Plan and Rank Your Retirement Considerations
When you decide to retire and are investigating a retirement location, consider our “checklist” to rank Sebastian. Use details explanations for each category from information found throughout this website
Rank each category and find out how Sebastian rates for your retirement choice.
1. GEOGRAPHY-CLIMATE:
Sebastian is located at the midpoint of the east coast of Florida, between Melbourne and Vero Beach. From the Atlantic Ocean through the Sebastian Inlet, it is only 2 miles to the City's border on the Intracoastal Waterway. Population is approximately 23,000. Year round average temperature is 74 degrees. Sebastian has a “small town” atmosphere with a great location.
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2. COSTS:
Florida has no state income tax; that makes it a great state for retirement. State inheritance taxes are also low. Sales tax in Sebastian is 7%. Property taxes are some of the lowest in the country. Utility costs, especially electricity, are below the national average, . The cost of living in Sebastian is lower than the national average. Home ownership is extremely affordable and excellent homes are available at prices below market value.
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3. YEAR-ROUND OR SEASONAL LIVING:
Do you want to just escape the winter season or do you want warm weather year-round? Sebastian offers a warm climate year round with cooling sea breezes off the Atlantic most of the year. There are plenty of rental units in Sebastian if you just want to come for the winter. You may consider a “second home” given the low home purchase costs in Sebastian.
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4. RECREATION:
Located on the Intracoastal waterway and two miles from the Sebastian Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean, Sebastian is a major boating and deep sea fishing center. Boat docks and slip rentals are available as well as two City owned, free boat launch sites.
Deep-sea fishing charters are located in Sebastian with daily trips to the open ocean.
Ecotourism boat tours are available on the Indian and St. Sebastian Rivers, leaving from the Sebastian waterfront. Ecotourism activities are available within several Florida State Parks including the Sebastian Inlet State Park.
The City operates a championship 18 hole golf course with low greens fees as well as many tennis courts throughout the City.
Sebastian also operates an active general aviation airport (X26) with hanger space available and self-service fueling.
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5. TRAVEL:
Sebastian is located an easy drive from the Orlando and West Palm Beach Airports and 25 minutes from the Melbourne Airport.
Several low cost airlines are based in Orlando for inexpensive travel within the country. US and foreign carriers offer flights to major overseas destinations.
The City is 6 miles east of Exit 156 off US I-95 and is located on US Highway 1, which runs along the Sebastian waterfront.
Many Florida points of interest are less than a day’s travel from Sebastian. The Florida Keys start just 3 hours to the south. The west coast at Tampa-St. Petersburg is about 3 hours west.
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6. CULTURE:
There are many cultural events within Indian River County including major off-Broadway theatre productions at the Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Theatre Company.
Historical, nautical and art museums are located throughout the County.
The McKee Botanical Garden is a major attraction for the viewing of Florida flora and fauna.
Graduate and under-graduate courses are offered at the Sebastian and Vero Beach campuses of Indian River State College.
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7. MEDICAL SERVICES:
Sebastian is served by two major hospitals: Sebastian River Medical Center and Indian River Medical Center. A major heart facility affiliated with Duke Medical is located at Indian River Medical Center.
Other major medical specialty facilities are located within Florida including the Shands Medical Center at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and a branch of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
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8. VOLUNTEERISM
There are many volunteer positions available within Sebastian and Indian River County. The City has volunteers working in City Hall and the Police Department. The County has volunteers with the Sheriff, museums, hospitals and local charities.
The Florida State Park system has many volunteers, especially at the Sebastian Inlet Park.
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9. 55 AND OVER COMMUNITIES:
Sebastian has a number of gated, secure communities, devoted to the 55-plus age group. There are also several RV parks in the local area.
The majority of the population lives in single family homes of 1500 to 2000 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths.
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Add up your ranking from each category. Your total is ___________.
If you like everything you find about Sebastian, your total ranking for the nine categories would be between 80 and 100. If you had some interest, your ranking would be between 60 and 80.
We hope you found your retirement home in Sebastian, Florida where there are lots of friendly people in a small town atmosphere.
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