ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Lori Matthias and her husband relocated from Atlanta to St. Augustine, Florida, in 2023 to escape the heavy traffic. Similarly, Mike Waldron and his wife moved from the Boston area in 2020 to be closer to their adult children, embracing the charm of “the nation’s oldest city.”
These residents are part of a significant influx of white-collar remote workers who have transformed St. Augustine into a leading remote work hub in the United States.
Matthias appreciates St. Augustine’s small-town vibe, trading her lengthy Atlanta commute for the joy of connecting with friends during errands. “The whole pace here is slower, and I’m attracted to that,” said Matthias, who works in sales and marketing for a power tool company. “My commute is like 30 steps from my kitchen to my office. It’s just different. It’s just relaxed and friendly.”
Historically, St. Augustine was claimed by the Spanish crown in the early 16th century after explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival. Today, it is recognized for its stunning Spanish architecture, historic sites, and recreational attractions.
Recent statistics indicate a remarkable rise in remote work in St. Johns County, home to St. Augustine. The percentage of workers telecommuting nearly tripled, increasing from 8.6% in 2018 to nearly 24% in 2023, placing the county among the top U.S. regions for remote work, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
In comparison, only counties with substantial populations in tech, finance, and government, such as those in metro Washington and California, reported a higher remote work percentage. St. Johns County, with its modest population of 335,000, has experienced over 20% growth during the decade.
Scott Maynard from the local chamber of commerce attributes this influx mainly to Florida lifting COVID-19 restrictions in late 2020, while much of the nation remained under lockdown. “Many people relocated here to provide their children with in-person education,” Maynard noted.
St. Johns County public schools consistently rank among the best in Florida, according to the state Department of Education report cards.
The surge in residents has brought challenges, particularly regarding affordable housing, as many new arrivals outbid locals for homes. Essential workers, including police officers and teachers, often commute from surrounding areas due to rising housing costs. The median home price in the county rose from $405,000 in 2019 to nearly $535,000 in 2023, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for local essential workers.
To afford a home at the median price, workers would need an annual income of at least $180,000. However, teachers earn an average salary of about $48,000, while law enforcement officers make around $58,000, highlighting the affordability crisis.
Aliyah Meyer, an economic researcher, explained that newcomers from higher-cost areas often sell their homes at inflated prices and buy in St. Augustine with cash offers, which drives up local property values and exacerbates the housing shortage.
Waldron, a health care sales executive, took advantage of these market conditions by selling his Boston home and purchasing a residence in a gated community near St. Augustine. “Things really worked out to be less expensive down here,” he said.
The combination of reliable high-speed internet and the rise of remote working tools like online meeting platforms has further facilitated this migration. Waldron emphasized, “If I was still locked in an office, I would not have been able to move down here.”
