[GrahamCrackerLackin']

My fiance recently got a job in Holly Hills and we are really excited. I have lived in Florida my whole life, Ocala specifically, so Daytona Beach has been the vacation spot for my family since I was little because of that I am a little familiar with the touristy parts.
Obviously, I know every city has its sketchy neighborhoods and dubious bars but from what I've been reading on here Daytona is basically a sh.ithole. Is that really true?
Will we end up robbed and murdered before our first year in Daytona is up?

On a similar topic, where do the locals hang out as far as bars, restaurants, whatever? I am hoping to make friends quickly because my Fiance, with his new job, will be working all the time and I don't want to be stuck in my apartment all the time - just me and my cats.

[TD*]

Yes, daytona is crap. Holly Hill is not a nice area either. Be careful.

You will probably want to hang out in port orange or new smyrna beach, much better than daytona.

[chopchop0]

Holy hell?

Yeah Daytona is trashy compared to say a place like Melbourne. And HH is definitely on the crappier side of what Daytona has to offer. Stick to Ormond or port Orange if you must

[logybogy]

Daytona Beach attracts a certain trashy element. Think obese 50 year old "rough" looking folks on harleys with lots of tats. Also lots and lots of drug addicts and drunkards.

[kyle19125]

As a native Floridian I would highly reconsider the move but if absolutely stuck would say the newer areas/apartments north of Volusia Mall near the intersection of Bill France Blvd and Dunn Avenue will be your best bet.

[gypsychic]

Yes, OP, unfortunately it IS really "that bad."

I would live in a nearby town if I were you and just stay out of Daytona.

[a person]

Daytona is garbage. Listen to the folks in this thread.

[Fredesch]

Look at Ormond Beach or Ormond-by-the-sea, Wilbur-by-the-sea or Ponce Inlet. Daytona Beach and Holly Hill both have some run down areas, but the whole town of Daytona Beach isn't bad and you won't have a problem going to work. Just look before you rent, run down areas are obvious.

[GrahamCrackerLackin']

WOW... that's unfortunate but thanks for being honest.
Since we are stuck as far as moving to that area. Ill be sure to stick to the outskirts and places you all have recommended.

Thanks guys!

[Fredesch]

Hi GCL,

You don't need to be bummed out about Daytona Beach, there are plenty of nice places to live in the area. You might look beachside for an apartment. There are lots of condos and apartments along A1A. Snowbirds will be leaving soon, so your choices will improve in May. If you are beachside the beach is a short walk away and you will have a nice free activity.

Beachside there are a lot of places to hang out besides the beach. There are lots of bars/restaurants that overlook the beach or have a deck. Some have live music and don't have a cover charge. If you want the roudy crowds look around riptides. The farther away from Main Street Daytona Beach you get, the quieter it will be. If you want a quiet area look around Lagerheads or the North Turn Restaurant.