Anastasia Island vs. Davis Shores: Which St. Augustine Neighborhood Should You Rent In?

If you're relocating to St. Augustine and narrowing your rental search to the areas closest to the water and the historic district, you've almost certainly landed on two neighborhoods: Anastasia Island and Davis Shores. They're separated by about a mile and a half of causeway, and they feel completely different to live in — even though they're both charming, walkable, and wildly competitive to rent in.

We manage properties in both neighborhoods and place tenants in both regularly. Here's an honest, side-by-side breakdown so you can make a decision before the perfect listing disappears (which, in this market, takes approximately 72 hours).

Anastasia Island: What It's Really Like to Live Here

Anastasia Island stretches south of the St. Augustine Inlet, with St. Augustine Beach as its centerpiece. The neighborhood you're probably picturing when you think "Florida coastal rental" — small shops, surf spots, the state park, the lighthouse — that's the Anastasia Island cluster.

The Case For It

• Actual beach access. You can walk to the Atlantic Ocean. This is not a metaphor. People who rent on Anastasia Island and don't use the beach are a mystery, but they exist.
• Anastasia State Park. One of Florida's finest. 1,600 acres of maritime hammock, tidal creeks, and beach with zero condos on the horizon. Access from within the neighborhood.
• St. Augustine Lighthouse. You live near a lighthouse. Is this relevant to your commute? No. Is it extremely cool? Objectively yes.
• Rental inventory variety. Condos, single-family beach bungalows, newer townhomes, short-term-converted long-term units. The mix is wide.
• Less traffic (usually). Once you're south of the Vilano bridge area, Anastasia Road is your main artery, but it moves well outside tourist season.

The Trade-Offs

• Flood insurance and flood risk. Many Anastasia Island properties sit in FEMA flood zone AE. Your landlord carries flood insurance; you should carry renters' insurance with flood coverage. Ask explicitly about the flood zone designation for any specific property.
• Tourist season traffic. A15 and A1A in summer can test your patience. If you're commuting north or west during peak season, budget extra time June–August.
• Premium pricing for the lifestyle. You're paying for the proximity to sand. That premium is real and consistent.

Davis Shores: What It's Really Like to Live Here

Davis Shores sits at the northern end of Anastasia Island, just across the Bridge of Lions from the historic district. It has the feeling of a neighborhood that's been quietly charming since the 1920s — because it has. The streets are lined with mature live oaks, the architecture is eclectic mid-century and Spanish Revival, and you can literally walk or bike across the Bridge of Lions into St. George Street for dinner.

The Case For It

• Walk to downtown St. Augustine. Across the Bridge of Lions — one of the most photographed drawbridges in Florida — is the historic district, Flagler College, and the bulk of the city's restaurants and shops. If you want to live somewhere walkable to actual civic life, Davis Shores delivers.
• Character inventory. Older homes, unique floor plans, architectural variety you simply don't find in newer construction. If you're renting in Davis Shores, you're probably not getting a cookie-cutter unit.
• Slightly lower price point. Relative to beachfront Anastasia Island, Davis Shores tends to run $100–$300/month less for comparable square footage — reflecting the beach proximity premium across the island.
• Quiet neighborhood feel. The streets are low-traffic, residents tend to be long-term, and the neighborhood has a tight community identity.
• Marina access. Salt Run and the intercoastal waterway are right there for kayaking, paddleboarding, and watching boats go by while pretending you own one.

The Trade-Offs

• Flood risk is real. Davis Shores has experienced significant flooding during major storm events, including Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Irma (2017). Many properties here are in flood zone AE. This is not a reason to avoid it — but it is a reason to ask specific questions and get flood coverage.
• Older housing stock. Character comes with aging electrical panels, older plumbing, and HVAC systems that have opinions. Know what you're renting and ask about the maintenance history.
• The bridge. The Bridge of Lions is a drawbridge that opens on schedule and on demand. It is charming. It can also delay your commute at inopportune times. Budget three extra minutes on the way to work if you're crossing regularly.

Head-to-Head: The Decision Matrix

Who Should Rent Where

Choose Anastasia Island If…

• You will actually use beach access regularly — not just on principle
• You have outdoor-oriented hobbies: surfing, fishing, cycling, running
• You don't need to walk to restaurants and nightlife (driving is fine)
• You want newer construction and a more vacation-resort feel
• Your budget can absorb the premium and you'd rather have beach proximity than a lower rent

Choose Davis Shores If…

• You want to walk or bike to downtown St. Augustine for dinner without moving your car
• You love architectural character and don't mind quirky older homes
• You're a professional who works remotely or in the downtown area
• You want a quieter, more residential neighborhood with strong community feel
• You'd rather save $100–$300/month and invest it in actually going out in the city you chose

What's Available Right Now

We manage properties in both neighborhoods and update our available listings regularly. If you're targeting either area, we'd strongly recommend getting on our notification list — St. Augustine Beach and Davis Shores rentals at the right price point tend to get applications within days of listing, sometimes within hours in peak season.