Is St. Augustine a Good Place to Live?
If you're considering a move to St. Augustine, you're probably wondering whether this historic coastal city is the right fit for you and your family. As someone who works with buyers and sellers here every day, I can tell you that St. Augustine offers something truly special, but like any place, it's not for everyone. Let me give you the honest rundown.
The St. Augustine Lifestyle: What Makes It Special
St. Augustine isn't just another Florida beach town. Yes, we have beautiful beaches and plenty of sunshine, but what really sets this area apart is the blend of history, natural beauty, and genuine community feel. Unlike some parts of Florida that can feel transient or overly touristy, St. Augustine has roots. People move here and they stay.
The pace of life here is noticeably slower than what you'll find in Jacksonville (just 40 minutes north) or Orlando. That's exactly what many people are looking for, a place where you can actually enjoy life instead of just rushing through it. Morning coffee on your porch, weekend farmers markets, sunset walks on the beach, these aren't just vacation activities here, they're part of everyday life.
Where People Actually Live: The Best Neighborhoods
When people think of St. Augustine, they often picture the historic downtown with its cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture. While downtown is charming to visit, most residents actually live in the newer, family-friendly communities throughout St. Augustine, particularly in the northern areas.
The World Golf Village Area
This area, centered around World Golf Village, has become one of the most desirable places to live in Northeast Florida. You'll find a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments, with homes ranging from comfortable family houses to sprawling estate properties.
What I love about this area is the convenience. You've got easy access to I-95, which means Jacksonville is a straight shot up the highway if you need to commute. You're also close to excellent shopping and dining options. The St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville is about 30 minutes away, but locally you have plenty of great spots.
Here you'll find neighborhoods like Trailmark, King & Bear, Markland, Bannon Lakes, Sevilla neighborhoods which have become incredibly popular with families. These are master-planned communities with resort-style amenities, pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, and trails. They're the kind of places where kids ride bikes in the streets and neighbors actually know each other.
The Exciting New Developments: If you're interested in new construction, this area is where the action is. Shearwater is one of the most talked-about communities in St. Augustine right now, offering a true resort lifestyle with multiple pools, a fitness village, and miles of trails.
But the real game-changer is Silverleaf. This is set to become one of the largest master-planned communities in Northeast Florida, and it's going to reshape the landscape of St. Augustine over the next several years. These kinds of large-scale, amenity-rich communities are exactly what's attracting young families and professionals to the area, they offer everything you need within your own neighborhood.
The Fruit Cove/Northwest St. Augustine Area
The Fruit Cove and northwest areas of St. Augustine have been growing steadily for years, attracting families who want excellent schools and a strong sense of community.
Switzerland and Julington Creek are two standout neighborhoods here. These communities offer a mix of home styles, mature landscaping, and that settled neighborhood feel that new developments just can't replicate yet. The schools in this area are consistently among the best in the state, which is a major draw for families.
Things to Do: Beyond the Tourist Spots
Here's what I tell people: yes, St. Augustine has the Castillo de San Marcos, the historic district, and all the attractions that bring in millions of tourists. But living here means discovering the spots locals actually frequent.
Start your morning at Kookaburra Coffee on Anastasia Island, it's become a local institution, and for good reason. For lunch, skip the downtown tourist traps and head to places like The Reef or Gas Full Service, where you'll see familiar faces from the neighborhood.
Weekends often mean time at one of our beautiful beaches. St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach are where locals go, and they're far less crowded than what you'll find further south in Florida. Anastasia State Park is perfect for kayaking, hiking, or just enjoying a quiet day by the water.
Golf is huge here, World Golf Village isn't just a name. If you're into golf, you'll have access to some of the best courses in Florida. And if you're not a golfer, the area still offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from fishing to boating to exploring the Intracoastal Waterway.
For dining, you'll discover that St. Augustine has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. Saint is a personal favorite. Ice Plant Bar is a local favorite for craft cocktails in a converted ice plant. And for a special night out, Collage Restaurant in the historic district is simply outstanding.
The Real Talk: What You Should Consider
I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't give you the full picture. St. Augustine is wonderful, but it's not perfect, and it's not for everyone.
Tourism is real. During peak season (roughly March through August), downtown and the beaches get crowded. If you live in the northern parts of the county in 32092 or 32095, you're somewhat insulated from this, but it's still something to be aware of. That said, many residents see it as a fair trade-off, we get to live in a place other people vacation.
Hurricane preparedness matters. We're on the coast, which means hurricane season is part of life. Most years we're fine, but you need to be prepared and have a plan. The good news is that many of St. Augustine's inland communities aren't dealing with the same direct coastal exposure as barrier island properties.
Growth is happening. St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, which brings both opportunities and challenges. New restaurants, shops, and amenities are opening regularly, but traffic is also increasing, particularly on major roads like US-1 and CR-210. The infrastructure is generally keeping pace, but it's something to consider.
Who Thrives Here?
St. Augustine tends to be a great fit for:
Families looking for excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a community-oriented lifestyle. St. Augustine's northern neighborhoods are particularly family-friendly, with tons of young families and children.
Retirees who want to enjoy Florida's weather and outdoor lifestyle without the high-rise condo environment of South Florida. Many retirees love the cultural activities, golf, and more relaxed pace.
Remote workers who can take advantage of Florida's lack of state income tax and lower cost of living compared to northern states, while still being close enough to Jacksonville for occasional in-person meetings.
Active people who want year-round access to outdoor activities. Between the beaches, parks, waterways, and trails, there's always something to do outside.
The Bottom Line
Is St. Augustine a good place to live? For the right person or family, it's an exceptional place to live. You get the Florida lifestyle, sunshine, beaches, and outdoor living, without the chaos and expense of South Florida. You get a real sense of community and history that's hard to find in newer Florida cities. And with modern, well-planned neighborhoods featuring excellent schools and amenities, you get the best of both worlds.
The people who love it here are those who value quality of life over big-city excitement, who appreciate natural beauty and history, and who want to be part of a real community. If that sounds like you, St. Augustine might be exactly what you're looking for.
If you're seriously considering a move to the St. Augustine area, I'd love to help you explore the neighborhoods and find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. Feel free to reach out, I'm always happy to share more about what makes this special place home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine's cost of living is moderate compared to other Florida cities. It's more affordable than South Florida markets like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but slightly higher than some inland Florida cities. Housing is your biggest expense, with home prices varying significantly depending on the neighborhood and proximity to the beach. The lack of state income tax in Florida helps offset some costs, and everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are reasonable. Overall, many people moving from northern states find their money goes further here, even with higher home prices.
How far is St. Augustine from Jacksonville?
St. Augustine is about 40 miles south of Jacksonville, which translates to roughly 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and which part of Jacksonville you're heading to. Many St. Augustine residents commute to Jacksonville for work, particularly to the Southside or Downtown areas. The drive is straightforward via I-95, and reverse commuting (living in Jacksonville, working in St. Augustine) is also common. The proximity to Jacksonville is actually a major selling point—you get access to a larger city's amenities and job market while living in a more relaxed coastal environment.
Does St. Augustine have good schools?
Yes, St. Johns County consistently ranks as one of the top school districts in Florida and the nation. The district regularly receives an "A" rating from the state, and many individual schools earn top marks. This is one of the biggest draws for families moving to the area. You'll find excellent public elementary, middle, and high schools throughout St. Augustine, particularly in the newer residential communities. There are also quality private school options for families who prefer that route. The strong school system is a major reason why property values have remained stable and continue to grow in this area.
What's the weather like in St. Augustine year-round?
St. Augustine enjoys a mild climate with four subtle seasons. Summers (June through September) are hot and humid, with temperatures typically in the upper 80s to low 90s, but the ocean breeze helps. This is also our rainy season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Fall and spring are absolutely beautiful—comfortable temperatures in the 70s and 80s with lower humidity. Winters are mild, with daytime highs usually in the 60s and occasional chilly mornings in the 40s. You might need a light jacket for a few months, but snow is unheard of. Overall, it's warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, which is exactly why people move to Florida.
Is St. Augustine crowded with tourists?
Downtown St. Augustine and the historic district do get busy with tourists, especially during peak season from spring through summer and on holiday weekends. However, if you live in the residential neighborhoods—particularly in the northern areas around World Golf Village, Fruit Cove, or the newer master-planned communities—you're largely insulated from the tourist activity. Most residents view it as a fair trade-off: yes, there are tourists, but they support a vibrant restaurant scene, cultural events, and local economy. Plus, you can enjoy all the attractions and beaches during off-peak times when visitors are sparse. Many locals actually appreciate having world-class historical sites and attractions right in their backyard.
