Indian River Colony Club
Melbourne, Florida
Avon Park, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Avon park
Avon Park, Florida, is a small town located Highlands County with a population of 9,658 (2020 Census) with 25% of residents over the age of 65. The town boasts a 25-acre historic district with over a dozen buildings. Avon Park is also home to South Florida State College which provides the community with athletic events and performing arts. Lake Verona, one of the oldest lakes in the U.S and one of the deepest in Florida, is within the city limits and provides a boating and a picnic area. Lake Adelaide, a 109-acre lake is also located here and boarders the town. Photo of Lake Verona and photo of Avon Park Historic District courtesy of Wikipedia and Ebyabe, Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5
Where to Retire in Avon park and Home Prices
Zillow reports the median home value to be $203,626 in mid-2023. There are many manufactured home communities in the area.
What Is Special about Avon park
Avon Park is considered a very walkable town and features lakes and parks offering outdoor recreation with fishing, boating, and swimming. South Florida State College provides art and cultural events, along with volunteer opportunities.
What Is Not Special about Avon park
Summers are hot and humid, the nearest large city is Tampa, about 65 miles away.
Who Will Like Retirement in Avon park
Retirees who enjoy boating, fishing and outdoor recreation may enjoy living here. The town is also home to a library, a college, a historic district and senior center and is close to medical care. Avon Park has a diverse population about 40% white and most of the remainder either hispanic or black.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Agriculture, forestry, health care
Climate and Physical Environment
January's low temperature is 48 degrees, with July's high about 93 degrees.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are several shops,restaurants and pubs in Avon Park. Culturally, the town has several historic and interesting buildings along Main Street. There is a museum run by the historical society which also hosts lunches in a train car- the California Zephyr. South Florida State College provides for art exhibits and is home to the Museum of Florida Art and Culture, and to the Wildflower Wayside Shrine Trail. The school's Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts presents many programs.
Crime
The crime rate in Avon Park is high, with most of the crime involving property theft.
Medical facilities
There are medical facilities located here, with the nearest hospital in Sebring, about 10 miles away.
Transportation
Avon Park is a walkable community. It has an executive airport, with the nearest International Airport in Orlando about 75 miles away.
Comments on "Avon Park"
Kay says:
Recently bought a home in Avon Park, FL. How can we improve the city’s rating and culture?
Admin says:
What an interesting question. First, check out what offerings there might be in town, such as those from South Florida State College and the local library. See if there is a local cultural commission. If there are organizations get involved with them and consider volunteering or trying to get on the board. Fortunately you are near Orlando which has many cultural opportunities. The Heartland Public Library Cooperative is at https://myhlc.org/avon-park-public-library/