Why Retirees Are Flocking to This Central Florida Lakes Region for a Peaceful Life

Sebring, Florida, a small town about 90 miles south of Orlando, was ranked as a top retirement destination in our 2025 and 2026 lists of the best places to retire.

With a population of under 12,000 residents, Sebring offers a relatively low cost of living, small-town charm, a relaxed lifestyle, and a rich history. If you're considering moving for your retirement, Sebring deserves a spot on your list. Here's why.

Cost of Living

One major plus, especially for retirees, is Sebring's low cost of living.

The median rent in Highlands county, where Sebring is located, is $974 a month. The median home value in the county is $175,000, which is much lower than the national average of $410,800.

Sebring residents also benefit from Florida's retiree-friendly tax policies. The state doesn't tax personal income, including investment income, Social Security benefits, withdrawals from pensions, defined-benefit plans like 401(k)s, and IRAs. It doesn't have an estate or inheritance tax, either.

Florida does impose a sales tax of 6% on many items, but it exempts two major line items that dominate retirees' budgets: groceries and prescription drugs. Highlands county adds an additional 1.5% sales tax. Groceries are exempt from this tax, but prescription drugs aren't.

Healthcare and Accessibility

As a retiree, you'll likely want to have high quality health care options close by. In Highlands county, there are two general hospitals. Of those two, Advent Health Sebring received the highest overall grade (3 stars out of 5) on the Medicare.gov website.

The county boasts over 200 healthcare establishments. In addition, Sebring is within driving distance of major hospitals in Orlando and Tampa, both of which are approximately 80 miles away. According to Medicare's website, there are 15 hospitals near Orlando, and 26 hospitals near Tampa.

Several train lines operated by Amtrak also serve Sebring. The town is a stop on the Floridian route from Chicago to Miami and the Silver Meteor/Palmetto route from New York City to Miami.

Related Stories

Is Florida Still a Great Place to Retire? Here's What to Know

Gulf Coast Hideaway Welcomes Beach-Loving Retirees Seeking Laid-Back Living

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

If you've heard of Sebring, it's probably because you've heard of the Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted major auto races since the early 1950s. The track is home to the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, a renowned endurance race that attracts motorsport stars and fans every year. When cars aren't roaring down the track, the raceway transforms into a concert venue.

If auto racing isn't your, well, speed, Sebring has a variety of other attractions. There's lots to discover if you're interested in art, culture, or history, including the Highlands Museum of the Arts, local art galleries, and the Military Sea Services Museum. The town is also home to a distinctive, circular-shaped downtown that was designated as a 1920s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is rated very walkable, with an average walk score of 72 out of 100.

Retirees looking to spend more time on the links can take advantage of Highlands County's many golf courses.  According to Golf Digest, there are 16 courses within a 15-mile radius of the town. All but one are public courses.

If enjoying the great outdoors is more your style, you'll have more than 100 lakes in the region to choose from. It's paradise for boaters. Birders, bikers, and hikers can also enjoy Highlands Hammock State Park.

The Bottom Line

While Florida has long been a major destination for retirees looking to hang up their snow shovels and relax in the sunshine, the small town of Sebring has gotten little attention—until its inclusion on our best places for retirees list in 2025, that is.

The data show that Sebring has earned its spot on this year's list, too. Beyond affordability, Sebring offers a rich cultural and recreational scene, with attractions like the Sebring International Raceway, golf courses, and various outdoor activities. The town offers numerous healthcare options, and it's relatively close to Orlando and Tampa. In addition, Sebring's inland location makes it a lower risk for natural disasters.

In sum, Sebring offers an excellent blend of affordability, recreation, healthcare, and community, making it a great option if you're considering retiring in Florida.