A coastal community south of Saint Augustine
Sitting on the Atlantic Coast of Anastasia Island, Saint Augustine Beach is a destination for people looking to spend time on the sand and in the water. But it’s also a place where the fun times do not end when fall and winter arrive. “It is a beach town that has all of the things you would want to live somewhere full-time,” says Greg McCarthy, a broker associate with Endless Summer Realty. “A lot of other beach towns in Florida are seasonal. Yeah, you have the beach and the stuff close to it, but that is where it ends. Here, there are things year-round.”
New Traditional and Mediterranean-inspired homes
The neighborhood’s streets are dotted with palm trees and other tropical plant life. Though sidewalks only run down main roads, walking and biking are common ways to get around the community, as beach access and other amenities are close. Compared to other parts of Florida, the neighborhood gets cooler in the winter, giving residents a taste of the seasons. Housing styles are mixed, but New Traditional and Mediterranean-influenced homes are typical. Three-bedroom homes can range from $550,000 to $1.3 million, while four- and five-bedroom homes can range from $600,000 to $3 million. Condos and townhomes usually range from $275,000 to $900,000. The neighborhood has its own police department and government, and McCarthy says the administration is good about keeping everything running efficiently.
Cast a line off the Saint Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier
The northern section of the community’s beaches does not allow vehicles, but starting around A Street and heading south, driving on the beach is permitted. Ocean Hammock Park lets beachgoers walk through a wetland area filled with wildlife before sitting in the sand. The Saint Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier is a hotspot for fishing, beach volleyball and surfing. The Saint Augustine YMCA has outdoor and indoor basketball courts, and Ron Parker Park has tennis and pickleball courts, plus a fully shaded playground. Just north of the community, the Saint Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers a panoramic view of the region from the top of its 219 steps, while Saint Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park has been putting on wildlife shows for more than a century.
Beachcomber has tables on the sand
Winn-Dixie and Publix Super Market provide groceries. At Beachcomber, guests can eat burgers and tacos with their feet in the sand. The World Famous Oasis Deck & Restaurant has a setting primed for sports-watching, as 30 TVs line the walls. Sunset Grille opened in 1990 and continues to serve its brand of island-inspired dishes. Terra & Acqua treats customers to authentic Northern Italian cuisine in an upscale environment. Marshalls and Bealls retail stores are a short drive away via State Road 312. People searching for higher-end clothing can head about 12 miles away to Saint Augustine Premium Outlets, anchored by Michael Kors, Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren.
The A1A Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway brings changes in latitudes
The neighborhood is close to A1A Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, which leads north to Saint Augustine and south to Palm Coast. Downtown Saint Augustine is about 5 miles away. Traffic can increase during the holiday season, and the Bridge of Lions leading into the city is raised every 30 minutes to let boats pass, stopping land traffic. UF Health Flagler Hospital is about 5 miles away, and Jacksonville International Airport is about 65 miles away.
Saint Augustine's Nights of Lights make the holiday season glow
Downtown Saint Augustine transforms each November through January during the city’s Nights of Lights celebration, when about 3 million lights are hung in the streets. At nearby Saint Augustine Amphitheatre, musicians and comedians take the stage to crowds of about 4,000 people.
Saint Augustine High School teams with the Saint Johns County Sheriff's Office
Students are served by the Saint Johns County School District, which is ranked by Niche as the third-best district in Florida. Students can attend R.B. Hunt Elementary School, which has an A Niche grade. Sebastian Middle School has an A- Niche grade. Saint Augustine High School, which has a B+ Niche grade, offers students the chance to enroll in its Academy of Law and Homeland Security, which it offers in collaboration with the Saint Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
