Daytona Beach Shores' housing is dominated by oceanfront and riverside condominiums, many in high-rise buildings with direct Atlantic views, along with a smaller inventory of single-family homes and townhouses. The stock is heavily oriented toward retirees, second-home buyers, and seasonal residents, and much of it offers amenities such as pools, direct beach access, and water views. The city's narrow barrier-island setting, bounded by the ocean and the Halifax River, concentrates development along the shore. Buyers are typically drawn by the direct oceanfront lifestyle, the quiet no-drive beach, and the area's established reputation as a Florida retirement destination.

Daytona Beach Shores is laid out along the narrow barrier island, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway to the west. Development follows State Road A1A, which runs the length of the city, with oceanfront condominiums and hotels on the east side and riverfront properties on the west. The city transitions north into Daytona Beach and south toward Ponce Inlet. Rather than distinct inland neighborhoods, the community is organized around its shoreline, with most residents living within steps of either the ocean or the river, and the no-drive beach serving as the central gathering space.

Daytona Beach Shores offers a relaxed, ocean-centered lifestyle oriented toward retirees and seasonal residents. Daily life revolves around the beach, where a no-driving policy keeps the sand quiet and pedestrian-friendly, and around the oceanfront condominiums and hotels that line the shore. Boating, fishing, and waterfront dining along the Intracoastal Waterway round out the leisure options, and the city's small permanent population fosters a calm, community-oriented atmosphere. The larger amenities of Daytona Beach, including its speedway, shopping, and dining, are minutes to the north, while Ponce Inlet's lighthouse and park sit just south, adding to the area's coastal appeal.

Public education in Daytona Beach Shores is provided by Volusia County Schools, the large district serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding communities along Florida's east-central coast. Because the city's population is predominantly retired, its school-age population is relatively small, and students attend district campuses in the nearby Daytona Beach area. The district offers a range of elementary, middle, and high school programs, as well as magnet and choice options. Higher education is available nearby through Daytona State College, Bethune-Cookman University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, all within a short drive.

Daytona Beach Shores is served by State Road A1A, the coastal highway that runs the length of the barrier island, connecting the city north to Daytona Beach and south to Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach. The Dunlawton and Port Orange causeways link the island west across the Intracoastal Waterway to the mainland and Interstate 95, providing access to the wider region. Daytona Beach International Airport is a short drive to the northwest. Travel is by car, with the compact linear layout of the city making most destinations, from the beach to the river, reachable within minutes.

Recreation in Daytona Beach Shores centers on the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The no-driving beach provides a quiet setting for walking, sunbathing, and swimming, while anglers and boaters use the Halifax River and the Intracoastal Waterway for fishing and cruising. The city's condominiums typically offer pools and direct beach access, and waterfront dining is abundant. Ponce Inlet, just south, adds the historic lighthouse, a marina, and parkland, while Daytona Beach to the north supplies golf, the speedway, and a wider range of attractions. The mild coastal climate keeps outdoor activity a year-round part of life.