Hastings

Hastings

Located in St. Johns County

$251,978 Average Value
$223 Average Price per Sq Ft
54 Homes For Sale

Hastings offers a smalltown feel with access to the river and the beach

Hastings is a charming agricultural community near the St. Johns River between Palatka and Saint Augustine. The river provides the fertile ground for a community that has dubbed itself the “Potato Capital of the World.” Potatoes, cabbage and ornamental horticulture remain the foundation of the economy, and an annual festival celebrates the community’s roots. “It’s just a small, quaint place,” says James Caputo of Search Team Realty, who lives in nearby Flagler Estates. “If you like a hometown feel, that’s Hastings.” This slow-paced destination offers laidback living and plenty of rural recreation, yet the Atlantic coast is less than 30 minutes away. “You’re kind of in-between the river and the beach,” Caputo says, “so you’ve got boating and fishing and all of that.”

Homes on acres of land are abundant in Hastings.
Homes on acres of land are abundant in Hastings.
Country Line has dealing fresh veggies to the community of Hastings for 59 years.
Country Line has dealing fresh veggies to the community of Hastings for 59 years.
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Non-HOA homes offer affordability and space

An eclectic mix of non-HOA housing can be found along quiet streets shaded by a mix of palms and mature trees draped in Spanish moss. Established options include cozy bungalows and cottage-style homes as well as midcentury ranch-style designs. Contemporary homes built in the 2000s feature driveways and attached garages. Large homes on spacious lots can be found in outlying areas. New construction features small homes built with first-time buyers in mind. These compact, two-bedroom designs offer between 700 and 900 square feet and are available with no money down through USDA financing. Caputo says affordability makes Hastings popular. “You’re farther from convenience, but you’re getting the same product and it’s cheaper with more land.” Home prices typically range from the high $100,000s to around $300,000, although larger homes can range from the mid-$500,000s to more than $800,000. The community is far enough from the coast that flooding is only a moderate risk during hurricane season, but wind damage is a much higher risk from June through November.

Hastings is a tight knit community of just over 600 people.
Hastings is a tight knit community of just over 600 people.
Many cottages have been renovated from their original form in Hastings.
Many cottages have been renovated from their original form in Hastings.
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St. Johns River, equestrian center are recreational destinations

Residents have access to the St. Johns River via Deep Creek. The State Road 207 bridge is a popular place to launch kayaks and float through a conservation area to the river. There are several nearby boat launches, including Boathouse Riverfront Park. A premier destination in Palatka, the park features a marina and a launch for boats and smaller watercraft. The river is nationally known for its largemouth bass fishing, and Riverfront Park hosts the annual Bassmasters Elite tournament. Hastings is home to the St. Johns Equestrian Center, which offers horseback riding and children’s play areas. A community center there can be rented for special events. The amenities-filled Al Wilke Park is the center of athletic activity. Nearby attractions include St. Johns Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, which offers a relaxing environment and more children’s activities. The waterfront attractions of Saint Augustine, which include several public beaches, are within 20 miles of the community.

Watch the sunset on the St Johns River in Palatka.
Watch the sunset on the St Johns River in Palatka.
Drop in your kayak at Deep Creek Boat Ramp for a day on the water in Hastings.
Drop in your kayak at Deep Creek Boat Ramp for a day on the water in Hastings.
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Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival is a signature event

Main Street hosts the Annual Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival, which began in 2024 as a contemporary version of the former Taste of Hastings. A brunch tasting and a four-course, chef-created dinner are culinary highlights of the signature event. The two-day festivities now include a Miss Potato Queen pageant, 5K and 10K Spud Runs, a lawn mower parade and lawn mower races. “It’s been a smaller festival, but there was a good turnout last year. It was one of the better I have seen, and it was nice weekend,” Caputo says. “It’s growing in popularity, and now that there are more people out here, I’d argue it’s just going to get better.” The St. Johns County Fairgrounds is a nearby venue that hosts everything from rodeos to dog shows to disc golf tournaments.

Hastings is calling you to the Annual Boulevard Car Show.
Hastings is calling you to the Annual Boulevard Car Show.
Stop by the food truck which used the James Ranch's beef for their sloppy joe buns.
Stop by the food truck which used the James Ranch's beef for their sloppy joe buns.
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Restaurants and coffee shops on Main Street

Dining options are concentrated along Main Street. Norma D’s is a highly-rated restaurant that serves up homestyle comfort food, and Main Street Pizza is another popular stop. “They’re starting to work on the downtown area,” Caputo says. “They’re putting more shops in. They’re getting a Dunkin’ Donuts, and they just got a new coffee shop.” Hastings Coffee Co. was established about a year ago and has gotten rave reviews. The county is putting its stamp on the community’s growth. “They just started building a library on Main Street,” Caputo says. The library is part of a project that includes a community center and health and human services annex. It is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. County Line Produce is a Hastings institution that sells products grown on local farms. Waterfront restaurants are featured among Palatka’s many dining destinations. Publix and Walmart in Palatka are the closest big-box retailers.

Norma D's in Hastings serves up the best rueben in town.
Norma D's in Hastings serves up the best rueben in town.
Gator Parts & Sales is ready to help you with your next DIY project in Hastings.
Gator Parts & Sales is ready to help you with your next DIY project in Hastings.
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Students can attend well-rated county schools

Younger students can attend South Woods Elementary School, B-rated by Niche, and Gamble Rogers Middle School, rated A-minus. Older students can attend Pedro Menendez High, a B-rated International Baccalaureate school that features business, health and architectural design academies.

South Woods Elementary School is still expanding.
South Woods Elementary School is still expanding.
Gamble Rodgers Middle School is home to students from all over Butler and Crescent Beaches.
Gamble Rodgers Middle School is home to students from all over Butler and Crescent Beaches.
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State road provides convenient access to Palatka, St. Augustine

State Road 207, which runs through the community, provides direct access to Palatka and HCA Florida Putnam Hospital about 10 miles west and Saint Augustine less than 20 miles east. State Road 206 connects to Interstate 95, which provides convenient travel to larger cities along the coast. Daytona Beach International is the closest commercial airport, about an hour away via I-95.

State Road 207 in Hastings gives you easy access to Palatka or the beach.
State Road 207 in Hastings gives you easy access to Palatka or the beach.
Head to the beach by using Interstate 20  from Palatka.
Head to the beach by using Interstate 20 from Palatka.
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Matt Pallister
Written By
Matt Pallister
Jade Meadows
Photography Contributed By
Jade Meadows

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Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Hastings