Resort scale vs. neighborhood scale — in the same county
Both communities are in Volusia County, subject to the same Florida homestead exemption rules and the same Save Our Homes framework. Both are 55+ age-restricted. That is where the similarities end.
Latitude Margaritaville is a 3,763-home sold-out resort community with a beach club, a full-service restaurant, a theater, and a brand identity built around a lifestyle. It is now entirely resale. Cresswind at Victoria Gardens is a ~450-home Kolter Homes community still in active construction, proportionally smaller in amenity scope, and priced lower. The monthly cost difference between the two is material — and depends more on home price and HOA than on tax rate, since both are in Volusia County.
The comparison buyers actually need
| Factor | Latitude Margaritaville | Cresswind Victoria Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Location | LPGA Blvd, Daytona Beach | DeLand (west Volusia County) |
| Total Homes | 3,763 | ~450 |
| Build Status | 100% Resale — sold out May 2025 | Active Construction — new builds available |
| Home Price Range | $300Ks–$600Ks+ (resale) | $290Ks–$480Ks (new construction) |
| HOA Fee (est.) | ~$300–$450/mo | ~$200–$280/mo (verify with Kolter) |
| CDD on Tax Bill | Yes — varies by parcel (~$800–$2,500/yr) | Verify — confirm with Kolter at closing |
| Volusia County Tax Rate | ~0.96% effective (Daytona Beach city millage applies) | ~0.96% effective (DeLand city millage applies) |
| Tax on $400K Home (after homestead) | ~$3,360/yr | ~$3,360/yr |
| Save Our Homes Reset Risk | High — 100% resale, buyers reset to purchase price | None on new builds — you set the basis |
| Beach Club | Yes — private oceanfront, shuttle required | No |
| On-Site Restaurant | Yes | No |
| Theater / Entertainment Venue | Yes — Last Mango Theater, live shows | No |
| Fitness Center | Large resort fitness campus | Community fitness center |
| Builder Warranty | None — resale only | Yes — new construction Kolter warranty |
| Insurance Cost Estimate | ~$210–$375/mo depending on home size | ~$175–$275/mo (DeLand inland; lower risk profile) |
All-in carrying costs at comparable home sizes
To make this concrete, here is what a buyer spending roughly $420,000 pays in monthly carrying costs at each community — HOA, taxes, and insurance, no mortgage. CDD excluded from the Latitude figure pending parcel verification.
| Cost Component | Latitude ($430K resale) | Cresswind ($400K new) |
|---|---|---|
| HOA Fee | ~$340/mo | ~$240/mo (est.) |
| Property Tax (prorated) | ~$330/mo | ~$300/mo |
| CDD (prorated) | ~$100–$210/mo (verify) | Verify with Kolter |
| Homeowners Insurance | ~$250–$340/mo | ~$195–$270/mo |
| Monthly Total (excl. mortgage) | ~$1,020–$1,220/mo | ~$735–$810/mo |
The monthly carrying cost gap between the two communities at similar purchase prices is approximately $250–$400/month — primarily driven by HOA fee difference and the CDD. Over 10 years, that gap is $30,000–$48,000 in additional carrying costs at Latitude Margaritaville vs. Cresswind. Whether the beach club, restaurant, theater, and brand community are worth that premium is a lifestyle decision, not a financial one — but the math should be part of the conversation.
The right choice depends on what you're actually buying
Latitude Margaritaville fits buyers who want:
- A resort lifestyle with built-in social programming
- A brand community with national recognition
- Beach access (via shuttle) as a regular amenity
- A large community where anonymity is possible
- Walking access to a restaurant and entertainment venue
- The most developed resale market in Northeast Florida 55+
Cresswind Victoria Gardens fits buyers who want:
- New construction with builder warranty
- Lower home prices and lower HOA fees
- A smaller community with more personal-scale programming
- No CDD on the tax bill (verify — confirm at closing)
- No Save Our Homes reset risk
- DeLand's walkable downtown and Stetson University access
Related Research
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We can build a custom cost comparison using your specific budget and the homes you're considering at each community.
Get Free Research Help →All cost figures are estimates. Latitude Margaritaville HOA and CDD amounts are based on community disclosure documents — verify per parcel with the HOA and Volusia County Tax Collector. Cresswind at Victoria Gardens HOA fees must be confirmed with Kolter Homes. Insurance estimates reflect current Volusia County market conditions and are not quotes. Nova55Living has no financial relationship with Minto Communities, Kolter Homes, or either community.