Moving to St. Augustine, FL: The Relocation Guide

Neighborhoods, schools, costs and how to buy from out of state, from a local Realtor who sells here every day.

Thinking about moving to St. Augustine? The nation’s oldest city, founded in 1565, mixes a historic downtown with beaches, golf communities and fast-growing master-planned neighborhoods. Here is what newcomers want to know. Talk to Tanya about moving to St. Augustine.

Is St. Augustine a Good Place to Move? Quick Answer

For many people, yes. St. Augustine and St. Johns County offer beaches, a historic downtown, highly rated public schools, no state income tax in Florida, and a wide range of neighborhoods, from walkable historic streets to gated golf communities and 55+ communities. Trade-offs include summer heat and humidity, hurricane season, higher insurance costs near the coast, and growing traffic. Jacksonville’s airport is roughly an hour north.

Popular St. Augustine Areas

Historic downtown and Lincolnville	Walkable streets, older homes, restaurants and festivals
St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island	Beach living and vacation homes
World Golf Village, SilverLeaf, Shearwater	Newer master-planned and golf communities
Palencia	Golf, marsh views, close to US-1 and I-95
Nocatee and Ponte Vedra	Amenity-rich communities between St. Augustine and Jacksonville
55+ communities	Active adult options across St. Johns County

Cost of Living and Taxes

Florida has no state income tax. Property taxes depend on the home’s assessed value and local millage, and the homestead exemption lowers taxes on a primary residence. Many newer communities also have HOA and CDD assessments, and homeowners and flood insurance can be significant near the water. Budget for all of it before you choose a neighborhood.

Schools

St. Johns County School District is consistently among the top-rated districts in Florida. Zoning can change as new schools open, so confirm the assigned schools for any address. See our St. Johns County school zones guide.

Weather and Hurricanes

Expect mild winters and hot, humid summers. Hurricane season runs June through November. Ask about flood zones, roof age and wind mitigation when you buy, since they affect insurance costs.

Buying From Out of State

Get pre-approved with a Florida lender.
Tour by video with Tanya, then plan an in-person trip for your top choices.
Close remotely with a mobile notary or remote online notarization if you cannot be here.

Get Help With Your Move to St. Augustine

Tell Tanya what you are looking for and she will send you matching homes, neighborhood advice and a plan for your move.

How Can We Help You?

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Why Buyers Work With Tanya Cosmini

Tanya Cosmini is a Realtor with Realty ONE Group Elevate, serving Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee and the rest of Northeast Florida. On Homes.com she shows 83 closed sales totaling $41.8 million over the prior five years and a 5.0-star rating from 22 reviews, and she holds the CLHMS, ABR and MRP designations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is St. Augustine from Jacksonville?

Downtown Jacksonville is about 40 miles north; the airport is roughly an hour away.

Is St. Augustine expensive?

Prices vary widely, from inland neighborhoods to oceanfront homes. Tanya can show you options at every budget.

Can I buy a home without visiting?

Yes. Many buyers tour by video and close remotely.

Explore St. Augustine Neighborhoods

Information from public sources as of November 2026 and subject to change. Verify details independently before you buy. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Our Family of Companies

Realty ONE Group Elevate, a full-service real estate brokerage with offices in Jacksonville and St. Augustine
Title Company of Florida, title insurance, escrow, and closings statewide, with a $299 settlement fee for veterans, active duty military and first responders
Rental Property Partners, property management in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra

Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.