Living Like A Local in St. Augustine
Want to know some tips to living like a local in St. Augustine, Well that is what we are talking about today, so stay tuned.
Hi there, welcome to my channel, Your Key to st. Augustine Living, I’m Kim Devlin. If you are interested in learning more about life and real estate in St. Augustine then click that subscribe button and bell for notifications so you don’t miss my future videos.
If you are new to the area, welcome to the “Nation’s Oldest City”! We are a small drinking town with a fishing problem….
Just Kidding we are a lot more than that.
Getting settled into a new community can take some time, but you are destined to find your niche in this diverse little town so here are some tips on “Living Like A Local” in St. Augustine!
Know the Bridge of Lions schedule!
Whether for work or play, if you are traveling between the historic downtown area and Anastasia Island you will be crossing the famous “Bridge of Lions”, a beautiful draw bridge that rises when a boat requests and opening from 7am to 6pm (on the hour and ½ hour. It will not open on weekdays at 8am, 12pm, and 5pm. Be aware of the time you leave and when you need to get to your destination, so you avoid getting stuck in the backup. And even when you know the timetable, be prepared to get stuck anyways. Luckily, it will most likely be a beautiful day, so throw that car in park and roll down your windows!
Get a beach pass
If you have a 4×4 vehicle, one of the best investments you can make is an annual beach drive-on pass. For only $50 per year you will receive a sticker to enter at multiple drive-on beach ramps and can cruise several miles along the coast to find the perfect spot to set up camp. This is especially helpful in the spring and summer, when tourist season is at its peak because the public parking areas can fill up quickly.
Avoid the Crowds
Speaking of tourists… This town is a hot destination for beachgoers, history buffs, and regional events. We have a full town in March for spring break, a busy summer season from June to August, and a jam packed holiday season as folks visit for the Nights of Lights from November to January. The locals all know to make their plans in the slower months to avoid the crowds. Speaking of slower months, September tends to be one and as a St. Johns County resident you get to enjoy special perks and discounts for enjoying the sights and activities in town so be sure to take advantage of that.
Support Your Locals
St. Augustine is full of amazing homegrown businesses. From taco shops to breweries to boutiques, you can eat, drink and be fabulous while avoiding franchises and big-brand box stores. Many local businesses offer resident discounts and returning customer rewards, so be sure to ask about that punch card!
Another great way to meet new friends and discover new places is to get involved with local groups and charities. From beach clean ups to pirate parties, there are many opportunities to network with your new neighbors and find the hidden gems that the tourists miss.
Take It Easy
St. Augustine is a bustling town that has seen major growth in the past few years. But the best part about living here is enjoying here so take advantage of the outdoors, beaches, live music, events and the easy Florida lifestyle. Our traffic is light compared to other cities, our winters are mild, and our community is friendly. Leave the stress of the big city behind and embrace the beach life!
I hope this video gave you some helpful tips, if it did, do me a favor and give it a thumbs up. Never hesitate to reach out with any questions my email is [email protected] and phone is 904.747.0183. If you are thinking about moving here I’ve provided instant access to my relocation guide, just click the link below
You may also want to watch my next video 5 things you should know if moving to St. Augustine.
I appreciate i you tuning in and I’ll catch you on the next one.
