Moving To St. Augustine, FL: What You Need To Know

Moving To St. Augustine, FL: What You Need To Know

November 7th, 2025

Beautiful St. Augustine Florida is the oldest-continuously-inhabited European-established city in the US. Residents and tourists get access to world-class golf courses, beaches, nature, shopping, and cuisine.

Meanwhile, a robust economy in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, which is 20 minutes away, keeps unemployment low. Come enjoy great, active living in year round great weather!

Why People Are Moving to St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine’s Growing Economy and Job Market

The biggest economic sectors in St. Augustine are retail, education, and hospitality, while the largest industries in the Jacksonville metro area are retail, healthcare, social assistance, and hospitality.

The economy of Jacksonville itself is supported by a diverse array of sectors: distribution, financial services, biomedical technology, consumer goods, information services, manufacturing, insurance, and other industries.

The unemployment rate in St. Johns County was 3.5% as of May 2025, lower than the overall unemployment rate in Florida at the same time, which was 3.7%, and lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 4.2%.

According to the US Census, in 2023, the median individual income in St. Augustine was $54,822, while the median household income was $106,169.

Top Employers in St. Augustine & and Nearby Jacksonville

Bar graph of Top Employers in St. Augustine and Nearby Jacksonville by employee count

Source: St. Johns County Community Overview, 2025 – sjcfl.us

St. Augustine is the biggest city in St. Johns County, which is part of the Jacksonville metro area. The biggest employers in St. Johns County are the St. Johns County School District, UF Health St. Johns, the St. Johns County government, and Northrop Grumman, a multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

Bar graph of top employers in Jacksonville in 2025 by employee count

Source: jaxusa.org (2025)

Some of the largest employers in Jacksonville, FL include Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Duval County Public Schools, Baptist Health, UF Health, Mayo Clinic, and Amazon. These organizations support key sectors such as defense, education, healthcare, and logistics, which highlights the city’s diverse and stable job market.

Living Near Jacksonville

St. Augustine is just 20 minutes away from Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a city so rich in entertainment it’s hard to know where to begin. There are large-scale events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Springing the Blues, one of the largest and oldest blues festivals in the US. There are many museums, as well as a monthly outdoor art festival known as The Art Walk.

The city is a tour stop for many world-renowned musicians. The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts hosts touring Broadway shows, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and has a stage dedicated to small recitals and performances. If you’ve got the acting bug yourself, Jacksonville is home to many community theatres, including Theatre Jacksonville, one of the oldest continually producing community theater companies in the country.

There are many sports teams to cheer for in the city, including the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Icemen (hockey) and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (minor league baseball), offering fun, affordable games for families and sports fans alike. The city hosts the Florida-Georgia college football showdown yearly, known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” 

St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida and a popular destination for recreation. The city’s beautiful beaches, which locals call “The Beaches”, are a popular attraction as well. 

The city of Jacksonville is also known as a culinary destination and has many shopping attractions, including two fully enclosed malls and one “open-air” mall, the St. Johns Town Center.

St. Augustine, FL Weather and What to Expect

Climate comparison chart for Florida and St. Augustine

Florida gets a 6.8 out of 10 on BestPlaces.net Comfort Index. On average, Florida gets 55 inches of rain, zero inches of snow, and has 237 sunny days. The summer high is around 91°F  in July and the winter low is 49°F  in January.

St. Augustine, meanwhile, gets a 7.3 out of 10 on the BestPlaces Comfort Index. That half a point difference makes St. Augustine more comfortable than the rest of Florida even though the stats are near the same. On average, St. Augustine gets 51 inches of rain, zero inches of snow, and 223 sunny days. The summer high is 91°F in July, and the winter low is 45°F in January.

St. Augustine, like the rest of Florida, has an enjoyable, warm climate, which means you can enjoy beautiful beaches and the many attractions of North Florida year-round!

How Residents Stay Active in Shearwater Year-Round

Shearwater isn’t just a place to live — it’s a community designed for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and wellness seekers alike. From kayaking and hiking to community gardens and fitness spaces, residents enjoy a resort-style experience without ever leaving the neighborhood.

Kayak Club

With multiple gathering and event spaces, the Kayak Club is where our on-site lifestyle director plans events year-round. We know that the real Shearwater is the friends you make along the way, so we provide ample opportunities for new residents to make friends!

Fitness LodgeFitness Lodge

Conveniently located within walking distance of almost anywhere in the community, Shearwater’s Fitness Lodge offers all of the equipment you’ll need for your favorite workout routine. At the fitness lodge, you’ll find top-of-the-line cardio and strength-building equipment, including free weights and machines like stair steppers, treadmills, balance balls and TRX bands. There are also dedicated exercise rooms, personal trainers available on-site, and you can take a Wellbeats® virtual fitness class available on demand. It’s a convenient space to stay active, close to home.

Resort-Style Lagoon Pool 

The lagoon pool is where you’ll find The Perch, our three-story waterslide, along with plenty of areas to lounge. With a beach-style entry, the Lagoon Pool invites everyone to splash and play together. Ideal for lounging and socializing, it’s a perfect escape from the summer heat. Whether you’re swimming or simply soaking up the sun, our resort-style pool provides a luxurious experience for everyday living.

Multi-Lane Lap Pool 

A six-lane, competition-sized pool built for performance! For those looking to stay active, this multi-lane lap pool is perfect for swimming laps, daily workouts, and maintaining a fitness routine that fits your pace. It’s designed for both casual swimmers and dedicated athletes.

Lazy Bird River

Shearwater’s pool area is full of unexpected perks, but the true standout is the Lazy Bird River, a fun, winding, lazy river where you can kick back and enjoy the ride. Stretching 560 feet, it’s the longest lazy river in Northeast Florida. This winding waterway flows through lush landscaping and creates the perfect setting for a laid-back afternoon. Hop on a float, soak up the sun, and let the current carry your stress away. Along with the resort-style pool, multi-lane lap pool, and three-story waterslide, the Lazy Bird River completes a pool experience that feels more like a vacation than a typical day at home.

Har-Tru® Tennis Courts

Shearwater® has four Har-Tru® tennis courts. These green clay courts are made of a metabasalt,a type of metamorphic rock mined in Virginia. These courts are designed with player health in mind, they absorb more impact, reduce stress on joints and ligaments, and stay 10 to 15°F degrees cooler than non-clay courts. They also dry quickly after rain, and you can even keep playing on them if the rain is light. Research shows you’re up to seven times less likely to be injured on a Har-Tru® court compared to a standard hard surface.

The stadium court offers a tournament-sized space for residents to practice regularly or enjoy some friendly competition. Whether playing singles, doubles, or organizing a neighborhood tournament, Shearwater’s tennis facilities create a welcoming space to train, play, and connect.

Outpost Playtime Park Swing setPlay Area

Shearwater features multiple play areas for every age and energy level. A big grass field for free play, a playground, and more provide the opportunity for kids to have fun. The KOMPAN playground lets young residents play, socialize and build on coordination through active outdoor fun. Even the youngest Shearwater residents have a place to explore with their own Free-Range playground featuring KOMPAN play equipment. For an extra thrill, the community’s Outpost  Adventure  Park has an open‑air pavilion with comfy seating, a cozy firepit for s’mores, a hillside playground with swings and a slide, and a zipline where kids (and parents) can race side by side.

Palm Court Pavilion

Gather with friends, old and new, in this covered pavilion with outdoor seating and firepits.

Trails

There are over 15 miles of trails that make their way through preserved nature. Whether it’s a family bike ride, a leisurely stroll, or your morning jog, the views of nature and local wildlife make every outing feel special. The trails run throughout the community, connecting residents to parks, green spaces, and each other. From morning runs to evening walks, Shearwater offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors.

“The trails… we go to the kayak outpost and play, swing, slide, zip line… we walk down the trails every day or every other day. It’s just beautiful. It’s like the kids are part of nature.” — Maggie, Shearwater Resident

Dog ParkDog Park

We have an off-leash dog park where dogs can play in a fenced-in area, complete with an agility course featuring ramps and tunnels. Shearwater was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every resident, including our four-legged friends. The dog park includes separate areas for large and small dogs, known as Big Paws and Little Paws, giving pups a safe, open space to run, explore, and enjoy the fresh air, while also encouraging social interaction among neighbors. Kids can join in on the fun too, playing fetch and making new friends along the way. The agility course adds another layer of enrichment, helping dogs stay active, build obedience, and strengthen their bond with their owners. This unique amenity is just one of many that make life at Shearwater exciting.

Community Garden

We have a community garden where residents can rent out raised garden beds. A community garden is a great way to make friends, share skills, teach kids, and more. At Shearwater, the Community Garden gives residents space to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, or flowers. It’s a chance to connect with neighbors, enjoy the outdoors, and put your green thumb to work—all while making the most of this vibrant and hands-on community space.

Kayaking at ShearwaterKayak Launch

Steps from your front door, the Kayak Launch opens to Trout Creek, a serene waterway that winds its way to the St. Johns River. Pack a cooler and paddle your way through lush landscapes where egrets and herons glide by. Feel a deep and almost immediate connection to the land.

Lifestyle and Community Events in Shearwater

At Shearwater®, we love planning events for our residents. Movie nights on the lawn, concerts, a haunted boardwalk for Halloween, and more! Our dedicated Lifestyle Director curates a full calendar of events and activities tailored to residents’ interests. From regular clubs like the Kayak Fishing Club and Ladies Tennis Club to craft workshops, coffee socials, yoga classes, and holiday parties, there’s always something fun to look forward to at Shearwater.

The amenities speak for themselves, but residents often say it best:

“The amenities and the pool and all of that’s great, but honestly, it just feels like no other place that we’ve been.” — Maggie, Shearwater Resident

“The pool, the amenities, the little gardens, the kayak launch, the zip line, the parks—you don’t really get that everywhere. So just all of that together combined has just made the experience amazing.”— John, Shearwater Resident

“I love the pool, love the Lazy River. The exercise area is awesome. My kids love playground and we all love to ride our bikes around here. It’s awesome.” — Liz, Shearwater Resident

 

Schools in St. Augustine, FL and Near Shearwater

Niche.com is a reputable source of school evaluations. Niche rates elementary and middle schools based on their academics, teachers, and diversity. School districts and high schools are rated on the additional categories of college prep, clubs and activities, administration, sports, health and safety, food and resources, and facilities. (Note: proximity to a school doesn’t determine enrollment).

Here’s what Niche had to say about the schools in St. Augustine, FL. As you can tell, St. Johns County has great schools!

  • St. Johns County School District
    • Overall Niche Grade: A
    • #1 in Best School Districts in Jacksonville Area
  • Bartram Trail High School
    • Overall Niche Grade: A
    • #2 in Best Public High Schools in St. Johns County
  • Switzerland Point Middle School
    • Overall Niche Grade: A
    • #10 of 1,087 Best Public Middle Schools in Jacksonville Area
  • Timberlin Creek Elementary School
    • Overall Niche Grade: A
    • #34 out of 2,191 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Florida
  • Creekside High School
  • Palm Valley Academy

Many families move here specifically for the schools. As some residents put it:

“We came here for school districts… my brother is a real estate agent and said Shearwater is really well-known.” — John, Shearwater Resident

“Moved here is because of the school distict, right. This is like the number one school district in Florida.” — Maggie, Shearwater Resident

What’s Nearby: St. Augustine and Jacksonville Attractions

When you’ve got beach access, world-class golf, pristine nature, and culinary delights all within easy reach, it can be hard to decide on what to do. So, we’ve put together a number of guides to help you out!

This way, you can explore the best of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, the city of Jacksonville, and the surrounding area, whether it be a day trip to Palatka (the City of Murals), winery and brewery hopping, shopping at St. Johns Town Center, and more!

How to View Homes at Shearwater in St. Augustine, FL

In-Person Tours

Arrange guided or self-guided tours of your potential new home from one of Shearwater’s many builders: Lennar and Ryan Homes.

Virtual Tours

Lennar and Ryan Homes offer videos and interactive floor plans on their websites. Browse their real estate today!

Moving Tips for Relocating To St. Augustine, FL

Here are just a few moving tips, although we’ve got more moving advice here!

Choosing a Moving Company

You should get reviews from various sources, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs. It’s important to know that while the BBB may sound like a governmental organization, it’s actually a non-profit.

While the reviews on the BBB are legitimate, BBB accreditation doesn’t mean much because it’s something any professional mover can get just by paying yearly dues. Those dues primarily grant access to educational resources and marketing materials.

When choosing a moving company, pick one that’s been around for many years because it’s more likely to have weathered many storms, have a history of customers successfully having their moving needs met, and honored its contracts and warranties. Those many years in business should also mean plenty of customers who can provide references. If a moving company can’t provide references, move on.

Choose a moving company that provides a reasonable and binding estimate. If the estimate isn’t binding, you may have to pay more than you expected. The moving company should also provide valuation coverage to protect your possession and a bill of lading, which is a document you’re legally required to receive before any more. Avoid companies who demand upfront payments or whose drivers you can’t reach during the move.

Finally, confirm that your moving company has a FLDMV. You should work with nothing less than professional movers. Moving is already stressful. You want a company that makes moving easier, so that all your possessions survive their trip on the moving truck and making it to their new home in one piece.

Don’t Forget to Update Your Address

All you need to update your mailing address online with the USPA is a credit or debit card. It’s a very quick process.

Update Your Florida Driver’s License

Within 30 days of a move in Florida, you need to update your Florida driver’s license.

Register Your Car After Moving

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) website has information about vehicle registration.

Registering to Vote as a New Florida Resident

Any Floridian can register to vote online!

Is St. Augustine, FL Right for You? Here’s What to Consider

St. Augustine is a great place to live for those who want less stress in their lives. A robust economy, a great school district, and easy access to the city of Jacksonville makes St. Johns County a great pick for both young families and professionals.

With so much to do and enjoy in Shearwater® and surrounding areas, it’s no surprise that residents have described life in the Sunshine State as a year-round vacation. Warm weather, affordable living with no state income tax, and a non-stop cavalcade of activity, beauty, and wonder. Browse Shearwater online or in-person today.

Beyond the features, it’s the sense of connection that stands out to residents:

“Honestly, it just feels like no other place that we’ve been—that the people here truly are living their life and bonding.” — Maggie, Shearwater Resident

“I’ve never lived anywhere where we’ve had such a connection with our neighbors.” — John, Shearwater Resident

 

References and Citations
www.sjcfl.us/EconomicDevelopment/Employers.aspx#.YNEC9JNKg-R 
jaxusa.org/tools-resources/top-employers/
datacommons.org/place/geoId/1262500
fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FLSTJO9URN
fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FLUR
www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/florida
www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/florida/st._augustine

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