[sanbeach1]

Hi, we're two 30-something professionals, child-less. We're fun and love the beach, but need to be within 5 minutes of I-95 as our jobs have us on the road alot. We're looking to rent a somewhat modern 2-3 bedroom apt for up to $1200/month. Which area do you recommend and which specific complexes do you think would be great for us? It's hard to choose online as you just can't tell which are retirement communities or more family-focused. We're looking for other young professionals. And ideally, we'd like to find an area that's somewhat walkable to shops/bars/restaurants. Thank you so much for your help!!!

[ssg II]

Originally Posted by sanbeach1

Hi, we're two 30-something professionals, child-less. We're fun and love the beach, but need to be within 5 minutes of I-95 as our jobs have us on the road alot. We're looking to rent a somewhat modern 2-3 bedroom apt for up to $1200/month. Which area do you recommend and which specific complexes do you think would be great for us? It's hard to choose online as you just can't tell which are retirement communities or more family-focused. We're looking for other young professionals. And ideally, we'd like to find an area that's somewhat walkable to shops/bars/restaurants. Thank you so much for your help!!!

The only complex that's even close to being "walkable" to shops, etc. and that close to 95 is this complex. It's right at 95 & SR40.

Ormond Beach Apartments for Rent | Bermuda Estates (http://www.bermudaestates-ormond.com/photos/index.html - broken link)

Your ideal location would be the "Heritage Condos" in Ormond, but I'm not sure there are any rentals. You'd have to contact them.

Ormond Heritage Condominium Association

Good Luck!

[EscAlaMike]

The Crowne, right next to the new Hospital on Williamson in Ormond Beach is a great complex. Nothing there is really walkable though. If that's really important to you, look at rentals in The Trails. There are lots of townhouses in the Trails, and it's a very walkable neighborhood with bike trails and the Trails Shopping Center is right there. You will also be close to the "Chain of Parks" in Ormond Beach.

[kerafaith]

I don't live in Daytona Beach but have visited for a week each for the last 3 years and am looking to move down there myself, hopefully by July.

But I would suggest looking at condos located along the beach or halifax river. They're about the only things that are within walking distance to bars, clubs, shops, restaurants, etc. And of course the beach & river are both usually within 5-10 minutes of I95.

[ssg II]

Originally Posted by FSUMike

The Crowne, right next to the new Hospital on Williamson in Ormond Beach is a great complex. Nothing there is really walkable though. If that's really important to you, look at rentals in The Trails. There are lots of townhouses in the Trails, and it's a very walkable neighborhood with bike trails and the Trails Shopping Center is right there. You will also be close to the "Chain of Parks" in Ormond Beach.

Good call about "The Trails," although some of it's beautiful and some of it's dodgey.

[daytonadewd]

Originally Posted by sanbeach1

Hi, we're two 30-something professionals, child-less. We're fun and love the beach, but need to be within 5 minutes of I-95 as our jobs have us on the road alot. We're looking to rent a somewhat modern 2-3 bedroom apt for up to $1200/month. Which area do you recommend and which specific complexes do you think would be great for us? It's hard to choose online as you just can't tell which are retirement communities or more family-focused. We're looking for other young professionals. And ideally, we'd like to find an area that's somewhat walkable to shops/bars/restaurants. Thank you so much for your help!!!

Um, I LIVE in Daytona Beach (unlike some of the other posters).

In your price range, you'll have many choices in the area. However, if you want to live in a "walkable" area you'll need to focus on areas such as Beach Street (downtown Daytona), Halifax/Peninsula Dr (Riverfront beachside) from US92 to University Drive, Seabreeze Blvd, A1A in Daytona Beach Shores -- or Ormond by the Sea.

Getting to 95 is pretty easy if you avoid US92, Granada (Ormond) and Dunlawton (Port Orange). Beville Road and LPGA exits are fastest beeline with few signals. This would allow you to live the beach life relatively easily.

I wouldn't describe Daytona area (in general) as full of young professionals -- but they do exist. The area has far more Trustafarians (who don't work but are extremely wealthy, educated and travelled but have disdain for middle class values and soap), as there aren't many "professional" jobs available in the area in the first place.

The majority of professionals own rather than rent because they can afford their "dream" homes here. They are scattered all over the area and tend to focus on decorating/remodeling their places or raising their brood, rather than hanging out in specific locales. They usually surface for air during specific Special Events and Festivals.

Good Luck!

[ssg II]

[quote=daytonadewd;12333012] Um, I LIVE in Daytona Beach (unlike some of the other posters).

I, um, grew up and spent most of my life on the peninsula, so I hope you're not referring to me? I now live in the adjacent county, Flagler.

The OPs wanted 5 minutes to 95 and walkable to shops? The only place is the Bermuda.

No response from the OPs, hope I'm not being scammed into inadvertenly advertising for that complex. I'd be