St. Augustine Real Estate Blog: The Many Neighborhoods of St. Augustine Part II of IV - Historic Downtown Homes

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.  Much of the downtown area has either been preserved, restored, or refinished to emulate the centuries and cultural influences of days gone by.
The historic downtown area of St. Augustine is a great neighborhood to live in with an old town feel.  If you like being able to walk to great restaurants, establishments for music and entertainment, shopping,  art  galleries and local schools, finding a historic downtown home is for you. 

Homes were frequently built in the last part of the 1800’s or early 1900’s.  The architecture  often reflects the period of days gone by.  Old City and Old Town represent a Spanish Colonial style with Spanish tile roof, exterior walls with inlaid tile mosaics,  multiple balconies, and coquina stone walls or foundations.  Driving is often on very narrow streets or one-way cobblestone streets.  Parking is primarily on the street, in a driveway or detached garage. 

The Lincolnville neighborhood in St. Augustine is a historic district   founded in 1866 by former slaves.  Washington St. became the center for black-owned businesses in the early part of the 20th century.  This area of about 45 blocks has the highest density of buildings of the Victoria era including those of the gothic revival  genre.  Generally the lots are small. 

The Flagler Model Land Co. area is just north of King Street with beautiful homes on paved oak-lined streets along  with mature palm, fruit and flowering trees.  Detached in-law suites and floral gardens are familiar.  Some of these homes have RG1 zoning allowing for varied use.  Typical amenities  include stained glass inserts, wood floors, and quaint porches and balconies.

Uptown, Magnolia and Nemar Terrace is a little farther north than the hubbub of the immediate downtown area.  Fireplaces, stucco walls, and wood beams are often seen in the homes that are cottage style.  This district  bustles with antique stores and still just blocks from the intercoastal waterway.

The sights, the smell, and the feel of St. Augustine provides unique stimuli with old trolleys and horse drawn carriages clip-clopping down city streets.  People travel to their work place dressed in period costume as pirates, Spanish soldiers, and colonial women. The youthful Flagler college students add a contemporary element.  The trolley bell rings regularly and the horn blows as the Bridge of Lions gates open to let a tall ship pass by.  The city is committed to preserving  its roots since 1565 and managing the many state-owned historic properties. Even newer homes have been built to be in keeping with the area. 


Prices in the downtown area depend largely upon the condition and the updating of the home.
Homes that have had  little updating done throughout the year can be “projects” and may be more difficult to obtain financing and insurance.   Codes have to be met that meet safety standards for   plumbing, electrical, central heat and air systems and the roof.   For those who want more shared common spaces and less property maintenance,  there are a few condominium projects.

An Marshall, REALTOR
Prudential Network Realty
Extremely Full Service
www.AnMarshallOnTheMove.com
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email:an.marshall@prudentialnetworkrealty.com
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