What St. Augustine Buyers Regret Most After Moving – And How to Avoid Their Mistakes
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with a few unexpected regrets. Living in St. Augustine is a dream for many, but some buyers realize too late that they didn’t do enough research before making the big move. As a Realtor in St. Augustine, I’ve seen first-hand the common pitfalls buyers face. Let’s dive into some of the biggest regrets people have after relocating here – and how you can avoid them!
1. Choosing the Wrong Location
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is selecting a home in the wrong area. St. Augustine spans a vast area, from the Atlantic Ocean to the St. Johns River, and the location of your new home can significantly impact yo
ur lifestyle. Some buyers assume that having a St. Augustine address means they’ll be close to the beach, only to discover that they’re actually 30 to 40 minutes away.
For example, Silverleaf is a highly desirable new community attracting many buyers with its modern homes and incentives. However, it’s about 40 to 50 minutes from St. Augustine Beach and actually closer to Ponte Vedra Beach’s Mickler’s Landing, which is still 30 minutes away. If proximity to the beach is important to you, searching by zip codes rather than just “St. Augustine” is a smart move.
👉 Pro Tip: Not sure which zip code fits your needs? Call me, and I’ll help you navigate the best areas for your lifestyle!
2. Buying Too Much (or Too Little) House
Another common regret? Buyers often choose a home based on family visits rather than their actual needs. I’ve had many clients purchase larger homes expecting frequent guests, only to realize that visitors don’t come as often as they thought. Maintaining a larger home can be costly and time-consuming.
I personally experienced this when I lived in New Hampshire. I bought a bigger house for family visits, but after a few years, they stopped coming as often. Instead of stretching your budget for extra space, consider creative solutions like Murphy beds, pull-out couches, or nearby hotels for guests.
👉 Pro Tip: Buy a home that works for you—not for occasional visitors!
3. Underestimating the Cost of Living
Many buyers assume that Florida is cheap, but St. Augustine’s cost of living is higher than expected—especially post-COVID. Property prices, insurance, and taxes have all risen. Those who buy in master-planned communities with CDD fees (Community Development District fees) often get sticker shock when their property taxes are reassessed in the new year.
Some builder representatives might not fully explain these costs when you visit model homes without a Realtor in St. Augustine. That’s where I come in—I help buyers understand all potential costs before they commit, ensuring there are no surprises later.
👉 Pro Tip: Always factor in property taxes, CDD fees, and HOA fees when budgeting for your new home.
4. Not Researching Traffic & Commute Times
Traffic in St. Augustine can be a major headache if you’re not prepared. I’ve heard from buyers who regret not visiting their prospective neighborhoods at different times of the day to gauge traffic and noise levels. If you have a daily commute, test the drive during rush hour before making a decision.
👉 Pro Tip: Drive through the area morning, afternoon, and evening to see how traffic flows.
5. Failing to Do Enough Research
The biggest regret reported by buyers? Not doing enough research before moving. Many people watch a few YouTube videos (which is a great start!) but don’t go the extra mile to visit neighborhoods in person or consult a local expert in St. Augustine real estate.
To truly understand if St. Augustine is the right place for you, you need to:
- Tour different neighborhoods
- Explore local amenities
- Talk to locals about their experience
- Work with a knowledgeable Realtor who knows the area
👉 Pro Tip: Download my St. Augustine and Palm Coast Relocation Guide to get a head start on your research!
Final Thoughts
Moving to St. Augustine, FL can be an amazing experience, but only if you take the time to make an informed decision. By avoiding these common mistakes—choosing the wrong location, buying too much house, underestimating costs, ignoring commute times, and skipping research—you can ensure a smoother transition and a happier home life.
Still have questions? Let’s chat! Contact me today and let’s find the perfect St. Augustine home for you.