Why More Retirees Are Choosing This Central Florida Lake Area for Tranquil Living

Discover Sebring, Florida: An Appealing and Budget-Friendly Retirement Spot

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Located in the heart of Florida, Sebring is gaining recognition as an affordable and inviting place for retirees to settle down.

Main Highlights

• Highlands County, which includes Sebring, boasts a lower cost of living compared to Florida’s larger cities and many other popular retirement areas in the Sunbelt.
• While Sebring is well-known for its famous auto racing circuit, the area also features a variety of attractions such as museums, art galleries, and a charming historic downtown.
• Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of parks, scenic lakes, and golf courses available in the region.
• The county is home to over 200 healthcare facilities and is conveniently located within driving distance of both Orlando and Tampa.

Situated roughly 90 miles south of Orlando, Sebring has been recognized as a top retirement destination in both 2025 and 2026 according to recent rankings.

With fewer than 12,000 residents, Sebring offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere, affordable living, a laid-back pace, and a rich historical background. If you’re exploring retirement options, Sebring is certainly worth considering. Here’s what makes it stand out.

Affordable Living in Sebring

One of Sebring’s biggest advantages for retirees is its notably low cost of living.

The median monthly rent in Highlands County is $974, and the median home price is $175,000—significantly below the national average of $410,800.

Residents also benefit from Florida’s tax-friendly policies for retirees. The state does not tax personal income, including investment earnings, Social Security payments, pension withdrawals, or distributions from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. There are also no estate or inheritance taxes.

Florida applies a 6% sales tax to many purchases, but essentials like groceries and prescription medications are exempt at the state level. Highlands County adds an extra 1.5% sales tax; groceries remain exempt, though prescription drugs are not.

Healthcare Access and Convenience

Access to quality healthcare is a priority for retirees, and Highlands County delivers with two general hospitals. Of these, Advent Health Sebring received a 3-star rating (out of 5) on Medicare.gov.

With more than 200 healthcare providers in the county, residents have ample options. Sebring is also within easy reach of major hospitals in Orlando and Tampa, both about 80 miles away. According to Medicare, there are 15 hospitals near Orlando and 26 near Tampa.

Travel and Transportation

Sebring is approximately 50 miles from Lakeland Linder International Airport, a mid-sized airport offering convenient travel options.

The town is also served by several Amtrak train lines, including stops on the Floridian route (Chicago to Miami) and the Silver Meteor/Palmetto route (New York City to Miami).

Lifestyle and Leisure in Sebring

Sebring is perhaps best known for the Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted major auto racing events since the 1950s. The renowned Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race draws motorsports enthusiasts from around the world. When races aren’t underway, the track also serves as a venue for concerts.

If racing isn’t your passion, Sebring offers plenty of alternatives. Art lovers and history buffs can explore the Highlands Museum of the Arts, local galleries, and the Military Sea Services Museum. The town’s unique circular downtown, recognized as a 1920s Historic District, is both charming and highly walkable, earning a walk score of 72 out of 100.

Golfers will find plenty to enjoy, with 16 golf courses located within 15 miles of Sebring—most of which are open to the public, according to Golf Digest.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of more than 100 lakes in the area, making it a haven for boating. Birdwatchers, cyclists, and hikers will also enjoy Highlands Hammock State Park.

Natural Disaster Risk

According to FEMA’s National Risk Index, Highlands County faces a “relatively moderate” risk of natural disasters, which is lower than many of Florida’s coastal communities that are rated as “relatively high” or “very high.”

Conclusion

Florida has long been a popular choice for retirees seeking sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle, but Sebring has only recently gained attention after being named one of the best places to retire in 2025.

The data supports Sebring’s inclusion on this year’s list. In addition to its affordability, the town offers a vibrant cultural scene, recreational opportunities like auto racing and golf, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Healthcare options are plentiful, and its inland location reduces the risk of natural disasters. Proximity to Orlando and Tampa adds further convenience.

All things considered, Sebring combines low living costs, ample recreation, accessible healthcare, and a welcoming community—making it an excellent choice for those planning to retire in Florida.