Location
Ideally located just moments away from Florida’s major metro areas, Highlands residents have the luxury of quick access to the state’s top attractions without the everyday crowds and traffic associated with the metro areas. The county’s crime rate is well below the state average. Highlands is filled with the hometown charm that attracts so many as well as a dynamic culture that provides for new adventures every day. If you like calm communities with beautiful natural surroundings plus a choice of museums, restaurants and shops, Highlands County will keep you busy with its great lifestyle.. We’re simply living life to the fullest, all at a lower cost than our coastal counterparts.
Outdoors
The county is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with 113 idyllic lakes and waterways, world-renown Sebring International Raceway, and 16 golf courses that attract visitors from across the globe. Our enchanting landscapes include scrub habitat and 14 endangered species. The Avon Park Air Force Range offers 82,000 acres of pristine and peaceful recreational lands, open to hunters, hikers and birdwatchers. Lake Placid’s more than 40 murals and its famous caladium plants earned it praise from Reader’s Digest in 2012 as the Most Interesting Town in America. Highlands is also home to two state parks, more than 20 county and city parks, and the revered Archbold Biological Station, a leader in environmental research.
Healthcare
Highlands County benefits from a quality healthcare community with two full-service hospitals and three campuses that provide a range of emergency, surgical, inpatient and outpatient services as well as an extensive network of providers. The two hospitals include HCA Florida Highlands Hospital, which is located in Sebring, and AdventHealth, which has campuses in Sebring and Lake Placid.
Education
As the old adage says, “It take a village to raise a child,” and that’s certainly the care you’ll find in the Highlands County school system. While our community continues to grow and expand, we remain a close-knit group that is committed to the development of each of our children. Our educators are committed to excellence and they work hand-in-hand with parents, teachers, administrators and community leaders to create innovative curriculum and programs, starting as young as the Pre-Kindergarten level. Highlands County has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. International Baccalaureate, advanced placement and dual enrollment programs are also offered through the local education system. Visit our Education and Training webpage for more information.
Arts & Culture
Highlands has passionately cultivated a dynamic arts community with offerings in a variety of mediums. Programs of interest include the South Florida State College Theatre of Performing Arts and its Museum of Florida Arts and Culture, the Highlands Art League and its unique artist village, the Allen Altvater Cultural Center, the famed Lake Placid Murals, and numerous other museums dedicated to celebrating the rich history and culture of Highlands County.
Cuisine
The community also has numerous cuisine options to entertain even the most discerning “foodies”. Cuisine offerings run the gamut, including Americana, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Café/Bistro, Italian, and much more.