If I were to mention “The Athens of Florida” to you, I’d expect that some would think I was talking about Tarpon Springs. That makes sense because Tarpon Springs has a higher percentage of Greek-Americans than any other American city.
But the city called “The Athens of Florida” isn’t Tarpon Springs. It’s actually also close to the nation’s “psychic capital,” so there is much to discover. It’s in central Florida and very quaint and walkable.
About Deland, Florida: Located in east central Florida, not too far from Orlando or Daytona Beach, visiting Deland is a little like stepping into “old Florida.” It’s not too terribly far from the Atlantic beaches, and people who love the outdoors might enjoy Blue Spring State Park and the St. Johns River.
There are also museums, quaint shops, and restaurants. Founder Henry Addison called Deland “the Athens of Florida” because of its innovation. It was the first city in Florida to have electricity.
Islands.com has called Deland “underrated.”
Slightly north of Deland is Cassadaga, Florida, a town that is full of oak trees, Spanish moss, Victorian-style homes, and psychics. It is known as the psychic capital of the world.
Livability And Housing: Niche gives Deland a livability score of A- and notes that it has a population of just under 40,000. One resident had this to say, in part:
“DeLand, Florida, is a charming town that beautifully blends nature and community spirit. The lush greenery and scenic beauty of DeLeon Springs and Blue Springs are standout features… The downtown area is picturesque and vibrant, with a range of delightful family-owned shops and restaurants that add a unique character to the town…The people of DeLand are notably kind and welcoming, contributing to a warm, friendly atmosphere…”
According to Realtor.com, the median home price in Deland is currently around $368,000.
