Remote workers flock to Florida’s St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida, has emerged as a prime destination for remote workers, with a significant increase in the number of professionals relocating to the area in recent years. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the percentage of workers telecommuting in St. Johns County surged from 8.6% in 2018 to nearly 24% in 2023. Lori Matthias, a sales and marketing professional, expressed her satisfaction with the slower pace of life there, saying: “My commute is like 30 steps from my kitchen to my office.” However, this influx has led to rising housing costs, making it difficult for essential workers to afford homes. The median home price jumped from $405,000 in 2019 to almost $535,000 in 2023, forcing many local workers to commute from outside the county. Economic researcher Aliyah Meyer noted that newcomers from wealthier regions have inflated the housing market, creating challenges for long-time residents.