How buyers relocating from South Florida found new construction minutes from downtown St. Augustine
Buyers relocating from South Florida wanted newer construction, more than 3,000 square feet and a planned community, while staying close to downtown St. Augustine's dining and arts. That combination is rare near downtown. Using our Homebuyer Journey and a custom exploration map, they explored for a couple of months, chose Madeira on their own, and built a marsh-front home with a pool in 2024.
The situation
Our clients were relocating from South Florida and were new to St. Augustine. It was their first time getting to know the area, and they were selling a home in South Florida as part of the move.
What they needed
On their Homebuyer Journey form, three things stood out:
- Newer construction
- A larger home, more than 3,000 square feet
- A planned community, while still being close to the action downtown: dining, the arts and everything that makes St. Augustine feel like St. Augustine
Why it was hard
That combination isn't easy to find near downtown St. Augustine. Most neighborhoods close to downtown are established areas with older homes. Most of the area's large master-planned communities sit well to the north. Getting all three at once narrows the field to very few places.
What we did
After meeting with them and reading their form, I knew Madeira was where they needed to be. It's a master-planned community inside the City of St. Augustine, on the city's north side, with newer construction, a coastal feel with marsh and preserve views, and about 4 miles to town and the beach.
But because this was their first time here, telling them wasn't enough. They needed to see the options for themselves. So we built them a custom map with several communities plus the places they'd use day to day, and encouraged them to explore in a relocation mindset rather than a vacation mindset.
What happened
They explored for a couple of months while they got their South Florida home on the market. Their feedback kept pointing back to the same place, and they came to the conclusion on their own: Madeira was it.
They built a beautiful marsh-front home with a pool and closed in 2024. Today they're living their best lives, with new construction at home and downtown less than 10 minutes away.
What we'd tell you if you're in the same spot
If you want newer construction and a planned community but can't imagine living far from downtown, don't assume you have to choose. Write down exactly what your week looks like, then explore with a map instead of a list of community names. The right fit gets obvious once you see it in the context of daily life.
Questions this case answers
Can you find new construction near downtown St. Augustine?
It's limited. Most neighborhoods near downtown are established, so newer construction in a planned community is rare. Madeira, on the city's north side, is one of the few options less than 10 minutes from downtown and Vilano Beach.
How long should I explore before choosing a community?
As long as it takes to feel sure. These buyers explored for a couple of months. A custom map makes that time productive, because every visit answers a real question about daily life.
Do I need to sell my current home before buying in St. Augustine?
Not always, but your offer is strongest once your current home is under contract, and with new construction you'll want your financing and timeline lined up. We coordinate timing with both sides and your lender.
Read more about Madeira and the City of St. Augustine, or see how the Homebuyer Journey works.
Looking for your own Madeira?
Tell us your must-haves, and we'll show you where they actually exist.