Vero Vine cover: Sebastian Combines History, Affordable Housing, and Nature Access for Florida Retirees

Sebastian Combines History, Affordable Housing, and Nature Access for Florida Retirees

Sebastian, in Indian River County, carries a median home value of $317,000, slightly below Florida's statewide median of $359,000 based on Census Bureau estimates for 2020 to 2024. Owners without a mortgage pay a median $494 a month for taxes, insurance, and utilities, and the city's median age is 58.2.

Pelican Island, just offshore, was set aside by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 as the first national wildlife refuge in the country. A statue of Paul Kroegel stands in Riverview Park, which hosts the annual Sebastian Clambake and the Concerts in the Park series.

The Senior Resource Association operates a center on Davis Street, and Palm Lake Club, a 55-plus community, offers a pool and a library.

Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital provides 145 beds, a 24-hour emergency room, heart care, and orthopedic services.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is about 28 minutes from the city. Anglers fish from two accessible jetties into the Atlantic Ocean, and a four-ramp boat launch sits on the south side of the inlet.

Ava Cook