St Augustine

History

The most qualified admiral of Spain, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, was named Governor of Florida by King Phillip II of Spain and was ordered to explore and inhabit the area. It was the Feast Day of St. Augustine (Aug. 28, 1565) when he arrived at Florida’s coast, and 11 days later, Menendez and his settlers and soldiers (600 in total) set foot on dry land at the location of Timucuan Indian community of Seloy with trumpets sounding and banners flying. He quickly fortified the fledging community and christened it St. Augustine.

Using skillful military tactics, Menendez annihilated the fort of the French on St. Johns River, as well as crushed the French armada (with the aid of a hurricane). With Florida’s coast securely in the hands of the Spanish, he then began the construction of the town, setting up missions to the Indians for the Church, as well as exploring the region.

Hence, St. Augustine was established 42 years prior to the English settlement at Jamestown, VA and 55 years prior to the landing of the Pilgrims on Massachusetts’ Plymouth Rock, making the town North America’s oldest permanent European colony.

From Spanish settlement to British reign to statehood, the long history and diverse cultural influences of St. Augustine are obvious in its people, streets and structures. The town’s museums and historic sites are excellent locations to learn more about the culture and history of this exceptional town.

Area and Climate

Located in Northeast Florida, the town of St. Augustine is the oldest recurrently occupied European founded port and settlement in the U.S. It is St. Johns County’s county seat and part of the Jacksonville metro area and First Coast region of Florida. There were 12,975 living in St. Augustine as of the 2010 census.

The rich heritage of St. Augustine makes the town and its surroundings a distinctive haven for travelers. It was established by Spanish Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in September 1565.

The climate of St. Augustine is humid subtropical, distinctive of South Atlantic states and the Gulf. The coastal setting and low latitude of St. Augustine gives it a generally winterless, warm and sunny weather. Like a lot of states in Florida, the town experiences many sunny days, with an average of 2,900 hours per year, while winter is the driest time of the year in St. Augustine. The town basically has 2 seasons: dry and warm season (from November to April) and wet and hot season (last part of May to October).

Real Estate and Cost of Living

In 2011, the estimated average value of houses or condominiums in St. Augustine is $207,056 (in 2000, it was $111,800). In 2011, the average prices of mobile homes: $65,194; occupied vans, RVs, boats, etc.: $145,622; 5 and up unit buildings: $294,002; detached homes: $370,282; all residential units: $371,888; attached units and townhomes: $559,817; 2-unit buildings: $704,354; and 3- or 4-unit buildings: $859,728.

In St. Augustine, the cost of living index as of March 2012 is 91.9, which is below average, as U.S. median is 100.

Lifestyle and Things to Do

St. Augustine has over 4 centuries of history, owing much to the English, Greeks, Spanish, African Americans, and Native Americans. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, visit attractions, like the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Fountain of Youth of Ponce de Leon and Castillo de San Marcos, or enter the numerous museums throughout the town.

The 1,600-acre Anastasia State Recreation Area is situated on a peninsula on Anastasia Island’s Atlantic coast across Matanzas Bay from St. Augustine’s city center. It has various plants, wildlife and birds in a backdrop     of upland and marine hammock, tidal salt marsh and beaches.

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is hosts to large outdoor events and concerts. Run by the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation department, the amphitheatre has a 3,493-seating capacity. It was occasionally utilized during the subsequent years, although between 1997 and 2003, it was the venue for a free summer Shakespeare event.

Floor Plans