South Daytona is a city in Volusia County, Florida, situated on the west bank of the Halifax River, immediately south of Daytona Beach. The 2020 census counted 12,865 residents. As part of the greater Daytona Beach area, it offers a quieter, more residential counterpart to its larger neighbor while remaining just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the region's beaches, and the attractions that draw millions of visitors to the coast. The city's history is tied to the early 20th-century development of the Daytona area, when communities along the Halifax River grew as residential retreats and winter destinations. South Daytona developed its own identity as a settled, family-oriented town, distinct from the hotel-and-tourism corridor of the beachside. Over time it filled in with established neighborhoods, schools, parks, and a modest commercial base, retaining a walkable, community-centered character. South Daytona's position gives it a practical advantage. It sits near the intersection of Interstate 4 and Interstate 95, two of Central Florida's major transportation arteries, providing routes to Orlando, Jacksonville, and the Space Coast while keeping local beaches and Daytona Beach's employment and entertainment within a short drive. The Halifax River itself runs along the city's eastern edge, offering boating, fishing, and scenic waterfront. The city is served by Volusia County Schools, with students attending campuses in the greater Daytona Beach area. Its economy is anchored by local services, healthcare, education, and commuter flows to the broader region, supplemented by the seasonal tourism economy of the coast. South Daytona suits families, retirees, and working residents who want a quiet, walkable, affordable community near the coast without living amid the bustle of the beachside. It appeals especially to those who value a settled residential atmosphere, riverside access, and convenient highway links to the wider region.