Live Where Florida Feels Like Home
In Highlands County, life moves at a comfortable pace. Surrounded by lakes, parks, and natural beauty, residents enjoy a lifestyle that blends affordability, opportunity, and community connection.
- Cost of living 15% below state average
- 100+ lakes and outdoor recreation
- Growing agriculture, manufacturing & healthcare industries
- Central Florida location with easy access to major cities
Whether you're building a career, raising a family, or seeking a better quality of life, Highlands County offers the chance to enjoy Florida living without the crowds and costs of larger cities.
Our community is a place where Florida’s natural beauty, affordability, and community spirit come together.
Affordability
Highlands County offers the opportunity to enjoy Florida living at a more manageable cost. Housing, daily expenses, and overall cost of living are lower than in many parts of the state, allowing families, professionals, and retirees to stretch their dollars further.
Residents enjoy the benefits of living in Florida – including warm weather and outdoor recreation – while avoiding the congestion and higher living costs found in many coastal and metropolitan areas.
Natural Resources
Nature is part of everyday life in Highlands County. The area is home to more than 100 lakes, miles of scenic landscapes, and some of Florida’s most unique natural habitats.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching throughout the county’s parks and conservation areas. Highlights include:
- Sun ’n Lake Preserve, a County-owned and operated public nature preserve
- Highlands Hammock State Park, one of Florida’s oldest state parks
- Archbold Biological Station, an internationally recognized environmental research facility
- The Avon Park Air Force Range, which offers access to thousands of acres for recreation such as hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing
- More than 20 County and municipal parks
- These natural resources make Highlands County a haven for those who appreciate Florida’s outdoors
Industries & Economic Opportunity
Highlands County has a diverse economy supported by industries including:
- Aviation
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Logistics and distribution
- Tourism and motorsports
The county is home to the internationally known Sebring International Raceway, which hosts major racing events and attracts visitors from around the world. Businesses benefit from available land, supportive economic development programs, and proximity to major Florida markets.
Amenities & Culture
Despite its small-town charm, Highlands County offers a rich mix of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.
Residents can enjoy:
- Performances at the South Florida State College Theatre for the Performing Arts
- Exhibits at the Museum of Florida Art & Culture
- The Highlands Art League’s Artist Village
- The Allen Altvater Cultural Center
- The famous Lake Placid Murals, with more than 40 murals celebrating the town’s history and character
Community festivals, farmers markets, and local events create opportunities for residents to connect throughout the year.
Lifestyle & Location
Life in Highlands County offers the best of both worlds – a relaxed pace of life with convenient access to major destinations.
Residents enjoy friendly neighborhoods, lower traffic, and a strong sense of community while remaining within driving distance of many of Florida’s largest metro areas and attractions.
The county also benefits from:
- A crime rate below the state average
- Access to two full-service hospital systems: HCA Florida Highlands Hospital and AdventHealth
- A strong education system with public, private, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual-enrollment opportunities
For many residents, Highlands County offers the lifestyle they’ve been searching for: affordable, connected to nature, and rooted in community.
Education & Workforce Training
Highlands County offers strong educational opportunities that support students, families, and local employers. The School Board of Highlands County provides a range of academic programs, including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment, along with career and technical training through the Highlands Career Institute.
For higher education and workforce development, South Florida State College offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs, technical certifications, and industry-focused training that help prepare students for in-demand careers. Workforce partners such as CareerSource Heartland also connect businesses with training resources and skilled talent.
Together, these institutions help create a strong talent pipeline and workforce ready to meet the needs of a growing regional economy.
Why People Choose Highlands County
People choose Highlands County for many reasons – affordability, natural beauty, and opportunity among them. But what keeps them here is something harder to measure: a genuine sense of community.
Here, neighbors know each other, local businesses thrive, and families enjoy the space and freedom that comes with living close to nature. Residents spend weekends on the water, exploring local parks, attending community events, or simply enjoying the slower pace that makes Highlands County feel like home.
At the same time, the county continues to grow with expanding industries, strong schools, quality healthcare, and convenient access to Florida’s major cities and attractions.
Whether you are looking for a place to build a career, start a business, raise a family, or enjoy the next chapter of life, Highlands County offers the opportunity to do it all – while living in one of Florida’s most welcoming communities.
Come discover why so many people are proud to call Highlands County home.