If you are dreaming about moving to St. Augustine Florida and waking up close to the ocean, St. Augustine Beach offers a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and genuinely local.
While it looks small on a map, this coastal area on Anastasia Island is made up of neighborhoods with distinct personalities, long time residents, and a rhythm of life that goes far beyond tourism.
Life on Anastasia Island: What Relocating Buyers Should Know
Living on Anastasia Island means the Atlantic Ocean is on one side, the Intracoastal Waterway is on the other, and historic downtown
St. Augustine Florida is just minutes away. Many residents bike instead of drive, especially for coffee runs, beach access, or dinners near A1A.
For people researching living in Florida pros and cons, the pros here include walkability, coastal breezes, and a strong sense of community.
Parking can be tight near the beach, but locals adjust their routines and enjoy a calmer pace that makes living in St. Augustine Florida feel rewarding.
If you are comparing areas like St. Augustine FL, Palm Coast, and beach communities, focus on your daily routine.
Do you want walkability, larger lots, or quick beach access?
5 St. Augustine Beach Neighborhoods Locals Love
These neighborhoods are not cookie cutter developments. They are established, full of charm, and each offers its own personality for buyers moving to St. Augustine FL.
1) Woodland Estates | Quiet Streets and Larger Lots in St. Augustine Beach
Woodland Estates is a peaceful residential neighborhood located just off 16th Street in St. Augustine Beach, making it a favorite for buyers seeking privacy while still enjoying coastal living. Homes here were primarily built in the 1980s and 1990s and sit on larger lots than most beach communities, which is appealing for those moving to St. Augustine Florida who want space for gardens, pools, or boats. With no HOA, residents enjoy flexibility and long term stability, making this neighborhood ideal for full time living. For buyers exploring St. Augustine real estate, Woodland Estates offers a quiet, local feel that balances convenience with calm island living.
- Larger lots compared to most beach neighborhoods
- No HOA restrictions
- Strong long term community feel
2) Ocean Woods | Walkable Beach Living with a Local Feel
Ocean Woods is an established St. Augustine Beach neighborhood located closer to the ocean, offering residents easy walking and biking access to the beach. The homes here feature a mix of 1980s and 1990s coastal designs, many of which have been thoughtfully updated with modern finishes while maintaining their beach charm. Unlike tourist driven areas, Ocean Woods feels lived in and community oriented, making it attractive for buyers focused on living in St. Augustine Florida year round. For those moving to St. Augustine FL and wanting beach proximity without a resort atmosphere, Ocean Woods delivers a relaxed and authentic coastal lifestyle.
3) Chautauqua Beach | Upscale Coastal Homes Without HOA Restrictions
Chautauqua Beach is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in St. Augustine Beach, stretching from 1st Street to 11th Street and offering walkable access to the ocean. This area features newer construction alongside custom coastal homes with open layouts, rooftop decks, and elevated designs that capture ocean breezes. With no HOA, Chautauqua Beach appeals to buyers relocating from out of state who want modern coastal living without restrictive rules. If you are searching St. Augustine homes for sale and want a polished yet relaxed neighborhood, Chautauqua Beach consistently stands out.
4) Ocean Oaks | Character Filled Homes and Mature Landscaping
Ocean Oaks is a charming neighborhood off A Street in St. Augustine Florida, known for its wide streets, mature oak trees, and variety of architectural styles. Homes range from 1970s Florida ranches to beautifully renovated coastal properties with porches, metal roofs, and fresh coastal colors. The neighborhood has a relaxed and established feel that attracts buyers who value individuality over uniform design. For those comparing living in Florida pros and cons, Ocean Oaks offers character, community, and a true sense of home near the beach.
5) Coquina Gables | Walkable Beach Town Living in St. Augustine Beach
Coquina Gables is considered the heart of St. Augustine Beach, running from A Street to F Street and from A1A all the way to the ocean. This highly walkable neighborhood features beach bungalows, mid century block homes, and custom new builds, all surrounded by coffee shops, surf stores, and local restaurants. The laid back energy and strong community presence make it especially appealing for buyers moving to St. Augustine Florida who want a true beach town lifestyle. For anyone researching St. Augustine Florida living, Coquina Gables represents one of the best examples of coastal community living.
Quick question: If you were relocating to St. Augustine Beach, which neighborhood fits your lifestyle best?
- Quiet and shaded with larger lots like Woodland Estates
- Casual old Florida charm like Woodlands
- Character and variety like Ocean Oaks
- Upscale walkable coastal living like Chautauqua Beach
- Beach town energy and walkability like Coquina Gables
Short Term Rentals, Vacation Rentals, and Local Rules
Many buyers ask about vacation rentals and florida vacation rentals before purchasing. The City of St. Augustine Beach allows short term rentals under 30 days, but licenses are limited and difficult to obtain.
If you are buying as an investment, your best bet may be purchasing a home with an existing license that can transfer to new owners, buying in commercial zoning, or choosing a condo. Each zoning area can differ, so verify details with the City Planning Department before buying.
Understanding rental rules is a major part of St. Augustine real estate research, especially for relocating buyers comparing coastal areas. When evaluating pros and cons of florida, local zoning is one of the details that can change your plan fast.
What Daily Life Really Feels Like in St. Augustine Beach
Life here follows a relaxed coastal rhythm. Mornings often begin with beach walks, bike rides along A1A, or a paddleboard session before work. Wednesdays bring the St. Augustine Beach Pier Farmers Market where locals gather for produce, handmade goods, music, and community.
Afternoons might include yoga near the pier or lunch at a local favorite like Cafe Eleven. Weekends slow down even more with backyard gatherings, sunset walks, and time spent outdoors. This balance is a big reason many consider it among the best things about living in florida.
If you are weighing living in florida pros and cons, this area stands out for how much of life happens outside, how walkable the beach lifestyle can be, and how quickly you can reach historic downtown st augustine florida.
"If you are looking for an EXCELLENT realtor to either buy or sell in the St. Augustine/Palm Coast area, Kim Devlin is your person. Her knowledge of the area and market and her outstanding attention to every detail goes above and beyond. She is the best realtor we have ever worked with buying and selling our 3 homes. Her positive, bubbly personality also makes her a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her as one of the best realtors in St. Augustine!!" - Dale T.
Ready to Explore St. Augustine Beach Homes for Sale?
If you are exploring St. Augustine real estate, comparing beach neighborhoods, or looking at nearby options like Vilano Beach real estate or Palm Coast, local guidance makes the process easier.
Contact Kim Devlin, your local St. Augustine realtor, to talk through neighborhoods, lifestyle, and what to expect when buying near the coast.
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