Choosing More Than a House
When people imagine moving to St. Augustine, Florida, they picture sunshine, cobblestone streets, and a slower pace of life. And yes, that’s all here — but what many don’t realize is how much your neighborhood shapes your experience.
Some pockets of St. Augustine are built for beach lovers. Others are better for retirees or families. Some give you space and freedom, while others trade that for structure and amenities.
If you’re thinking about relocating, the neighborhood you choose is just as important as the home you buy. Let’s explore five lifestyle fits around St. Augustine so you can start to see which one feels most like home.
1. The Beach Life Enthusiast 🌊 (Anastasia Island – 32080)
If your perfect morning starts with a walk along the shoreline, Anastasia Island is where you’ll want to land.
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Vibe: Laid-back, coastal, flip-flop lifestyle.
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Highlights: Anastasia State Park, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, and endless seafood taco spots.
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Homes: Median listing price around $719,000, trending slightly down. Homes stay on the market about 90+ days.
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Things to Note: Some areas are in flood zones (higher insurance), and weekend traffic on A1A can be heavy.
👉 Best for those who want the beach woven into everyday life, not just weekends.
2. The Culture & Community Lover 🎨 (Lincolnville)
For those drawn to history, art, and authentic community, Lincolnville is the spot.
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Vibe: Porch-friendly, walkable, alive with live music and festivals.
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Homes: Range from the $400s to $1M+, often historic with character.
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Things to Note: Limited parking, tourist crowds, and some flood-prone streets.
👉 Best for buyers who want culture and connection at their doorstep.
3. The Flexible Freedom-Seeker 🚤 (St. Augustine South – 32086)
If you want space, privacy, and no HOA rules, head south.
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Vibe: Old-school neighborhood charm with wide, oak-lined streets.
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Homes: From the mid-$300s to nearly $1M on Shore Drive with riverfront views.
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Highlights: Boat ramps, larger lots, mature trees, and more freedom for projects.
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Things to Note: Homes are on septic systems, so maintenance is required.
👉 Best for those who want elbow room, boat parking, and flexibility.
4. The Structured Suburbanite 🏡 (World Golf Village – 32092)
Prefer resort-style living with amenities and schools nearby? World Golf Village delivers.
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Vibe: Family-focused, suburban, planned communities.
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Homes: Median price around $530K, with options from $400K–$900K+.
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Highlights: Golf, pools, tennis, trails, and A-rated schools.
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Things to Note: HOA + CDD fees add to the cost, and the beach is 30–40 minutes away.
👉 Best for families and retirees wanting structure, amenities, and community events.
5. The Privacy & Future Growth Seeker 🌱 (SilverLeaf & North of Airport)
If you’re looking at where St. Augustine is headed, not just where it’s been, SilverLeaf is worth watching.
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Vibe: New growth, suburban convenience, and investment potential.
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Homes: From the low $400s to $1M+ with new construction options.
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Highlights: Planned schools, shopping, and commercial growth nearby.
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Things to Note: No CDD fee — rare for such a large master-planned development.
👉 Best for those wanting new builds, land options, and long-term growth potential.
Financial & Lifestyle Realities
Living in St. Augustine blends history with modern convenience. But before you pack your bags, keep these realities in mind:
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Pros: No state income tax, slower pace, strong community feel.
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Cons: Hot summers, higher coastal insurance, and tourist traffic downtown.
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Market Trends: Homes are sitting longer on the market right now, giving buyers more room to negotiate.
Recap: Matching Lifestyle to Neighborhood
So, if I was moving to St. Augustine, here’s the truth:
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Want the beach every day? Anastasia Island.
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Want culture & walkability? Lincolnville.
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Want freedom & space? St. Augustine South.
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Want amenities & schools? World Golf Village.
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Want new growth potential? SilverLeaf.
Each area has its own rhythm. The key is finding the one that matches yours.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
St. Augustine isn’t just about buying a house — it’s about choosing a lifestyle. And the good news? With more homes on the market, now is the time to explore and be intentional about where you land.
👉 I’m Kim Devlin, a local Realtor in St. Augustine. My team helps buyers relocate with confidence — matching their lifestyle goals to the right neighborhood. Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to make the move, we’d love to help.
Reach out anytime — call, text, or email — and let’s find the right fit for your St. Augustine story.