Saint Augustine

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest, European-established continually occupied city in the United States. In the late 19th century, with the advent of the railroad, the city became a winter resort for wealthy northerners looking to escape the cold weather. Great mansions and hotels were built to accommodate these visitors, many of which still stand today. In addition, St. Augustine is famed for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture, a direct link to the city’s Spanish origins.

The seat of St. Johns County, St. Augustine is a golfing, tennis and boating paradise. There are many golf courses and tennis resorts located throughout the area and its many marinas offer boating access to the sea, river or Intracoastal Waterway. Water sports lovers can indulge in fishing, diving, surfing and parasailing along the city’s 43 miles of beaches.

In addition to recreational activities, the city hosts a wide variety of concerts and is home to many theaters and film organizations, as well as dozens of art galleries. During First Friday Art Walks, many galleries offer free drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Dining options range from full service restaurants to quaint little cafes in the historic district, offering a variety of continental, home-grown and ethnic cuisine.

Homes in St. Augustine range from a cottage or condo on the beach to historic downtown mansions in Victorian, Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean styles. There are also gated communities, retirement villages and airpark neighborhoods.

Saint Augustine Florida Demographics and Community Information