Orange City, Florida
Orange City in Volusia County extends over almost eight square miles and is home to approximately twelve thousand diverse people. Just 39 miles from Orlando, it offers a small town ambiance with today’s amenities. Orange City offers safe and affordable neighborhoods with single-family homes, manufactured homes, condominiums, or rental apartments. Many stand on estate-sized lots with stately trees, which helped Orange City become “Tree City USA.” The recent trend is to develop gated communities.
About The Community
For centuries, Native Americans lived in the Blue Spring area but it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family in 1856. The Thursby house, built in 1872 still stands and is a part of the Historic District of Orange City, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Orange City boasts many recreational activities in well-maintained parks, excellent City and County services, and low taxes. There are numerous shopping malls and restaurants and traditionally the local economy is service-related and light industrial. The local Florida Hospital Fish Memorial is part of the Adventist Health System and is dedicated to helping people achieve physical, mental, and spiritual wholeness.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
Blue Spring State Park, located west of Orange City is a 2700-acre park that connects to the scenic St. John’s River. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge Area and the winter home of West Indian Manatees. Although swimming and diving with the endangered manatees is not permitted, people enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming in the warm, clear spring. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating and riverboat tours are available. Picnic here under covered pavilions with grills. Overnight campers have a choice of air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, or primitive campsites. Hike along the scenic nature trails! A boardwalk nature trail guides visitors through lush foliage to the spring.
Vicinity of Orange City
Additional Details
Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival is a fundraiser for the Orange City community held every year at Valentine Park. Festival highlights include live exotic animals, Indian dancing, karate demonstrations and continuous entertainment by local groups. Children enjoy sand sculpting, face painting, and a children’s play area, and carnival rides. View local arts and crafts, pet adoptions and enjoy the food. A shuttle bus takes visitors from Valentine Park to Blue Spring State Park to view the manatees.
Alling House Bed & Breakfast is a well-preserved house, decorated in a comfortable Victorian style that reflects its heritage. The individually decorated bedrooms have private bathrooms and there is a common area on the second floor to relax in with a television, Internet or ice machine and a small refrigerator. Relax in the landscaped front yard with a small pond or sit the swing on the large front porch.
Orange City is also known for its commitment to preserving its natural beauty and fostering a sense of community. In addition to Blue Spring State Park, residents and visitors can enjoy Mill Lake Park, a tranquil spot featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a picturesque lake that serves as a hub for local events. The city also organizes community activities such as the annual ‘Christmas Village’ and ‘Fireworks & Fun’ celebrations, which bring people together to enjoy music, food, and family-friendly entertainment. These events, combined with Orange City’s charm and accessibility to both Orlando and Daytona Beach, make it a desirable destination for residents and travelers alike.
