A Postcard from St. Augustine, Florida
Situated on the eastern coast of northern Florida, St. Augustine caters to the needs of residents, vacationers, or armchair travelers alike.  Her grounds are covered with history and her beaches offer gentle Atlantic waves and warm year-round breezes.

  

About St. Augustine
"America's Oldest City" of St. Augustine, Florida, has a rich history, and part of the ambiance of this city is the lingering feel of that history.  Ponce de Leon searched this area for the famed "fountain of youth" in 1513 and legend has it that he actually found it here.  The city was founded in September of 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles.  The first Mass on American soil was offered here at the same time by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales.  Both of these sites, the Fountain of Youth, and the location of this Mass are found in St. Augustine today.  In addition to the historic district, rich with stories such as these, there is Anastasia Island, situated just over the Bridge of Lions.  While the historic district lies beside Matanzas Bay, the island is where beach-goers find the Atlantic Ocean and its many water and beach activities.

Housing Information
Real estate and rental costs are comparable to other resort and historical towns. Prime properties are found in the beach areas and the historic district of St. Augustine but as with other areas of this sort, housing for all budgets is available in and around St. Augustine. There is a great array of architectural styles. Many of the older homes have a bit of coquina in the structure. This is crushed shells and makes a unique building material. The architecture of the city includes British and Spanish influences, Victorian and Colonial, as well as other styles.

Climate of St. Augustine
Average highs range from 69 degrees in January to 89 degrees in July. The coldest average low is 46 for January. Water temperatures range from 57 in January to 82-83 during the summer.

Things To Do In St. Augustine
*Castillo de San Marcos ("the old fort" built in the 17th century)

*Mission of Nombre de Dios (styled after old Spanish mission, site of first
Mass, lovely and quiet grounds for a walk or reflective time. 65 foot cross found here to commemorate the first Mass)

*St. Augustine Lighthouse (found on the island)

*Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (Ponce de Leon's "baby" - get a drink from the fountain and walk the beautiful grounds. Planetarium is here as well as Native American burial ground, and other features.

*Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum

*Potter's Wax Museum

*Ghost walks and cruises

*Great living history museums including: Old St. Augustine Village, Spanish Quarter Village, and Old Florida Museum

*St. Augustine Alligator Farm (found on island)

*St. George Street (fabulous shopping area that has the ambiance of old-world Spain

*The Oldest House

*San Sebastain Winery (Free tours and wine tasting)

*World Golf Village

*Victory III Cruise

*Over 40 miles of beaches

*Many other activities available in America's Oldest City

Cultural Activities
Many local events throughout the year including:
*Re-enactments of founding
*Blessing of the Fleet
*Rhythm and Ribs Festival
*Fire and Ice Festival
*Gala for Menendez' birthday, other celebrations
*Nights of Lights for the holiday season

Closest Cities
Jacksonville (40 miles)
Daytona (60 miles)
Orlando (105 miles)

Location
St. Augustine, in St. Johns County, is located 40 miles south of Jacksonville.  The town is on the coast in northeast Florida and is easily accessible from Interstate 95

Getting to St. Augustine
Jacksonville Airport (JAX)
Daytona Beach Airport (DAB)

Population
About 12,000 broken up into the following percentages: 16% under 18; 15% ages 18 to 24; 24% ages 25 to 44; 25% ages 45 to 64; 20% over 65.

Economics
Median income per family: $42,000

Higher Education
Flagler College (Liberal Arts)
Various Universities in and around Jacksonville