunRail station groundbreaking followed in 2012. DeBary is a quiet, established suburb of about 22,000 people (2020 census) with a median age near 50, mixing golf communities, older lake neighborhoods and newer riverfront subdivisions. Daily life runs along US 17-92 and Enterprise Road, with river trails, springs and boat ramps a few minutes from most homes.

DeBary neighborhoods

Riviera Bella

Gated new-home community on the banks of the St. Johns River with old oaks kept in place. Builders DR Horton, Henin Homes and MI Homes offer Mediterranean, Riviera Estates and Contemporary styles. (source)

DeBary Golf & Country Club

Gated golf community around the 18-hole DeBary course off Plantation Club Drive. The semi-private club adds tennis, pickleball, a pool, fitness center and the Innovations Bar & Grille. (source)

Westridge at DeBary Golf & Country Club

Gated section inside the DeBary Golf & Country Club area, known for low-maintenance living. (source)

DeBary Plantation

One of DeBary's most popular neighborhoods by listing activity, with steady buyer demand. (source)

Glen Abbey

Established neighborhood around Glen Abbey Golf Club on N. Pine Meadow Drive. It ranks among the pricier parts of the DeBary area and sees steady listing activity. (source)

Lake Marie Estates

Popular neighborhood with active listings, listed among the more expensive DeBary area neighborhoods. (source)

Rivington

Newer development with modern single-family homes and townhomes with contemporary finishes. (source)

Where locals eat in DeBary

American, Cajun and seafood · 488 W Highbanks Rd, on the St. Johns River

Swamp House Riverfront Grill

Old-Florida riverfront spot at Highbanks Marina with a dog-friendly tiki bar. Locals order the grouper sandwich, jambalaya, catfish tacos and Swamp Skins. (source)

Italian · 275 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd (US 17-92)

La Strega Bistro

Sit-down Italian with a full bar and wine list. Diners mention lobster ravioli, tagliatelle al limoncello and veal marsala. Closed Fridays. (source)

Italian, pizza · 34 N Charles Richard Beall Blvd

Nonna Maria's Pizzeria

Neighborhood pizzeria for Sicilian pies, calzones, garlic rolls and chicken parmesan. (source)

Farm-to-table American · 2 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd

The Salted Goat

Locally sourced, seasonal menu. Reviewers call out Nashville hot chicken and waffles, house-cured corned beef hash and the brisket smash burger. (source)

Mexican · 54 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd

Pepe's Cantina DeBary

Local branch of a small Florida chain known for birria tacos, Tulum sweet fried shrimp and strawberry jalapeno margaritas. (source)

Mexican · 173 N Charles Richard Beall Blvd, Walmart Plaza

La Catrina Tapatia

Small, homestyle Mexican kitchen. Regulars order al pastor tacos, the carnitas platter and tres leches. (source)

Breakfast and lunch diner · 173 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd

Four B's Freezette Restaurant

Longtime breakfast spot opening at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays for steak and eggs, omelets, biscuits and home fries. Some regulars have been coming for over 25 years. (source)

Thai · 2845 Enterprise Rd

DeBary Thai

Newer Thai kitchen for pad see ew, pineapple fried rice and panang curry. (source)

Coffee, drinks and hangouts

Central 28 Beer Company

Local brewery tasting room at 290 Springview Commerce Dr. Food trucks park outside daily, and the brewery runs a running club, a biking club on the River to Sea Loop, a makers market, trivia, bingo and live music. (source)

River City Nature Park disc golf

Two 18-hole disc golf courses and over 3 miles of walking trails at 200 Barwick Rd, kept up by the DeBary Disc Golf Club. (source)

O'Leary's Irish Pub

Sports bar with TVs, Guinness, shepherd's pie and fish and chips, open until midnight daily. (source)

Innovations Bar & Grille at DeBary Golf & Country Club

Clubhouse bar and grill at the semi-private club on Plantation Club Drive, which also offers tennis and pickleball. (source)

Glen Abbey Golf Club

Golf course at 391 N. Pine Meadow Dr. with an on-site restaurant, leagues and lessons. (source)

Shopping in DeBary

Gateway Center for the Arts

Community arts center at 880 N US 17-92 with a gift shop of handmade local goods and a Saturday farmers market. (source)

Downtown DeLand (DeLand)

Award-winning Florida Main Street district of locally owned shops and boutiques in historic buildings, about 20 minutes north. (source)

Historic Downtown Sanford (Sanford)

Walkable historic downtown on the south shore of Lake Monroe with a free trolley, a marina and waterfront parks, just across the lake. (source)

Tanger Daytona (Daytona Beach)

Outdoor outlet center with about 75 stores off I-95 at LPGA Boulevard. (source)

Parks, beaches and nature

in town

Gemini Springs Park

212-acre county park at 37 Dirksen Dr. with two springs, a fishing dock on DeBary Creek, a kayak launch, a dog park, nature trails and primitive tent camping. No swimming. (source)

in town

Lake Monroe Park

County park at 975 S. US 17-92 with boat ramps, fishing docks, a campground, pavilions and a Spring-to-Spring Trail trailhead. (source)

in town

Spring-to-Spring Trail

Paved multi-use trail, about 27 miles completed, starting at Lake Monroe Park. One leg runs north through Orange City and DeLand toward DeLeon Springs, the other east through Enterprise to Green Springs Park. (source)

about 7 miles

Green Springs Park (Enterprise/Deltona)

36-acre county park around one of Florida's few remaining green sulfur springs, with trails and overlooks. No swimming or fishing. (source)

about 8 miles

Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)

Nearest state park. Winter manatee refuge from mid-November through March, with swimming April 1 through November 14, the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail and boat tours. Day-use reservations are now required. (source)

about 25 miles

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (DeLeon Springs)

21,574-acre refuge on the St. Johns River with 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and birding. (source)

about 50 miles

Canaveral National Seashore (New Smyrna Beach/Titusville)

Undeveloped barrier island beaches, dunes and Mosquito Lagoon, plus Timucua shell mounds and the Eldora State House. (source)

Attractions and landmarks

DeBary Hall Historic Site

The 8,000-square-foot 1871 mansion of Frederick deBary at 198 Sunrise Blvd, listed on the National Register. Tours, bird walks, bike rides and story time run on 10 acres of grounds. (source)

St. Johns River Eco Tours

Two-hour narrated pontoon tours from 488 W Highbanks Rd. Expect manatees and migratory birds in winter and baby alligators in summer. (source)

DeBary Memorial Park

Park honoring fallen servicemen Charles Richard Beall and Brian William McVeigh, with the nine-ton anchor from the aircraft carrier USS Langley and an F-15 Eagle on display. (source)

SunRail DeBary Station

Commuter rail station at 630 S Charles R Beall Blvd with on-site parking. Ride south to Sanford, Lake Mary, Winter Park and Orlando. (source)

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Sanford)

Zoo and gardens at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd with rhinos, leopards, keeper chats and after-hours Flashlight Safari tours. (source)

Annual events

mid-November through March

Manatee season at Blue Spring (Orange City)

Manatees gather in the warm spring run a short drive from DeBary. (source)

year-round

DeBary Hall programs

Guided tours, bike rides, bird walks and story time at the historic estate. (source)

May

Taste of DeLand (DeLand)

Downtown DeLand restaurants and bars serve samples of their best dishes. (source)

October 31

Monsters on MainStreet (DeLand)

Family Halloween trick-or-treating at downtown DeLand businesses. (source)

November

Veterans Day Parade & Red, White & Blue Bash (DeLand)

Parade with veterans, marching bands and military vehicles through downtown DeLand. (source)

Volusia County Schools

Elementary

DeBary Elementary, Enterprise Elementary

Middle

River Springs Middle (Orange City), Deltona Middle (Deltona)

High

University High (Orange City)

Listed for reference, not ranked. Confirm school zoning for any address with the district. (source)

Buying in DeBary: what Ryan checks

  • Check flood zones near the St. Johns River, Lake Monroe and DeBary Creek. In 2004, 32 inches of rain fell on the city between August and September, and DeBary later added 15 miles of storm drainage pipe and three pump stations.
  • Gated communities like Riviera Bella and DeBary Golf & Country Club carry HOA rules and fees. Get the documents, and ask about any CDD or golf club membership costs before you write an offer.
  • Some older and larger-lot homes may be on septic or wells. Confirm sewer and water service with the seller and the city before closing.
Roads

I-4, US 17-92 (Charles Richard Beall Blvd), Dirksen Drive, Enterprise Road and Highbanks Road; SunRail commuter rail at the DeBary station

Airports

Orlando Sanford International: about 20 min. Orlando International: about 45 min. Daytona Beach International: about 40 min.

Sanford: about 15 minDeLand: about 20 minOrlando: about 30 minDaytona Beach: about 38 min

Talk to Ryan about DeBary

Ryan C. Winslow, broker/owner of Winslow Homes. REALTOR® since 2009, 3,000+ homes sold, broker in FL, MA, CT and RI, U.S. Army Retired.

Researched and verified 2026-09-28. Businesses change; call ahead.