What to Know About Sebastian Real Estate

Sitting just 70 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, the small Florida city of Sebastian is a quiet refuge compared to other East Coast metros. It’s across the Sebastian Inlet from a state park and national wildlife refuge. Imagine seeing Florida’s nature every day from your backyard, thanks to its abundant natural waterways, preserves, and native greenery.

This prime waterfront access enables Sebastian residents to indulge in a robust lifestyle filled with watersports, fishing, diving, and locally caught seafood. But there’s more to life in Sebastian than the water. Learn about this part of Florida in the Sebastian, Florida, real estate profile.

About Sebastian, FL

Sebastian is where many go on vacation fishing, diving, and eating fresh seafood. But the city is more than just a place for beachgoers and fishermen. For over 25,000 residents, it is also the place they love to call home.

The land that defines Sebastian sits on the eastern Florida coast across from the Sebastian Inlet. Over 300 years ago, a Spanish voyage transporting treasure from Havana, Cuba, to Spain sank because of a hurricane. The Sailors worked to recover from what was lost but could not secure all of it.

To this day, parts of the treasure have never been recovered. But, over the years, visitors and artifact seekers have found an estimated $300,000 worth of lost treasure, including pesos, jewelry, gold, artifacts, and emeralds. Hence the regional nickname, the “Treasure Coast.”

Settlers have been here since the 1880s, drawn to the bountiful waters. Much of that is present today, as Sebastian proudly showcases and thrives with its tourism, watersports, and fishing industry, which brings in fresh grouper, flounder, snapper, clams, lobsters, and blue crabs. 

What county is Sebastian in?

Sebastian was incorporated in 1925 and is the largest municipality in Indian River County. Spanning across 617 square miles and home to almost 160,000 residents, Indian River County sits in between St. Lucie and Brevard Counties. It is home to six municipalities:

• City of Sebastian
• City of Vero Beach
• Indian River Shores
• Town of Orchid
• City of Fellsmere

The US Census reports that about 317 people live in the Indian River County per square mile, with just over 25,000 living in Sebastian alone.

Is Sebastian growing?

Sebastian might be small, but it is quickly growing. Indian River County predicts an increase in county population to surpass 175,000 residents by 2026. This comes after the substantial increase in population across Florida. 

Predictions for Sebastian are no different. Sebastian officials anticipate an increase from 26,390 to 29,203 residents after a 5.3% boom from 2020 to 2022.

The city has undertaken multiple publicly funded projects to redesign and improve roadways, public parks, and public buildings to improve access, traffic, and safety across Sebastian. In 2023, the local government requested residents’ input to help implement new improvements to the local transit plan.

What is the cost of living in Sebastian?

If you want to live in Florida at a great price, Sebastian might be the right option. The cost of living in Sebastian, Florida, comes just under the national average.

Individuals with a median income of $60,966 can find affordable living under the Florida sun. To make ends meet, single persons must earn at least $33,339 annually. Families with two working adults and one child will need $77,849 (or $37.43/hour) per year to make ends meet while living in Sebastian. 

What is the average price of a home in Sebastian?

Good news if you are looking for economical real estate options in sunny Florida. Property for sale in Sebastian ranged between $299,990 and $4 million in September 2023. Buyers had a median home price of $377,600.

Condos or townhomes in Sebastian, FL 

In September 2023, the Sebastian real estate market had 17 townhomes and condominiums listed for sale between $140,000 and $975,000 (or $222.22 to $338.54 per square foot). The different price points mean homebuyers can find a condo or townhome that fits their budget perfectly.

Waterfront properties in Sebastian

Apart from the breathtaking views of the Intracoastal waters, Sebastian real estate waterfront properties also have lake, canal, or pond views. 

Having different options for waterfront properties means home buyers will find a considerable range in price. In September 2023, properties in a small development with pond views started at $384,000. But, properties that faced the South Prong Saint Sebastian River were listed at $3,495,000.

The good news is that Sebastian’s real estate market provides homebuyers waterfront options at multiple prices per square foot, increasing the possibilities of making waterfront living a dream come true.

Golf course communities in Sebastian 

Live right next to and take a swing at Sebastian’s local golf community, Collier Club. While the Sebastian Municipal golf course is not inside the gated neighborhood, some properties in the Collier Club have a clear view from their backyards. The same is true of Park Place, where some homes have backyard views of the John’s Island Club West fairways.

What is the property tax rate for Sebastian?

A homeowner will receive a Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice from the Indian River County Tax Collector’s office each year with an amount owed in Ad Valorem and Non-Valorem property taxes. The tax rate for Sebastian’s properties was 3.0043 mils as of 2022-2023.

Although property taxes are due on March 31 of each year, the tax collector’s office gives up to a 4% discount for any homeowners who pay early and as soon as November. Property owners who pay their escrows through their lender tend to benefit from this discount each year.

Property taxes can vary from owner to owner, as some homeowners may qualify for exemptions based on their circumstances. You can learn more about exemptions when you contact the Indian River Property Appraiser’s Office or in the Florida property tax guide.

What neighborhoods are in Sebastian?

Sebastian has over 40 neighborhoods, with properties providing different amenities, like a community pool or gated communities. Others are more established, giving Sebastian real estate diversity in choices.

Some neighborhoods include, but are not limited to:

• Acorn Acres
• Cadenhead
• Dettore Acres
• Ocean Breeze Heights
• Roseland Pines
• Serene Acres

Things to do in Sebastian, FL

Residents embrace the perks of living in a waterfront city with entertainment, restaurants, local events, and close highway access points. Those who love exhilarating adventures can book their flight with Skydive Sebastian. This local skydiving center takes its jets over the Florida coastline and lets skydivers freefall until they land right on the Florida coast.

Residents benefit from the same perks as tourists, with local museums, beaches, and watersports. Sebastian’s history includes a shipwreck that sank, filled with gold, pesos, and other valuable artifacts. At the Mel Fisher Treasures, a local museum, you can see some of those items that washed up to shore and have been preserved and explore some of their excursions, which include diving for treasure or searching for emeralds on the deck of the Dare or Marguder.

The Pareidolia Brewing Company has what you are looking for if you like craft beers. It was voted the “Best Brewery on the Treasure Coast” in 2020 and 2023. Guests can try an assortment of brews, ciders, and bottled wines.

One of the perks of living in Florida is the weather. Sebastian experiences mild winters, with temperatures averaging in the low 50F during winter. Favorable weather year-round means residents can enjoy parks and physical activities, like cycling across the city or taking their pets to Sebastian Bark Park.

What areas are near Sebastian?

Its closeness to I-95 makes it simple to travel to nearby destinations. If you like day trips, Sebastian is within about two hours of major attractions, like Walt Disney World, Seaworld, Legoland, and the Kennedy Space Center. Whether you bring your family or your friends, the theme parks in Orlando have something to entertain anyone.

Those who appreciate nature have multiple natural preserves to watch birds, manatees, and fish.

One of the most popular natural areas is the Sebastian Inlet State Park. Surfers from around the world come here to ride “First Peak and “Monster Hole.” If visitors are not surfing, they are boating, cycling, hiking, or scuba diving.

A perfect bird-watching location accessible by car is next door to the city lines. The Pelican Island Nature Refuge is an ideal place to take walks, go bird watching, and absorb the beautiful views of the Indian River Intracoastal. For bird lovers seeking to immerse themselves in nature and native birds in their natural habitat, Bird Island is a short boat ride from the Intercoastal shores. 

How is golf in Sebastian?

If you like golf, you may already know it is a popular sport in Florida. It is so popular that there are over 1,100 golf courses state-wide.

In Sebastian, the public Sebastian Municipal Golf Course challenges players on its obstacle-packed 18-hole course.

While there is only one golf course in Sebastian, players can venture to nearby golf courses, the Redstick Golf Club, the Windsor Club in Vero Beach, or the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club in the Town of Orchid.

What to know about living in Sebastian

Skip the snow and enjoy the hot summers and mild winters of Sebastian, Florida. Residents experience the beauty of nature with abundant natural areas and freshly caught seafood. They even embrace the thrill of skydiving. Search for your next home in the Sebastian real estate market. If you’re looking for your next home, search the most recent listings or contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood.