Lori Matthias and her husband had grown weary of the Atlanta traffic when they decided to relocate to St. Augustine, Florida, in 2023. They are among a wave of remote workers, including Mike Waldron, who moved from the Boston area in 2020, driven by a desire to be closer to family and escape urban congestion. This once tourist-driven town, renowned for its Spanish architecture, historical sites, and coastal charm, is now transforming into a significant remote work hub in the United States.
St. Augustine, often touted as the nation’s oldest city, has seen a remarkable increase in its remote workforce. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the percentage of workers in St. Johns County who worked from home skyrocketed from 8.6% in 2018 to nearly 24% by 2023. This shift has swiftly placed St. Johns in the upper tier of U.S. counties with a large remote work demographic—a rare feat for an area with just 335,000 residents.
Much of this migration can be attributed to changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after Florida lifted restrictions on schools and businesses in the fall of 2020. Scott Maynard, a vice president of economic development for the local chamber of commerce, stated, “A lot of people were relocating here from the Northeast, the Midwest, and California so that their children could get back to a face-to-face education.” In turn, this influx has seen individuals embracing the flexibility of remote work while seeking out a lifestyle less encumbered by the hustle of their previous homes.
The charm of St. Augustine, with its terra cotta roofs, arched doorways, alligator farms, lighthouses, and shipwreck museums, has become increasingly attractive to these new residents. Matthias cherishes the vibrant small-town atmosphere, stating, “The whole pace here is slower and I’m attracted to that. My commute is like 30 steps from my kitchen to my office.” This newfound lifestyle aligns perfectly with the desires of many who fled to this historical city.
Waldron's story echoes this sentiment; he successfully sold his Boston home during the pandemic’s soaring real estate market and found a larger, more affordable house in a golf course community near St. Augustine. He said, “If I was still locked in an office, I would not have been able to move down here.” The affordability perception is subjective, however, as many newcomers have inflated the housing market, making it challenging for local essential workers to afford suitable homes.
Particularly alarming is the rise in housing prices, with the median home value in St. Johns County climbing from $405,000 in 2019 to almost $535,000 by 2023. Essential workers, like teachers earning an average salary of about $48,000 and law enforcement officers earning roughly $58,000, now find it increasingly difficult to secure housing. An analysis by the local chamber of commerce revealed that essential workers would need to earn at least $180,000 annually to afford the current median home price—a heightening concern for community stability.
Aliyah Meyer, an economic researcher from the chamber, noted the trend where out-of-state newcomers frequently sell their properties at elevated prices, allowing them to pay cash for homes in St. Augustine, which further exacerbates the market’s competitiveness. “What happened was a lot of the people, especially coming in from up North, were able to sell their homes for such a high value and come here and just pay cash since this seemed affordable to them,” she explained. This has upset the housing balance, leaving many locals in desperate circumstances.
Consequently, essential workers are often forced to commute from surrounding areas where housing is more affordable. While the influx of new residents brings economic benefits, the growing population must be handled thoughtfully, especially considering the education systems. Thanks to its reputation, St. Johns County boasts some of Florida's best public schools, drawing families seeking quality education for their children.
Interior amenities, cultural offerings, and the lifestyle benefits of St. Augustine have united to create a compelling narrative for individuals seeking balance, wellness, and connection. The continuing evolution of this historic town into a modern hub may hold lessons for others undergoing similar transformations. Yet, it will require careful strategies to address the adverse impacts of such influxes, particularly in housing costs and sustaining community identities.
As St. Augustine navigates its new role in an increasingly remote work-oriented world, the balance between welcoming new residents and sustaining its existing community faces a challenging road ahead. The blend of historical legacy with contemporary needs exemplifies the challenges of growth, a topic that resonates across many regions in today’s changing economic landscape. Fortunately, for residents like Matthias and Waldron, the allure of their new home outweighs these challenges, leading to a promising future where work-life integration flourishes amidst the enchanting backdrop of a historic seaside town.
