Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 12

61 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 experience. “We call ourselves a bedroom community with a sense of place,” declares City Manager Paul Carlisle. “We have a great natural environment that centers on the lagoon. We have a great community that reaches out, connects and is involved with our seniors and our youth. The city has a fantastic business climate which provides plenty of job opportunities, plus outdoor activities, parks, recreation, and conservation lands. You’ll discover that we have all of the amenities and none of the traffic or hustle and bustle of other communities.” Sebastian was just rated the seventh best place in the State of Florida to retire to by WalletHub and was ranked #1 in quality of life by a national news source. “That doesn’t just go for the retirement community – it’s also for our young family demographic,” Carlisle explains. “We’re here to partner with all of our residents and work for them to make sure they have that quality of life and those amenities that they want and expect.” Having recently completed its Comprehensive Plan Update, the city is armed with a clear vision and focus for how the community wants to grow and develop over the next 20 years. “What was interesting to note in that process was that Sebastian’s median age used to be much older – as in the mid-50s,” shares Lisa Frazier, Director of Community Development/Community Redevelopment Agency Manager. “Now it’s into the 40s and I think that’s telling. Younger families find it to be just the type of atmosphere they want to raise their children around. And we’re an easy commute to some of the larger employment centers to the north and south.” Carlisle adds, “Because of low traffic volumes, residents of Sebastian tend to measure their commutes in drive time rather than drive miles. Anything within 30 to 45 minutes is considered respectable. That puts you 20 to 30 miles away. SEBAST I AN, FLOR IDA City Manager Paul Carlisle