Sebastian (Palm Bay: sales, real estate, foreclosure)

[luvfishing]

Just got back to NY from from our visit to Florida. We went down for some fishing and to check out some homes. We were focused on the Palm Bay area, but found ourselves in the Sebastian area one day. We didn't have alot of time to look around because we had to catch our flight, but this area seemed very nice. We want to relocate to Florida, but at this time still unsure. We thought Palm Bay would be the place, but after spending a few days checking out the area, we are still unsure. Sebastian seems to be another potential area. Our fishing captain advised us to be careful in Palm Bay and be sure to know the area before living there. He stated that there is alot of drug activity in many parts of Palm Bay. He stated that Sebastian is a very nice and quiet area. We did some looking around, but like I said, our time was limited. Please share any thoughts on the Sebastian area, such as home prices and jobs....etc.... I am an RN and my wife is a business analyst for a health care company. Thanks.

[pharmlivin]

at least twice a year. We love Sebastian. We enjoy the old Florida feel of the area and it is a great place if you love fishing and outdoor, water related activities. Everything seems to center around the beautiful Indian River...fishing, boating, etc. The people are very friendly and there are some good restaurants around. That being said, it is very laid back and while it is a wonderful, relaxing vacation place, I do wonder how it would be for longer term stays (ie the whole winter). We have been looking in Sebastian and Vero for a snowbird place and prices seem pretty depressed right now but I am still concerned that it might be too quiet. We like Waterway Village in Vero not far from Sebastian. It would be worth your while to check Sebastian out, especially if you really "luvfishing". I am not sure about jobs but I think the ever expanding hospital/medical center in Sebastian has a good reputation for health care (I could be mistaken about the reputation, only my impression.) I am sure locals can be more help. My main point in posting was to say we love the area and are seriously looking at real estate there (we are 50 somethings). For younger people with children, I think it would be a very nice place to raise a family. Best of luck.

[floridasandy]

i live in sebastian and love it here! anyone can PM me if they want information on particular businesses or particular areas in indian river county. sales in the county are increasing now as the season starts, but prices are down because of all of the buying during the last 4 years and now the foreclosure rate has been high for the people who bought during that time period. there are some pretty good values now. we had land that went from 50,000 for a lot to 10,000 so that is some serious correction. we do have 2 highly rated hospitals in the county. (IRMC and sebastian river). it is definitely not a party town!

[floridaorbust]

we really like Sebastian. That is one area we are considering on moving to. Can't believe how the prices have dropped on some of the properties. 3-4 years ago we would not even think of living in Sebastian. Couldn't afford it.

[CoventryDude]

another vote for Sebastian- we visit every year and love it down there. Palm Bay just expanded their medical center, too, it's not far from Sebastian.