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Highlands Park Estates

Highlands Park Estates

Neighborhood in Sebring, Florida

Highlands County 33852

$251,593 Average Value
$196 Average Price per Sq Ft
57 Homes For Sale

A countryside escape in Central Florida's Lake Placid

Within Highlands County Unincorporated area is Highlands Park Estates, a primarily rural neighborhood offering privacy and seclusion among the streams and palm trees, as well as views of the massive Lake Istokpoga and Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Areas. It's not unusual to spot Caladiums and the occasional alligator. Although Highlands Park Estates offers homeowners a slower, country lifestyle compared to busier coastal cities, it isn't far from all of what Lake Placid has to offer. A big draw to Highlands Park Estates is its proximity to Highway 27, says Will Dibble, a Sebring resident and Broker at RE/MAX Realty Plus. Highlands Park Estates is 3 miles northeast of downtown, dubbed "The City of Murals," with over 50 vibrant visuals painted across the historic buildings on Main Street. Lake Placid's location in central Florida means that Orlando, Disney World and Universal Studios, and Tampa and Clearwater to the west are close enough for a day or weekend trip.

Highlands Park Estates is a beautiful community in the Lake Placid area of Florida.
Highlands Park Estates is a beautiful community in the Lake Placid area of Florida.
Highlands Park Estates is a lakefront community in Sebring, FL.
Highlands Park Estates is a lakefront community in Sebring, FL.
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Highlands Park Estates properties feel more like miniature jungles

Cabbage palms and towering oak trees shade the lawns in Highlands Park Estates. Like many communities on the outskirts of town, Dibble says that citrus farms are now being replaced by empty residential land. Depending on the acreage, which maxes out at around 1 acre, prices for land range between $7,500 and $45,000. There are clusters of established homes throughout; however, they rarely become available. Closer to neighboring Sylvan Shores are contemporary ranch homes priced between $250,000 and $350,000. The 1,000 to 3,000 square foot residences that hug Lake Istokpoga feel more like miniature jungles, as large oaks adorned with Spanish moss and cabbage palms decorate yards. Prices vary between $230,000 and $580,000, depending on acreage and waterfront location. Several contemporary ranch and tuck-under-garage homes sit along Lindberg and Rutledge Avenues. Their backyards lead up to covered decks lining the private Boggy Branch canal. Second-story decks and patios — sometimes with pools and jacuzzis — are common. Most of these established homes fall within the $250,000 to $400,000 price range as many were built between the 1970s and late 1980s, and repairs and renovations may be needed.

Highlands Park Estates is a beautiful suburban area with canals leading to Lake Istokpoga.
Highlands Park Estates is a beautiful suburban area with canals leading to Lake Istokpoga.
Highlands Park Estates has vacant land for sale.
Highlands Park Estates has vacant land for sale.
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Students have options near Highlands Park Estates

Students in Highlands County Schools can attend Lake Country Elementary School, which earns a B-minus on Niche and serves prekindergarten through fifth grade. Lake Placid Middle and Lake Placid High Schools earn a C-plus and B Niche score, respectively, and are closer to downtown Lake Placid. For a private school option, Lakeview Christian School serves kindergarten through eighth grade and is under 3 miles away. Highlands County also offers a virtual school program for students interested in earning a diploma outside the classroom.

Lake Placid High School has a central drop off area and outdoor swimming pool.
Lake Placid High School has a central drop off area and outdoor swimming pool.
Lake Placid Middle School is conveniently located next to the high school.
Lake Placid Middle School is conveniently located next to the high school.
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All aboard the Sugar Express train

Highlands Park Estates does have a clubhouse and park within the neighborhood. Lake Istokpoga – considered one of the largest lakes in the state – has two public access boat ramps where residents can spend a day fishing for some of the biggest bass in Central Florida. Lake Clay, a 353-acre freshwater lake with a sandy ridge bottom, is in the neighboring Sylvan Shores subdivision. Small parks are also tucked into downtown, including Devane Park near its center. Other well-known parks include Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve and Highlands Hammock State Parks. Highlands Hammock opened four years before the Florida state park system and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The 9,000-acre state park has some of the oldest oak trees in the state, rumored to be over a thousand years old. Sebring and Lake Placid are golf lovers' dream destinations. The area boasts several scenic fairways, from Lake June West Golf Course to the sprawling Placid Lakes Golf Course. The Lake Placid Local Sugar Express Train offers two to six-hour rides from Lake Placid to the expansive Lake Okeechobee. These rides are especially popular during seasonal events and festivals in Lake Placid, Sebring and Clewiston.

Small city amenities aren't far from Highlands Park Estates

Most of the surrounding retail and restaurant scene is located along US Highway 27 and on Main Street in Downtown Lake Placid, which was named "America's Most Interesting Town" by Readers Digest Magazine. The highway offers fast-food and chain restaurants such as GC Grill House by Golden Corral. South Highlands Shopping Center on US Highway 27 provides a few chain stores and major grocers like Publix. Lake Placid's Main Street is home to shops, unique-to-Lake Placid eateries and Saturday morning farmers markets. Iconic Lake Placid restaurants include Jaxson's, home of the Hookiemelt: an interesting appetizer of gator or chicken covered in sour cream and wing sauce. While Lake Placid's downtown streets offer many local and family-owned options, the area desperately needs more brand-name retail options. Lakeshore Mall is the closest shopping center for department stores, but most of its retailers have closed since COVID-19. Therefore, residents might have to drive to Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, 51 miles north, for stores like Dillard's.

Downtown Lake Placid has a weekly farmers market for Highlands Park Estates residents.
Downtown Lake Placid has a weekly farmers market for Highlands Park Estates residents.
Highlands Park Estates locals know that Downtown Lake Placid is a great place to take a walk
Highlands Park Estates locals know that Downtown Lake Placid is a great place to take a walk
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Main Street comes to life with the vibrant Caladium Festival

Lake Placid's most well-known event is arguably the three-day Caladium Festival. When July rolls around, the streets of downtown are filled with art, vintage cars, floral arrangements and festival food. Lake Placid is also home to the American Clown Museum and School and the Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum. Other notable attractions include the Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted the annual 12 Hours of Sebring WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race since 1952. USA Today has voted it North America's Number 1 Motorsports event, and it attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Getting in and around Highlands Park Estates

Living in Highlands Park Estates means residents are car-dependent and farther from the condensed streets of downtown Lake Placid. Major roadways include US Highway 27, which grants access to the rest of the state. Residents must drive 140 miles to Orlando, 110 miles to Tampa or 76 miles to Fort Myers to access an airport. Immediate healthcare needs are within a 2-mile radius at AdventHealth Lake Placid. The closest Amtrak services run through the historic Sebring Station in the Sebring Downtown Historic District. Two routes are available: south to Miami or north to Orlando, Tampa and New York City.

There is a canal system that is the backyard alleyway of Highlands Park Estates homes.
There is a canal system that is the backyard alleyway of Highlands Park Estates homes.
Highlands Park Estates is a beautiful suburban area with canals leading to Lake Istokpoga.
Highlands Park Estates is a beautiful suburban area with canals leading to Lake Istokpoga.
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Important things to know

Highlands County is in Flood Zone A and AE, especially properties along Lake Istokpoga. Certain mortgage companies may require homeowners to acquire flood insurance. Extreme wind is also a concern for some residences near the waterfront. While Lake Placid is not immune from Florida's hurricane season, its location in the middle of the state might not be hit as hard as coastal cities like Tampa or Fort Myers. Caladium, Citrus and sugar cane have been some of the area's most prominent agricultural industries; however, Dibble adds that the citrus industry just isn't what it use to be and farms continue to be sold for private and commercial use.

Corrine Fizer
Written By
Corrine Fizer
Jay Welker
Photography Contributed By
Jay Welker
Gabriel Miller
Video By
Gabriel Miller

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Vicki Anderson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Highlands Park Estates US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$177,450
Median Single Family Price
$31,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$196
Number of Homes for Sale
57
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Months of Supply
13.70
Median List Price
$32,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
679
Median Year Built
1987
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,306
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,224
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Vicki Anderson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,490
Median Age
51
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$66,937
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,001

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.3%
College Graduates
19.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.1%
% Population in Labor Force
53.1%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 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.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Highlands Park Estates
Vicki Anderson
ANDERSON REALTY
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