Answers from broker Ryan C. Winslow
Many retirees choose New Smyrna Beach for the beaches, the walkable downtowns, golf, and Florida's lack of a state personal income tax. The Daytona Beach airport sits about 25 minutes north, and Orlando International about an hour west.
Florida's homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence, and the Save Our Homes rule caps yearly increases in assessed value. Volusia County also offers added exemptions for some seniors and veterans. Confirm current amounts with the Volusia County Property Appraiser.
Condos cut maintenance, but Florida's post-Surfside condo laws raised dues and special assessments in many older buildings. Review the association's reserve study and inspection reports before you buy.
Written by 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. About Ryan.
Updated 2026-09-28. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.