Safe town near Sebring to raise family (Tampa, Lakeland: housing, high schools)

[asher5]

We are being relocated to Florida. My husband is a builder and is starting a project in Sebring. We have a 7 year old and would like to live no farther than 1 hour away. I have read alot of interesting reviews about Florida. We have vac. here many times to Tampa area and love it. Is there a good town with great schools that close to Sebring. Thank you.

[tattoohank]

There are some nice areas in Sebring, if you can't find some there look in Lake Placid. The crime rate is a little lower in Lake Placid, but if you don't mind driving a little Lake Wales is a nice little community. With half the crime rate as Sebring or Lake Placid. Another nice smaller town is Zolfo Springs, it has a low crime rate. But it is only a town of about 4 or 5 thousand. Zolfo Springs is about 30 miles from Sebring and Lake Wales is about 35 miles.

[grammy164]

I would not advise Lake Wales simply because the schools have a low ranking. It's a quiet area, but I would look for better schools.
Have you searched this forum for threads on Sebring? I think there have been several positive posts. We've driven through there a couple of times and it looks like a very nice area. Beautiful lake and nice parks.

[tattoohank]

What's wrong with the schools in Lake Wales? All the schools are grade A or B, with the exception of the Senior High School.

[grammy164]

Originally Posted by tattoohank

What's wrong with the schools in Lake Wales? All the schools are grade A or B, with the exception of the Senior High School.

The high school does have lower reading and math proficiency scores and a lower graduation rate than other area high schools. If I had kids, I would have a problem with that. I would wonder why. The schools in Sebring and Lake Placid seem to rank higher. It's just my opinion.

[Lost one]

We live in Sebring, and it is a good place to raise a family. Since your kids are young, try buying in the Cracker Trail school district. It is an excellent school. There is plenty of housing available but as eveywhere in Florida it is high. We are selling our house and moving out of Sebring due to the major growth going on (we like the small town atmosphere), but otherwise it is an okay place to be. I was raised here and now have a family of my own. There is not a lot to do for young families. the area is VERY catered to retirees. But most attractions are within a reasonable drive. Zolfo Springs is a small community, Lake Placid is alsonice. I would avoid Lake Wales; Lakeland; etc... Good luck on your move.

This is Not So Lost, I am logged in on my hubby's computer.