$347,886Average Value$176Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Florida's Friendliest Place is just outside downtown Sebring
Highlands Ridge self-proclaims itself as "Florida's Friendliest Place." This enthusiastic mindset extends to the native wildlife in nearby nature preserves and freshwater lakes, including the roaming alligators. The 55+ master-planned community is sandwiched between orange groves, citrus farms, preservation areas, Bonnet Lake and two 18-hole golf courses. Sebring is one of the state's smallest regions, and the size of its community is a clear reflection of this fact. According to Mayor John Shoop, who was elected in 2014, Sebring's population is 11,000 and counting. Highlands Ridge is located just north of the Sebring Downtown Historic District, home to many local boutiques, shops and gourmet restaurants that are fixtures of the community. In February 2024, HGTV's Home Town 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 lot more mom-and-pop shops here." Between downtown's recent makeover and media coverage, plus its proximity to the renowned Sebring International Raceway, Highlands Ridge is becoming increasingly sought-after.
Highlands Ridge North Golf Course is open for businessl
The course at Highlands Ridge North is very well mantained and managed.
Circle Park in Downtown Sebring is a great place to hang out an shop nearby stores.
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Scenic views from every Highlands Ridge property
Highlands Ridge was designed to consist of a mobile home community, site-build homes in unique neighborhood villages and two 18-hole golf courses. Almost every nook of the neighborhood has a view of the community's lush fairways, Bonnet Lake or a natural preserve. Winding streets give way to Bungalows with Mediterranean influences like tiled roofs and stucco exteriors. Palm trees accent each manicured lawn. A portion of these residences were built when the first stages of the development of Highlands Ridge began in 1990. However, there are also new builds from 2023 and 2024 available. "We have many vacant lots, so developers are planning a ton more site builds," says Heather Hinsley, an employee at the Highlands Ridge Administration office. Homes in the neighborhood's northern half near Mud Lake offer three bedrooms or more and are generally priced between $400,000 and $520,000. Closer to the clubhouse at the southern end are two bedroom homes that fall between $250,000 and $350,000. Additionally, a few mobile homes are priced between $100,000 and $150,000 in the Marina Cove portion of Highlands Ridge. Residents do pay general HOA Fees, which help fund all of Highlands Ridge's amenities and events. "We have everything you can think of," Hinsley says. "We've got sewing clubs, quilting clubs, bible studies, and even karaoke and trivia." Sports clubs include golf, tennis and pickleball, while creatives can join the chorale singers or a book club.
The Marina Cove area of Highlands Ridge has custom manufactured homes.
Highlands Ridge has two & three bedroom single family homes on the golf course.
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Environmental factors to know about Sebring
Highlands Ridge 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 [year]. "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."
From the Citrus Golf Trail to multiple sprawling nature preserves and freshwater lakes
Besides its motorsports, Sebring is known for the Citrus Golf Trail, comprising 10 expansive golf courses. The Highlands Ridge North Golf Course neighbors many of the properties in Highlands Ridge, meaning a golf lover's favorite pastime is right outside their front door. For those looking to put down their club and head out into nature, Carter Creek Lake Wales Wildlife Refuge is on the eastern side of the community and is home to 37 protected species. One of Sebring's gems is Highlands Hammock State Park. The expansive green space is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it opened four years before the Florida state park system was established. Various native wildlife, including alligators and white-tailed deer, reside here and can be spotted along 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 home to the Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Hammock State Park is believed to have oak trees over a thousand years old, making it some of the largest in the state. 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. Of the 84 lakes around Sebring, Bonnet Lake and Lake Letta are the closest to home, with some properties enjoying waterfront views. Lake Jackson's sandy white beaches are only 8 miles away. The expansive body of water is the heart of the Sebring community, often painted with jet skis, kayaks and inner tubes. Fishing is a popular pastime as the lake is home to big schools of trophy bass and bluegill.
Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife Refuge is a fun place to visit close by to Highlands Ridge.
The North Course at Highlands Ridge is a fun course with many obstacles and hazards.
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Downtown Sebring's 2024 makeover
Sebring was founded in 1912 by George Sebring, who believed that all roads should stem from the center of the community. It is presently known as the oldest circular city in the state and is currently known as "The City on the Circle" and the oldest circular city in the state. The Sebring Downtown Historic District has a host of local boutiques, shops and an array of 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. Other dining options are along US Highway 27, including Sebring Diner, a popular brunch destination, and Cowpoke's Watering Hole. Cowpoke's regulars enjoy regular live music and events from the comfort of the tiki bar. While Sebring offers plenty of local shops and eateries, the area needs brand-name retail options. Publix and Walmart sit on Highway 27 on the opposite side of Lake Jackson. 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.
Circle Park in Downtown Sebring is a great place to hang out an shop nearby stores.
Downtown Sebring underwent a major revitalization last year with HGTV Town Makeover.
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Proximity to Sebring International Raceway
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.
Downtown Sebring has many murals giving town flavor and atmosphere.
Sebring international Raceway brings a rich history of racing with the 12 Hours of Sebring race.
When visiting Sebring Raceway, make sure to visit the gift shop to pick up racing souvenirs.
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Getting in and around Highlands Ridge
Sebring residents are car-dependent; however, golf carts are also a standard mode of transportation. 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. "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. Highlands Ridge is 93 miles from Tampa via Interstate 4 and 90 miles from Fort Myers by US Highway 27. Sebring Regional Airport is located 11 miles south along Haywood Taylor Boulevard. However, Orlando International Airport, 86 miles to the 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.
Lake Bonnet is close by In the southern part of Highlands Ridge.
Highway 27 runs right through Sebring, bringing large box stores and other shopping.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Kneram PA,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife Refuge
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Highlands Ridge
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Highlands Ridge Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Highlands Ridge, Sebring sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Highlands Ridge, Sebring over the last 12 months is $365,000.
*Comes furnished if the buyer wants* This beautifully maintained home is perfectly situated overlooking a serene pond on the 3rd hole of the Highlands Ridge South Course, offering breathtaking views and ultimate tranquility. Step inside to discover an open floor plan with soaring ceilings, skylights, and a spacious kitchen perfect for entertaining.Relax in your enclosed lanai while
The Oakmont at The Villages of Highlands Ridge. This golf course home, located on the #1 tee box of the prestigious Highlands Ridge North golf course, offers everything you are looking for in a 55+ gated community. This beautiful new custom home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths offers an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an island
Transport yourself to pure serenity with the park-like view from the back deck of this updated 3 Bedroom, 2 bath home in Highlands Ridge Golfing Community. Picture yourself relaxing after 18 holes or entertaining friends and family comfortably spread out over the open floor plan. The first thing to catch you eye will be the huge bright and cherry kitchen which opens to the bayed dining room and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Kneram PA,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,496
Median Age
75
Population under 18
3.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
78.1%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,427
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,160
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
31.9%
Advanced Degrees
13.6%
% Population in Labor Force
23.9%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
