Find The Right Life Here
Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking the perfect location for your next venture, a manufacturing professional looking for a thriving industrial community, or a family searching for an exceptional quality of life, Southeast Volusia County offers a compelling combination of business opportunities, natural beauty, and affordability that’s increasingly rare in today’s market.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to this dynamic region where three distinct communities—New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill—create one unified destination for living and working.
The Strategic Advantage
Southeast Volusia County represents a unique sweet spot in Florida’s competitive landscape. With a combined population of nearly 50,000 residents across 68.9 square miles, the region delivers metropolitan amenities while maintaining small-town affordability and community connections.
The economic fundamentals are compelling: real estate values remain reasonable compared to other coastal Florida markets, construction costs stay competitive, and the regulatory environment actively supports business growth. Factor in year-round favorable weather, world-class natural resources, and robust infrastructure, and you have a formula for both commercial success and personal satisfaction.
Three Communities, Unified Vision
New Smyrna Beach: Cultural Hub with Commercial Strength
Recognized as one of America’s top 100 small art towns, New Smyrna Beach has cultivated an environment where creativity fuels commerce. The Atlantic Center for the Arts draws international talent and programming, while downtown’s thriving restaurant and retail scene demonstrates the economic power of cultural tourism.
This artistic foundation translates into business advantages: a creative workforce, innovative problem-solving culture, and the lifestyle amenities that help companies recruit top talent. Regular festivals and events create networking opportunities while building the community brand that benefits all local businesses.
Edgewater: Manufacturing Excellence by the Water
Positioned along the Indian River Lagoon, Edgewater has emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, particularly in boat building where local companies produce thousands of vessels annually. The city’s “Blue Way Community” designation reflects its environmental stewardship—a selling point for sustainable manufacturing operations.
The extensive trail network connecting to neighboring counties creates recreational opportunities that enhance workforce satisfaction, while the Cuchetti/Conti Family School of Music adds cultural depth to this industrially focused community.
Oak Hill: Historic Roots, Future Focus
With origins in the 1700s, Oak Hill combines Old Florida charm with cutting-edge development. Despite its small size (population 2,129), the city hosts major steel fabrication operations including Sauer, Atlantic Steel, and Southeast Steel, proving that scale doesn’t limit industrial capacity.
The Burns Science and Technology Charter School, supported by Kennedy Space Center, signals the community’s commitment to STEM workforce development. A 3,200-foot airstrip serves the fly-in community while providing logistics advantages for regional businesses.
Economic Ecosystem
The region’s diversified economy spans traditional manufacturing, emerging technology sectors, and a robust creative economy. This diversity provides stability while creating cross-sector opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Manufacturing forms the industrial backbone, from precision steel fabrication to marine vessel production. These established companies provide supply chain opportunities for new businesses while demonstrating the region’s capability to support complex operations.
The technology sector benefits from connections to nearby Kennedy Space Center and growing STEM education programs. Lower operating costs compared to traditional tech hubs make the region attractive for startups and established companies seeking expansion locations.
Cultural industries, anchored by New Smyrna Beach’s arts community, contribute both economic value and the quality-of-life amenities that support workforce recruitment across all sectors.
Infrastructure Foundation
Strategic location along Florida’s east coast provides efficient access to domestic and international markets. Highway connectivity facilitates supply chain operations, while nearby airports serve business travel needs.
Utility infrastructure supports both traditional manufacturing and emerging technology requirements. Telecommunications capabilities enable everything from automated manufacturing systems to remote work arrangements. Local governments maintain infrastructure proactively, ensuring reliable service for business operations.
Living Environment
The region’s natural assets create an unmatched living environment. Atlantic beaches offer world-renowned surfing and swimming, while the Indian River Lagoon system provides exceptional fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Inland springs and Canaveral National Seashore add wilderness experiences within minutes of urban amenities.
Educational opportunities span highly-rated public schools, specialized programs like STEM academies and music schools, plus access to regional colleges and universities. Healthcare services provide comprehensive medical care without metropolitan pricing.
Housing options range from beachfront properties to rural estates, with prices remaining accessible compared to other coastal Florida markets. This diversity ensures employees at all income levels can find suitable housing within the community.
Cultural Vitality
Monthly Art Walks in New Smyrna Beach anchor a year-round calendar of festivals, competitions, and community events. From FishStock fishing tournaments to Mardi Gras celebrations, the region maintains an active social calendar that builds community connections and provides marketing opportunities for local businesses.
The combination of established artists, visiting residents from the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and growing technology workforce creates an unusually dynamic cultural environment for a region this size.
Making Your Move
Research and Planning
Connect with local economic development organizations and the Southeast Volusia Manufacturing and Technology Coalition early in your planning process. These groups provide market insights, incentive information, and networking introductions that streamline relocation decisions.
Site Selection Strategy
Each community offers distinct advantages. New Smyrna Beach provides the highest visibility and strongest tourism connections. Edgewater offers established manufacturing infrastructure and lagoon access. Oak Hill delivers the most affordable land costs with excellent transportation connectivity.
Regulatory Navigation
Local governments prioritize business development and maintain streamlined permitting processes. Early engagement with city planners and economic development staff prevents delays and identifies potential issues before they impact project timelines.
Workforce Development
The region’s educational institutions, from K-12 through specialized training programs, provide workforce development partnerships. Quality-of-life advantages ease recruitment challenges, while competitive wage structures help control labor costs.
Community Integration
Success in Southeast Volusia County extends beyond location selection to community involvement. Business organizations like the Manufacturing and Technology Coalition facilitate networking and advocacy. Participation in local events and cultural activities builds customer relationships while supporting community development.
Growth Trajectory
Infrastructure investments, educational enhancements, and thoughtful development policies position Southeast Volusia County for sustained growth. Environmental protection ensures the natural amenities that drive quality of life remain preserved, while business-friendly policies support continued economic expansion.
The balance between development and conservation reflects community values that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains—creating a stable foundation for business investment and community development.
Your Opportunity
Southeast Volusia County offers what many business locations promise but few deliver: genuine competitive advantages combined with exceptional quality of life. The region’s three-community structure provides options and flexibility while maintaining the economic critical mass necessary for business success.
Whether you’re drawn by manufacturing capabilities, creative workforce, natural amenities, or community values, Southeast Volusia County provides the foundation for both professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
Ready to explore Southeast Volusia County? Contact the Southeast Volusia Manufacturing and Technology Coalition to discover how this dynamic region can become your next success story. From site selection through workforce development to community integration, we’re here to help you find the right life here.
Southeast Volusia County—where opportunity meets quality of life.