The quest for affordable housing in St. Johns County has been a persistent challenge for many working families. However, a ray of hope has emerged in the form of the Village of New Augustinea new community in West Augustine designed to provide income-restricted units and help residents stay within the community.

This innovative project is the result of a partnership between the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corporation and Ability Housinga nonprofit organization dedicated to developing affordable housing solutions. The Village of New Augustine stands as one of the first large-scale affordable apartment communities in the St. Augustine areacatering to residents whose incomes are at or below 60% of the area median income.

The Village of New Augustine: A Community for All

The Village of New Augustine offers a range of housing options, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The rent for a one-bedroom unit starts at approximately $634 per monthwhile a three-bedroom apartment can go up to about $1,600depending on household income and eligibility requirements. This diverse range of options ensures that the community can accommodate a variety of needs and family sizes.

For lifelong St. Augustine resident Khrissy Axenthe Village of New Augustine represents a long-awaited solution. After years of searching for an affordable place to live, Axen and her two daughters are excited to finally have a home of their own. “A very big challenge for the past five years,” Axen shared. “I had been looking and couldn’t find anything that was affordable, but this is a great opportunity and I’m thankful for it.”

A Commitment to Quality and Pride

Reggie FullwoodCEO of Ability Housing, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing housing that residents can take pride in. “You’ll see very nice countertops. You’ll see upgraded appliances, flooring,” Fullwood said. “Our goal is to provide affordable housing that people again feel proud of.”

The Village of New Augustine is designed to serve a wide range of residents, from young professionals earning between $40,000 and $50,000 annually to families who have struggled to find affordable housing options in one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties. “So it really depends on your income,” Fullwood explained, highlighting the inclusive nature of the community.

Addressing a Longstanding Need

Local leaders have long recognized the need for affordable housing in the area. Robert Nimmonschairman of the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Areanoted that despite years of growth and development, the area had lacked affordable apartment options. “Over the past 20, 30 years, we never had an apartment complex here that was affordable,” Nimmons said.

The West Augustine CRA played a crucial role in bringing infrastructure to the site and supporting the development of housing options for local residents. Katrina Mayerschair of affordable housing for the West Augustine CRA, highlighted the growing concern of rising rents in St. Johns County. “There are a lot of people who need affordable housing,” Mayers said. “St. Johns County, definitely the rent, affordable housing has been an issue for a lot of the residents here.”

Fullwood underscored the critical need for affordable housing in a county where housing costs have continued to rise. “If you look around Florida, affordable housing is a problem, but St. Johns County in particular is one of the richest counties in our state,” Fullwood said. “A lot of times you have the haves and have-nots. Having housing for workforce folks who really don’t have a lot of options is really important.”

According to 2026 income limits from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, qualifying household income ranges from $43,080 annually for a one-person household to $71,340 for a six-person household. For Axen, the development represents more than just an apartment; it’s a lifeline for her family and others in need. “I’m just glad that I have this opportunity and they brought something to St. Johns County, not just to help my family, but those that are in need,” she said.

To learn more about eligibility requirements or to speak with a leasing agent, applicants are encouraged to complete an online interest form.