In addition to the St. Johns County School District, ranked in the top 10 districts in the U.S. by Forbes magazine, families have plenty of reasons to make St. Augustine their home. It was named the overall best Florida city to live in by Money magazine for its quality of life, amenities such as beaches and parks, and its walkability. A strong economic development trend, employment growth and short commute times are enjoyed by workers, while those who are retired or about to be count the lack of state income taxes, the mild weather, and the services of the Mayo Clinic in nearby Jacksonville as a few of the many great reasons to make the move to St. Augustine.
Jacksonville’s proximity to St. Johns County gives you even more choices in things to do and places to see. Family-friendly attractions include the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on the banks of the St. Johns River, sporting events such as Jacksonville Jaguars football and minor league baseball games, The Museum of Science and History, indoor play areas and much more.
Transportation is a plus as well, with the nearby St. Augustine/St. Johns County Airport and Jacksonville International Airport making it easy to travel.
In North America’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement, the past is always present. Although St. Augustine, also known as the Ancient City, was founded more than four centuries ago, many important historical sites and landmarks remain. Local historic attractions include the Oldest House, which dates from the early 1700s; the Spanish Military Hospital Museum; and Castillo de San Marcos, a national monument and the only standing 17th-century military construction. The fort is on a 20+ acre national park that attracts thousands of visitors each year for its tours and live reenactments.
St. Augustine is in a subtropical region that enjoys plenty of sunny weather and coastal breezes throughout the year. Add an abundance of waterways, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean, plus preserved natural areas, and you can find outdoor fun nearly every day of the year. Some of local residents’ and visitors’ favorite activities include a day on the five-mile beach at Anastasia Park, offshore fishing, pier fishing, kayaking, sailing, surfing and more. If you and your family enjoy golf, you’ll be at the center of the sport in the St. Augustine area. The Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass, with its infamous 17th hole, is just up the road in Ponte Vedra, and the World Golf Hall of Fame is close by. Northeast Florida has an abundance of public, semi-private and private courses, so you can play your way from Palm Coast to Amelia Island with no two courses alike.
St. Augustine has drawn artists and art patrons to its unique cultural scene for decades. It’s a true haven for writers, photographers, performers, and artists in every medium, who have plenty of opportunities to share their work in galleries, shops, theaters, concert venues, and more. St. Augustine also plays host to festivals throughout the year, including the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival, a family-friendly event with fresh local seafood, arts and crafts, and music; a Taste of St. Augustine, a premier food festival with more than 20 area restaurants serving their specialties; and the Night of Lights, an extraordinary holiday light display that runs from mid-November through the end of January each year.
Whether brand-name outlets or upscale resort boutiques are your destinations, the St. Augustine area has these shopping choices, plus everything in between. Historic St. George Street in the heart of the historic district is a great spot for strolling unique shops that offer everything from art and antiques, to one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry. When it’s time to eat, St. Augustine’s diverse influences from around the world come together in the city’s restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. Pull up a stool at a casual waterside seafood spot and watch the boats come in, or make a reservation at one of the area’s renowned fine dining restaurants. After dark, St. Augustine offers some of the area’s best and most varied nightlife, including live entertainment in all types of pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Whether you are ready to move tomorrow or dreaming of choosing every detail for your new home to build, SEDA New Homes has your next address. Contact us to schedule a tour of any of our communities.
