You might think that the first city in the United States would be located in the northeast. But St. Augustine, Florida predates those colonies by over a hundred years. Founded by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the name honors the August 28th Feast Day of Saint Augustine, marking the day that Don Pedro first sighted the land from his ship at sea. Menendez stepped ashore twelve days later to plant the Spanish flag, founding the city in the year 1565.

Four and a half centuries later, St. Augustine is the longest continually inhabited European city in the U.S. and enjoys the moniker of the "Nation's Oldest City". This rich history is reflected in the town, where you will see evidence of Spanish, English, Greek and Native American influences.

Residents here certainly embrace the area's past, while enjoying the present and building for the future. To better understand the city, you might choose to spend a day at the Colonial Spanish Quarter. This is a living history museum run by costumed staffers, who demonstrate life in 1740, when the town was an outpost of the globe trotting Spanish Empire.

If you prefer to explore by boat, start or end you day at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. This beautiful yet functional harborage is located in the heart of the city, just south of the historic Bridge of the Lions. From here, you can pop into town and explore the fantastic boutiques and restaurants, all within walking distance.

As you begin to settle into the easy pace here, you'll realize that this is a place right out of a Jimmy Buffet song. Locals while away their time fishing, boating, golfing, boating and entertaining. They are relaxed and happy, knowing they live in one of the most beautiful places in the continental United States.

The population in St. Augustine is under 12,000. Its average resident is about 42 years old, with a median income around $33,000 and home value of $230,000. Their children attend school at the St. John's County School District. While St. Augustine is an ideal walking community, they can commute to neighboring towns via boat or car. With over 300 sunshine filled days a year, they enjoy boating on the Matanzas and San Sebastian rivers, or the Intracoastal Waterway.

Residents are well served by St. John's County, whose population increased by 47% in the past decade. This is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, including job and income growth. With the outstanding natural amenities here, it's no surprise that the region's economic base is primarily tourism. But the county actively works to create a diverse economy by continually attracting new business and fostering growth of existing businesses, while maintaining a strong sense of environmental stewardship. In doing so, the county adheres to its plans of smart growth, creating an additional security and quality of life for its residents.

As if all of this were not enough, the region has a world-renowned feature that may actually bring tears of joy to the eyes of a grown person. Just twelve miles outside of this spectacular community is the World Golf Village and World Golf Hall of Fame. This ten-story resort sits on 6,300 pristine acres with two 18-hole courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Beginner and intermediate players can take part in an eight-week program covering all aspects of the game. In June and July, children can experience the ultimate summer vacation by participating in the first and only PGA Tour Golf Academy. For non-golfers, the facilities include a spa, health club, shopping and beach club.

Smart growth, scenic delights, sun-kissed days and balmy nights. This is the unsurpassed quality of life in the Nation's Oldest City. If you're thinking of relocating to St. Augustine, Florida, simply ask us for a relocation packet.