When developers first began "adding character" to the St. Augustine Shores community in the late 1960s and early 1970s, 58 acres were set aside for parks and 45 acres for recreational sites along the Intercoastal Waterway. Still today, this is an outdoor recreation lover's paradise, with more than 150 miles of bike paths and 14 lake and ponds. Not to mention the St. Augustine Shores Golf Club, which is one of the top recreation destinations in this part of Florida.
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When developers first began "adding character" to the St. Augustine Shores community in the late 1960s and early 1970s, 58 acres were set aside for parks and 45 acres for recreational sites along the Intercoastal Waterway. Still today, this is an outdoor recreation lover's paradise, with more than 150 miles of bike paths and 14 lake and ponds. Not to mention the St. Augustine Shores Golf Club, which is one of the top recreation destinations in this part of Florida.
St. Augustine Shores is a city of approximately 7,359 residents (2010 U.S. Census data) along the northeastern coast of Florida. Compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living here is about 7 percent lower than the national average, which is a nice surprise for a coastal city. In this community, you can take advantage of the 12,000-square-foot recreation building along the waterway, the 180,000-gallon pool, 500-foot pier with a gazebo, and a private golf course suitable for all skill levels. Although St. Augustine Shores is located less than five miles from St. Augustine, the oldest permanent settlement in North America, the buildings here have only been around since around the 1970s.
Apartment, Condo, or Duplex?
In St. Augustine Shores, the median gross rent has stayed about the same for the past few years. It's easier to find apartments for rent in St. Augustine Shores than a duplex to rent or rental condos. For example, there's a property at 1707 Prestwick Place that offers 1,200 square-feet of space, a screen balcony, views of the golf course, and access to the community pool. Fully furnished apartments are hard to come by here, but you may have luck with the local Craigslist ads. If you decide to buy later, keep in mind that St. Augustine Shores has both early phase-homes and designer homes.
When to Shop for Housing
Northeastern Florida enjoys a mild temperature throughout the year, so there really is no bad time to start apartment shopping. Like many cities in Florida, St. Augustine is a popular "snowbird destination," so you may have trouble finding homes rented out during the winter months. Shop during the hot and sticky summer season if you're looking for a coveted one bedroom apartment.
How to Be Prepared
Make sure that you have all your documents in line before apartment hunting in St. Augustine Shores. This means you'll need to sort through your junk piles to find a bank statement, pay stub, letter of employment, and contact information for a couple references.
Tuscany Ridge: This is a luxury home subdivision that's tucked away and known for its spacious yards luxurious pool parties. If you live in this community, you'll also enjoy access to a RV/boat park area and a boat dock with a ramp.
Portofino: This neighborhood offers low-maintenance condos and single-level residents. You can expect to get covered garage parking and access to the resort-style swimming pool and cabana.
San Savino: You can find about 37 new-construction homes here that have summer kitchens, a semi-private golf course, fishing pier, and tennis courts. San Savino has easy access to the bike trails and parks too.
One of the most enticing things about St. Augustine Shores is its easy access to the Atlantic shore coastline and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. The St. Augustine Shores Golf Club is reasonably priced, well maintained, and employs a friendly staff. Stop in the bar if you're craving a mid-course snack or drink; and all skill levels are welcome here. Definitely take advantage of the city's bike paths, jogging sidewalks, and lakes. Thanks to the amazing year-around climate, you shouldn't have a problem frequenting the nearby picnic area, park, and horseshoe pits. It is quite easy to get around town, even if you don't own a vehicle. It's also a quick drive over to St. Augustine, which has quite a few art exhibitions, theater performances, and festivals throughout the year.
