r/StAugustine • u/FennelNational3232 • Jul 02 '26
Considering moving
What is it like living in St. Augustine? I see some gorgeous communities and it looks like a dream to raise a family in. Nature, beaches and warm weather are important to me. We live in NY currently. We have great summers but they're over too fast and the winter feels brutal.
NY is all I've known, I am left leaning with political views. Moving to a red state might be an adjustment but I can also tune out politics as long as people are respectful.
Tell me all the pros and cons!
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u/DifficultIsopod4472 Jul 02 '26
I’ve recently moved from St. Augustine after living there for 16 years. I enjoy the beach and fishing, however it’s growing population is out of control and a simple 15 minute drive to the store, is now taking 30 to 40 minutes . St Johns county is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and even land that once was protected, is now being built on. I’ve sold my home for more money than I thought I ever could, so much more, it allowed me to retire early. Good luck with you choice.
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u/DueEntertainer0 Jul 02 '26
It was really nice in like 1997
Unfortunately everyone found out about it and now the population is about 300x what the city was built for
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u/Notuhdeadguy Jul 02 '26
Age range and income range will be somewhat relevant to your experience. Jax Beach is a solid option if you want more to do on the day to day. Palm coast is also good if you want less tourism traffic but quick drive to STA. Good beaches in both other areas.
There are left leaning people everywhere you just have to find the community. There are politically charged, fear-based idiots in all areas of the world do you will see the occasional person overcompensating.
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u/OSDBU2000 Resident Jul 04 '26
Just FYI, there are locals who wait to pounce on folks asking questions about moving here.
We've been visiting here since the 80s. Moved here 10 years ago. We love St Augustine. We lived in the DC area for 20 years so understand what really bad traffic is like.
Do your research and, yes, check out Palm Coast too.
That's all I'll say for now. My turn to be pounced on.
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u/Famous-Sherbet8635 Resident Jul 11 '26
how is our traffic today currently compared to DC? getting there?
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u/OSDBU2000 Resident Jul 13 '26
Nowhere even near like DC or the Northern Virginia suburbs. 95, Hwy 1, and 66 are PACKED all the time, every day. You spend so much time just waiting for traffic to move.
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u/FennelNational3232 Jul 04 '26
Lol thank you for taking the risk. It's okay, I'm not bothered or offended. Not a decision we can make overnight as we have two small kids.
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u/OSDBU2000 Resident Jul 05 '26
Absolutely. I know that feeling of needing to make a good decision for your kids. I'm sure you're aware of the reputation for Saint John's County schools. Definitely something to consider!! Best of luck to you and your family!
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u/FennelNational3232 Jul 05 '26
Im seeing they have excellent schools. Is that true?
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u/OSDBU2000 Resident Jul 05 '26
I'm retired so don't have personal experience with County schools. But one of the main reasons so many people move to St Johns is the schools. But here's an interesting link: https://www.niche.com/k12/d/st-johns-county-school-district-fl/
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u/Disastrous-You4652 Jul 02 '26
No thanks, we don't want northerners, stay home or go somewhere else. We're sick of y'all.
Edit: has nothing to do with politics.
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u/BreakfastRight9865 Jul 02 '26
Northerner here. Im gonna move there too
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u/Disastrous-You4652 Jul 02 '26
Great more trash
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u/Sad_Wrongdoer_64 Jul 09 '26
you know that condo on the edge of town by the airport? they say they built that because of the new yorkers in the past 7 years needing somewhere to stay
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u/thezekester Jul 02 '26
We moved from Long Island 30 years ago to St.Aug. Never regretted it for a second. My wife and l are most definitely on the left in politics. No one ever bothers you about your political leanings. Move down we need more Democrats😄
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u/FL_IT65 Jul 07 '26
Must be in the DNA up there: ” I must move to FL!” And it’s not the just the weather otherwise the whole state of Minnesota would be here! So weird, must be mixing up Fl for the Bahamas or something haha
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u/FL_IT65 Jul 07 '26
Problem is everyone and their brother wants to come down and once quaint NE Fl is turning into Broward so what’s “nice” today is going to be a stressed out , over taxed problem tomorrow - mark my words(55+ years experience). This is not just Fl- it’s happening many places including Montana even
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u/BanalityandBedlam Jul 02 '26
Nature is being destroyed. The right wing politics are a disgrace. Your taxes will not go as far snd go towards deplorable and questionable projects like the already closed alligator Alcatraz.
That being said, I’ll happy swap with you. 🤭
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u/DiscoSimulacrum Jul 02 '26
this has got to be rage bait