The Groves Port Orange, FL

Established in 1867, Port Orange began as a small population on the banks of the Halifax River. Nearly 150 years later, it houses over 55,000 people and one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, as of 2014.

There are no museums in the area, but a quick trip into Daytona finds The Museum of Arts and Sciences, an institution famous for its giant sloth exhibit and awe-inspiring planetarium shows.

A culturally tight community, The Groves residents can sign up for a number activities in the Arts. Ballroom dancing, painting and martial arts classes can all be taken at the Port Orange City Center.

Whether you have a palate for American comfort food or ethnic cuisine, you can enjoy access to plentiful eating options as a Groves resident. Although the neighborhood houses no restaurants or bars, a quick five-minute ride into downtown Port Orange provides culinary treats for tastes of all walks of life.

For the best specialty burgers in town, head over to Daily Grind Burgers on Dunlawton Avenue. With the slogan “From the Grinder to the Grill,” this locally-owned joint makes everything to order and bakes fresh kaiser rolls daily. Enjoy a little kick with your patty? Order the South of the Border Burger piled high with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, onion twigs, picante and chipotle mayo. If you’re interested in something different, Daily Grind Burgers also serves a variety of steaks including filet mignon and New York strip, and even offers turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches and a kid's menu.

Japanese food enthusiasts fall in love with Sushi 99, a Japanese Grill on West Dunlawton that’s best known for its exquisite sushi presentations and fresh, flavorful ingredients. For a dinner to remember, try the tuna tataki appetizer with ponzu sauce, followed by an order of fried Jaguar Rolls filled with eel and avocado. If you prefer sushi à la carte, locals rave about the tantalizing sashimi.

More of a breakfast fan? Mel’s Diner serves as the perfect brunch spot for busy professionals on the go, offering free Wi-Fi to its patrons. A family-owned restaurant, Mel’s evokes a vision straight out of the 1950s, with retro menus and décor that includes framed photos of cast members from hit shows such as I Love Lucy. Stop by this local favorite, and get your hands on a breakfast bagel sandwich with sausage and Swiss cheese, or eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and hash browns.

For nightlife, residents can venture out to the Port Orange Pavilion on South Williamson, and grab a pint at House For Beer. With their selection of over 50 drafts and hundreds of imported bottles from around the world, there’s always a new brew to sample. If you don’t mind driving 15 minutes toward the beach, Surfside Tavern provides a local hot spot with a relaxed environment and friendly bartenders. Come in for daily specials or before 7 p.m. for Happy Hour, and shoot a game of pool while you catch up with friends.

If the bar scene isn’t your cup of tea, you can head over to the Port Orange Pavilion and catch an evening show of the newest flick at Hollywood Theaters.

The Groves complex sits just north of Port Orange, within walking distance of convenience and drug stores in the area. To get to the main restaurants, bars and shopping centers of the city, it’s best to drive or hail a cab. Public transportation provides another option, with Votran buses running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and a stop directly on the corner of Madeline and Clyde Morris. Uber does not cater to Port Orange, as of 2014.

Public parking remains free, and walking the neighborhood doesn't pose a problem. With Interstate 95 conveniently located 3.5 miles away, residents commute to and from work with ease. Bike lanes present access to all the major roads in the area, but longer journeys often require driving.

As a community with a strong focus on recreational activities, Port Orange provides residents of The Groves with plenty of options for parks, playgrounds, sports leagues and events.

The Port Orange Skate Park ranks as a favorite teen hangout and sits just around the corner from the City Center, which hosts kids’ athletics programs of all kinds, including baseball, basketball, softball, soccer and tennis. For smaller children, the All Children’s Park nestled behind woody Spruce Creek Road provides a spacious playground worth driving to for an afternoon of slides, tire swings and fun.

Exercise junkies love the Port Orange Y.M.C.A. and the 52,000 square foot facility that houses four indoor racquetball courts, a heated Olympic-size pool, free weight room, nautilus room and child care center.

Although no dog-friendly parks service The Groves neighborhood, a 15-minute drive to the Seamore Memorial Dog Park on Spruce Creek Road puts your pooch in seventh heaven.

The City frequently hosts annual events, including impressive fireworks displays during its July 4th Spectacular, a holiday parade and Christmas concert, and art festivals in the spring. With its never-ending quest to provide residents with the best in recreation, the community frequently creates assorted special events, as well.

Cost of living in The Groves hovers slightly higher than the city average. Because the neighborhood does not offer one-bedroom apartments, rent ranges from $900 to $1200 per month, depending on your need for a two- or three-bedroom unit.

By bus, a one-way trip to the Port Orange City Center costs $1.50. The price of beer at a local bar or pub costs around $3.50, and the gas average sits about even with the national average.

Although The Groves does not have its own grocery store, you can find a Wal-Mart Supercenter and Publix just a few miles south of Dunlawton. If you’re looking for home décor or clothing items, the Port Orange Pavilion houses both big box and high-value retailers, such as Marshall’s, Kirkland’s, Sunglass World, Mattress One and more. If you have children, a well-placed Chuck E. Cheese makes for a great reward for the little ones after a day of shopping with mom and dad.

The Fashion Safari, an upscale women’s consignment shop located on South Clyde Morris Boulevard, opened in 2007 and specializes in designer clothing, jewelry, handbags and accessories. Some of their more notable brands include Dooney & Bourke, Coach and Prada. They also book promotional events and fashion shows.

For a farmer’s market you can count on, Perrine’s Produce continually impresses locals with its large selection of meats, cheeses and produce at unbeatable prices.