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Why You Should Have a Second Home in Florida

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Invest in Your Dreams in the Sunshine State

As the summer heats up and vacations are planned, don’t forget to consider investing in your future real estate goals. Are you dreaming of a place to get away without the hassle of booking hotels or inflated vacation rental prices? Imagine owning a second home in the oldest city in the country, surrounded by art, culture, and miles of beaches with stunning views in Florida. These are just a few of the reasons home buyers and investors are making plans to own a second home in beautiful Northeast Florida. The Newcomer Group is here to help you turn these dreams into a reality and help you secure your second home or investment property. 

The Ancient City of St. Augustine

Owning a piece of Florida real estate in St. Augustine is more than just having access to a year-round vacation hot spot. From the endless sunny weather to the activities in the sand and surf, St. Augustine will feel like home in no time. Not to mention, with easy access to North Florida’s treasures, including the greater Jacksonville area, it will quickly become a favorite destination for your family and friends.

Often referred to as the Ancient City, St. Augustine is full of extraordinary Spanish architecture and is home to award-winning local and regional artists. Whether you have a taste for gourmet dining at local eateries or want to explore the paranormal on one of St. Augustine’s infamous ghost tours, there is something for everyone.

St. Augustine has no shortage of historical attractions. Some locals visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum daily to climb the 219 steps and soak in the views of the Historic Coast. History buffs will be fascinated by the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., while fans of the esoteric can check out the Lightner Museum, which occupies the former Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age resort hotel built by railroad magnate Henry Flager. If you’re looking to turn back the clock, take a drink from the mystical Fountain of Youth, discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513 and now open as an archaeological park. 

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Life for Locals in St. Augustine

Beyond the attractions, what is it like to live in St. Augustine year-round? The average high temperature is 79°F (26°C) while the average low temperature is 61°F (16°C) — leave those winter coats up north! Winters in St. Augustine are moderate, while summers are considered hot. That’s no problem because locals and tourists can always cool off on St. Augustine’s 42 miles of beaches. Whether you sunbathe on the golden sands of St. Augustine Beach or dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean from the silky shores of Anastasia State Park, the charming coastal views of St. Augustine are why this unique city is a year-round destination for snowbirds and international travelers. Not to mention, it is also home to the #1 school district in the Sunshine State.

St. Augustine is also home to some of the best neighborhoods and communities in Northeast Florida. Vilano Beach provides something for everyone, whether you’re looking to observe sea turtle nesting season in your own backyard or soak up spectacular sunsets from the public Vilano Beach Pier. You can also find history in areas like Lincolnville, a neighborhood established by freedmen following the American Civil War in the late 1800s.

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Tax Benefits and Financial Advantages

Owning a second home in St. Augustine means access to the greatest parts of Florida’s weather, beaches, attractions, and, let’s not forget, tax benefits. Florida residents enjoy living in one of nine states that do not impose a state income tax. Residents are not required to pay estate, inheritance, or intangible taxes, unlike other parts of the country with high state income taxes like California, where the tax is over 12 percent. International buyers from some countries, such as the United Kingdom, also can access tax benefits by owning an investment home in the Sunshine State. The great thing about purchasing property in cities like St. Augustine as a non-resident is paying the same property tax rate as Florida residents.

Although home prices around America are dropping in some areas, over the last decade, home prices in Florida have skyrocketed. In 2023 alone, home values are expected to increase by another three to four percent which means the best time to invest in your Florida second home is now. Like we say around The Newcomer Group, “time in the market is better than timing the market.” 

Your Florida Real Estate Resource

Don’t get burned this summer. If you’re considering investing in a second home in Florida, the Newcomer Group is here to help you discover the beauty of Florida. Check out our real estate listings today and give us a call at (904) 599-5633.

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