A Comprehensive Guide to Relocating to St. Augustine

by Kevin Howard

Relocating to St. Augustine is an opportunity to experience history, coastal beauty, and an unmatched quality of life. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s walkable historic charm, beachfront living, or top-rated schools, this guide will help you navigate every step of the transition.

Why Choose St. Augustine?

St. Augustine is America’s Oldest City, but don’t let that fool you—it offers a modern lifestyle with a deep cultural heartbeat. Here’s why so many people are making the move:

Rich history and culture: Explore Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and centuries-old Spanish architecture.
Coastal paradise: With 42 miles of pristine beaches, waterfront parks, and boating access, outdoor enthusiasts love it here.
Booming real estate market: Home values continue to rise, making it a strong investment.
Top-ranked schools: St. Johns County is ranked #1 in Florida for public schools.
Thriving local economy: With industries in healthcare, tourism, education, and professional services, job opportunities abound.

Finding the Right Neighborhood

Choosing the right area is key to settling into life in St. Augustine. Here’s a breakdown of popular neighborhoods to consider:

Historic Downtown & Lincolnville

Ideal for: History lovers and those who want to walk everywhere
Vibe: Cobblestone streets, restaurants, shops, and rich history
Considerations: Can be pricier and busier with tourists

Beachfront Living: Vilano Beach & Anastasia Island

Ideal for: Water lovers, surfers, and those wanting a laid-back coastal lifestyle
Vibe: Stunning ocean views, walkable beachside cafes, and small-town charm
Considerations: Higher flood insurance costs in some areas

Family-Friendly Suburbs: Palencia, Nocatee, & TrailMark

Ideal for: Families looking for top-rated schools and community amenities
Vibe: Master-planned communities with parks, pools, and social events
Considerations: HOAs and community fees in some areas

North City & Uptown

Ideal for: Professionals and retirees looking for a quiet, historic feel
Vibe: Large oak trees, walkable streets, and proximity to downtown
Considerations: Homes here are a mix of historic and new builds

Working with a local real estate agent will help you find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Cost of Living in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is more affordable than other coastal Florida cities, but costs are rising due to high demand.

Housing

Median home price: $500,000+
Rent for a two-bedroom: $2,000–$2,800

Groceries and Dining

Prices are slightly above the national average, especially near downtown
Farmers' markets offer fresh produce at competitive prices

Transportation

Gas prices are slightly above the national average
Downtown and beach areas are highly walkable and bike-friendly

Using a cost-of-living calculator can help you compare expenses before moving.

Job Market & Economic Growth

St. Augustine’s economy is thriving, with a mix of tourism, healthcare, education, and remote work opportunities.

Top Industries

Healthcare: UF Health Flagler Hospital and local medical centers offer steady employment
Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and attractions thrive year-round
Education: St. Johns County School District and Flagler College employ thousands
Professional Services and Remote Work: Many residents work in finance, tech, and creative fields remotely

If you work remotely, check for fiber-optic internet availability in your chosen neighborhood.

Schools & Education

Families relocating to St. Augustine will appreciate the highly rated school system.

Public Schools

St. Johns County School District – ranked #1 in Florida
Top elementary schools: Palencia Elementary, The Webster School, PVPV/Rawlings Elementary
High schools: Nease High School, St. Augustine High, Tocoi Creek High

Private Schools

St. Joseph Academy, Victory Prep, and Veritas Classical School

Colleges and Universities

Flagler College (liberal arts)
University of St. Augustine (health sciences)

Checking school zoning maps before purchasing a home can help ensure the right fit for your family.

Transportation & Commuting

St. Augustine is easy to navigate, with driving, walking, biking, and public transit options.

Highways: I-95 and US-1 provide easy access to Jacksonville and Daytona
Public transit: Sunshine Bus Company offers affordable routes around town
Walkability and biking: Downtown and beach areas are highly walkable with bike-friendly streets
Nearest airports: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – 45 minutes away, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – 1 hour away

Investing in a bike is a great way to get around downtown or the beach.

Outdoor & Leisure Activities

Living in St. Augustine means embracing an outdoor lifestyle.

Beaches

St. Augustine Beach – Great for swimming, walking, and surfing
Vilano Beach – Quieter, great for fishing and watching the sunset

Boating and Fishing

Intracoastal Waterway – Perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating
Matanzas Bay – Excellent for fishing and dolphin-watching

Parks and Nature

Anastasia State Park – Camping, bird-watching, hiking, and biking
Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve – Scenic nature trails and wildlife

A Florida fishing license is required for most freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Weather & Hurricane Preparedness

St. Augustine has a warm, humid climate, with hurricane precautions necessary.

Summers: Hot and humid, mid-80s to low 90s
Winters: Mild, mid-60s
Rainy season: June–September
Hurricane season: June–November

Checking if your home is in a flood zone and investing in storm shutters is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Moving to St. Augustine means embracing history, coastal living, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are retiring, starting a family, or relocating for work, there is a perfect neighborhood and lifestyle waiting for you here.

For a more detailed breakdown of neighborhoods, real estate trends, and relocation resources, download our Relocation Guide to St. Augustine. This comprehensive resource provides everything you need to make an informed decision about your move.

If you need personalized assistance, reach out today to start your St. Augustine journey.