(DDM) – Sebring, Florida, a small town in Highlands County, has emerged as a top retirement destination, attracting Americans seeking affordability and tranquility.
DDM gathered that the town, located roughly 90 miles south of Orlando, offers a combination of low cost of living, small-town charm, and convenient access to healthcare and recreational amenities.
With a population of fewer than 12,000 residents, Sebring provides retirees a quieter alternative to Florida’s larger cities and other Sunbelt retirement hubs.
The median rent in Highlands County is $974 per month, and the median home value is $175,000, significantly below the national average of $410,800, making homeownership accessible for retirees on fixed incomes.
Florida’s retiree-friendly tax policies also benefit residents. The state does not tax personal income, including investment income, pension withdrawals, 401(k)s, or IRAs. It also has no estate or inheritance tax.
Sales tax in Highlands County is 7.5%, with groceries exempted but prescription drugs partially taxed, making everyday expenses manageable for retirees.
Healthcare access is another key draw. Highlands County has over 200 healthcare establishments, including Advent Health Sebring, rated three stars out of five on Medicare.gov.
Major hospitals in Orlando and Tampa, about 80 miles away, provide additional healthcare options for more complex medical needs.
Transportation options make Sebring easily reachable. The town is near Lakeland Linder International Airport and served by Amtrak routes from Chicago and New York City to Miami.
Lifestyle and recreational offerings are abundant. Sebring is famous for the Sebring International Raceway, which hosts the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race, attracting motorsport enthusiasts annually.
Cultural attractions include the Highlands Museum of the Arts, local art galleries, and the Military Sea Services Museum. Sebring’s circular historic downtown, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, enhances its small-town appeal.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy over 100 lakes, multiple golf courses, and Highlands Hammock State Park, providing opportunities for boating, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
The town’s inland location reduces its vulnerability to hurricanes and other natural disasters, with FEMA rating Highlands County’s risk as relatively moderate compared with coastal Florida.
Analysts note that Sebring’s affordability, cultural richness, recreational amenities, healthcare access, and safety make it an increasingly popular choice for retirees seeking a balanced and peaceful lifestyle in Florida.
