Ponce Inlet's housing stock reflects its coastal, low-density character. The town offers single-family homes, many with water views or direct access to the inlet and beach, along with condominium buildings near the shore. Its position at the southern tip of a barrier island, combined with boating access and proximity to the lighthouse and parks, sustains demand from buyers seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle. The community's emphasis on preserving a low-rise, residential atmosphere distinguishes it from more densely developed beach towns nearby.

Ponce Inlet is a compact barrier-island town rather than a collection of large, distinct neighborhoods. Residential areas line the beach, the inlet, and the Halifax River, with many homes oriented toward the water. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and its surrounding parkland anchor the town's southern end, while the community's northern edge transitions toward Daytona Beach Shores. The town's geography keeps it small, coastal, and oriented around the inlet and ocean.

Life in Ponce Inlet is defined by the coast. The town offers a low-density, maritime lifestyle centered on the beach, the inlet, and boating. Fishing, surfing, and watersports are woven into daily life, and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse anchors the community's identity and skyline. Residents enjoy a quiet, residential atmosphere compared with nearby Daytona Beach, while remaining a short drive from the shops, restaurants, and events of the broader Halifax area. The town's coastal setting and maritime heritage shape its relaxed, outdoor-oriented character.

Ponce Inlet is served by Volusia County Schools, the public school district for the county. Students attend district campuses in the surrounding Daytona Beach area, with a range of elementary, middle, and high school options nearby. The town's small residential population means families travel within the broader Volusia County system for school, while the district's size provides a variety of programs and extracurricular opportunities.

Ponce Inlet is reached primarily by automobile via State Road A1A and the local roads that run the length of the barrier island. The town lies at the southern tip of the island, with the Ponce de Leon Inlet connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway. Daytona Beach and its airport are a short drive to the north, while New Smyrna Beach lies across the inlet to the south, providing regional access along the coast.

Recreation in Ponce Inlet centers on the ocean and the inlet. The town's beaches offer swimming, surfing, and shoreline walks, while the inlet and Halifax River support boating, fishing, and watersports. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and its surrounding grounds are a major attraction, with a museum and views from the tower. Nearby parks and the natural shoreline provide additional outdoor space, and Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach expand recreational options within a short drive.