A charming circular city anchored by a historic downtown
Dubbed “The City on the Circle,” Sebring is a charming south-central Florida destination of almost 12,000. Its featured attraction is a historic commercial district that branches out from Circle Park in a radial design. Sebring is the oldest circular city in the state and one of the few remaining in the country. Downtown has been the center of activity for more than 100 years, and today it features old-fashioned eateries, boutique shops and cultural attractions. HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” recently spent six months renovating the city’s heart and soul. “They spruced it up and gave it a face-lift to try and help drive more business,” says Dawn Dell, a broker associate for Paradise Real Estate International who has sold hundreds of properties in the city. “They added beautiful lights, they added a gazebo to the Circle and they painted many of the buildings.” The city is also known for the 12 Hours of Sebring, a world-renowned motorsports endurance race held annually at Sebring International Raceway. “A lot of residents aren’t really into it,” Dell says. “They used to be, but it has a different feel since NASCAR took over.”
Old town charm is everywhere in nearby Downtown Sebring.
Downtown Sebring underwent a major revitalization last year with HGTV Town Makeover.
Sebring is also known for the 12 Hours of Sebring, a world-renowned motorsports endurance race held annually at Sebring International Raceway.
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Downtown Sebring is a "fabulous place"
The Highland Museum of the Arts, operated by the local nonprofit Highland Arts League, hosts annual competitions alongside its rotating curated exhibits. The league also organizes the yearly Sebring Arts and Crafts Festival, a community staple since 1966. “We really do have a very quaint downtown,” Dell says. “It’s a fabulous place to have festivals and functions.” Locals can gather on the grass underneath towering pines and oak trees to catch a free monthly movie during Cinema on the Circle and enjoy signature annual events such as the Crazy Pepper Chili Cook-Off.
The Highland Museum of the Arts, operated by the local nonprofit Highland Arts League, hosts annual competitions alongside its rotating curated exhibits.
A great place to enjoy an afternoon is Circle Park in downtown Sebring a few miles away.
Local residents enjoy exploring the park in downtown Sebring circle.
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Lake Jackson, Sebring International Raceway are city attractions
Lake Jackson, one of dozens of lakes scattered throughout the region, offers a slice of coastal life with a trio of public beaches. Nearby Highlands Hammock State Park is a 9,000-acre ecosystem that provides hiking and biking trails and is a popular spot for bird watching. Golfers have access to several nearby courses. “Sebring has a lot of outdoor activity,” Dell says. “People come here for a better quality of life.” Sebring International Raceway is the oldest racetrack in America. NASCAR acquired it in 2012, but the 12 Hours of Sebring remains the premier event. The race provides an annual boost to an economy that relies on tourist dollars.
Nearby to Maranatha Village, Jackson Lake is a popular lake for boating adventures.
Highlands Hammock State Park is a 9,000-acre ecosystem that provides hiking and biking trails and is a popular spot for bird watching.
A Golf Hammock resident takes instruction on the driving range from the local golf pro.
Sebring International Raceway is home to the 12 hours of Sebring an annual endurance race.
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Affordability continues to be a draw
The median housing price is about $235,000. “Prices are generally less, and the cost of living is significantly less because the taxes and insurance are significantly less,” Dell says. Options are primarily a mix of older housing, new construction and manufactured homes in 55-plus communities. Country Club of Sebring is a sought-after golf course community west of the city limits. Larger homes on acreage lots can be found in gated communities such as Highland Lakes Reserve on the city’s south side. “Historically, Sebring’s main demographic has been 55-plus because of the affordability,” says Laz Martinez, a Realtor for Sebring-based Hammock Realty. “But post-COVID, we’ve seen that change with migration from inside the state due to that affordability factor.” In addition to lower prices, residents do not face the same severe weather risks as their coastal counterparts.
Sebrings median housing price is about $235,000, with prices generally less than surrounding cities.
Sun N Lake features mid-century style homes with grand golf views.
A handful of new custom high value homes are sprinkled throughout the Golf Hammock neighborhood.
Sebring’s main demographic has been the 55-plus due to its affordability and consistent weather.
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Highland County Schools rated well
Students are served by Highland County Schools, rated B-minus by Niche. The city’s schools are all rated between B and C-plus. An annual fall parade downtown celebrates Sebring High School’s athletic teams and clubs.
Cracker Trail Elementary School is a B-rated school Cracker Trail Elementary School is a B-rated school in Sebring, FL.
Hill-Gustat Middle School is a B rated school in Sebring, FL.
Sebring High School is a B rated school with over 1,600 students.
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Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, Gavaghans Irish Pub & Kitchen among downtown offerings
Dining and entertainment options are concentrated downtown among an array of local businesses. Gavaghans Irish Pub & Kitchen, and the hotel above it, are new additions to the district’s offerings. “Downtown is really eclectic, with a lot of restaurants and nice little shops,” Martinez says. “The city has created an urban area where people can hang out.” The vintage-style Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works is a city institution. Outside of downtown, grocers and big-box retailers can be found along U.S. Route 98.
Downtown Sebring has a variety of cafes and restaurants in a cool historic Florida setting.
Downtown Sebring has lots of places to shop and eat, like Sebring Soda & Ice Cream.
Highlands Park Estates locals can hit the Publix on US 27 for all their grocery needs.
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U.S. Route 98 connects to several other regional roadways
Residents can take U.S. 98 north to roadways that connect to larger cities such as Winter Haven and Lakeland. Farther north is Interstate 4, which leads to Orlando. State Road 64 offers access to the densely populated west side of the state. “You’re basically 90 minutes from both coasts and the major metropolitan areas,” Dell says. Closer to home, Heartland Rides provides on-demand transportation for medical services, employment and shopping. Advent Health Sebring is just 6 miles north of downtown. The Sebring Regional Airport offers limited commercial flights. The nearest major airports, in Orlando and Sarasota, are both 75 miles away.
Crime rates in Sebring
According to FBI data from 2022, the Sebring Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 6.94 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to a rate of 2.59 statewide. Property crimes were reported at a rate of 34.19 per 1,000, compared to 15.66 statewide. Illegal activity is typically concentrated in the more-populated areas east of the lake, and rates tend to spike during peaks in the tourist season.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Pete Barrett
Video By
Jarrod Bock
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sebring, FL sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sebring, FL over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 233% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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SPECTACULAR SUMMER SALE - PRICE REDUCED $5K!!!! PLUS, GET 4 MONTHS FREE LOT RENT!!!! BRAND NEW 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOME IN 55+ COMMUNITY in the HEART OF SEBRING! Don't miss this Champion Lake Manor Series home featuring 1,027 square feet of living space! Featuring an integrated front porch, you'll absolutely love this charming home. The kitchen, dining and living rooms all seamlessly connect,
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