Overview
Avon Park is a small residential town in Highlands County, Florida. The town is known for its abundant lakes, giving residents plenty of fishing and boating opportunities. Besides this, its community events, low-priced real estate, and warm year-round weather make Avon Park a popular destination for active adults.
Climate & Geography
Located in Central Florida, Avon Park experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are humid and hot while winters are mild and dry. There is higher than average rainfall, and the majority of it occurs as afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. Residents can expect no snow and 249 days of sunshine.
Like many other Central Florida towns, Avon Park is made up of a large number of lakes. Lakes Lotela and Damon make the southern and northern borders of the town, and there are numerous round, named lakes inside city limits. The area is made up of flat wetlands and is part of the Florida scrub ecosystem, which are smaller areas of swamplands with evergreen shrubs.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
With hundreds of lakes in and around Avon Park, water recreation is abundant. Lake Istokpoga is a popular destination with thousands of acres and half a dozen fishing camps. Additionally, residents can launch both motorized and non-motorized boats there. Outside of fishing, the Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area to the southeast of Avon Park offers walking and horseback riding trails as well as hunting.
For shopping, residents can head to the downtown area, which features local artisans and boutiques. The Highlands Plaza and Avon Square are small shopping centers that provide all the daily necessities. Additionally, the downtown area is home to the “mile long mall,” a landscaped area with a historic gazebo that hosts community events. At the end of the mall is Donaldson Park, where residents gather to watch fireworks.
In addition to these amenities, there are three golf clubs, the South Florida State College Performing Arts Center for concerts, and the Peter Powell Roberts for art. Downtown Sebring, only 15 minutes away, is also vibrant and filled with shops and eateries.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Avon Park is lower than average because housing costs are half the national average. Transportation costs are also low, while utilities, groceries, and health care all hover just above average.
Florida is very tax friendly for retirees because there is no state income tax. In addition, property taxes are low, and Florida offers an extra homestead exemption for retirees. Sales taxes in the state are about average.
Health Care
According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, Florida ranks in the top 20 states.
There are no hospitals in Avon Park, but Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center and Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring are rated high performing by U.S. News. Additionally, Lake Wales Medical Center is Lake Wales is high performing.