The Best Boat Friendly Neighborhoods in St. Augustine FL

If you are a boat lover and are looking for a fantastic neighborhood in which to lay down roots, where you can literally park your boat outside of your front door, you need look no further than St. Augustine. St. Johns County is home to a plethora of boat-friendly neighborhoods that can accommodate you and your boat comfortably and affordably. There are several remarkable communities you may want to explore while searching for your dream home on the water. 

Camachee Cove

Just west of the intercoastal and a couple miles north of downtown St. Augustine is Camachee Cove. This community, located on Camachee Island, is known for its scenic views and mature trees, which create a lovely canopy over the neighborhood’s main drive. It is prized for the naturally protected nature of its cove. Boaters will be thrilled by the close proximity of this marina to the St. Augustine inlet where they can get off shore quickly, as well as the easy access along the Tolomato River and the quick drive across the bridge to Vilano Beach. The neighborhood offers an array of condos and single-family homes priced starting in the $300s and reaching well over $1M. 

Villages of Vilano

Located on the Tolomato River on the west side of Vilano Beach is the Villages of Vilano. This gated community offers condos and villas with a large array of amenities, from easy access to the beach, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, and to the small marina for which it is known. The marina is a mere two miles to the St. Augustine inlet, where boaters can gain easy access to the ocean. Slips for this marina are privately owned and can be independently sold, often in the neighborhood of $55k to $70k. Homebuyers should note, however, that some units come with a slip. The condos range from the mid $200s for a one-bedroom to the $600s for a more sizable villa.

Davis Shores

Davis Shores is an architecturally diverse neighborhood, just a short drive or bike ride to downtown St. Augustine and a walk to Anastasia State Park as well as the Amphitheater. This area was established in the 1930s, and homebuyers will delight in unique homes which span a century. From the bungalows of the 1930s and 40s to mid-century modern and Spanish-style homes, all the way to newer construction, there is something for everyone, including plenty of shops and restaurants along Anastasia Blvd. Davis Shores is located in North Anastasia Island, directly off of the St Augustine Inlet and the harbor, and many homes have waterfront access, which makes it a boat-lover’s paradise. The homes in David Shores range from the $200s to $1M for beachfront properties. 

Riverdale

Back in 2018, the plans for the neighborhood of Riverdale were laid, with the purchase of more than 1,800 acres of land alongside the St. Johns River, just 15 minutes from downtown St. Augustine. Boat access to the river was a top priority, alongside the notion of enjoying a more peaceful lifestyle while immersed in the natural beauty of mature Oaks and Pines, with tranquil views of the river. Even 10-acre farming sites were provided and food-to-table living encouraged. There is a huge emphasis placed on the scenic water views and the boating and fishing lifestyle along the St. Johns River. Homes within the community of Riverdale are priced starting in the $300s, but can go as high as $2.9M for estate-style living.

Cortez on the Water

The community of Cortez on the Water offers three-level townhome-style condos, each with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an elevator, and a rooftop deck. Conveniently, each unit is accompanied by a deep water slip on the salt run, which is located on the northern end of Anastasia Island and is the waterway between Anastasia State Park, Conch Island and North Davis Shores. Boaters can easily access the St. Augustine Inlet. Another key feature is that the wildly popular Conch House Marina and Resort is conveniently located right next door. The units of Cortez on the Water begin in the $800s and extend to over $2M, depending on design upgrades, the view from the unit and location.