Retirees On the Beach – Courtesy: Shutterstock — Daniel Myjones
The small community of Sebring, Florida, located in the middle of the state and roughly 90 miles south of Orlando, is a popular and reasonably priced place to retire.
Sebring, which has less than 12,000 residents, has a rich history, a laid-back lifestyle, small-town charm, and a comparatively inexpensive cost of living. Highlands County’s county seat is also located there.
Living expenses in Sebring, Florida
Sebring’s very low cost of living is a big draw, particularly for seniors.
Sebring is situated in Highlands County, where the median monthly cost of housing is $765. The median home value in Highland County is $177,900, significantly less than the $419,200 national average.
Florida’s tax laws that are favorable to retirees also help Sebring residents. Investment income, Social Security payouts, pension withdrawals, defined-benefit plans such as 401(k)s, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are all exempt from state taxes. It also doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax, which is something that wealthier retirees frequently worry about.
Florida levies a 6 percent sales tax on a number of goods, but it exempts two major items from most retirement plans: prescription medications and food. Although foodstuffs are excluded from Highlands County’s 1.5 percent sales tax, prescription medications are not.
Accessibility and Healthcare
Highlands County has at least three general hospitals within a 25-mile radius for retirees who prefer to know that medical assistance is available if needed. The Medicare.gov website gave Advent Health Sebring the highest overall rating of the three (3 stars out of 5).
There are more than 200 medical facilities in the county. Major hospitals in Orlando and Tampa, both of which are about 80 miles distant, are also accessible by car from Sebring. The Medicare website states that Tampa has 26 hospitals and Orlando has 15. The most recent list of Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report featured at least one hospital in each of the cities.
Sebring is also served by a number of Amtrak train lines. It is a stop on the Silver Meteor/Palmetto route from New York City to Miami and the Floridian route from Chicago to Miami.
Recreational Activities and Lifestyle
The Sebring International Raceway, which has been the site of important auto races since the early 1950s, is arguably Sebring’s most well-known feature. The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, a famous endurance race that draws motorsport celebrities and spectators every year, is held at the track. When cars aren’t speeding down the track, the racetrack doubles as a performance venue.
For retirees interested in art, culture, and history, Sebring offers a range of diversions if motor racing isn’t your thing. Visit the Military Sea Services Museum, the Highlands Museum of the Arts, nearby art galleries, and the unique, circular downtown that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a 1920s Historic District.
There are over 100 lakes in the area for boaters and fishermen, and Highlands Hammock State Park is a great place for hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers to follow their loves.
Lastly, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Risk Index ranks Highlands County as “relatively moderate” in terms of risk when compared to the U.S. as a whole, which is ideal for retirees who wish to enjoy Florida’s generally mild climate without spending a lot of time worrying about hurricanes and other natural disasters. Many coastal settlements in the state, on the other hand, are rated as “relatively high” or “very high.”
The Bottom Line
The tiny city of Sebring has received little notice, despite Florida being a popular place for seniors to hang up their snow shovels and unwind in the sun for a long time. Nonetheless, the information suggests that it can be a desirable and reasonably priced choice.
In addition to being reasonably priced, Sebring has a thriving cultural and recreational scene, including golf courses, the Sebring International Raceway, and a range of outdoor sports. The town is a suitable option for seniors who value simple access because of its healthcare options and its proximity to big cities like Orlando and Tampa. Because of its inland location, it is less vulnerable to the types of climate-related disasters that coastal areas appear to be experiencing more frequently these days.
Sebring is a hidden treasure in Florida’s retirement scene because it provides the ideal balance of affordability, entertainment, healthcare, and community for retirees looking for a balanced lifestyle.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
