Find Your Dream Home with Matt Daly Sells

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The St. Johns River is the liquid spine of Florida, and the stretch that flows through Volusia County is arguably its most majestic. To live along its banks is to own a piece of a "Lazy River" that flows backward—one of the few major rivers in the world that travels north.

Long before the steamboats of the 1800s turned the St. Johns into Florida’s first high-road for tourism, the Mayaca and Timucua people thrived here. Evidence of their lives—massive shell middens and ancient wooden effigies—is still being uncovered today. Living here means sharing a sunset with the same landscape that has sustained civilizations for over 6,000 years. It is a place where history isn't in a book; it’s in the water.

The St. Johns is the ultimate "open road" for a Florida boater. Because it is so wide and navigable in this region, the possibilities are endless:

• The Northern Trek: You can point your bow north and travel all the way to the sophisticated skyline and deep-water ports of Jacksonville, where the river meets the Atlantic.
• The Southern Journey: Heading south takes you through a winding labyrinth of "Old Florida" scenery, passing through Lake Monroe and eventually reaching the headwaters near the Sebastian and Indian River areas. It is one of the few places in the state where you can cross multiple counties without ever leaving the water.

One of the most unique aspects of living in the Volusia stretch is Hontoon Island State Park. Accessible only by private boat or the park’s passenger ferry, this island is a 1,650-acre sanctuary of pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. It’s a favorite "destination" for local residents to dock for the day, hike the ancient trails, and view the replica of the famous owl totem found on the island.

The infrastructure for boaters in Volusia is top-tier, making it easy to get on the water regardless of where you live:

• Ed Stone Park (DeLand): A central hub with great ramps and a fishing pier right on the main channel.
• Lake Monroe Park (DeBary): Perfect for those looking to explore the wider waters of the lake or head north toward the springs.
• Highbanks Boat Ramp (DeBary): A legendary spot for locals, offering easy access to some of the river’s most scenic bends.
• Lemon Bluff (Osteen): Known for its "backcountry" feel and proximity to excellent fishing holes.

Living on the St. Johns today offers a "slow-motion" luxury. Unlike the frantic pace of the coast, the river moves at its own speed. You can spend your morning watching a manatee drift past your dock and your afternoon cruising to a waterfront restaurant in Sanford or DeLand.

As a realtor who understands the technical side of waterfront property—from flood zones to dock construction—I see the St. Johns not just as a waterway, but as a legacy. It’s an area that offers more "house for the dollar" than the coast, while providing a lifestyle that is arguably more peaceful and deeply rooted in the natural beauty of Florida.