Is St Augustine a good place to retire? 5 key things to consider
St Augustine, Florida is a charming and historic city that has been attracting retirees for years. Known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and mild climate, St Augustine offers a lot to seniors who are looking for a comfortable and fulfilling place to call home.
In this post, we’ll dive deeper into what makes St Augustine a great place to retire (and what doesn’t) and what you can expect if you choose to call this city your home.
Let’s start with the positives.
Pros of retiring in St Augustine
Warm climate
The first and most obvious reason why St Augustine is a great place to retire is its weather. With an average temperature of 72°F, this city has a warm and sunny climate that is perfect for outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy a comfortable and mild climate all year round, St Augustine is definitely worth considering.
The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, which makes it an ideal destination for retirees who are looking for a change of pace from the cold and snowy weather in other parts of the country.
Beautiful beaches
St Augustine is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and this is one of the reasons why it’s so popular among retirees. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, or you’re more adventurous and want to try your hand at water sports like surfing, kayaking, or fishing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in St Augustine.
With over 42 miles of beaches, there’s something for everyone in this coastal city. The city is also home to Anastasia State Park, which is one of the most popular state parks in Florida, and a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Rich history
If you’re a history buff, then St Augustine is the place for you. As the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, it has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 450 years. From the Castillo de San Marcos, which is the oldest fort in the country, to the stunning colonial architecture of the city’s Historic District, there are plenty of historical landmarks and sites to explore in St Augustine.
The city is also home to the Lightner Museum, which showcases the city’s cultural heritage through a collection of art and antiques, and the St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, which provides a glimpse into the city’s maritime history. Whether you’re interested in colonial history, the Civil War, or the Spanish influence on the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn and explore in St Augustine.
Affordable cost of living
Compared to other cities in Florida, the cost of living in St Augustine is relatively low. This makes it a great option for retirees who are on a fixed income. With its affordable housing, low taxes, and plenty of amenities, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement in St Augustine without breaking the bank.
The average cost of a home in St Augustine is around $250,000, which is significantly lower than in other cities in Florida.
Another plus in that Florida has no state tax.
Access to healthcare
Health and well-being are important considerations for anyone, especially when you’re retired. St Augustine has a well-developed healthcare system, with a number of top-rated hospitals and clinics. Whether you need routine check-ups or specialized medical care, you’ll be able to find what you need in St Augustine.
Flagler Hospital, for example, is a highly regarded healthcare facility that provides a wide range of medical services, including heart care, cancer care, and orthopedics. The city also has several top-rated assisted living and retirement communities, which provide a range of services and amenities to help seniors live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
Shopping
Being such a busy city with a mix of demographics, there is plenty of variety when it comes to shopping. You can find pretty much anything you’ll need without having to travel far.
Outdoor leisure
St Augustine is a beautiful city, and this is not only shown within it’s historic architecture but also in its outdoor parks. Home to Anastasia state park and Fort Moose historic state park along with other smaller parks such as St’ Francis, there are plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, fishing and camping.
Why St Augustine might not be a good place to retire
So we’ve looked at all the positives of retiring to St Augustine, what about the negatives?
Potential of flooding
Downtown St Augustine can be prone to flooding when storms happen. Locals say that when it floods the city have to take up manhole covers to drain the water which can lead to residents receiving extra charges on their ultilities.
A tourist trap
St Augustine is an attractive place for tourists, so can become busy in tourist season. You might find attractions like horse drawn carriages slowing down traffic and busy crowding.
Poverty rate
Despite its seemingly good economy, St Augustine has a slightly higher poverty rate than the national average.
What is the best area to live in St Augustine?
Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to consider when looking to retire in St Augustine:
- Davis Shores: This waterfront neighborhood is located just across the Bridge of Lions and is known for its beautiful views of the Matanzas River and historic downtown St. Augustine. It’s a great area for boating and fishing, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.
- Lincolnville: This historic neighborhood is located just south of downtown St. Augustine and is known for its beautiful Victorian homes and rich African American history. It’s home for lots of families, with plenty of parks and community events.
- Anastasia Island: This barrier island is located just south of St. Augustine and is home to some of the city’s best beaches, including Anastasia State Park. It’s a great area for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Vilano Beach: This coastal community is located just north of St. Augustine and is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe. It’s a great area for families, with plenty of parks and community events.
- Palencia: This master-planned community is located just northwest of St. Augustine and offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. It’s a great area for families, with plenty of amenities such as a golf course, tennis courts, and community pools.
- World Golf Village: This master-planned community is located just north of St. Augustine and offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. It’s a great area for golf enthusiasts, with two championship golf courses, a golf hall of fame, and plenty of golf-related events.
- The Cascades at World Golf Village: This gated 55+ community is located within World Golf Village and offers a variety of amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, and fitness center. It’s a great area for active seniors who enjoy socializing and staying active.
- St. Augustine Shores: This large community is located just south of St. Augustine and offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes and condominiums. It’s a great area for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities, with amenities such as a golf course, tennis courts, and walking trails.
- SeaGrove: This community is located on Anastasia Island and offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. It’s a great area for retirees who want to live near the beach and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle.
Should I retire in St Augustine?
To sum up, St Augustine is a great place to retire for lots of reasons. From its mild climate and beautiful beaches, to its rich history and affordable cost of living, there is something for everyone in this charming and historic city. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or just looking for a place where you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement, St Augustine has a lot to offer. With its well-developed healthcare system and plenty of amenities as well as many 55+ communities, you’ll likely be able to enjoy a high quality of life in this city.
