St. Augustine is Perfect for Remote Workers
Even as some companies transition back into the office, remote work remains a popular choice for many professionals. So, if you currently enjoy working from home or hope to be able to soon, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, most working professionals want to work either fully remote or hybrid.
This trend is good news if you’re looking to buy a home because a remote or hybrid work setup can help you overcome some of today’s housing inventory challenges. Being less geographically dependent on your job means you can widen your search to smaller communities, like St. Augustine, Florida, that may previously have been out of reach.
Image Courtesy of Sigmund
More Work Flexibility Equals More Home Options
Remote or hybrid work opens up a world of opportunities. That’s because it allows you to broaden your search for your next home since you’re no longer limited to living close to your workplace. With the freedom to work from anywhere, you can explore more affordable areas that may be located farther away from major cities or your office.
During the 19th century, St. Augustine was the hub of Florida, attracting business, military, and tourism investment. Then, as the century turned, cities like Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville began growing and attracting companies to establish offices. St. Augustine became a sleepy hamlet where you might enjoy a wonderful vacation, but few could work a traditional job and call it home. The recent shift towards remote work has been a complete game changer for those looking to escape the city and settle in St. Augustine.
Image Courtesy of Jorge Vasconez
Take Advantage of Florida’s Tax Laws
One of the most significant advantages Florida offers to remote workers is the absence of state income tax. Florida is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not levy personal income tax. This means that if your primary residence is in Florida, you’ll retain more of your income, with only federal tax being applicable.
For a remote worker, especially those who have the flexibility to choose their residential state, this can result in substantial savings over time. Even if the company you work for is based in another state, you will fall under Florida tax laws. Additionally, the funds that you would typically set aside for state taxes can instead be used for other financial goals or lifestyle choices.
Image Courtesy of Corinne Kutz
Finding Affordability Near St. Augustine
If you want to be near America’s Oldest City, but are willing to compromise on location outside of the historic downtown, a plethora of affordable options open up. Neighborhoods a short drive away from the beach like St. Augustine Shores, St. Augustine South, St. Johns, Flagler Estates, and Palatka might be the perfect fit for you.
An article from the New York Times (NYT) highlights how remote work can help first-time home buyers:
“...take advantage of the opportunity remote work has presented to move to more affordable communities (either farther out in the suburbs, or in another part of the country).”
And, since the supply of homes for sale is still so low, another key challenge for you today may be finding something with all of the features you want and need. Because remote work allows you to broaden your search radius to include additional areas, you may actually have less trouble finding a home with the features you want and need. Because remote work allows you to broaden your search radius to include additional areas, you may actually have less trouble finding a home with the features you want the most because you’ll have a bigger pool of options to pick from.
Working remotely gives you the flexibility to find an affordable home with the features you want. In other words, you have a better chance of getting what you need without blowing your budget.
Bottom Line
Working remotely not only gives you more flexibility in your job but also presents a great chance to broaden your search for a home. Since you’re not limited to a specific location, you have the opportunity to explore more options.
