Moving to Sebastian: Pros, Cons & What to Know
Moving to Sebastian means understanding two structural facts up front: the city itself has no Atlantic oceanfront (the barrier island sits across the Indian River Lagoon), and there's no in-city commercial airport. Both are real, disclosed limitations rather than details to gloss over, alongside the population growth and hurricane-season planning common across the Treasure Coast.
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Learn moreNo oceanfront within city limits
Sebastian sits on the mainland at the confluence of the St. Sebastian River and the Indian River Lagoon -- the city limits do not include Atlantic oceanfront. Orchid Island, the barrier island across the lagoon, and the well-known Sebastian Inlet are both real regional draws, but reached by a roughly 15-20-minute drive rather than being an in-town amenity. Movers picturing beachfront living should confirm this distinction before relocating.
A steadily growing, fast-aging city
Sebastian's official 2020 Census population was 25,054, with more recent estimates running as high as 27,700-27,800 by 2025-2026 -- roughly 10.76% cumulative growth since the 2020 count, implying about 1.7% annual growth, per Census QuickFacts and World Population Review synthesis. This is real, sustained growth on a mid-size base, not an explosive Port St. Lucie-style boom.
No commercial airport in the city
Sebastian has no in-city commercial air service. The nearest options are Vero Beach Regional Airport (about 14 miles, limited routes) or Melbourne International Airport (about 24 miles, fuller service) -- both require a drive, a real factor for anyone who travels by air frequently.
File the homestead exemption after closing
Florida's 2026 homestead exemption totals $51,411 for a primary residence, filed with the Indian River County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after closing, after which the Save Our Homes cap limits future assessed-value growth to the lesser of 3% or CPI (2.7% for 2026).
Key takeaways
- Sebastian's city limits do not include Atlantic oceanfront -- the barrier island and Sebastian Inlet are a real regional draw but a 15-20-minute drive away, not an in-town amenity.
- Population is growing steadily (about 10.76% since the 2020 Census, roughly 1.7%/year) rather than booming explosively.
- No commercial airport in-city; the nearest options are Vero Beach Regional (14 mi, limited routes) or Melbourne International (24 mi, fuller service).
- File Florida's 2026 homestead exemption ($51,411) with the Indian River County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after closing.
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