Martha and Don Woods

New Smyrna Beach

The charm of New Smyrna Beach is seen in the picturesque, historic homes framed by moss-laden oaks. The beach, with its observation tower, walkways and appeal to international visitors, is a favorite of many Orlando residents because of its closeness. Canaveral National Seashore is a 57,000-acre barrier island park with mangrove islands, lagoons, salt marshes and sand dunes-a little further south is the Space Coast and Cape Canaveral.

Golfing, stock car racing, marinas and boat clubs, fishing as well as water sports draw residents outdoors. The busy Atlantic Center for the Arts is located here. The Sugar Mill Ruins evoke a time long ago when the Seminole Indians fought the settlers, ending the area's molasses and sugar industries.

Tourism is the main industry and is balanced by boat building, commercial fishing, finance, construction, retail and government. Single family homes range from $60,000 to $1,000,000 or more for oceanfront properties, and condos are especially popular. The largest group of residents is over age 65, but the 25-44 age group is not far behind, attesting to the fact that families comprise a fair share of this community.