Welcome to Paradise!

There is no better place to live in Florida. Avon Park is located in the center of the state. Here you wouldn't expect to find the ocean, however, nestled among the rolling hills and orange groves, you'll find crystal clear lakes with sandy beaches and all of the sunshine Florida has to offer, with a climate that just doesn't get any better than this.

Highlands County encompasses 1,029 square miles of the state's heartland in the center of Florida's peninsula. Avon Park population is about 20,000, while about 90,000 people live in Highlands County. The central location of Highlands County provides easy access to all Florida attractions without the hustle and high prices of the major attraction areas. Most famous Florida attractions are within a one and a half hour drive, making Highlands County a most desired location. Over 85% of the state's population is within a 150 mile radius. So, if you want to experience both coasts, Tampa Bay area, Melbourne, Orlando area, Palm Beach or Sarasota, you will be strategically located, right in the middle of of it all, but always coming back to your small town community with great people, great values and the best Florida has to offer.

Highlands appropriately describes the higher elevation of the area located on the rolling hills of Central Florida's Ridge area and lake country. Compared to the state's population density per square mile, Highlands County ranked 41 with only 78 people per square mile. Highlands County offers a location for the highest quality life style with all the advantages of a smaller community where it's great to live and smart to do business.

SHOPPING
Avon Park offers two central shopping locations: The Lakeshore Mall, seven miles south on Hwy 27 as well as the Eagle Ridge Mall twenty eight miles north, also on Hwy 27. Great shopping at very competitive prices.

WATER SPORTS
If you enjoy water skiing or jet skiing, you can find them at Lake Jackson (10 miles south thru HWY 27) - Sebring

SALOMON CASTLE
Visit the home and office of internationally renowned sculptor Howard Solomon. Solomon built the castle himself, with his own hands. It contains art galleries and more than 80 vitraux. Open from 11am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays.

FISHING
There are more than 90 lakes in Highlands County alone, such as Istokpoga Lake, which is the tenth largest lake in the State of Florida, where several fishing tournaments happen every year. Istokpoga Lake is known for the large quantities of bass, among other fishes

HORSEBACK RIDES
Maybe you would like to go horseback riding. Lakeside Stables is the place. At this place you can also go fishing as well as canoeing.

HAMMOCK STATE PARK
Hammock State Park was the first state park in Florida. It is a beautiful park with 4,896 acres, and has been open to the public since 1931. The park maintains a virgin forest and grows several types of plants, many of them unique to the State.
You can even find a typical Florida Panther, as well as crocodiles and eagles.

AIRBOAT
You can enjoy an airboat ride though the swamps around Lake Istokpoga. For information, please contact Silver Harbor Lodge

BOK TOWER AND GARDENS
A beautiful and special getaway place. At the center of the gardens you can see the Bell Tower (one of the best bell groups in the world).

BOWLING
If you enjoy bowling, you can go to Royal Palms Bowling Center in Lake Placid where you can spend memorable times.

RANCH TOURS
Florida is the largest cattle producing state east of the Mississippi, and Highlands County is the largest in Florida. Take a Ranch Tour at a place such as Silver Harbor Lodge to see not only the cattle, but several variety of birds, animals and wild plants.

AGRICULTURE
Highlands County is the largest orange producer in Florida, with 76,500 acres of plantation. You can plan a visit to Maxwell Groves

CANOE
If you enjoy canoeing, you should go to Peace River Canoes. They offer several tours, from 3 to 5 hours long, They also offer multi days programs.

PIONEER PARK
If offers a zoo and the Cracker Trail Museum. In the zoo you will find several species of wild animals, such as foxes, raccoons, deers, ostriches, cougars and more. You can feed the animals under the attendant’s supervision. At the museum you will learn the natural history of the Pioneer culture.