Sebring

There are many reasons residents enjoy Golf Hammock's scenic Sebring location. The 55-plus, master-planned community's lush fairways and ponds are practically in every neighbor's backyard, along with two of Sebring's largest lakes and the swamps and marshes of Highlands Hammock State Park. The idea for this golfing community came from Thomas Wohl, a prominent civil servant and general contractor residing in Sebring. His vision consisted of several long stretches of bridle paths with roughly 770 homes alongside them. With the help of well-known golf architect Ron Garl, the 18-hole Championship course was developed, followed by the rapid construction of residences. The rest of Sebring is a short drive away on US Highway 27 – which is the only main throughway and circles around Lake Jackson, leading to the Downtown Sebring Historic District. A majority of the highest-rated restaurants and large grocery stores are also along the highway, and only a few miles away is the famous Sebring International Raceway. As one of the state's smallest regions, the surrounding Sebring community is relatively small, but its population has continuously grown since COVID-19. Mayor John Shoop, who was elected in 2014, notes that there about 11,000 people in Sebring and most still know and recognize each other around the lake. While it might still feel like a small town, its location in central Florida means that Orlando, Disney World and Universal Studios, along with Tampa and Clearwater to the west, are close enough for a day or weekend trip. Golf Hammock is a deed-restricted community with private roads lined by Spanish moss-adorned trees and cabbage palms. While architecture varies widely – as homes often steal inspiration from several styles – they share similar bright green, manicured lawns and a location by the fairways or one of several small ponds. A few streets showcase rows of identical properties, like those in Cormorant Point on the neighborhood's southeastern side. Both the single-family and attached midcentury-inspired homes share stucco and stone exteriors, single-car garages painted in the same shade of orange and a price range of $200,000 to $300,000. Cormorant Point's stately neighbor, Golf Patio Villas, gravitates towards the Mediterranean Revival style with red clay roofs and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living with patios, pools and terraces. Most homes in Golf Patio Villas generally offer 2,000 to 3,000 square feet and a price range of $350,000 to $450,000. However, a few 1,100 to 1,300-square-foot properties sit along Golf Hammock Drive and fall between $175,000 and $200,000. Golf Hammock's homeowner's association fees fund lawn maintenance, community events and amenities. The latter includes the membership-only Golf Hammock Golf Club and the Golf Hammock Activity Center, which hosts regular game nights and book club meetings. While car-dependent, Golf Hammock residents can walk, ride bikes and drive around on golf carts. Major roadways include US Highway 27, which grants access to the rest of the state. Secondary arteries include State Road 64 and State Road 66. Golf Hammock is 99 miles from Tampa and 95 miles from Fort Myers. "We're seeing an increase in traffic, especially the last summer," Shoop says. "We were in People magazine, so Sebring is getting recognized, and we plan to get ahead of the growth soon with future expansion of our infrastructure." The Sebring Station, located in the Sebring Downtown Historic District, was built by the Seaboard Air Line in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is serviced by Amtrak, offering two routes: south to Miami or north to Orlando, Tampa and New York City. Sebring Regional Airport, almost 4 miles south, does not provide domestic or international flights; most travel 86 miles north to Orlando International Airport. The closest medical campus is Highlands Regional Medical Center, about 6 miles away. The heart of this master-planned community is the Golf Hammock Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole Championship course designed by the renowned architect Ron Garl. Sebring's most popular park is Highlands Hammock State Park, which neighbors Golf Hammock. The 9,000-acre park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as it opened four years before the Florida state park system. A variety of native wildlife, including alligators and white-tailed deer, reside here and can be spotted along any of the nine trails while on horseback, bicycle or on foot. Highlands Hammock State Park is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, a popular destination for birding enthusiasts, and also come to the Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Hammock State Park is believed to have oak trees over a thousand years old, which make them some of the largest in the state. There are over 100 lakes throughout Sebring. The most popular option is Lake Jackson, often populated by boats, jet skis, kayaks and innertubes. Others enjoy resting on the lake's sandy white beaches. At almost 30,000 acres, Lake Istokpoga is one of the largest lakes in Florida, accented by draping cypress trees and oat hammocks. Fishing is a popular pastime as the water is rife with trophy bass and bluegill. Membership holders can look to the on-site Golf Hammock Pro Shop for all things golf. If they forget necessities like gloves, it's conveniently located next to the fairways. Pedro's Bar and Grill is also situated in the middle of the neighborhood, so a quick bite to eat is within a short walk or golf cart ride. While Sebring offers plenty of local shops and eateries, the area needs brand-name retail options. Lakeshore Mall is the closest mall, but many of its department stores have closed since COVID-19. Therefore, many residents drive to Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, 38 miles north, for stores like Dillard's. Founded in 1912 by George Sebring, the circular layout of the Downtown Sebring Historic District came from the idea that all roads should stem from a community center. It is currently the oldest circular city in the state, earning its official moniker, "The City on the Circle." Sebring Downtown Historic District is home to many local boutiques, shops and gourmet restaurants that are community fixtures. In February 2024, HGTV's Hometown Makeover refreshed downtown shops, streets and fixtures. "The last couple of years, we've seen more growth than we have in a long time," Shoop says. "The rejuvenation of downtown has brought a ton more mom-and-pop shops here." Local and chain restaurants – like Sonny's BBQ and Cowpoke's Watering Hole – can be found about 5 miles away along US Highway 27, as well as a Walmart, Publix and ALDI. Local attractions include the Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted the annual 12 Hours of Sebring WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race since 1952. The event has been voted North America's Number 1 Motorsports event by USA Today. It attracts visitors from all over the world. "You can go to Europe and wear a Sebring shirt," Shoop says. "Everyone will know what that is; it's America's Oldest Road race." Other popular events in Sebring include the Sebring Soda Festival every Spring and Lake Placid's Caladium Festival. Live theatergoers can enjoy themselves at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre and the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts. The venue is located at South Florida State College and hosts over 30 national touring headliners every year. Sebring is not immune to the impact of Florida's hurricane season; however, due to its location in the middle of the state, the area does not get it as hard as coastal cities like Fort Myers. "We've been through enough of them; we know what to do." Shoop is confident in Sebring's natural disaster plan, which includes an active EMS department, recent grants for additional generators and improvements to harden public buildings. "We make sure the hospitals get power first if it goes out," Shoop adds. Additionally, the citrus industry has been severely impacted by Greening, a bacterial infection that can kill a citrus tree within a few years. There is currently no cure. "It's taken a toll on the economy over the last ten years," Shoop admits. "We're down 80 percent in production because of it." Despite this hurdle, Shoop says the Sebring will forge on, with multiple planned developments focused on rejuvenating it in the works. "We're trying to keep the historic nature of our town as it is, so we're trying to preserve our older buildings and also make the parks more accessible downtown."

“Helping one another ‘til Jesus Comes” is a fitting motto for the service and faith-oriented retirement community of Maranatha Village, which roughly translates to “Our Lord is coming". The neighborhood is affiliated with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and invites those with similar values and beliefs to join its fellowship. One such value is a willingness to lend a hand to others whenever possible. The "know all your neighbors" small-town feel that retirees enjoy doesn't stop at Maranatha Village's entrance. Mayor John Shoop, who was elected in 2014, notes that there about 11,000 people in Sebring and most still know and recognize each other around the lake. Less than 3 miles from Maranatha Village, and on the shores of Lake Jackson, are the boutiques, gourmet restaurants and cafés of the Downtown Sebring Historic District. In February 2024, HGTV's Hometown Makeover refreshed several downtown storefronts, public spaces and nearby homes. The rejuvenation of downtown has been shared across many notable platforms, including People magazine. Despite an influx of snow birds, transplants and tourists, both Shoop and the community are dedicated to preserving the city's tight-knit, service-oriented atmosphere, much like the residents of Maranatha Village. The village's expansive property includes several ponds, walking paths, an 18-hole golf course, a pool and a fire pit. Management requires an application and approval to acquire a villa, mobile home or spot at the RV Park for those interested in Maranatha Village. Housing details are private, and interested retirees must call Maranatha Village’s administration office for more information. The community also offers a guest house for short-term stays. Maranatha Baptist Church is the beating heart of the neighborhood. It is both an active gathering space for its congregation and home to an assisted living facility. Three pastors lead weekly services, morning devotionals and Bible conferences throughout the year. Christmas and Easter are festive celebrations accompanied by a large choir and concerts. Most Sebring residents are car-dependent. US Highway 27 is the city’s main roadway, which wraps around the entirety of Lake Jackson and grants access to the rest of the state. The need for additional throughways has gradually become a pressing issue for residents. "We're seeing an increase in traffic, especially the last summer," Shoop says. "We were in People magazine, so Sebring is getting recognized, and we plan to get ahead of the growth soon with future infrastructure expansion." The Sebring Station, located in the Sebring Downtown Historic District, was built by the Seaboard Air Line in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is serviced by Amtrak, offering two routes: south to Miami or north to Orlando, Tampa and New York City. Maranatha Village is 99 miles from Tampa and 89 miles from Fort Myers. Sebring Regional Airport is 11 miles away; However, Orlando International Airport, 96 miles north, provides the nearest regularly scheduled passenger service. The closest medical campuses are AdventHealth Sebring and HCA Florida Highlands Hospital, 7 miles west and 6 miles south. Golfing is a popular pastime for residents, as Sebring is home to the Citrus Golf Trail, which comprises 10 expansive golf courses, including Highlands Ridge North Golf Course. On the neighborhood’s eastern side is Carter Creek Lake Wales Wildlife Refuge, but it is not open to the public. The well-known Highlands Hammock State Park offers trails for all activity levels, along with seasonal tram ride tours throughout the park. For water lovers, Sebring is home to over 100 lakes, including Lake Jackson’s sandy, white shores. Just 2 miles away is the Sebring Downtown Historic District and its host of local boutiques, shops and eateries. Faded Bistro & Beer Garden is known for its foliage-covered patio and vegetarian and glucose-free friendly offerings from the restaurant's on-site garden. Dimitri's Restaurant is a Sebring staple down the street with seemingly endless menu offerings ranging from Italian to Floridian seafood. Locals head to Sebring's Soda & Ice Cream Works for a cold treat. The store has over 200 craft soda flavors and an array of ice cream. While Sebring offers plenty of local shops and eateries, the area needs brand-name retail options. “You’re going to find a mom-and-pop before you find a Bath and Body Work,” says Will Dibble, a Sebring resident and Broker with RE/MAX Realty Plus. “You have to go to all the boutiques downtown to find a gift for your mom.” Lakeshore Mall is the closest mall, but many of its department stores have closed since COVID-19. Therefore, many residents drive to Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, 38 miles north, for stores like Dillard's. The only commercial retail is those situated along US Highway 27, including Marshall’s, Ulta Beauty, Lowe’s and Petco. A mix of chain and local restaurants, and Publix and Walmart, also dot this main highway. Weekly services held at Maranatha Baptist Church are a huge part of this faith-based community. Other activities include a monthly fellowship, pot-luck dinners and seasonal concerts. Annual events span all of Sebring, the most popular being the Sebring Soda Festival every Spring and Lake Placid's Caladium Festival. Local attractions include the Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted the annual 12 Hours of Sebring WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race since 1952. The event has been voted North America's Number 1 Motorsports event by USA Today. The track garners visitors from all over the globe. "You can go to Europe and wear a Sebring shirt," Shoop says. "Everyone will know what that is; it's America's Oldest Road race." Live theatergoers can enjoy themselves at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre or the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts at South Florida State College. The latter hosts over 30 national touring headliners every year. Maranatha’s leadership is aware of the ongoing infrastructure issues troubling areas of the neighborhood, specifically with waterlines. A fundraiser has been created to raise the necessary funds needed for repairs. Sebring is not immune to the impact of Florida's hurricane season; however, due to its location in the middle of the state, the area does not get hit as hard as coastal cities like Fort Myers, which was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma in 2017. "We've been through enough of them; we know what to do." Shoop is confident in Sebring's natural disaster plan, which includes an active EMS department, recent grants for additional generators and improvements to harden public buildings. "We make sure the hospitals get power first if it goes out," Shoop adds. Highlands County is considered Flood Zone A and Flood Zone AE. Certain mortgage companies may require homeowners to acquire flood insurance.

Aston Martin and Grand Prix Drive are fitting street names for Sebring Country Estates. They're not only a nod to the nearby Sebring International Raceway – one of Sebring’s biggest attractions – but also to the growth this once-rural neighborhood has experienced at lightning speeds. This expansion is fueled in part by its proximity to a well-known state park, multiple scenic golf courses and the city’s main highway. Yet the community -- and the whole of Sebring -- also has a small-town feel that homebuyers can’t find in some of Florida’s coastal cities. "We have a nice, quiet country lifestyle with plenty of amenities close by," says John Shoop, who was elected mayor in 2014. He currently serves nearly 11,000 residents in Sebring, which he notes is one of the state's smallest regions. Despite the population growth since COVID-19, the community is dedicated to preserving its tight-knit, service-oriented atmosphere. "Many volunteer with non-profit organizations to meet others," Shoop says. "Everybody still knows everybody here. You'll recognize your friends and neighbors walking down the street; you walk into a barber shop and know most of them." Dense foliage of cabbage palms and oaks separate quarter-acre plots along streets named after car models, such as Cougar Boulevard and Sunbeam Street. Like many communities on the outskirts of Sebring, citrus farms have been replaced by residential developments. “Our citrus industry isn’t what it once was,” says Will Dibble, a Sebring resident and broker with RE/MAX Realty Plus. “Developers are now buying up the orange groves to build a bunch of new houses here.” The emerging neighborhood does not currently have homeowner association fees attached to properties, which differs from its neighboring master-planned communities like Sun ‘N Lake and Golf Hammock. For those in search of a mobile home community, Sebring Village Mobile Home Park is situated at the northwest corner of Sebring Country Estates. These residences often have doors and shutters painted in beachy hues, with a price range between $50,000 and $75,000. New construction consists mostly of single-story three-bedroom homes clustered near Cougar Boulevard. Houses offer between 1,500 and 1,700 square feet of living space, along with shaded porticos and large windows. Most new-builds are priced between $300,000 and $400,000. Highlands County Schools include Memorial Elementary School, graded C-plus by Niche, and Hill-Gustat Middle School and Sebring High School, which share a B rating. The high school has several extracurricular activities, such as band, choir and the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Highlands County also offers a virtual school program for students interested in earning a diploma outside the classroom. Major roadways include US Highway 27, which grants access to the rest of the state. Sebring Country Estates is 99 miles from Tampa and 95 miles from Fort Myers. "We're seeing an increase in traffic, especially the last summer," Shoop says. "We were in People magazine, so Sebring is getting recognized, and we plan to get ahead of the growth soon with future expansion of our infrastructure." The Sebring Station, located in the Sebring Downtown Historic District, was built by the Seaboard Air Line in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is serviced by Amtrak, offering two routes: south to Miami or north to Orlando, Tampa and on to New York City. Sebring Regional Airport, about 4 miles south, does not provide domestic or international flights; most travel 86 miles north to Orlando International Airport. The closest hospitals are AdventHealth Sebring and Highlands Regional Medical Center, both within 6 miles. One of Sebring's gems is Highlands Hammock State Park, which opened four years before the Florida state park system and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 9,000-acre state park has some of the largest oak trees in the state, which are believed to be over 1,000 years old. It's a popular destination for birding enthusiasts as it's part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Various native wildlife, including alligators and white-tailed deer, can be spotted along the nine trails, whether on horseback, bicycle or on foot. It's also the site of the Floridian Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Of the 100 lakes throughout Sebring, one of the most popular is Lake Jackson, dotted with boats, jet skis, kayaks and inner tubes. Visitors can also relax on the lake's sandy white beaches. Sebring Country Estates sits alongside US Highway 27, where most chain restaurants and grocers, such as Walmart, Publix and ALDI, are located. Some of the most popular eateries include Hibachi Buffet and Azul Tequila. Blue Lagoon Saloon is a popular spot for locals grabbing a nightcap and enjoying the dive bar scene. While Sebring offers plenty of local shops and eateries, the area needs more brand-name retail options. “You’re going to find a mom-and-pop before you find a Bath and Body Works,” Dibble says. “You have to go to all the boutiques downtown to find a gift for your mom.” Sebring Downtown Historic District is home to many local shops and gourmet restaurants. In February 2024, HGTV's Hometown Makeover revamped the downtown, including several storefronts and streets. The episode will air sometime in the spring of 2025. "The last couple of years, we've seen more growth than we have in a long time," Shoop says. "The rejuvenation of downtown has brought a ton more mom-and-pop shops here." Lakeshore Mall is the closest mall, but many of its department stores have closed since COVID-19, meaning residents might have to drive to Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, 38 miles north, for department stores like Dillard's. Sebring has several well-known events, including the Sebring Soda Festival every spring and Lake Placid's Caladium Festival. The Sebring International Raceway is a famous attraction and has hosted the annual 12 Hours of Sebring Championship race since 1952. The event has been voted North America's Number 1 Motorsports event by USA Today and attracts visitors from all over the globe. "You can go to Europe and wear a Sebring shirt: Everyone will know what that is; it's America's Oldest Road race," says Shoop. Theatergoers can enjoy themselves at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre and the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts at South Florida State College. The venue holds roughly 1,460 people and hosts over 30 national touring headliners a year. Sebring is not immune to the impact of Florida's hurricane season; however, due to its location in the middle of the state, the area does not get hit as hard as coastal cities like Fort Myers. "We've been through enough of them; we know what to do," Shoop says. He has confidence in Sebring's natural disaster plan, which includes an active EMS department, recent grants for additional generators and improvements to harden public buildings. "We make sure the hospitals get power first if it goes out," Shoop adds. Highlands County is considered Flood Zone A and Flood Zone AE. Certain mortgage companies may require homeowners to acquire flood insurance. Additionally, the citrus industry has been severely impacted by Greening, a bacterial infection that can kill a citrus tree within a few years. There is currently no cure. "It's taken a toll on the economy over the last 10 years," Shoop says. "We're down 80 percent in production because of it." Despite this hurdle, he says that Sebring will forge on, with multiple planned developments focused on rejuvenation in the works. "We're trying to keep the historic nature of our town as it is, so we're trying to preserve our older buildings and we want to make the parks more accessible downtown."

Swallow, Robin and Dove Avenues – these are just a few of the bird-inspired streets that make up Sebring Hills. The neighborhood's feathered theme makes sense. Less than a mile away is Highlands Hammock State Park, which is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The array of outdoor recreation in Sebring is a major draw for Floridians as the aptly nicknamed "Sunshine State" averages 230 to 250 sunny days a year. Along with the expansive state park, two of the area's largest lakes and scenic golf courses are within a 3-mile drive of Sebring Hills. Its rural setting can feel sequestered and farther out from city amenities. However, US Highway 27 is a short drive away, along with most of the city's restaurants, grocery stores and famous attractions. Sebring Hills' location in central Florida makes it convenient to take day or weekend trips to Orlando's shopping malls, Disney World and Universal Studios, along with Tampa and Clearwater to the west. The neighborhood's bird-named streets are lined with single-family ranch homes and cabbage palms, Florida's designated state tree featured on the state seal. Entryways are often shaded by an overhang or portico, and neighbors rarely park on the street, as driveways, carports and one-car garages are commonplace. Established homes are often priced between $250,000 and $300,000. "It's more affordable compared to the golf communities like The Country Club of Sebring or Golf Hammock," says Sue Clark, a Sebring resident and Realtor at Century 21 Lake & Land Myers Realty. The current inventory for Sebring Hills' housing market mainly consists of empty lots. For a quarter lot, interested homebuyers can anticipate around $10,000 for a quarter acre and almost $45,000 for a half-acre property. Sebring Hills has an unofficial homeowners association of local volunteers who help run events and community gatherings. The neighborhood has a 5,400-square-foot clubhouse and waterfront property on Lake Jackson that can be rented out for events. Highlands County Schools include Cracker Trail Elementary School, which shares a B Niche score with Sebring High School. Students can also attend Sebring Middle School, which has a B-minus. Sebring High School has prominent extracurricular activities such as band, choir and the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Highlands County also offers a virtual school program for students interested in earning a diploma outside the classroom. While car-dependent, Sebring Hills residents can walk, ride bikes and drive around on golf carts. Major roadways include US Highway 27, which grants access to the rest of the state. Secondary arteries include State Road 64 and State Road 66. Sebring Hills is 99 miles from Tampa and 95 miles from Fort Myers. "We're seeing an increase in traffic, especially the last summer," Shoop says. "We were in People magazine, so Sebring is getting recognized, and we plan to get ahead of the growth soon with future expansion of our infrastructure." The Sebring Station, located in the Sebring Downtown Historic District, was built by the Seaboard Air Line in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is serviced by Amtrak, offering two routes: south to Miami or north to Orlando, Tampa and New York City. Sebring Regional Airport, almost 4 miles south, does not provide domestic or international flights; most travel 86 miles north to Orlando International Airport. The closest medical campus is Highlands Regional Medical Center, about 6 miles away. One of Sebring's gems is Highlands Hammock State Park, which opened four years before the Florida state park system and placed it on the National Register of Historic Places. The 9,000-acre state park has some of the largest oak trees in the state, which are believed to be over a thousand years old. It is a popular destination for birding enthusiasts as it's part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Various native wildlife, including alligators and white-tailed deer, can be spotted along the nine trails on horseback, bicycle or on foot. It is also the site of the Floridian Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Of the 100 lakes throughout Sebring, one of the most popular options is Lake Jackson. The water is often populated by boats, jet skis, kayaks and innertubes. Others enjoy resting on the lake's sandy white beaches. At almost 30,000 acres, Lake Istokpoga is one of the largest lakes in Florida, accented by draping cypress trees and oat hammocks. Fishing is a popular pastime as the water is rife with trophy bass and bluegill. While Sebring offers plenty of local shops and eateries, the area is in desperate need of brand-name retail options. Lakeshore Mall is the closest shopping mecca, but many department stores have closed since COVID-19. Therefore, many residents drive to Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, 38 miles north, for stores like Dillard's. Sebring was founded in 1912 by George Sebring, who believed all roads should stem from a community center. It is currently the oldest circular city in the state, earning its official moniker, "The City on the Circle." Sebring Downtown Historic District is home to many local boutiques, shops and gourmet restaurants, like Dimitri's, which are fixtures of the community. In February 2024, HGTV's Hometown Makeover revamped downtown, including several storefronts and streets. The episode will air sometime in the Spring of 2025. "The last couple of years, we've seen more growth than we have in a long time," Shoop says. "The rejuvenation of downtown has brought a ton more mom-and-pop shops here." Local and chain restaurants – like Sonny's BBQ and Cowpoke's Watering Hole – can be found about 5 miles away along US Highway 27, as well as a Walmart, Publix and ALDI. Some of Sebring Hills Association's regular activities include weekly game nights, monthly breakfast get-togethers and potlucks. Sebring has several well-known events, including the Sebring Soda Festival every Spring and Lake Placid's Caladium Festival. The Sebring International Raceway is a famous attraction and has hosted the annual 12 Hours of Sebring Championship race since 1952. The event has been voted North America's Number 1 Motorsports event by USA Today. It attracts visitors from all over the globe. "You can go to Europe and wear a Sebring shirt," Shoop says. "Everyone will know what that is; it's America's Oldest Road race." Live theatergoers can enjoy themselves at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre and the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts at South Florida State College. The venue holds roughly 1,460 people and hosts over 30 national touring headliners a year. Sebring is not immune to the impact of Florida's hurricane season; however, due to its location in the middle of the state, the area does not get it as hard as coastal cities like Fort Myers. "We've been through enough of them; we know what to do." Shoop is confident in Sebring's natural disaster plan, which includes an active EMS department, recent grants for additional generators and improvements to harden public buildings. "We make sure the hospitals get power first if it goes out," Shoop adds. Additionally, the citrus industry has been severely impacted by Greening, a bacterial infection that can kill a citrus tree within a few years. There is currently no cure. "It's taken a toll on the economy over the last ten years," Shoop admits. "We're down 80 percent in production because of it." Despite this hurdle, Shoop says the Sebring will forge on, with multiple planned developments focused on rejuvenating it in the works. "We're trying to keep the historic nature of our town as it is, so we're trying to preserve our older buildings and we want to make the parks more accessible to downtown."

As one of Sebring's smallest, exclusively residential neighborhoods, West Sebring offers some of the lowest home prices in the area, along with a scenic location next to the well-known Highlands Hammock State Park and several nearby award-winning golf clubs. While it feels secluded and rural, residents are still a short drive from US Highway 27, Sebring International Raceway and Lake Jackson. "We have a nice, quiet country lifestyle with plenty of amenities close by," says John Shoop, who was elected mayor in 2014 and currently serves the residents of Sebring. According to Shoop, nearly 11,000 people live in Sebring. As more transplants make their way to central Florida, that number continues to rise. Despite this population growth, locals continue to create a tight-knit and service-oriented community. "Many volunteer with non-profit organizations to meet others," Shoop adds. While it might be small, Sebring's location in central Florida gives quick access to Orlando, Disney World and Universal Studios, along with Tampa and Clearwater to the west. The neighborhood's narrow streets are lined with cabbage palms, Florida's designated state tree featured on the state seal. Alongside them are single-family ranch homes painted in beachy blue, yellow, green and white hues. Residences almost always have an entryway shaded by an overhang or portico. Neighbors rarely, if ever, park on the street as driveways and one-car garages are commonplace. No matter the street, properties have scenic views of the neighborhood pond or the massive oak trees at Highlands Hammock State Park. Homes offer up to 1,500 square feet of living space and two bedrooms and bathrooms. Prices often fall between $225,000 and $260,000, lower than its stately neighbors, like Golf Hammock and The Country Club of Sebring. Highlands County Schools include Cracker Trail Elementary School, which shares a B Niche score with Sebring High School. Students can also attend Sebring Middle School, which has a B-minus. Sebring High School has several extracurricular activities, such as band, choir and the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Highlands County also offers a virtual school program for students interested in earning a diploma outside the classroom. While surrounding Sebring is car-dependent, West Sebring residents can walk, ride bikes and drive around on golf carts. Major roadways include US Highway 27, which grants access to the rest of the state. Secondary arteries include State Road 64 and State Road 66. West Sebring is 99 miles from Tampa and 95 miles from Fort Myers. "We're seeing an increase in traffic, especially the last summer," Shoop says. "We were in People magazine, so Sebring is getting recognized, and we plan to get ahead of the growth soon with future expansion of our infrastructure." The Sebring Station, located in the Sebring Downtown Historic District, was built by the Seaboard Air Line in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is serviced by Amtrak, offering two routes: south to Miami or north to Orlando, Tampa and New York City. Sebring Regional Airport, almost 4 miles south, does not provide domestic or international flights; most travel 86 miles north to Orlando International Airport. The closest medical campus is Highlands Regional Medical Center, about 6 miles away. Sebring's most popular park is Highlands Hammock State Park, which neighbors West Sebring. The 9,000-acre park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as it opened four years before the Florida state park system. Various native wildlife, including alligators and white-tailed deer, reside here and can be spotted along any of the nine trails on horseback, bicycle or on foot. Highlands Hammock State Park is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, a popular destination for birding enthusiasts, and also come to the Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Hammock State Park is believed to have oak trees that are over a thousand years old and are considerably some of the largest in the state. Residents are within a 1-mile drive or walk to the Golf Hammock Golf Club. Its 18-hole Championship course was designed by the award-winning golf course architect Ron Garl. Here, golfers need an annual or seasonal membership to enjoy the lush fairways, golf shop and on-site restaurant. There are over 100 lakes throughout Sebring. The most popular option is Lake Jackson, often populated by boats, jet skis, kayaks and innertubes. Others enjoy resting on the lake's sandy white beaches. At almost 30,000 acres, Lake Istokpoga is one of the largest lakes in Florida, accented by draping cypress trees and oat hammocks. Fishing is a popular pastime as the water is rife with trophy bass and bluegill. While Sebring offers plenty of local shops and eateries, the area needs brand-name retail options. Lakeshore Mall is the closest shopping mecca, but many department stores have closed since COVID-19. Therefore, many residents drive to Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, 38 miles north, for stores like Dillard's. Sebring was founded in 1912 by George Sebring, who believed all roads should stem from a community center. It is currently the oldest circular city in the state, earning its official moniker, "The City on the Circle." Sebring Downtown Historic District is home to many local boutiques, shops and gourmet restaurants that are community fixtures. In February 2024, HGTV's Hometown Makeover refreshed downtown shops, streets and fixtures. "The last couple of years, we've seen more growth than we have in a long time," Shoop says. "The rejuvenation of downtown has brought a ton more mom-and-pop shops here." Local and chain restaurants – like Sonny's BBQ and Cowpoke's Watering Hole – can be found about 5 miles away along US Highway 27, as well as a Walmart, Publix and ALDI. Annual events span all of Sebring, the most popular being the Sebring Soda Festival every Spring and Lake Placid's Caladium Festival. Local attractions include the Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted the annual 12 Hours of Sebring WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race since 1952. The event has been voted North America's Number 1 Motorsports event by USA Today. "You can go to Europe and wear a Sebring shirt," Shoop says. "Everyone will know what that is; it's America's Oldest Road race." Live theatergoers can enjoy themselves at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre and the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts. The venue is located at South Florida State College and hosts over 30 national touring headliners every year. Sebring is not immune to the impact of Florida's hurricane season; however, due to its location in the middle of the state, the area does not get hit as hard as coastal cities like Fort Myers. "We've been through enough of them; we know what to do." Shoop is confident in Sebring's natural disaster plan, which includes an active EMS department, recent grants for additional generators and improvements to harden public buildings. "We make sure the hospitals get power first if it goes out," Shoop adds. Additionally, the citrus industry has been severely impacted by Greening, a bacterial infection that can kill a citrus tree within a few years. There is currently no cure. "It's taken a toll on the economy over the last ten years," Shoop admits. "We're down 80 percent in production because of it." Despite this hurdle, Shoop says the Sebring will forge on, with multiple planned developments focused on rejuvenating it in the works. "We're trying to keep the historic nature of our town as it is, so we're trying to preserve our older buildings. Trying to make the parks more accessible downtown."