Let me tell you about my favorite place in Florida. And no, it's not Disney World. (Although I do love Disney World. Don't judge me.)
It's Highlands County. Specifically, the rolling hills, freshwater lakes, and wide-open land around places like Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park. It's the part of Florida that most people drive right past on US-27 while rushing to the coast. Their loss.
I fell in love with this area because it reminded me of something I thought Florida didn't have: actual hills. Highlands County got its name because the terrain is elevated compared to the rest of the state. We're talking about the Lake Wales Ridge, one of the oldest landforms in Florida. It's not the Rockies, but by Florida standards? It's practically mountainous.
Here's the thing. While everyone is fighting over overpriced condos in Miami and bidding up rental properties in Orlando, Highlands County is sitting here with beautiful, buildable land at prices that make your jaw drop. And I'm selling it with owner financing, which means you don't need a bank, you don't need perfect credit, and you don't need to stress about loan applications.
You just need to want a piece of Florida that most people haven't discovered yet.
Wait, Did You Say Clown School?
Yes, I did. And I'm not kidding.
Lake Placid, one of the main towns in Highlands County, is home to Toby's American Clown Museum and School. Over 1,800 clowns have graduated from this place. Lake Placid reportedly has more clowns per capita than any other town in Florida, and possibly the entire country. I can't make this stuff up.
But that's not even the best part. Lake Placid was voted "America's Most Interesting Town" by Reader's Digest in 2013. Here's why:
• Nearly 50 outdoor murals painted on buildings throughout the town, each one telling a piece of local history. It's basically an open-air art museum you can walk through for free.
• The town produces over 90% of the world's caladium bulbs. Yes, the world's. They call it the "Caladium Capital of the World," and every summer the fields around Lake Istokpoga explode with color that people compare to the tulip fields of Holland.
• The town was named by Melvil Dewey, the guy who invented the Dewey Decimal System. He named it after his beloved Lake Placid in New York. So every time you look up a library book, you can thank a Highlands County connection.
• There are 27 freshwater lakes within the Lake Placid area alone. Lake Istokpoga is 28,000 acres and one of the best bass fishing lakes in the entire state.
I promise I'm going to talk about land investing and owner financing. But I needed you to understand that Highlands County isn't just dirt and cows. (Although there are some very nice cows.)
Why Highlands County Is Florida's Best Kept Secret for Land
Here's what makes this area special for land investors and first-time buyers:
It's Affordable (Like, Actually Affordable)
While buildable lots in Orlando start at 80,000 to 150,000 dollars and anything near the coast is even crazier, Highlands County still has buildable land available for 10,000 to 40,000 dollars. That's not a typo. You can own a real piece of Florida for less than the price of a used pickup truck.
It's Growing
Highlands County's population has climbed to nearly 110,000 residents as of 2024. That's a steady upward trend driven by people leaving expensive coastal cities and looking for affordable places to live, retire, or build. Sebring is the county seat and the largest city, and it's seeing real commercial development along US-27.
Location Is Better Than You Think
Highlands County sits right in the center of the state. Sebring is about 90 miles from Tampa, 100 miles from Orlando, and 120 miles from Fort Myers. You're not in the middle of nowhere. You're in the middle of everywhere. US-27 runs straight through the county, connecting you to major cities in every direction.
It Has Something Most of Florida Doesn't: Elevation
The Lake Wales Ridge gives Highlands County actual topography. Hills. Rolling terrain. Views. In a state where "elevation" usually means you found a speed bump, this is genuinely special. It also means less flood risk, which is a huge deal for Florida property.
Owner Financing: Why I Make Buying Land Ridiculously Easy
Now, here's where it gets fun. Because I don't just sell land. I make it easy to buy.
Most banks don't want to finance vacant land. They love houses, they love condos, they love anything with a roof and a rent check. But raw land? Banks get nervous. They want higher down payments, charge higher interest rates, and make you jump through hoops that would make a circus performer tired. (See what I did there? Clown school reference? No? Okay, moving on.)
That's why I offer owner financing on my properties in Highlands County. Here's how it works:
How Owner Financing Works With Me
1. You pick a property you like. I have land available in Highlands County, and I'm always adding new properties.
2. We agree on a price and terms. Typically a small down payment (way less than a bank would require) and monthly payments that fit your budget.
3. No bank involved. No loan application. No credit score drama. No waiting 45 days for an underwriter to ask you for the same document three times.
4. You start making payments and building equity. The land is yours to use, plan on, and eventually build on or sell.
5. When it's paid off, you own it free and clear. Simple as that.
The whole process can close in days, not months. I've had people go from "I'm interested" to "I own land in Florida" in less than a week. Try doing that with a bank.
Who Is Owner Financing Perfect For?
• First-time land buyers who don't have 50,000 dollars in cash sitting around
• People with less-than-perfect credit who can't qualify for traditional financing
• Out-of-state buyers who want to invest in Florida without the hassle of dealing with a Florida bank remotely
• Anyone who values simplicity and wants to skip the paperwork nightmare
• People who want monthly payments that feel more like a car payment than a mortgage
I've helped buyers from all over the country purchase land in Highlands County this way. It works because it's simple, it's fair, and it removes the biggest barrier to land ownership: the bank.
Seven Reasons to Buy Land in Highlands County Right Now
Alright, let's get specific. Why should you buy land here, and why now?
1. Prices Are Still Low (But They Won't Be Forever)
Development is creeping south from Orlando and east from Tampa. As those metro areas get more expensive, people look further out. Highlands County is directly in the path of growth. Buying now means buying before the prices catch up.
2. Florida Has Zero State Income Tax
Any income you earn from your land investment, whether it's rental income, agricultural income, or capital gains from selling, is tax-free at the state level. That's a huge advantage over states like California or New York.
3. The Outdoor Lifestyle Is Incredible
Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Florida and has more rare and endemic species than any other state park in the state. Lake Istokpoga is a world-class bass fishing destination. Sebring International Raceway hosts major motorsports events (including the famous 12 Hours of Sebring). And there are freshwater lakes everywhere you look.
4. It's One of the Most Biodiverse Places in the US
The Lake Wales Ridge is home to dozens of species found nowhere else on Earth. Archbold Biological Station, one of the most important ecological research centers in the country, is located right here in Highlands County. If you care about nature and the environment, this is a place that deserves your attention.
5. Homeownership Rate Is Nearly 79%
People who move here tend to stay here. A homeownership rate of 78.9% tells you this isn't a transient area. It's a community where people put down roots. That kind of stability is good for property values.
6. Agricultural and Hobby Farm Potential
Highlands County's rich soil and climate make it ideal for citrus, cattle, and other agricultural uses. Even if you don't plan to build right away, you can lease your land for agricultural use or start a hobby farm. The area has a long history of farming and ranching, and the infrastructure to support it.
7. You Can Buy With Owner Financing (From Me)
This is the reason that removes every other excuse. You don't need a bank. You don't need perfect credit. You don't need a huge pile of cash. You just need to pick a property, agree on terms, and start making payments. I handle the rest.
A Little About Me (Since We're Going to Be Working Together)
I'm Juliana. I buy and sell land in Florida, with a special focus on areas like Highlands County, Putnam County, and Marion County. I speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and I work with buyers from all over the world.
Here's what you should know about working with me:
• I actually answer my phone. Wild concept, I know.
• I don't do high-pressure sales. If a property isn't right for you, I'll tell you. I'd rather you be happy than close a deal that doesn't make sense.
• I explain everything in plain English (or Portuguese, or Spanish). No confusing legal jargon, no hidden fees, no surprises.
• I make the process fun. Buying land should be exciting, not stressful. If you're not smiling at some point during our conversation, I'm doing something wrong.
• I'm in this for the long haul. I want you to come back and buy your second property from me. And your third. That only happens if the first experience is great.
My goal is to make land ownership accessible to people who think they can't afford it or don't know where to start. Highlands County is the perfect place to make that happen.
The Bottom Line
Highlands County is the Florida that most people don't know exists. It's affordable. It's beautiful. It's growing. And it has a clown school, which honestly should be enough to convince anyone.
If you've been thinking about buying land in Florida but figured you couldn't afford it or didn't know where to start, let's talk. I'll walk you through the properties I have available, explain the owner financing options, and answer every question you can think of. No pressure. No stress. Just an honest conversation about whether Highlands County land makes sense for you.
And if you're lucky, I might even tell you more about the caladiums.
Ready to Own a Piece of Florida?
Owner financing available. No banks. No credit checks. No stress. Just beautiful land in one of Florida's most underrated counties.
Juliana Scolari
Golden Ridge Partners
juliana@goldenrp.land | (561) 229-5490 | goldenrp.land
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