In recent years, St. Augustine, Florida, has become a popular destination for people looking to escape bustling cities. Lori Matthias and her husband, for example, left behind the heavy traffic of Atlanta in 2023, while Mike Waldron and his wife moved from the Boston area in 2020 to be closer to their children.
These families are part of a growing trend of remote workers relocating to St. Augustine, which is known as “the nation’s oldest city.” This charming beach town is quickly becoming one of the leading remote work hubs in the United States.
Matthias enjoys the slower pace of St. Augustine, finding it much more welcoming than the hectic lifestyle of Atlanta. With her office just steps away from her kitchen, she appreciates the friendly community and the time saved by not having to commute for hours each day.
The history of St. Augustine dates back to the early 16th century when it was claimed by the Spanish crown after the arrival of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. Today, many visitors are drawn to its distinctive Spanish architecture, historic sites such as forts and lighthouses, and attractions like an alligator farm and a shipwreck museum.
The growth of remote working in St. Johns County, where St. Augustine is located, has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the share of workers from home surged from 8.6% in 2018 to nearly 24% by 2023. This significant jump has positioned this northeast Florida county among the top areas in the nation for remote work, even surpassing larger counties with extensive tech and government sectors.
Scott Maynard, a vice president of economic development for the local chamber of commerce, claims that many families relocated to Florida during the fall of 2020 when the state was lifting COVID-19 restrictions while most of the country remained confined. Parents wanted their kids to return to in-person education, which attracted many who could work remotely.
St. Johns County’s public schools rank among the best in Florida, making the area even more appealing to families.
However, the increased popularity of St. Augustine has created challenges, particularly concerning housing affordability. Many new residents, often wealthier than those who have lived in the area for years, are driving up housing costs and making it hard for essential workers, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters, to find affordable homes.
The median home price in St. Johns County skyrocketed from $405,000 in 2019 to nearly $535,000 in 2023. To afford a home at this price, essential workers would need to earn close to $180,000 a year, far above the average salaries for teachers and law enforcement officers, which hover around $48,000 and $58,000, respectively.
Many newcomers sold their homes in higher-cost areas, allowing them to pay cash for property in St. Augustine. This influx has put extra pressure on the housing market, making it difficult for local residents.
Waldron, who works in the health care industry, took advantage of the real estate market during the pandemic to sell his home in Boston and buy a more affordable house near St. Augustine. The advent of reliable internet and online meeting platforms made this transition possible, allowing him to work from his new home.
Overall, the transformation of St. Augustine into a remote work haven reflects broader trends in the post-pandemic world, shaping the community in ways that support both its historic charm and its evolving identity as a welcoming place for new residents.
