The many neighborhoods of St. Augustine reflect its rich heritage and culture. It is the oldest city in the country, almost 450 years old. The city has been influenced by many cultures including Spanish, French, Portuguese, etc. Its terrain of vast beach expanses, intercoastal waterway, historic downtown, and rustic acreage leaves many different types of communities for people to choose from to live. This chapter of choosing a neighborhood in St. Augustine will focus on beach homes on St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island.
This writing assumes you have answered questions such as: how do you like to spend your time?. What is important to you? Do you like the outdoor beach activity, fishing and boat recreation, privacy and peaceful lifestyle unencumbered by restrictions from home owner associations, hubbub of being downtown, historic neighborhoods, easy access to interstate and airports, or carefree condo living?
Usually when people think of St. Augustine, they think of the miles of pristine beaches that St. Augustine offers. Anastasia Island, is a barrier island connected to the mainland by three bridges, is famous for its beaches. The Island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Mantanzas River (a part of the Intercoastal Waterway) on the west. The part of the Island closest to downtown, known as Davis Shores, was actually filled in to provide more land mass for development during the early 1900’s. There are several tourist attractions such as the St. Augustine Light House and Park, The Alligator Farm and Anastasia State Park. Parts of the beach are open to vehicle traffic for a daily fee.
The Island is split from east to west with state road 312 being a dividing line between the more northern Davis Shores area and that part of Anastasia Island south of 312. A1A runs from north to south. A1A Beach Boulevard is an extension of 312 that runs north/south also and directly parallel to the beach. The few homes/condos east of A1A Beach Boulevard have immediate access to the dunes and the beaches.
Directly along the ocean front, are many condominium developments. Many of these were built during the 1970’s and 1980’s and have direct ocean views. These tend to have short-term rental capability and only a few will have garages. They frequently provide numerous amenities such as community pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, etc. Some popular condominium complexes are Ocean Gallery, Sea Place, St. Augustine Beach and Tennis Club, to name a few. Several hotels are also available throughout this area. Sea Colony is a newer gated community with single family residences with direct ocean access.
The “Magic Triangle” is an area south of 312, west of A1A Beach Blvd. and west of A1A. This is a highly desired area because of its proximity to the beach and tends to be more single family residences. The fact that the beach is only a short walk away draws a seasonal crowd in the communities that are not obligated to covenants and restrictions. Some common neighborhoods associated with this is area are Coquina Gables, Woodland Estates, Ocean Woods, Ocean Walk, etc. Other neighborhoods that have home owner associations are Serenity Bay, Whispering Oaks, Magnolia Dunes, and Island Hammock.
Homes west of A1A have proximity to the Intercoastal Waterway. Marsh Creek , the only gated golf community in St. Augustine, is located here. Because the land mass narrows as one travels south on the Island, proximity to both ocean and intercoastal will increase. In some homes just north of the 206 bridge, you can view both water masses.
The vacation lifestyle of Anastasia Island yields plenty of leisuretime activity such as boating, parasailing, surfing, etc. Because of the short-term rentals available, there can be a “transient” feel to this location. The peak season is during summer when people are vacationing while the kids are on school break.
An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Extremely Full Service
www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
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email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com
www. staugustine.com
Only a couple of blocks from the beach is a sprawling home covering two lots on the corner of Oak Rd. and Willow Drive in the Woodland subdivision. The original house built in 1967 included 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. In the mid 90’s a 24’x13’ family room, step-down dining area, and new master suite and bath were added. Now the older and new sections of the home are conveniently divided to provide privacy for in-laws, guests, or children/grandchildren.
Even if you love the beach, tho, the real charm of this home is realized in the yard. The property itself is a substantial 173x104 but the upkeep is minimalized because the pool, home, and 2-car garage utilize a large portion of it. The back yard is fenced in containing pets or kids. Surprising stone or brick patios are sprinkled here and there and a coy fish pond and fountain create a perfect spot for a reflection. Even the informal landscaping has the appearance of easy upkeep and sporadic maintenance. Come and sit a spell – you’ll be mesmerized.
An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Extremely Full Service
www.Amarshall.prudentialnetworkrealty.com
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email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com
www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Tim’s Wine Market provides local wine expertise in St. Augustine Beach. Because of their fine appreciation for wine, proprietors Kathyrn Vaughn and Michael Salley opened the 1st of the Tim’s Wines franchises in 2007. Their knowledge of wine continues to expand and they are working towards a designation of Certified Specialist of Wine. Service, selection, and value is the mission of the company.
They enjoy a casual lifestyle as reflected in the warm welcome customers receive walking through the front door. In fact, store mascot, Sabrina, a friendly great dane, will show you the way. Regular wine tastings occur at the casual bar where the wine “du jour” is liberally poured for introductory purposes. This sampling helps customers make good choices from the selection of more than 500 bottles. Wine can even be consumed by the glass on bistro-style table outdoors.
The store provides education for customers including small gatherings to scrutinize subtle difference of special wines and discussion of the wineries. In fact the web site’s education tidbit includes “The first European settlers to make wine in the United States made it near Jacksonville, Florida in 1562 from Scuppernog grapes.”
There was never any doubt that they would open in fabulous St. Augustine. Specifically, the location of their store is the SeaGrove Town Center on A1A at A Street. This is a quaint neighborhood with single family residences, condos, and a commercial district that includes local Library, Post Office, bank, Tropical Smoothie, gift store, and other commercial buildings.
You can contact Kathryn and Michael at (904) 461-0060 or visit during store hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:00-7:00 and Saturdays 10:00-5:00
An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Extremely Full Service
www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog
email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com
http://timswine.com/
What better place to discover fashion and value than at Christe Blue – a unique consignment and resale boutique. Walking into this clothing resale boutique, one is dazzled by the color, texture, and assortment of women’s clothing plus a friendly greeting from owner, Susan Calisto. The designer consignment clothing ranges in size from itty bitty to more than generous. Styles of consigned items from trendy to classic to vintage. Beauty and budget will be easily satisfied as prices are very reasonable.
Susan started the store in 2004 with the idea of bringing her savvy, resourceful shopping skills to others. Susan’s commitment is to bring beautiful clothing and a custom shopping experience to ladies of all ages and sizes. Clothing items are new or in almost new condition and are designer pieces. It brings the proprietor great pleasure when a customer returns reporting slews of compliments from their recently purchased 
ensemble.
The selection of jewelry is not to be outshined by the clothing. Susan has a special fondness for vintage jewelry. In fact, Susan’s love of jewelry is evident as she claims she has kept every piece of jewelry she has collected since age 14.
The selected clothing comes from a pool of more than 1,000 consignors. Susan’s consignment process includes setting the appointment and handpicking the pieces that are to be showcased. The store and the consignor agree to a 50/50 split. At the end of the term, usually 60 days, and leftover clothing is donated to the Crowe Indians in Oklahoma or Habitat for Humanity.
Susan is available to create a fashion show experience for charities or community events or to speak with groups of women on related subjects such as accessorizing, dressing for larger women, and other fashion tips.
Contact info: 904-808-1235. Visit the store at 303 C Anastasia Blvd in St. Augustine, FL 32080 between the hours of 11:00-5:00 Monday – Friday or 10:00-4:00 on Saturday.
An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Leonardi’s is an exceptional nursery in St. Augustine. Originated in 1961, the family owned and operated business has been providing nursery, garden, and planting services for the community of St. Augustine for an incredible 48 years. Kevin ,having grown up in the nursery business, took over operations along with his wife Kim from parents Harold and “Winnie” Leonardi in 1983.
Together they provide a lifetime of experience and expertise in the areas of nursery, irrigation, hardscaping, lighting, and full-scale garden services. They are known for their extensive knowledge, their huge selection of diverse plants, and full line of planters. Estimates for landscaping and sprinkler systems are freely available at Leonardi's.
Employing that vast knowledge, the Leonardi’s provide free landscape design and consultation. Service is at a premium as customers can expect help with carrying purchases to the car, design and assembly of planters, and home delivery. The garden center provides flowers, palm trees, citrus, shrubs, cactus, beautiful pottery, mulch, rock and much much more.
In addition, the Leonard’s have given back to the community with donations of landscaping time and/or garden and nursery merchandise to such causes as the City of St. Augustine Beach, Council on Aging, Anastasia Baptist Church, Lighthouse and Museum, R. B. Hunt School, Flagler Hospital, and the YMCA.
Leonardi’s is located at 902 Anastasia Blvd. across from the Alligator Farm and in front of the lighthouse.
Telephone number is 904-829-5909. You won’t be disappointed!
An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Extremely Full Service
www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
view my blog
email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com
I have an extraordinary commitment to making a difference in your life. To me real estate is not about buying and selling homes - it is a vehicle in which to actualize your dreams! There is no place more important than HOME; that magical little world where you find happiness, renewal, connection, and comfort. My assistance might come in the form of helping you sell your current home in Northeast Florida so you can relocate to a new area and the next chapter of your life. Or it might be to find the perfect home in St Augustine and surrounding St. John's County that meets your every need. You can expect success as I put my love of knowledge into daily action on your behalf.
If anyone should have a need of a real estate agent I do not think they could find a more personable, hardworking, knowledgable, honest and helpful person than An Marshall.
During our recent dealings with trying to find a home for some of our family members An has gone way above and beyond what I would have expected of any agent. An has made sure all needs were met as well as going above and beyond in helping our family through all the red tape of financing and making every effort to cover all needs.
Not only is An diligent in her efforts but would meet me late evenings and weekends as well as answer any amount of calls made to her no matter how trivial the question. I would highly recommend An to anyone I know as a great person and she will go out of her way to help in any way she can.
Sincerly,
Frances Sikes
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