Saint Augustine is a beautiful city on the Atlantic Coast, famous for its outstanding Spanish architecture and believed by many to be the oldest city in the country. It’s popular with seniors, who make up 22.7% of the population of approximately 14,300. In addition to Florida’s tax-friendly status, they’re also drawn to the city’s below-average healthcare and transportation costs.
Despite its compact size, Saint Augustine has over 10 assisted living facilities. They’re suitable for seniors who need assistance with some of their daily routines, such as personal grooming. They also provide excellent opportunities for residents to socialize together and participate in organized events. The average fee is $4,660, which is more than the state median, but the city’s popularity with seniors seems to suggest many think it’s a price worth paying.
This guide discusses the pros and cons of living in Saint Agustine and compares its assisted living costs with nearby cities. It also considers costs for other types of senior care and lists some senior-friendly resources.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Saint Augustine, FL
165 Silver Lane, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
Silver Creek was nice and clean. The person who gave the tour was nice and knowledgeable. The room fits the dimensions of the room size they gave, and there were people in a TV room doing exercises. T
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Silver Creek was nice and clean. The person who gave the tour was nice and knowledgeable. The room fits the dimensions of the room size they gave, and there were people in a TV room doing exercises. They had a library and a garden outside too.
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Silver Creek was nice and clean. The person who gave the tour was nice and knowledgeable. The room fits the dimensions of the room size they gave, and there were people in a TV room doing exercises. T
… (read more)
Silver Creek was nice and clean. The person who gave the tour was nice and knowledgeable. The room fits the dimensions of the room size they gave, and there were people in a TV room doing exercises. They had a library and a garden outside too.
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150 Mariner Health Way, Saint Augustine, FL, 32086
Brookdale St. Augustine was an older facility, not as well-maintained, and it did not appear to be as clean or sanitary as some others I visited. The staff seemed pleasant, but not as engaging as othe
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Brookdale St. Augustine was an older facility, not as well-maintained, and it did not appear to be as clean or sanitary as some others I visited. The staff seemed pleasant, but not as engaging as other facilities. They also did admit to having some staffing challenges with the COVID environment. The dining area seemed adequate, but their meal plans were not nearly as client-friendly as the other facilities. They had an onsite salon and a library, but the activities seemed like they were pretty common with what I saw at other places.
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Brookdale St. Augustine was an older facility, not as well-maintained, and it did not appear to be as clean or sanitary as some others I visited. The staff seemed pleasant, but not as engaging as othe
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Brookdale St. Augustine was an older facility, not as well-maintained, and it did not appear to be as clean or sanitary as some others I visited. The staff seemed pleasant, but not as engaging as other facilities. They also did admit to having some staffing challenges with the COVID environment. The dining area seemed adequate, but their meal plans were not nearly as client-friendly as the other facilities. They had an onsite salon and a library, but the activities seemed like they were pretty common with what I saw at other places.
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115 Benton Lane, Saint Augustine, FL, 32092
1101 Plantation Island Dr S, Saint Augustine, FL, 32080
We visited Allegro in St Augustine. The rooms were small or smaller than what we are used to. The staff was very good. The rooms were old, about 20 years old, and small, but a lot of improvements have
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We visited Allegro in St Augustine. The rooms were small or smaller than what we are used to. The staff was very good. The rooms were old, about 20 years old, and small, but a lot of improvements have been made since then. The community is old. It needs some refurbishing and updating.
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We visited Allegro in St Augustine. The rooms were small or smaller than what we are used to. The staff was very good. The rooms were old, about 20 years old, and small, but a lot of improvements have
… (read more)
We visited Allegro in St Augustine. The rooms were small or smaller than what we are used to. The staff was very good. The rooms were old, about 20 years old, and small, but a lot of improvements have been made since then. The community is old. It needs some refurbishing and updating.
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235 Towerview Dr, Saint Augustine, FL, 32092
DO NOT go to Glenmoor if you except to receive life care….if you are in the independent living section and need to go to assisted living or the nursing home, there is no space available and a long w
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DO NOT go to Glenmoor if you except to receive life care….if you are in the independent living section and need to go to assisted living or the nursing home, there is no space available and a long waiting list. They are not willing to provide any kind of in home care, even though the contract specifically states that they will. It is lovely if you don’t need extra help, but if you do…FORGET IT!!
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DO NOT go to Glenmoor if you except to receive life care….if you are in the independent living section and need to go to assisted living or the nursing home, there is no space available and a long w
… (read more)
DO NOT go to Glenmoor if you except to receive life care….if you are in the independent living section and need to go to assisted living or the nursing home, there is no space available and a long waiting list. They are not willing to provide any kind of in home care, even though the contract specifically states that they will. It is lovely if you don’t need extra help, but if you do…FORGET IT!!
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3552 N. Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
Silver Treasures at St. Augustine was nice and well-maintained. I think they’re wonderful. I visited their assisted living about 2 months ago. They have a movie theater and a dining area and not just
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Silver Treasures at St. Augustine was nice and well-maintained. I think they’re wonderful. I visited their assisted living about 2 months ago. They have a movie theater and a dining area and not just a cafeteria. They have very nice rooms too. They’re all one room with a bed, a dresser, nicely painted, and well-maintained. I saw them playing bingo while I was there. The staff was very professional.
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Silver Treasures at St. Augustine was nice and well-maintained. I think they’re wonderful. I visited their assisted living about 2 months ago. They have a movie theater and a dining area and not just
… (read more)
Silver Treasures at St. Augustine was nice and well-maintained. I think they’re wonderful. I visited their assisted living about 2 months ago. They have a movie theater and a dining area and not just a cafeteria. They have very nice rooms too. They’re all one room with a bed, a dresser, nicely painted, and well-maintained. I saw them playing bingo while I was there. The staff was very professional.
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76 BRUEN STREET, Saint Augustine, FL, 32095
My grandmother was in this facility, and I have to say that everything was consistent. I came at different times of day, and nothing was out of ordinary, even when new staff was hired, they all were o
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My grandmother was in this facility, and I have to say that everything was consistent. I came at different times of day, and nothing was out of ordinary, even when new staff was hired, they all were on the Same page. I felt true peace when I would leave from visiting my grandmother every time. Ms. Barbara is very personable, and I would use this facility again and recommend it hands down.
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My grandmother was in this facility, and I have to say that everything was consistent. I came at different times of day, and nothing was out of ordinary, even when new staff was hired, they all were o
… (read more)
My grandmother was in this facility, and I have to say that everything was consistent. I came at different times of day, and nothing was out of ordinary, even when new staff was hired, they all were on the Same page. I felt true peace when I would leave from visiting my grandmother every time. Ms. Barbara is very personable, and I would use this facility again and recommend it hands down.
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168 MARINE STREET, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
Upon entering I was immediately given a tour through the home. While this facility may be smaller, it provides a more one on one feel with the caregivers and residence. I was able to eat steak and ma
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Upon entering I was immediately given a tour through the home. While this facility may be smaller, it provides a more one on one feel with the caregivers and residence. I was able to eat steak and mashed potatoes, which is one of the many home cooked meals they provide. Fully serviced like other facilities, however they include internet, private or double rooms, television, laundry and much more. The Grafton house is literally your own home within a home. One thing that really stuck out was how close it is to downtown St. Augustine. Being that it is so close you can enjoy transportation services to downtown, the bay and even the beach. If you are more of the independent person, I would strongly recommend The Grafton House. Not only can you keep your independence, you won’t feel rushed, and will have the ability to make everlasting friendships with the friendly staff and residence; The Grafton House is family operated as well.
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Upon entering I was immediately given a tour through the home. While this facility may be smaller, it provides a more one on one feel with the caregivers and residence. I was able to eat steak and ma
… (read more)
Upon entering I was immediately given a tour through the home. While this facility may be smaller, it provides a more one on one feel with the caregivers and residence. I was able to eat steak and mashed potatoes, which is one of the many home cooked meals they provide. Fully serviced like other facilities, however they include internet, private or double rooms, television, laundry and much more. The Grafton house is literally your own home within a home. One thing that really stuck out was how close it is to downtown St. Augustine. Being that it is so close you can enjoy transportation services to downtown, the bay and even the beach. If you are more of the independent person, I would strongly recommend The Grafton House. Not only can you keep your independence, you won’t feel rushed, and will have the ability to make everlasting friendships with the friendly staff and residence; The Grafton House is family operated as well.
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5805 Datil Pepper Road, Saint Augustine, FL, 32086
My mother was in this home for two years. It was the absolutely like her being at home… Brenda and the staff are the best thing on this earth.. She absolutely has 24-7 care and I was always kept up
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My mother was in this home for two years. It was the absolutely like her being at home… Brenda and the staff are the best thing on this earth.. She absolutely has 24-7 care and I was always kept up to date on anything and everything that has gone on in her day. I owe this facility the biggest hugs in the world for the most heartfelt pleasure that my mother could have felt for their respectful and loving care that she received… thank you all for moms beautiful life…..
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My mother was in this home for two years. It was the absolutely like her being at home… Brenda and the staff are the best thing on this earth.. She absolutely has 24-7 care and I was always kept up
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My mother was in this home for two years. It was the absolutely like her being at home… Brenda and the staff are the best thing on this earth.. She absolutely has 24-7 care and I was always kept up to date on anything and everything that has gone on in her day. I owe this facility the biggest hugs in the world for the most heartfelt pleasure that my mother could have felt for their respectful and loving care that she received… thank you all for moms beautiful life…..
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161 Marine Street, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
I visited BayView Healthcare in downtown St. Augustine about 6 months ago and that was very nice. It’s on the bay so they have a dock that goes out into the water, which is just beautiful. I saw their
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I visited BayView Healthcare in downtown St. Augustine about 6 months ago and that was very nice. It’s on the bay so they have a dock that goes out into the water, which is just beautiful. I saw their assisted living and it’s very nice and well organized. I talked to the people that were there and they were enjoying it. They offer free coffee and tea, they have brand-new carpeting, and the rooms were all redone. The dining area was cafeteria-style. They have beautiful decks outside looking over the water.
They had a game room and I guess bingo is the hot thing there because they were all playing it when I went for a walk around the place. They have a pool and a huge, pretty courtyard where you could sit outside with your family.
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I visited BayView Healthcare in downtown St. Augustine about 6 months ago and that was very nice. It’s on the bay so they have a dock that goes out into the water, which is just beautiful. I saw their
… (read more)
I visited BayView Healthcare in downtown St. Augustine about 6 months ago and that was very nice. It’s on the bay so they have a dock that goes out into the water, which is just beautiful. I saw their assisted living and it’s very nice and well organized. I talked to the people that were there and they were enjoying it. They offer free coffee and tea, they have brand-new carpeting, and the rooms were all redone. The dining area was cafeteria-style. They have beautiful decks outside looking over the water.
They had a game room and I guess bingo is the hot thing there because they were all playing it when I went for a walk around the place. They have a pool and a huge, pretty courtyard where you could sit outside with your family.
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161 Marine St, Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
I’ve waited over 2 weeks to hear if my mother was accepted (and still no call back) when it was supposed to take a couple days… I was told “did I check out other places” – and then when I emai
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I’ve waited over 2 weeks to hear if my mother was accepted (and still no call back) when it was supposed to take a couple days… I was told “did I check out other places” – and then when I emailed the head of the facility I got no response. So disappointed that a place that is supposed to serve our most neediest population could care to even call back with an updated or answer.
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I’ve waited over 2 weeks to hear if my mother was accepted (and still no call back) when it was supposed to take a couple days… I was told “did I check out other places” – and then when I emai
… (read more)
I’ve waited over 2 weeks to hear if my mother was accepted (and still no call back) when it was supposed to take a couple days… I was told “did I check out other places” – and then when I emailed the head of the facility I got no response. So disappointed that a place that is supposed to serve our most neediest population could care to even call back with an updated or answer.
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2820 OLD MOULTRIE ROAD, Saint Augustine, FL, 32086
My mom is at Coral Landing. The place feels very homey. The staff is very positive and friendly and even tempered. They really care about their clientele. They have town meetings where everyone gets t
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My mom is at Coral Landing. The place feels very homey. The staff is very positive and friendly and even tempered. They really care about their clientele. They have town meetings where everyone gets to voice their opinions. I haven’t eaten there, but my mother appreciates the food. It’s a very economical place to live.
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My mom is at Coral Landing. The place feels very homey. The staff is very positive and friendly and even tempered. They really care about their clientele. They have town meetings where everyone gets t
… (read more)
My mom is at Coral Landing. The place feels very homey. The staff is very positive and friendly and even tempered. They really care about their clientele. They have town meetings where everyone gets to voice their opinions. I haven’t eaten there, but my mother appreciates the food. It’s a very economical place to live.
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Saint Augustine
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Florida. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Saint Augustine
Operating an assisted living community in Florida requires the facility to be licensed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. To receive a license, the applicant must pass an ALF Director’s course and agree to a level 2 FBI background check, in addition to providing evidence their planned facility satisfies all staffing, health and safety and insurance requirements.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Saint Augustine
- One of the advantages of living in Florida is its tax benefits. Residents don’t pay state income taxes, which includes pensions, Social Security payments and IRAs. There are also no taxes paid on inheritances or estates. Jacksonville’s taxpayer service center is less than an hour from Saint Augustine. Its staff can provide seniors with more detailed information about paying taxes based on their unique circumstances.
- Due to its size and distance from heavily populated areas, Saint Augustine has one major medical center in Flagler Hospital. It has primary and urgent care facilities, in addition to an emergency room. The facility also specializes in several areas of medicine, such as orthopedics and outpatient surgery. Seniors who need other types of specialist care don’t have far to travel as Jacksonville’s abundance of hospitals are only 50 minutes away.
- The average cost of living index for Saint Augustine is 101.9, which, although above the national index figure, is below Florida’s. The figures look even better when considering costs most likely to interest seniors in assisted living. The healthcare cost index for Saint Augustine is 95.9, which is below Florida’s 98, and the transportation cost index is 87.6, which is significantly below the state’s 112.6.
- Florida’s climate is a major draw for seniors, and Saint Augustine is no different. The city gets around 223 sunny days per year and boasts temperatures of 91 degrees in the height of summer. Even in winter’s coldest periods, the average is a cool 45 degrees. Rain is more common than normal, as it tends to be throughout the state, but the benefit is a city surrounded by green fields and several popular beauty spots nearby, such as Matanzas State Forest.
- Saint Augustine has above-average rates of violent and property crime. However, the city center and surrounding areas tend to skew the figures as they experience criminal behavior more often. Generally speaking, localities beyond these areas have lower levels of crime. Concerned seniors should know that assisted living facilities normally have extensive security and surveillance systems and many have staff on-site around the clock.
Paying for Assisted Living in Saint Augustine
Figures published in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show Saint Augustine’s average assisted living fees of $4,660 are on the higher end. The typical senior pays approximately $660 per month more than the average Floridian, but this drops to $160 when compared to the U.S. average.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Saint Augustine’s assisted living costs may encourage some seniors to consider relocating elsewhere in north Florida. Resettling in Tallahassee is unlikely to save much as the average fee is only $10 per month below Saint Augustine’s. However, moving down the coast to Deltona could make a difference because the typical fee is $3,975. Relocating to Gainesville might result in significant savings, as the median fee is $2,350.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
At around $1,625 per month, adult day care centers are the most affordable option in Saint Augustine. Nursing homes are the most expensive, typically charging $8,882 for a private room, but semiprivate rooms can be had for around $8,213. Assisted living is midway between the costs of homemaker services, at $4,481, and home health aides, at $4,767.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Care cost data for Saint Augustine was not available, so data for the closest city, Jacksonville, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Saint Augustine
Florida provides two state programs to help eligible seniors with the cost of services at assisted living facilities: Medicaid Long-Term Care and Assistive Care Services. The state also offers optional state supplementation (OSS) for residents who receive social security income.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Florida page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Saint Augustine
One of the reasons Florida is such a great place to retire is the abundance of free resources dedicated to helping seniors live happier and more comfortable lives. The organizations listed here can advocate for seniors who have issues with the quality of their care, help veterans find long-term support and refer those who want to help their communities find organizations that need volunteers.
Ombudsmen are volunteers trained by the state to visit residential care facilities to engage with seniors, help them understand their rights and be an advocate during disputes with their care providers. The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman program also holds records of facility inspections, which it can make available at no cost to seniors planning their long-term care in an assisted living setting.
The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs is primarily a counseling service for U.S. military vets and their dependents. Its purpose is to help veterans deal with psychological conditions, such as depression and PTSD. However, it's also a gateway to other services aimed at making life easier for those who served. The department can connect vets to veterans' services officers in Saint Augustine who can help them identify and apply for the local, state and federal benefits they're entitled to. It can also refer those with medical needs to the Leo C. Chase, Jr. VA Clinic.
The Council on Aging of St. Johns County is a multi-resource nonprofit organization. Although most of its services benefit seniors living at home, it can also be useful for those in assisted living communities. Its transportation department operates several low-cost transit and paratransit services that can take seniors anywhere within St. John's County. It also manages the county's senior centers, including the Coastal Community Center in Saint Augustine.
RSVP St. Johns is a volunteer program for adults aged 55 years and older. It connects those who want to help their communities with nonprofits that rely on volunteers to fulfill their purposes. The program focuses on educational opportunities, such as tutoring and mentoring students within the St. Johns County School District. To qualify, potential volunteers must complete a school access form to determine their suitability. Volunteers receive training before assuming their roles.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information about these laws.
