St. Augustine: Southern Living's Top Retirement Destination Aglow with Nights of Lights

We know our friends at Southern Living love the beauty and surroundings of Amelia Island, since that is where they asked to collaborate with Riverside Homes Custom to build their Southern Living Idea House in 2019. But according to a recent article in the Southern Living October issue, editors are also fond of another spot on the First Coast. A place that is rich in history, provides plenty of entertainment and is also home to many Riverside Homes communities. Of course, it is none other than historic St. Augustine, FL. 

Amelia Island, home of the Southern Living Idea House built by Riverside Homes Custom and St. Augustine actually have a lot in common. The charm, the historic downtown and the beautiful beaches. But while very similar, they are also unique from each other. The coastal city of St. Augustine has plenty to offer, from its historic architecture to its picturesque beaches and thriving entertainment scene. While strolling through Downtown St. Augustine, you will notice the award-winning holiday lights display, Nights of Lights. St. Augustine's Nights of Lights is an enchanting spectacle that transforms the historic city into a magical wonderland during the holiday season. This annual tradition, recognized and celebrated by Southern Living, turns the charming streets into a twinkling masterpiece with millions of tiny white lights adorning buildings, trees, and landmarks. 

Whether you're a retiree, young professional, or family, St. Augustine is perfect for all ages and lifestyles. While you can pick up the issue of Southern Living to find their reasons for naming it a perfect place to retire, we also wanted to share our reasons Riverside Homes continues to build new homes for sale for homeowners who are thriving in the Nation's Oldest City. Here's our top five:

Rich History and Culture

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, so it is no surprise that it's steeped in rich history and culture. From the iconic Castillo de San Marcos Fort to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, there are plenty of historic sites to visit and explore. In addition to its architecture, St. Augustine is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters located throughout the city.

Beautiful Beaches

St. Augustine is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, which make it a perfect spot for surfing, fishing, kayaking, and more. Whether you prefer a lively beach with plenty of amenities or a secluded, quiet spot, you can find it in St. Augustine. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, and Vilano Beach. In addition to the sandy shores, St. Augustine has a sunny, mild climate that averages a delightful 75 degrees throughout the year. This weather perfection invites year-round outdoor enjoyment, be it a jog, a bike ride, or simply unwinding on the beach, making St. Augustine a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Thriving Food Scene

If you're a foodie, you'll love living in St. Augustine. The city has a fantastic base filled with multicultural restaurants, with everything from casual seafood shacks to upscale, fine-dining restaurants. Whether you want to try some of the city's famous seafood or sample international cuisine, you'll find it all here. Be sure to check out some of the local food and drink festivals throughout the year, like the St. Augustine Seafood Festival, Greek Festival and the Taste of St. Augustine.

Family-Friendly Fun

St. Augustine is perfect for families, with plenty of activities and attractions for kids of all ages. Visit the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, take a pirate ship tour, or explore Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. You can also enjoy family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, like the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum's Pirate Bash.

The Communities 

Finally, our personal favorite reason to retire in St. Augustine includes our stunning Riverside Homes Communities that have beautiful amenities and are conveniently located to a variety of locations that add flavor and color to Northeast Florida. Last month we were excited to announce we expanded our current home designs in St. Augustine's Silver Landing at SilverLeaf neighborhood. Silver Landing will offer two NEW FLOOR PLANS, The Hudson and The Crescent, as part of the lineup. These expansive homesites have picturesque views, providing the ideal backdrop for your dream home in St. Johns County. 

If you're considering purchasing a new home in St. Augustine, Florida, contact one of our New Home Sales Consultants who can help you find the perfect Riverside Home Community, lot and floorplan that suits your needs and retirement desires. Home prices start from the $400s. We invite you to come visit our new Ortega and Hamilton models in Silver Landing located at 57 Oak Heights Ct., St. Augustine, FL, 32092 and 65 Oak Heights Ct., St. Augustine, FL, 32092.