Living in St. Augustine, FL: The Real Deal Guide

More Than a Tourist Town

You ever visit a place that just sticks with you? That’s St. Augustine, Florida.

It’s Spanish architecture and salty air. It’s cobblestone streets that lead you to live music and fresh fish tacos. One minute, you’re standing in front of a 300-year-old fort. The next, you’re barefoot on Anastasia Island watching the waves roll in.

But here’s the thing — living here is different than visiting for the weekend. The rhythm changes when St. Augustine becomes home. From buying groceries and navigating traffic to discovering hidden coffee shops, real life has its own flow.

If you’re considering a move, this isn’t just another postcard overview. This is the real St. Augustine — the parts you’ll love, the quirks you should know, and the neighborhoods that might feel like home.

Lifestyle: What Daily Life Really Looks Like

Life in St. Augustine isn’t just scenic. It’s layered, vibrant, and lived out in the details.

  • Mornings: Coffee from The Kookaburra, a stroll on the beach, or kayaking through the Salt Run.

  • Weekends: Browsing handmade goods at the Farmers Market, catching live music at Tradewinds, or enjoying wine and tapas in tucked-away spots.

  • History & Quirk: Castillo de San Marcos, the Colonial Quarter, and even the Pirate & Treasure Museum add character you don’t find everywhere.

  • Outdoors: Bike rides at Anastasia State Park, trails at GTM, or boating on the Intracoastal.

  • Food Scene: From St. Augustine Fish Camp’s datil-pepper favorites to Catch 27’s local seafood, dining here is a vibe all its own.

This is the kind of place where you don’t need to plan your weekends — you just decide what you’re in the mood for that morning.

Neighborhoods: Choosing Your St. Augustine Vibe

Where you live here shapes how you experience the city.

  • Historic City District: Walkable charm, older homes, personality everywhere.

  • Anastasia Island & Vilano Beach: Beach vibes, surf shops, and oceanfront living.

  • West of Intracoastal: Quiet, local favorite neighborhoods with easy access to shopping and less flood risk.

  • World Golf Village: Suburban, newer homes, golf courses, and schools — but farther from the beach.

  • Palencia & Bannon Lakes: Master-planned communities with resort-style amenities, great for families.

  • St. Johns River Area: Larger lots, water access, and off-the-beaten-path living.

Each neighborhood has its own personality — the key is finding the one that fits yours.

Daily Living: Essentials and Routines

Living here is about rhythm — the places you go every day.

  • Groceries: Publix, Winn-Dixie, and local favorites like Diane’s Natural Market. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are up in Ponte Vedra or Jacksonville.

  • Coffee Culture: The Kookaburra, DOS Coffee & Wine, plus a growing number of indie shops.

  • Staying Active: Yoga studios, CrossFit gyms, the YMCA, plus miles of trails and beach walks.

  • Healthcare: Flagler Hospital anchors local healthcare, with Baptist South and Ascension St. Vincent nearby. Jacksonville is close for specialists.

Errands here don’t take all day — most things are 20–30 minutes away, no matter the neighborhood.

Schools: A Big Draw for Families

St. Augustine is in St. Johns County, one of Florida’s top-rated school districts.

  • Public Schools: Highly rated, especially in Palencia, Murabella, and World Golf Village.

  • Charter & Magnet Programs: Options for families looking for specialized learning.

  • Private Schools: Faith-based and college-prep options.

  • Homeschooling: Supported by strong local networks.

Even if you don’t have kids, strong schools help maintain property values — a big plus for long-term investment.

Location: Small-Town Feel, Big-City Access

One of St. Augustine’s best-kept secrets is its location.

  • Jacksonville: Just 45 minutes north for airports, big shopping, and medical specialists.

  • Orlando & Daytona: A drive south brings world-class entertainment and attractions.

  • Local Living: Whether downtown, beachside, or inland, most essentials are never more than 30 minutes away.

You get the coastal lifestyle without feeling cut off.

Pros and Cons of Living in St. Augustine

Pros

  • No state income tax

  • Coastal living at a lower cost than many U.S. beach towns

  • Historic charm + modern amenities

  • Year-round outdoor lifestyle

  • Strong schools and family-friendly neighborhoods

Cons

  • Hot, humid summers

  • Seasonal tourist traffic downtown

  • Higher insurance costs near the coast

  • Older homes may require updates

  • Less nightlife compared to bigger cities

The Real Vibe of St. Augustine

St. Augustine is not perfect — but it’s real. It’s community-focused, coastal, historic, and quirky all at once. People smile at each other in the street. Neighbors wave. And while the summer humidity might test you, the sunsets, culture, and lifestyle often make it worth it.

It’s not a city for everyone. But for those looking for a slower pace, rich history, and a vibrant community — it might just be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Ready to Explore St. Augustine?

If you’re starting to picture yourself here — walking cobblestone streets, catching sunsets at Vilano, or settling into a neighborhood that feels like home — let’s talk.

👉 I’m Kim Devlin, local Realtor in St. Augustine, and I’ve helped countless families relocate here from all over the country. My job? To keep it real, answer your questions, and guide you through finding the neighborhood and home that fits your life.

Contact us today — whether you’re just starting to explore or ready to make the move, my team and I are here to help!