R-1 Corner, Power at Street, FL
Darter Ave : Sebring, FL 33872
Highlands County, Florida
Land Description
0.28 acre R-1 corner lot in Sebring Hills South, Highlands County, Florida. Power is already at the street- Darter Avenue electrical infrastructure is confirmed and visible. No HOA, no Cdd, no special assessments. Annual taxes of approximately $131.43. Corner position gives flexibility for driveway and home orientation. 30 minutes to Lake Placid, 20 minutes to downtown Sebring, 90 minutes to Orlando International Airport. Cash price $17,997 plus $495 doc fee. Owner financing available.
Founders Land Group owns this parcel outright, holds the recorded deed, and closes directly with the buyer. No brokers. No dual agency. No third-party title company fees. The price you see is the price you pay. Deed preparation, Highlands County Clerk recording, and administrative costs are bundled into a single $495 document fee due at checkout. The remaining $17,997 is settled via wire transfer, Ach, or Zelle. A 48-hour hold is available for $50. A 7-day priority hold is available for $100. Both applied toward the purchase price.
This lot is for you if you want a low-carry, buildable R-1 corner lot in the Sebring retiree and recreation corridor, with power already at the road (a genuine cost saving that frequently runs $8,000 to $20,000 on lots requiring a pole extension). It is for you if you value a corner position for driveway flexibility, prefer dirt-road rural character over suburban subdivision feel, and plan to site-build a single-family home. It is not for you if you want a paved road today, if you want mobile-home-friendly zoning (R-1 prohibits manufactured homes), or if you are looking for the cheapest possible parcel regardless of buildability details.
Sebring Hills South, Unit 3 is a platted subdivision in the southwest sector of Highlands County. The subdivision has been in place for decades, with a steady mix of built-out homes, long-term investor holdings, and vacant parcels transitioning to residential use as the greater Sebring and Lake Placid markets continue to grow with retiree and remote-worker inbound migration.
Lot Breakdown
Assessor's Parcel Number (Apn): C-35-34-28-0010
Legal Description: Lot 1, Block 9, Sebring Hills South, Unit 3. Section 35, Township 34 South, Range 28 East, Highlands County, Florida.
GPS Center Coordinates (approximate): 27.4862, -81.50199
Elevation: approximately 100 feet above sea level. High and dry for the region.
Acreage: 0.28 acres - 12,000 square feet (approximately 80 feet by 150 feet, subject to platted dimensions).
Zoning: R-1 Single Family Residential per the Highlands County Land Development Code. Permits traditional site-built single-family homes, customary accessory structures, and home-based occupations subject to county rules. Mobile homes, manufactured homes, RVs as primary dwellings, and commercial use are prohibited.
Annual Property Taxes: approximately $131.43 as of the most recent tax roll. Verify with Highlands County Tax Collector.
HOA / Poa: None per public records. No deed restrictions beyond county zoning.
Community Development District (Cdd): None.
Special Assessments: None per public records.
Liens: None per public records. Independent title verification recommended.
Road Access: Dirt road on Darter Avenue. The road is maintained by Highlands County as part of the platted subdivision network. Surface condition is stable sand-clay compacted road typical of Florida unpaved residential streets. Four-wheel drive is not required for normal vehicle access. Grading is performed by the county on a rotational maintenance schedule.
Corner Position: Yes. This is a corner lot with frontage on two platted streets. Corner position offers:
- Two options for driveway placement and home orientation
- Increased visibility and curb appeal at resale
- Flexibility to position structures to optimize natural light, views, or setback
- Historically a modest premium (5 to 10 percent) over interior lots of equivalent size in the same subdivision
Electric: Confirmed AT The Street. Overhead electrical infrastructure runs along Darter Avenue with visible service poles. Service connection is handled through Duke Energy Florida. This is the critical cost-saver on this parcel. Many rural Highlands County lots require a pole extension of 100 to 1,000+ feet to reach the buildable area, at a cost typically between $8,000 and $20,000 (sometimes substantially more). Here, the infrastructure is in place before you buy. You connect a service drop, set a meter, and you have power.
Water: No municipal water connection at this location. Private well installation is required. Typical well depth in Sebring Hills South is 150 to 300 feet depending on local aquifer conditions. Licensed Highlands County well contractors typically quote $8,000 to $15,000 for a complete system.
Sewer: No municipal sewer. Standard onsite septic system required. Soils in Sebring Hills South are generally well-drained sandy with good percolation. Contact the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County for a site evaluation and septic permit.
Terrain: High, dry, and substantially flat with minimal slope (0 to 3 percent). Slab-on-grade foundation suitable. Native vegetation is typical Highlands Ridge scrub - pine, oak, palmetto, wire grass. The ecological region is Florida's central ridge system, characterized by well-drained sands and resilient native species.
Flood Zone: Verify via Fema National Flood Hazard Layer. Sebring Hills South is generally outside special flood hazard areas due to the ridge elevation. Confirm specifically for this APN before closing.
Survey: No current survey commissioned. Typical survey cost in Highlands County is $400 to $700.
Time Limit to Build: None per research. Highlands County R-1 does not impose a build-by-date requirement on vacant residential lots.
Buildable: Yes for a site-built single-family residence. Confirm specific plans with Highlands County Development Services before finalizing design.
Official County Contacts:
- Highlands County Development Services (Building & Zoning):
- Highlands County Property Appraiser:
- Highlands County Tax Collector:
- Florida Department of Health in Highlands County:
- Duke Energy Florida:
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The Power-At-Street Differentiator
This is the single most important detail on this listing, and it is worth expanding in depth.
On Landflip, dozens of Highlands County lots are available at or below this price point. Most of them do not disclose their pole-extension costs in the listing. A buyer who closes on what looks like a bargain $8,000 lot only to discover - during the permitting process - that extending power from the nearest existing pole will cost $15,000+ to $20,000+ is facing a substantial project cost increase that was not budgeted.
Duke Energy Florida and other investor-owned utilities in Florida bill pole extensions on a per-foot or per-structure basis. Typical pricing pattern in 2025:
- Short extension (under 200 feet, line-of-sight across cleared Row): $3,000 to $6,000
- Medium extension (200 to 500 feet, some right-of-way clearing required): $7,000 to $15,000
- Long extension (500+ feet, multiple poles, transformer required): $15,000 to $30,000+
- Complex extension (crossing roads, navigating wetlands, requiring easements): $25,000 to $60,000+
On this parcel, the math is different. Power is at the street. You are not extending anything. Your cost is the service drop from the existing pole to your new home's meter base, which is a standard Duke Energy new-service installation at modest cost (typically $500 to $2,000 including meter and service drop labor).
If you are comparing this $17,997 lot against a $10,000 lot elsewhere in Highlands County, the real apples-to-apples comparison needs to include the pole extension cost delta. A $10,000 lot that needs $12,000 in pole extension is a $22,000 effective buy. A $17,997 lot with power at street is a $17,997 effective buy. You are paying less, not more, and you are paying with certainty rather than discovering the overrun at permit time.
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R-1 Zoning - Why It Protects Value Here
Highlands County R-1 Single Family Residential restricts use to traditional site-built single-family homes. Mobile homes, manufactured homes, and modular homes are prohibited. Recreational vehicles as primary dwellings are prohibited. Commercial use is prohibited.
In a mixed-zoning rural Florida county, R-1 classification is a meaningful long-term value protector. Here is why it matters in Highlands specifically:
Highlands County has broad areas zoned A-U (Agricultural-Utility), R-2, and RV (Recreational Vehicle). In those zones, you can see mobile home placements, RV parks, campgrounds, hobby farms, and occasional commercial conversions. The visual and value character of an A-U or R-2 neighborhood is genuinely different from an R-1 neighborhood - some buyers prefer the flexibility, others prefer the protection.
When you purchase R-1 in Sebring Hills South, you are locking in that the adjacent lots are subject to the same rules. No manufactured home placements next door. No RV campers permanently parked. No commercial encroachment. The character of the neighborhood in 10 or 20 years is constrained by what R-1 permits, not by what current owners happen to do.
For appraisal and resale purposes, this matters. Lenders and appraisers look at comparable sales and the zoning mix of the surrounding area. R-1 neighborhoods typically appraise stronger than R-2 neighborhoods at equivalent build quality because the value risk from neighboring development is structurally constrained.
This is not a universal "R-1 is better" statement. R-1 is the right tool for buyers who definitely plan to site-build and who want long-term value protection. R-2 or A-U is the better tool for buyers who want flexibility (for example, placing a manufactured home or running a small farm). Know which one you are, then buy accordingly.
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Your Buildability Path On This Parcel
Step 1: Close on the parcel. Founders Land Group records the quit claim deed with Highlands County Clerk. Typical timeline 5 to 10 business days.
Step 2: Commission a boundary survey. $400 to $700. Useful for pin-setting and confirming corner-lot boundaries on both street frontages.
Step 3: Schedule a septic site evaluation with the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County. Typical fee $400 to $600.
Step 4: Schedule a well drilling consultation. Typical depth in Sebring Hills South 150 to 300 feet. Total well cost $8,000 to $15,000.
Step 5: Contact Duke Energy Florida for new-service request. Because power is already at the street, this is a standard service drop rather than a pole extension. Typical fee $500 to $2,000.
Step 6: Submit construction plans to Highlands County Development Services. Plans include site plan showing home footprint, driveway, well and septic locations, setbacks, and any accessory structures. Typical R-1 setbacks are 25 feet front, 10 feet rear, 7.5 feet each side - verify with Development Services based on your specific block and lot.
Step 7: Schedule inspections through construction - footing, slab, framing, mechanicals, finishes. Each inspection typically clears within 1 to 3 business days.
Step 8: Certificate of Occupancy. Establish utility service, change of address, insurance. Move in.
This is the standard path for an owner-builder or builder-led project in Highlands County. The platted subdivision status of Sebring Hills South means you skip the subdivision-approval process entirely. You pull permits on a ready-to-build lot.
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Location - Sebring, Highlands County, And The Central Ridge
Sebring Hills South is located in southwestern Highlands County, Florida, about 15 miles from downtown Sebring and within the Central Florida Ridge geological region. Highlands County sits in the center of the Florida peninsula, roughly equidistant from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and is one of the state's established retiree and agricultural counties.
Sebring is the county seat. Founded in 1912 and incorporated in 1913, Sebring is home to the historic Sebring International Raceway (one of the most storied endurance racing venues in North America and host of the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race since 1952) and a substantial lakefront downtown centered on Lake Jackson. Sebring is also the anchor for AdventHealth Sebring, the region's primary hospital.
Lake Placid, the other major Highlands County community, is 30 minutes south of Sebring and is known locally as the "Town of Murals" for its public art program and as a significant caladium production region (the county produces a large share of the U.S. caladium bulb supply). Lake Placid's lakes network supports sport fishing, boating, and waterfront recreation.
Drive times from the parcel on Darter Avenue, verified via Google Maps:
- Downtown Sebring (Circle Park / Lake Jackson): 20 minutes via Us-27.
- AdventHealth Sebring: 20 to 25 minutes.
- Sebring International Raceway: 25 minutes via Us-27 and Sebring Airport entrance.
- Highlands Hammock State Park: 25 minutes via Us-27 and Sr-634.
- Lake Placid town center: 30 minutes via Us-27.
- Lake June-in-Winter (major recreational lake): 25 minutes.
- Avon Park: 30 minutes north via Us-27.
- The Villages (retiree services): 90 minutes north.
- Tampa International Airport: 90 minutes west via Sr-60 and I-4.
- Orlando International Airport: 90 minutes east via Sr-60 / Florida Turnpike.
- Fort Myers / Southwest Florida Beaches: 2 hours via Sr-29 and I-75.
- Miami: 3 hours southeast via I-95 corridor approaches.
Highlands County's inland position provides meaningful buffering from peak hurricane wind intensities (compared to coastal Florida counties) while offering access to both coasts within a 90-minute drive. The cost of living is significantly lower than Central Florida's major metros or either coast, which makes the region attractive to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers who can live anywhere, and Florida natives who prefer the Central Ridge lifestyle.
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Sebring Hills South - The Subdivision
Sebring Hills South, Unit 3 is a platted subdivision dating to the 1960S-1970S Florida land boom era. The subdivision contains hundreds of recorded lots laid out on a standard grid of platted streets. Roads are maintained by Highlands County as part of the platted street network. Addressing is established. Electrical infrastructure runs along most of the platted streets (including Darter Avenue, where this parcel sits on the corner).
The residential mix in Sebring Hills South is diverse. Long-term primary residences, seasonal homes, and investor-held vacant lots all coexist. Construction activity has been steady rather than explosive, with a gradual build-out pattern that has preserved the rural-residential character of the subdivision.
Residents of Sebring Hills South access day-to-day services in the greater Sebring area. Grocery, fuel, hardware, medical, and basic retail are within a 20-minute drive. Advanced specialty services (large hospitals, regional retail centers) are in Sebring, Avon Park, or Lake Placid. For major metropolitan shopping or entertainment, the Tampa and Orlando metros are 90-minute drives.
The subdivision is served by the School District of Highlands County. Emergency services are provided by Highlands County Fire Rescue and the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.
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Highlands Hammock State Park - The Crown Jewel
Twenty-five minutes from Darter Avenue, Highlands Hammock State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks (established 1931) and one of the most ecologically significant preserved areas in Central Florida. The 9,000-Acre park preserves one of the largest remaining ancient hammock communities in Florida, with tree species including 1,000-Year-Old live oaks, pond cypress, cabbage palm, and a diverse understory of native Florida plants.
Popular park activities include:
- Hiking on nine established trails totaling approximately 11 miles
- Biking on paved interior roads
- A tram tour through the back country for wildlife viewing
- Camping (94 sites)
- Alligator viewing along boardwalks over the hammock wetlands
- Ranger-led programs on Florida natural history and the park's Ccc-Era history
- The CCC Museum commemorating the Civilian Conservation Corps workers who developed the park in the 1930S
The park's proximity (25 minutes) is a significant lifestyle amenity for Sebring Hills South residents. Weekend hiking, family picnics, and nature photography are everyday activities.
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Lake Jackson And Sebring Downtown
Downtown Sebring is centered on Lake Jackson, a 3,300-Acre natural freshwater lake with a distinctive circular downtown street pattern (Circle Park) surrounding the lake's southern shore. The downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and retains much of its 1910S and 1920S architectural character.
Residents of Sebring Hills South visit downtown Sebring for:
- Lakefront parks, walking paths, and fishing piers
- Independent restaurants, cafes, and craft brewery (Highlands Brewing Company)
- Historic downtown retail and antique shopping
- Community events including seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts
- Cultural attractions including the Highlands Art League Gallery and the Sebring Historical Society Museum
Lake Jackson itself supports bass fishing, bluegill and crappie fishing, recreational boating, and water sports. Multiple public boat ramps and fishing piers provide access. The lake is known for clear water and productive fishing throughout most of the year.
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Sebring International Raceway
The Sebring International Raceway sits 25 minutes from the parcel on the grounds of Sebring Regional Airport. Established in 1950 on the former Hendricks Army Airfield, Sebring is one of the world's historic endurance racing venues and host of the 12 Hours of Sebring - an annual sports car endurance race that is one of the oldest professional motorsport events in North America.
The raceway's annual calendar includes:
- The 12 Hours of Sebring (March) - a tentpole event drawing international competitors and tens of thousands of spectators
- HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing) weekend events
- Club racing, trackday events, and high-performance driving schools
- Imsa (International Motor Sports Association) testing weeks
- Concerts and non-racing special events
For racing enthusiasts and automotive culture fans, the proximity to Sebring is a distinctive lifestyle feature. The raceway also drives meaningful local economic activity during event weekends, supporting restaurants, lodging, and retail across the Sebring area.
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Agriculture And The Lake Placid Caladium Corridor
Highlands County has a deep agricultural identity. Citrus production (orange and grapefruit), cattle operations, caladium bulb production (Lake Placid is one of the world's largest commercial caladium regions), and specialty crops including blueberries and tropical fruit are all significant regional industries.
The agricultural character of the county contributes to land-use stability. Large tracts of agricultural land surround the platted residential subdivisions, providing natural buffering from commercial or industrial encroachment. Highlands County's planning process has historically prioritized preservation of agricultural working lands, which supports the long-term rural character of subdivisions like Sebring Hills South.
For residents, the agricultural context manifests as: roadside produce stands in season, pick-your-own blueberry and strawberry operations, citrus groves visible from many regional roads, seasonal farmers markets, and a visible working-lands economy.
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Climate And Terrain
Highlands County's climate is humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Average summer highs in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Average winter highs in the 60s to mid-70s with overnight lows in the 40s and 50s, occasional dips to the 30s during cold fronts.
Annual rainfall averages approximately 53 inches, heavily concentrated in the summer wet season. Hurricane exposure is real but inland - Highlands County's central peninsular position substantially reduces peak wind intensities compared to coastal Florida. Severe thunderstorms with associated lightning are typical Central Florida weather patterns.
The Central Florida Ridge on which Sebring Hills South sits is one of Florida's higher-elevation areas at 100 to 150 feet above sea level. This elevation provides excellent drainage (well-drained sand over a limestone aquifer) and meaningfully reduced flood exposure compared to lower-lying parts of Central Florida.
Soil is predominantly fine sand with sandy loam pockets. Native vegetation is classic Florida scrub and sandhill - longleaf and slash pine, scrub oak, saw palmetto, wire grass. Clearing for construction is a typical Florida native-vegetation job. Several rare native plant species (scrub jay habitat, Florida ziziphus, pygmy fringe-tree) are found in scattered locations across Highlands County - though not typically on small platted residential lots like this parcel.
Wildlife is abundant and typical of inland Florida. Deer, wild turkey, gray squirrel, and small mammals are common. Raptors (red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, occasional bald eagles) are regular sights. Florida scrub jays - an endangered species - inhabit portions of the Central Ridge ecosystem in conserved lands, though residential lots are unlikely to host breeding populations.
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Community And Services
Sebring Hills South residents access the full range of community services through greater Sebring and the surrounding Highlands County communities.
Grocery: Publix, Winn-Dixie, Walmart Supercenter, and Aldi have locations in Sebring and Lake Placid. Multiple locations within a 20-minute drive.
Hardware and building supply: Home Depot and Lowe's in Sebring. Multiple independent hardware stores across the county.
Fuel: extensive network of gas stations across the region.
Medical: AdventHealth Sebring as the regional hospital. Multiple primary care, specialty care, urgent care, dental, and vision providers across Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid.
Pharmacy: Cvs, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy, and independent pharmacies.
Postal services: Sebring Hills South addresses typically receive mail delivery through the Avon Park or Sebring Usps network.
Emergency services: Highlands County Fire Rescue stations throughout the county. Highlands County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement. Typical response times are reasonable for a rural-suburban Florida county.
Utilities: Duke Energy Florida (electric) is the serving utility. At&T, CenturyLink, Spectrum, and wireless providers serve the region for telecommunications. Starlink is widely used as an alternative satellite internet solution.
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Cost Of Living
Highlands County is among Florida's lower-cost residential markets. Housing, property taxes, groceries, and general consumer prices are below state averages and substantially below coastal Florida.
Housing: median single-family home values in Sebring Hills South and surrounding Sebring-area neighborhoods are in the $180,000 to $280,000 range depending on size, age, and condition. Newer construction runs higher. New-build costs are approximately $170 to $230 per square foot.
Property taxes: Highlands County effective millage is among the lower rates in Florida. An unimproved-lot assessment of approximately $131.43 reflects this. Improved-home tax bills are proportional to assessed value, subject to homestead exemption caps.
Utilities: Duke Energy Florida pricing is competitive. Internet availability varies - cable and fiber in developed Sebring neighborhoods, satellite/Starlink common in Sebring Hills South.
Insurance: homeowner's insurance premiums in inland Highlands County are lower than coastal Florida but still reflect the statewide insurance market pressures. Expect several thousand dollars annually for standard coverage on a new home. Flood insurance is typically not required for Sebring Hills South (verify).
Groceries and fuel: at or below Florida state averages.
Florida does not have a state income tax. Highlands County sales tax is 7 percent.
For retirees on fixed incomes, or remote workers relocating from higher-cost states, Highlands County's cost structure is frequently the dominant motivation for the move.
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Job Opportunities And Local Economy
Highlands County's economy centers on healthcare, agriculture, education, government, retail, and hospitality. The Sebring and Lake Placid retiree economies support a substantial service sector. Remote work has expanded the employment geography considerably since 2020.
Healthcare: AdventHealth Sebring is the region's largest employer, with affiliated clinics, specialty practices, and outpatient networks providing thousands of local jobs.
Agriculture: citrus, cattle, caladium, blueberry, and specialty crop operations across the county. Seasonal and year-round employment.
Education: School District of Highlands County, South Florida State College (main campus in Avon Park, satellite locations in Sebring and Lake Placid), and area private schools.
Government: Highlands County government, municipal governments of Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid, and various state agency offices.
Retail and hospitality: distributed across Sebring's retail corridor, regional tourism related to the raceway and state park, and local service businesses.
Small business: Highlands County's low cost structure and retiree population support a robust small-business ecosystem including home repair, landscaping, automotive services, restaurants, and specialty retail.
Remote work: the growth of remote work has been a defining demographic factor in Highlands County since 2020. Retirees who might have previously settled in coastal Florida are choosing Sebring and Lake Placid for the cost advantage. Younger remote workers are discovering the county as an affordable alternative to metropolitan markets.
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Tourism And Lifestyle Appeal
Highlands County's lifestyle appeal is rural, water-and-nature-centered, and distinctively Old Florida. Unlike the heavily developed coastal markets, Highlands has retained much of its pre-boom character. For buyers who value that environment, the county is a compelling choice.
Fishing: Lake Jackson, Lake Istokpoga (one of Florida's largest lakes), Lake June-in-Winter, and dozens of smaller lakes provide exceptional freshwater fishing. Largemouth bass, speckled perch, bluegill, and catfish are the dominant game species.
Boating and water sports: multiple public boat ramps, marinas, and waterfront access points across the county.
Hiking and nature: Highlands Hammock State Park, Archbold Biological Station, and various Highlands County parks and preserves offer hiking, nature photography, and birdwatching opportunities.
Motorsports: Sebring International Raceway's year-round calendar draws racing enthusiasts from across the region.
Golf: multiple public and private courses across the county. Sebring's role as a retiree community has supported a strong golf infrastructure.
Day trips: Tampa/St. Pete (90 minutes), Orlando theme parks (90 minutes), Fort Myers/Naples (2 hours), Gulf coast beaches at Englewood and Venice (90 minutes).
Cultural: downtown Sebring's historic district, Lake Placid's mural program, community theater productions, and regional art festivals.
Community life in Sebring Hills South is distinctly rural. Neighbors know neighbors. Community events (farmers markets, seasonal festivals, county fair) bring residents together. The pace of life is slower than metropolitan Florida - a feature, not a bug, for buyers seeking this environment.
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Future Development And Growth
Highlands County's growth trajectory has been steady and measured. The county has not experienced the explosive growth of coastal Florida or The Villages, but population and economic indicators have moved consistently upward over the past decade.
Sebring continues to see incremental residential development, downtown revitalization, and expanded healthcare capacity. AdventHealth Sebring has made substantial facility investments. South Florida State College has expanded programs. Tourism infrastructure around the raceway continues to improve.
Lake Placid has also grown steadily, supported by caladium industry stability, retiree migration, and tourism.
Road infrastructure across the county has been incrementally improved. Us-27 - the primary north-south corridor running through Sebring and Lake Placid - has seen resurfacing projects, intersection improvements, and capacity expansions.
For a buyer purchasing Sebring Hills South inventory today, the investment thesis is: buying a platted corner R-1 lot with power at the street in a county with steady population and economic growth, at a price point well below coastal Florida and even below some comparable inland markets, in a retiree corridor with deep lifestyle amenity density. Long-term appreciation has been positive though modest.
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Education
School District of Highlands County operates the public schools. Sebring Hills South is zoned to specific elementary, middle, and high schools - verify current assignments with the district based on address.
Major district schools in the Sebring attendance area include Sun 'n Lake Elementary, Hill-Gustat Middle School, and Sebring High School, plus additional elementary options. Lake Placid area schools are available for parcels zoned to that community.
South Florida State College main campus is in Avon Park, approximately 30 minutes from Darter Avenue. The college offers associate degrees, select bachelor's programs, workforce certifications, and continuing education. Satellite locations in Sebring and Lake Placid provide additional access.
For four-year university education, the Tampa, Orlando, and Lakeland metros have the major state university options (Usf Tampa, UCF Orlando, Florida Southern in Lakeland). All are within a 90-minute commute radius.
Florida Virtual School offers fully online K-12 public education. Homeschool families have broad legal flexibility and access to robust cooperative networks in Highlands County.
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Healthcare
AdventHealth Sebring (approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Darter Avenue) is the region's primary hospital. The facility provides:
- Emergency services 24/7
- Inpatient medical and surgical services
- Cardiac care including cardiac catheterization
- Cancer care in partnership with regional oncology networks
- Orthopedic surgery
- Women's services and obstetrics
- Outpatient imaging and diagnostics
- Rehabilitation services
AdventHealth's broader network includes facilities across Central Florida and provides referral access to tertiary and quaternary specialty care at AdventHealth Orlando (90 minutes east) or Tampa General Hospital (90 minutes west).
Primary care, urgent care, dental, vision, dermatology, and outpatient specialty services are distributed across Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid. Travel times are typically 15 to 25 minutes.
For tertiary and quaternary care - complex cancer, transplantation, advanced cardiac, pediatric subspecialties - the Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville academic medical centers are the regional referral destinations.
Pharmacies, medical supply, and home health services are available across the county.
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Restaurants And Entertainment
Dining in the Sebring area ranges from casual local diners to lakefront restaurants to the dining scenes of Avon Park and Lake Placid.
Sebring's historic downtown supports a concentrated cluster of independent restaurants, cafes, and the Highlands Brewing Company. Lakefront dining options overlook Lake Jackson. Chain restaurants (Cracker Barrel, Applebee's, Chili's, etc.) are present along the Us-27 commercial corridor.
Lake Placid's dining scene includes local institutions known to long-term residents - home-style breakfast spots, family restaurants, and independent cafes. Avon Park has additional local dining.
For more diverse dining selection, the Tampa, Orlando, and Lakeland metros are within 90 minutes.
Entertainment and cultural attractions:
- Sebring International Raceway events
- Highlands Hammock State Park
- Archbold Biological Station (scientific research station with public programs)
- Community theater productions in Sebring and Lake Placid
- Seasonal community events including the Sebring Soda Festival, the Caladium Festival (Lake Placid), the Highlands County Fair, and July 4th celebrations
- Sebring's Circle Park concerts and downtown events
- Local galleries and art programs including the Highlands Art League
Outdoor entertainment: fishing tournaments, boat racing, OHV riding (in nearby designated areas), hiking, hunting, and nature photography.
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Safety And Security
Sebring Hills South is generally safe and quiet. Highlands County crime rates are lower than Florida metropolitan averages. Property crime is the primary exposure; violent crime is uncommon.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement coverage with regular patrols and specialized units. Response times in Sebring Hills South addresses are typical of rural Florida counties.
Community-level vigilance is real. Long-term residents know their neighborhoods. Active Nextdoor and Facebook groups share information.
Emergency services: Highlands County Fire Rescue stations provide fire and EMS coverage. Response times vary by proximity to stations. The Sebring-area stations provide coverage to Sebring Hills South.
Severe weather: primary exposure is hurricane wind (moderate - Central Ridge inland position is meaningfully buffered) and severe thunderstorms. Tornado risk is low on an absolute basis. Building codes reflect regional risk.
Flood exposure: verify specifically on the Fema flood map. Sebring Hills South is generally outside designated flood zones due to the Central Ridge elevation, but independent verification is the standard practice.
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Comparable Value In The Highlands County Market
Highlands County inventory on Landflip ranges widely from sub-$5,000 parcels (typically very small, remote, or access-constrained) up to $30,000+ parcels (typically larger acreage, paved frontage, or improved building sites).
This Darter Avenue parcel at $17,997 sits in the middle tier. The positioning is:
- More expensive than unimproved sub-$10,000 Highlands County lots because it has power at the street, corner position, and R-1 (rather than A-U or R-2) zoning
- Less expensive than $25,000+ lots because it is on a dirt road rather than a paved county road
- Competitive at the $15,000 to $20,000 Sebring-area R-1 corner-lot band when you adjust for pole-extension costs on competing inventory
Comparable recent sales in Sebring Hills South and surrounding Sebring-area platted subdivisions (verified via Highlands County Property Appraiser and Landflip sold-listing data) have ranged from $12,000 to $22,000 for 0.25-To-0.35-Acre R-1 lots with variable utility readiness. This parcel is priced mid-band, oriented toward a clean close rather than aggressive extraction.
Long-term appreciation in Highlands County residential land has been steady and positive, driven by continued retiree migration, remote-worker inbound demand, and constrained buildable inventory across platted subdivisions that have been slow to build out.
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Due Diligence Links
Highlands County Property Appraiser: - search APN C-35-34-28-0010 for full public record.
Highlands County Tax Collector: - current tax bill and payment history.
Highlands County Development Services: - permits, setbacks, and inspections.
Florida Department of Health in Highlands County: - septic permits.
FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer: - enter GPS 27.4862, -81.50199.
Duke Energy Florida: - service requests.
USPS Address Verification: details in this listing are believed reliable but not warranted. Prospective buyers conduct independent due diligence. Founders Land Group sources from public records, county codes, and field observation, provided in good faith. Sold as-is. Photos/tours for marketing reference. Founders Land Group LLC is not a licensed real estate broker. Buyer verifies zoning, utilities, road conditions, flood zone, permitted use, and all material facts. Liens "none per public records" - independent title verification recommended.
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Land Maps & Attachments
Directions to Land
From Sebring (Circle Park / Lake Jackson area):
- Take US-27 South approximately 12 miles.
- Turn onto the Sebring Hills South entrance via the platted street network.
- Follow interior streets to Darter Avenue.
- Parcel is on the corner - reference APN C-35-34-28-0010 and GPS 27.4862, -81.50199.
From Lake Placid:
- Take US-27 North approximately 15 miles to the Sebring Hills South entrance.
- Follow above.
From Orlando International Airport:
- Take Florida Turnpike South to Yeehaw Junction.
- Take SR-60 West to US-27 South.
- Continue to Sebring and Sebring Hills South.
- Total drive time approximately 90 minutes.
From Tampa International Airport:
- Take I-4 East to SR-60 East to US-27 South.
- Continue to Sebring and Sebring Hills South.
- Total drive approximately 90 minutes.
