The Florida Spot Where Retirees Thrive on a Budget

Sebring, Florida, a small city in the center of the state about 90 miles south of Orlando, stands out as an affordable and attractive retirement destination.

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. It also serves as the county seat of Highlands County.

Cost of Living in Sebring, Florida

One major attraction of Sebring, especially for retirees, is its relatively low cost of living.

Median housing costs in Highlands County (where Sebring is located) are $765 a month. Highland’s County Median Home Value is $177,900, which is much lower than the national average of $419,200.

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. Nor does it have an estate or inheritance tax—often a concern for wealthier retirees.

In terms of sales taxes Florida imposes a 6% tax on many items, but it exempts two biggies from most retirement budgets: groceries and prescription drugs. Highlands County adds an additional 1.5% sales tax, although groceries, but not prescription drugs, are exempt from it.

Healthcare and Accessibility

For retirees who like to know that medical care is at hand if needed, Highlands County has at least three general hospitals within a 25-mile radius. Of the three, 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, Orlando has 15 hospitals, while Tampa has 26. At least one hospital in each of those cities made the U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Regional Hospitals list.

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

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

Sebring is perhaps most famous as the home 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 attracting motorsport stars and fans yearly. The raceway is also a concert venue when cars aren’t roaring down the track.

If auto racing isn’t your speed, Sebring has a variety of attractions for retirees interested in art, culture, and history. Check out the Highlands Museum of the Arts, local art galleries, the Military Sea Services Museum, and a distinctive, circular-shaped downtown designated as a 1920s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Boaters and fishing enthusiasts have more than 100 lakes in the region to choose from, while birders, bikers, and hikers can pursue their passions at Highlands Hammock State Park.

Finally, for retirees who want to enjoy Florida’s generally mild climate but not spend a lot of time fretting about hurricanes and other natural disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Risk Index rates Highlands County as “relatively moderate” in terms of risk, compared with the U.S. overall. By contrast, many of the state’s coastal communities rank as either “relatively high” or “very high.”

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 city of Sebring has gotten little attention. However, the data show that it could be an affordable and attractive option.

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’s healthcare options and proximity to major cities like Orlando and Tampa make it a convenient choice for retirees who value easy access. Its inland location makes it less prone to the kinds of climate-related calamities that coastal communities seem to face more and more these days.

For retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle, Sebring offers the perfect blend of affordability, recreation, healthcare, and community—making it a hidden gem in Florida’s retirement landscape.