New Smyrna Beach, FL 55+ active adult communities & homes for sale

New Smyrna Beach is a charming seaside community located on Florida's Atlantic coast. With over 13 miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, this location boasts endless opportunities for outdoor activities. For nature enthusiasts, New Smyrna Beach has an abundance of scenic trails, nature preserves, and wildlife refuges. The city's historic downtown area has a range of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and nightime entertainment, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a night out. Overall, New Smyrna Beach is a wonderful place to live, offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle with plenty of activities to keep you engaged and entertained.

Helpful Resources for Visitors and Residents:

• New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 
• City of New Smyrna Beach 
• Visit Florida

Affordability and Cost of Living 

New Smyrna Beach is a somewhat affordable place to live, particularly compared to other popular retirement destinations in Florida. The cost of housing in New Smyrna Beach is relatively high, with median home prices around $446,300. The cost of groceries and healthcare are just a bit above average although utilities and transportation are about five percent below average. Recreation and entertainment are also affordable, with many free or low-cost activities available, such as exploring the town's beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails.

In terms of taxation, Florida is known for being a tax-friendly state for retirees. The state does not have an estate or inheritance tax, which means that your heirs will not be subject to additional taxes upon your passing. Florida also has no state income tax, however, it's worth noting that Florida sales taxes can be high. Sales tax in New Smyrna Beach is 6.5% of which 0.5% is Volusia County sales tax. Property taxes vary depending on the county, but overall, they are relatively low compared to other states. In Volusia County, where New Smyrna Beach is located, property taxes average 0.92% of a home's assessed value. To learn more about Florida's tax laws and regulations, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website.

Climate and Geography 

New Smyrna Beach, like most of the state, enjoys a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The coldest month is January when average temperatures range from the low 50s to the mid-60s. July is the hottest month with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s. New Smyrna Beach averages around 54 inches of annual rainfall. The area is also susceptible to severe weather events such as hurricanes, with the most active storm period typically occurring between August and October.

New Smyrna Beach is on Florida's east coast with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River Lagoon to the west. The town is known for its stunning white sand beaches, which stretch for over 13 miles and offer endless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The area is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Canaveral National Seashore, which is known for its diverse range of wildlife and outdoor activities. The area also has several waterways, including the nearby Mosquito Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway, which provide ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. With its beautiful scenery and natural wonders, New Smyrna Beach is the perfect destination for 55+ adults seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

New Smyrna Beach is a vibrant community that offers a variety of recreational activities. Whether you're looking to spend time outdoors, explore the town's rich history, or simply relax and unwind, there's something for everyone here.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Hidden Lakes Golf Course
• Venetian Bay Golf Course
• Sugar Mill Country Club
• New Smyrna Beach Tennis Center
• New Smyrna Beach Pickleball Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
• Turnbull Bay
• Canaveral National Seashore
• Indian River Lagoon Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• New Smyrna Museum of History
• Old Fort Park and Sugar Mill Ruins
• Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
• Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

Performing Arts

• The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach
• Atlantic Center for the Arts
• New Smyrna Beach Live
• The Hub on Canal

Shopping

• Canal Street Historic District
• Flagler Avenue Shopping District
• The Marketplace at Riverview
• The Hub on Canal

Parks and Gardens

• Smyrna Dunes Park
• Tuscawilla Preserve
• Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park
• Riverside Park

Festivals and Fairs

• New Smyrna Beach Food Festival
• Images: A Festival of the Arts
• Old Fort Park Heritage Day
• New Smyrna Beach Balloon & Sky Fest

Health and Wellness 

New Smyrna Beach offers a variety of opportunities for 55+ active adults to maintain health and wellness. The closest hospital is AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach which offers a variety of medical services and specialties. Halifax Health Medical Center of Port Orange, located just a short drive away also offers comprehensive medical care.

New Smyrna Beach has several options for self-care and wellness. The city has gyms,  fitness centers as well as yoga and Pilates studios, such as Om Sunshine Yoga & SUP and New Smyrna Beach Yoga. For those who prefer the great outdoors, there are several parks and trails for walking, jogging, and biking. The New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market, which is open every Saturday, offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally sourced products, making it a great place for 55+ active adults to stock up on healthy foods.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

New Smyrna Beach is a wonderful place to consider for retirement, with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant recreational opportunities. If you are planning a trip to visit the area and explore 55+ retirement communities, here is a suggested itinerary to help you get familiar with the area.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with coffee at Island Roasters Coffee Company. This cozy cafe offers delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
• Take a morning stroll on the beach. New Smyrna Beach has 13 miles of pristine white sand beach to enjoy.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Third Wave Cafe, which offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps in a laid-back atmosphere.
• Go shopping in the quaint boutiques and art galleries on Canal Street, which is known for its charming historic architecture.

Evening:

• Watch the sunset at Norwood's Eatery and Treehouse Bar. This unique restaurant and bar has an outdoor treehouse seating area with views of the river and a great selection of cocktails and food.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at Wake Up Cafe, which offers a variety of breakfast dishes, smoothies, and coffee.
• Meet with your 55places expert retirement community partner agent to tour retirement communities and learn about the area's 55+ lifestyle options.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Crabby's Bar & Grill which serves up seafood, hand tossed pizza, and other favorites.
• Take a scenic boat tour with Turtle Mound River Tours, which offers tours of the Indian River Lagoon and nearby waterways.

Evening:

• Have dinner at The Grille at Riverview, which offers fresh seafood and riverfront views.
• End your day with a nightcap at Beachside Tavern, which offers craft cocktails, beer, and live music.

Getting to New Smyrna Beach, FL

New Smyrna Beach is easily accessible by car or plane. If you're driving, Interstate 95 is the major highway that runs through the area. If you're coming from the north, take exit 249 or 260, and from the south, take exit 244 or 240.

For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which is approximately 20 miles north of New Smyrna Beach. Airlines that fly into Daytona Beach include Delta, American, and JetBlue, with connections to major hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York. Another option is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is approximately 70 miles southwest of New Smyrna Beach. Orlando International Airport is a larger airport with a wider range of airlines, including Southwest, United, and Frontier. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to New Smyrna Beach.

For those arriving by train, Amtrak has a station in nearby DeLand, FL, which is approximately 25 miles west of New Smyrna Beach. For those arriving by bus, Greyhound and Megabus both have stops in Daytona Beach, approximately 20 miles north of New Smyrna Beach.