15 Minutes to the Beach: Why Families Love St. Augustine Living

by Travis Tamillo

If you asked me what makes living in St. Augustine, Florida so special, I wouldn’t hesitate — it’s the lifestyle.

For my family, it’s as simple as this: we can be at the beach in about 15 minutes. No planning, no packing for a full day… just hop in the truck, head to the coast, and let the kids run while we take a breath and reset.

That kind of everyday access to the ocean is something a lot of families are looking for when they start searching for homes in St. Johns County — and once they experience it, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else.

The Beach Isn’t a Vacation — It’s Part of Daily Life

Living in St. Augustine means the beach becomes part of your routine, not just a weekend trip.

Whether it’s a quick stop at Porpoise Point, an evening walk along Vilano Beach, or loading up for a full beach day, it’s always right there.

For families, that means:

Kids have space to run and play outside year-round
You can unwind after work without planning a big outing
Weekdays feel a little more like weekends

It’s one of the biggest reasons families relocating to Northeast Florida fall in love with the area so quickly.

Why Families Choose St. Johns County

Beyond the beach, St. Johns County is consistently one of the top places families choose to live in Florida — and for good reason.

Here’s what my clients care about most:

Top-Rated Schools

St. Johns County is known for having some of the best public schools in Florida, which is a huge factor for families making a move.

Family-Friendly Communities

Neighborhoods like Windward Ranch, Shearwater, and SilverLeaf are built for families — with pools, playgrounds, walking trails, and community events that make it easy to meet people and feel at home.

Location, Location, Location

You’re close to everything:

Beaches
Historic downtown St. Augustine
Jacksonville (including NAS Jax & Mayport)
Shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences

A Perfect Fit for Military Families PCSing to Florida

As a Navy veteran, I’ve lived the PCS life, and I know how stressful relocating can be — especially when you’re trying to choose the right area for your family.

That’s why so many military families PCSing to NAS Jacksonville or Mayport choose St. Johns County.

Here’s why:

Easy commute to base while living in a quieter, family-focused area
Strong sense of community (a lot of military families already live here)
Great long-term investment potential when buying a home with a VA loan

I’ve helped many families buy homes sight unseen while they’re stationed across the country or overseas, and St. Augustine is one of the places that consistently checks all the boxes.

The Lifestyle You Didn’t Know You Needed

What I hear most from families after they move here is:
"We didn’t realize how much we needed this kind of lifestyle."

It’s the slower pace, the outdoor living, the ability to spend more time together without having to “plan” everything.

It’s Friday afternoons that turn into beach trips.
It’s kids growing up outside instead of inside.
It’s feeling like you’re on vacation… without actually being on vacation.