Relocating to St. Augustine, Florida
An honest guide from local Realtors.
Thinking about moving to St. Augustine? You're probably asking the same questions every relocating family asks. Will we actually like living there? Which area fits us? What should we know before we buy?
We're the Kim Devlin Team, Realtors with FIV Realty. We've helped hundreds of families relocate to and from St. Augustine. This page is where we'd start with you: an honest look at the area, the questions worth asking, and how we help you decide before you commit.
Is St. Augustine right for you? Start with these questions
The right move depends less on the house and more on the life around it. Before you start browsing listings, think through:
What does a normal Tuesday look like? Where do you work, shop, exercise, and spend your evenings? The best area for you is the one that makes ordinary days easy.
Beach, historic town, or planned community? St. Augustine offers all three, and each feels very different to live in.
How far are you willing to drive? Consider your commute, the airport, family visits, and the errands you'll run every week.
New construction or an established home? Each has trade-offs in price, timing, lot size, and community fees.
What's your comfort level with Florida realities? That means insurance, flood zones, and hurricane season. None of these should scare you off, but all of them should be part of the plan.
Where people live: a quick look at the area
Historic St. Augustine Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the nation's oldest continuously inhabited European-established city. Living near downtown means walkable streets, history, and a lively visitor scene.
St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island Island living just across the bridge from downtown, for buyers who want the ocean as part of daily life.
Northern St. Johns County Larger planned communities, including the Nocatee and Ponte Vedra area, with a more suburban feel and easier access toward Jacksonville.
Palm Coast About 30 miles south of St. Augustine in Flagler County, with a quieter pace and its own mix of neighborhoods.
Schools
For families with children, schools often decide where to look. In 2026, the Florida Department of Education's school accountability results ranked St. Johns County School District as the top school district in the state. School zones vary by address and can change as new schools open, so we'll help you confirm the assigned schools for any home you're considering.
What to plan for when you buy in Florida
Homeowners and flood insurance. Get insurance quotes early, before you're under contract, and check each home's flood zone.
Hurricane season. It runs from June 1 through November 30. A home's age, roof, and construction affect both safety and insurance costs.
HOA and CDD fees. Many newer St. Johns County communities have HOA fees, and some also have Community Development District (CDD) fees. Always factor both into your monthly budget.
No state income tax. Florida doesn't have a state personal income tax, which many relocating buyers take into account when comparing costs.
How we help you explore before you move
Explore from home. Watch our neighborhood and market videos on @yourkeytostaugustine, and download our St. Augustine Relocation Guide.
Tour homes your way. See homes in person or on video, along with the areas around them.
Plan a visit that shows real life. When you come to town, we'll help you see more than houses. You'll get a feel for the places you'd use every week, so you can decide with confidence.
"Kim gave me a well-rounded visit-a selfless endeavor on her behalf- thus securing a future St Augustine resident."
Selling a home somewhere else?
Many of our relocation clients are selling in another state while buying here. We help you plan the timing so both sides of your move work together.
Relocation FAQs
How do I know if St. Augustine is a good fit before I move?
Start by exploring from home through our YouTube channel and free relocation guide. Then plan a visit that includes more than house hunting: spend time in the areas you're considering and visit the places you'd use every week, like grocery stores, parks, and the library.
What's the difference between living in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and Palm Coast?
St. Augustine is the historic city and its surrounding beach communities. St. Johns County also includes large planned communities farther north toward Jacksonville. Palm Coast is about 30 miles south in Flagler County. Each offers a different pace and setting, and the right choice depends on how you want to live day to day.
What should I plan for when buying a home in Florida?
Plan for homeowners insurance, a property's flood zone and flood insurance needs, hurricane season from June 1 through November 30, and any HOA or CDD fees in newer communities. We help you look at these for each home you consider.
Can I sell my current home in another state while buying in St. Augustine?
Yes. Many of our clients sell in another state while buying here. We help you plan the timing so both sides of the move work together.
Start your move
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (904) 747-0183
Kim Devlin Team, FIV Realty. Kim Devlin, Realtor, License SL3384814. yourkeytostaugustine.com