The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States still gives residents a taste of small-town charm more than 400 years after its founding. St. Augustine, 35 miles south of Jacksonville beside Matanzas Bay, was established by Spanish Admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles on Sept. 8, 1565. The city is the center of the action in St. Johns County. St. Augustine is the host of over 40 annual events, many revolving around the city’s historic role. The Fort Castillo de San Marcos, built between 1672 and 1695 by the Spanish, dominates the city’s tableau. Its massive gates draw tourists and longtime residents to explore the city’s past. More than 85 historic sites lie within the city’s confines. Numerous museums detail an aspect of the city’s development, while archeological digs proceed throughout the year, unearthing further information on St. Augustine’s heritage. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Potter’s Wax Museum are among the popular attractions. With an average temperature of 70 degrees and mild winters, St. Augustine allows for year-round recreation. Boating, swimming and surfing take a high priority in leisure activities as does golf, with 10 championship golf courses, including those at the World Golf Village. St. Augustine is a shopping experience with more than 35 antique shops, 25 art galleries and an abundance of specialty shops, many located on the brick-lined streets of the city’s historic district. Two outlet malls off Interstate 95 are visited by locals and by visitors on the way to Disney World and points south. The city is also known for its fine eateries. More than 100 restaurants, some ranked among the highest in the state, offer everything from authentic French cuisine to eclectic new world fusion cooking. The high quality of area schools is a key element in attracting potential home buyers. Students in grades 9 through 12 attend St. Augustine High School. Higher education is provided by Flagler College, a private four-year liberal arts school, and St. John’s Community College. More than 40 religious affiliations are represented in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Many of the city’s churches, some of the oldest in the country, have histories dating back hundreds of years. The median home value for the area is $115,000. Golf course communities, oceanfront homes, Intracoastal Waterway spreads, marshfront properties and homes in the city’s historic district command top dollar.
