Considering a move.. need help (Jacksonville, St. Augustine: cul-de-sac, buying a house, neighborhood)

rdelano92 · 05-16-2021, 10:57 AM

Hi there,

Our family is hoping to move to Florida in late 2022-early 2023 and I am overwhelmed and not even sure where to start looking. I was hoping I could get some feedback here.

My husband is from Jacksonville, but I'm not sure it's the best fit for us.

We love the charm of Saint Augustine.

We work remotely so finding a job is not a concern.

We are a family of 5 with elementary school age kids.
We would like to be no more than 20 minutes from the beach.

State parks or other nature preserve type areas nearby to explore are a plus.

We are big fans of walkable downtown areas with lots of options for local dining and shopping.

Where would you suggest I look?
Any and all suggestions welcome.

I want to make sure to research everything before we make a decision.

Thanks so much for your help!

Lillie767 · 05-16-2021, 11:57 AM

rdelano92 · 05-16-2021, 02:59 PM

We'd like to stay under 400k.

Minimum of 4 bedrooms, a decent size yard is a must, we're a very outside-oriented family.

Coming from VA, but we've lived in CT and Hawaii as well.

kyle19125 · 05-16-2021, 03:24 PM

If you like St Augustine you'll want to be in closer proximity to take advantage of visiting. Check out NW St Augustine around World Golf Village. It's a very desirable area with easy access to the amenities on the south side of Jacksonville and about 15 minutes to historic downtown St Augustine. The public schools are "A"-rated and overall a safe family-friendly area just a smidge over 20 minutes to Vilano Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach. https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...%40%7CaAcvHseA

Scottamemnon · 05-16-2021, 04:15 PM

What is your definition of decent sized yard? $400k is getting very difficult in any area of the state, close to the ocean, with good schools. In another year or two, you probably will need $500k for what you want, or you will need to lower your needs.

A 4BR within 30 minutes with a yard on the small size, with good schools under $400k would probably be possible in parts of St Johns County and Nassau County in the Jax area then. Here in Nassau county our house has increase 60% in value in 18 months and we have every item on your list, if you consider 0.2 Acres on a cul-de-sac as a decent yard. I doubt you will see that much increase over the next 18 months, but there will be some sort, probably putting us over $400k(we are close now).

projectmaximus · 05-17-2021, 10:01 AM

Fernandina Beach might be another interesting option. Less chaotic than St Aug, also offers a highly-rated school system and easy access to both a beach and a very charming downtown.

Obviously there are other good choices in other parts of the state but since we're talking about NEFL, it sprung to mind.

Arcenal813 · 05-17-2021, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottamemnon

What is your definition of decent sized yard? $400k is getting very difficult in any area of the state, close to the ocean, with good schools. In another year or two, you probably will need $500k for what you want, or you will need to lower your needs.

A 4BR within 30 minutes with a yard on the small size, with good schools under $400k would probably be possible in parts of St Johns County and Nassau County in the Jax area then. Here in Nassau county our house has increase 60% in value in 18 months and we have every item on your list, if you consider 0.2 Acres on a cul-de-sac as a decent yard. I doubt you will see that much increase over the next 18 months, but there will be some sort, probably putting us over $400k(we are close now).

Agreed... I'm looking at a nice area I'm interested in buying a house in in an A-rated school district on the gulf side, and $400k will get me a 3br 2 ba 1,700 sqft house with a screened pool, but virtually no yard to speak of. $500k gets me an extra bedroom with an added 500 sqft -- still no yard.

kyle19125 · 05-17-2021, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottamemnon

What is your definition of decent sized yard? $400k is getting very difficult in any area of the state, close to the ocean, with good schools. In another year or two, you probably will need $500k for what you want, or you will need to lower your needs..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Agreed... I'm looking at a nice area I'm interested in buying a house in in an A-rated school district on the gulf side, and $400k will get me a 3br 2 ba 1,700 sqft house with a screened pool, but virtually no yard to speak of. $500k gets me an extra bedroom with an added 500 sqft -- still no yard.

However...

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...%40~bCk_Az%7CM

EscAlaMike · 05-17-2021, 10:45 AM

Putnam County which is immediately west of St. Augustine/St. John's County will fit your housing needs - not sure about the public schools there though.

Lillie767 · 05-17-2021, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Agreed... I'm looking at a nice area I'm interested in buying a house in in an A-rated school district on the gulf side, and $400k will get me a 3br 2 ba 1,700 sqft house with a screened pool, but virtually no yard to speak of. $500k gets me an extra bedroom with an added 500 sqft -- still no yard.

Large yards are not generally desired in Florida. They can be difficult to maintain in the heat and humidity. Things grow very quickly and needed pruning; the bugs are unbelievable and look like something out of Sci Fi; the diseases need frequent treatments; etc. In the north, lawn maintenance is usually seasonal. In Florida, lawn work is year-round.

Here is a discussion of yards in Florida.
http:////www.city-data.com/forum/flo...ize-shape.html

https://bugofff.com/top-30-most-comm...e%20to%20lawns.

https://www.wlrn.org/show/sundial/20...-your-property

This should provide some cost information about lawn maintenance.
https://www.lawnstarter.com/fl