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City of St. Augustine ( St. Johns County )

 

St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement

in the continental United States, rich in history and charm. Located in northeastern Florida
on the Atlantic coast, the city offers a unique blend of historical significance, cultural
attractions, and scenic beauty.

1. Historical Significance
  • Founded: St. Augustine was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. It predates Jamestown, Virginia, and Plymouth, Massachusetts, by several decades.
  • Historical Sites: The city’s historic district is filled with preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort built in the late 17th century to defend the city.
2. Architecture and Landmarks
  • Castillo de San Marcos: This historic fort is a prominent landmark and the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. It offers tours and reenactments and provides stunning views of the city and the harbor.
  • Flagler College: Originally built as the Hotel Ponce de León by industrialist Henry Flagler, this stunning Spanish Renaissance-style building is now a private liberal arts college. Its ornate architecture and beautiful interiors are open for guided tours.
  • Lightner Museum: Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, this museum showcases a vast collection of 19th-century art and artifacts.
3. Historic District
  • St. George Street: This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and attractions. It’s a focal point for exploring the city’s rich past.
  • Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: A small but notable historical building that highlights early education in the city.
4. Cultural Attractions
  • Museums: In addition to the Lightner Museum, St. Augustine features other cultural institutions like the Colonial Quarter, which offers interactive experiences of life in colonial times, and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
  • Art Galleries: The city has a thriving art scene with various galleries and studios showcasing local and regional artists.
5. Beaches and Outdoor Activities
  • Beaches: St. Augustine offers beautiful beaches like St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park Beach. These areas are great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
  • Parks: Anastasia State Park is a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring coastal ecosystems.
6. Festivals and Events
  • Nights of Lights: During the holiday season, the city is adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.
  • Spanish Heritage Festival: Celebrates St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage with music, food, and cultural activities.
7. Dining and Shopping
  • Restaurants: St. Augustine offers a range of dining options, from seafood and Spanish cuisine to contemporary American fare. The historic district has numerous charming cafes and bistros.
  • Shopping: The city features a variety of boutique shops, antique stores, and artisan markets, particularly along St. George Street and the surrounding area.
8. Education and Community
  • Flagler College: A private liberal arts college with a strong reputation, contributing to the educational and cultural environment of the city.
  • Historic Preservation: The city is committed to preserving its rich history, with various preservation efforts and historical organizations dedicated to maintaining its heritage.
Population
  • Population (2023): 15,596
  • Population Change (2010-2020): Approximately 10% Increase
  • Median Age (2023): 48
  • Married Population (2023): 44%
  • Median Household Income (2022): $72,806
  • Per Capita Income (2023): $42,903
  • Homeowners compared to Renters (2022): Homeowners – 66%, Renters – 34%
  • Poverty (2022): 12.6%, higher than the US national average of 11.5%
Demographics (2022)
  • White Non-Hispanic: 81%
  • Black Non-Hispanic: 4.8%
  • White Hispanic: 4.3%
  • Multiracial Non-Hispanic: 3.5%
Average
Age
(2021)		Residents
over 65
(2023)		Residents
under 18
(2023)		Female
Female
residents
(2023)		Male Male
Male
residents
(2023)
Median Listing
Home Price
(12/25)		Median Home
price per sq ft
(12/25)		Median Home
Sale Price
(12/25)		Median
Rent
(02/26)		5 yr. Price change
(‘19 - 11‘24)
46.226.2% 55.8%44.2%44.2%600K $4000528K$2,250+90%
( Prices only reflect dates specified )
Notable Neighborhoods:

 

Vilano Beach –

Vilano Beach is a quiet coastal community and is part of the St. Augustine area. Popular with locals, it is just northeast of downtown St. Augustine. Vilano Beach has an Art Deco charm and is known for its retro pier and sandy shoreline. Many million-dollar homes are found in Vilano Beach.

Tax:
  • Property Tax Rate (2023): 0.88% of a property’s fair assessed value
  • Combined County and State Sales Tax (2023): 7.5%
Cost of Living:
  • Cost of Living (2021): 10% Higher than the US national average
  • Cost of Living compared to the US national average (2023): Slightly Higher
  • Cost of Food compared to the US national average (2023): Approximately the same
  • Cost of Housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
  • Cost of Transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 13% Lower
  • Cost of Healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 14% Lower
  • Cost of Utilities compared to the US national average (2023): Approximately the same
Political Affiliation 2024 Election Results ( St. Johns County ):
  • Republicans: 65%
  • Democrat: 34%
  • Other: 1%
Largest Industry
  • Accommodation and Food / Retail Trade
    School Ratings

    St. Augustine has 14 public schools with a good or higher rating as per Great Schools.

    Coastal: No

    79.9 F / Average Low 62.4 F

    Fun Facts

    St. Augustine has the narrowest street in America: Treasury Street. The street connected the Royal Spanish Treasury to the shipping docks. It was deliberately made to be only 7 feet wide to make it too difficult for thieves to carry chests of gold stolen from the treasury.

    Location and Amenities:
    • Commute to Work Time: 19 min. Compared to the US national average of 26.9 min.
    • I-95: 11 miles (17 min)
    • Jacksonville International Airport: 50.6 miles (53 min)
    • Downtown Jacksonville: 40.2 miles (43 min)
    • Flagler Hospital: Has been named one of the 50 best hospitals in the US
    • Flagler College
    • University of St. Augustine for Health and Sciences
    • St. George Street: In the heart of Old City with buildings dating back to the Spanish period. Unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums fill the area.
    • St. Augustine Alligator Farm: Live alligators, Komodo dragons, crocodiles, giant tortoises, exotic birds
    • Old City Farmers Market: Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A South, the market is popular among residents and runs every Saturday.
    • St. Augustine Premium Outlet Mall: Over 80 stores with an extensive selection of designer and brand-name retailers.
    • Butterfield Garage Art Gallery: An artist-run gallery that hosts special events or talks where the public can meet the artists and discuss their work.
Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use.

 
County (Tourist / Transient) Tax YES5%
Property Inspection NO–
Land use permit YES–
Restrictions YES*see below
Restrictions:
  • Maximum occupancy: 2 people per bedroom with a total occupancy of twelve (12) people
  • Parking: Each rental unit shall offer one (1) parking space per bedroom for rent
  • RS – 1 & RS – 2 Zoning: May be rented for periods of one (1) week or longer, however, nightly rentals are not permitted.
    * For zoning map visit citystaug.com