$251,597Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Hastings offers a smalltown feel with access to the river and the beach
Hastings is a charming agricultural community near the St. Johns River between Palatka and Saint Augustine. The river provides the fertile ground for a community that has dubbed itself the “Potato Capital of the World.” Potatoes, cabbage and ornamental horticulture remain the foundation of the economy, and an annual festival celebrates the community’s roots. “It’s just a small, quaint place,” says James Caputo of Search Team Realty, who lives in nearby Flagler Estates. “If you like a hometown feel, that’s Hastings.” This slow-paced destination offers laidback living and plenty of rural recreation, yet the Atlantic coast is less than 30 minutes away. “You’re kind of in-between the river and the beach,” Caputo says, “so you’ve got boating and fishing and all of that.”
Non-HOA homes offer affordability and space
An eclectic mix of non-HOA housing can be found along quiet streets shaded by a mix of palms and mature trees draped in Spanish moss. Established options include cozy bungalows and cottage-style homes as well as midcentury ranch-style designs. Contemporary homes built in the 2000s feature driveways and attached garages. Large homes on spacious lots can be found in outlying areas. New construction features small homes built with first-time buyers in mind. These compact, two-bedroom designs offer between 700 and 900 square feet and are available with no money down through USDA financing. Caputo says affordability makes Hastings popular. “You’re farther from convenience, but you’re getting the same product and it’s cheaper with more land.” Home prices typically range from the high $100,000s to around $300,000, although larger homes can range from the mid-$500,000s to more than $800,000. The community is far enough from the coast that flooding is only a moderate risk during hurricane season, but wind damage is a much higher risk from June through November.
St. Johns River, equestrian center are recreational destinations
Residents have access to the St. Johns River via Deep Creek. The State Road 207 bridge is a popular place to launch kayaks and float through a conservation area to the river. There are several nearby boat launches, including Boathouse Riverfront Park. A premier destination in Palatka, the park features a marina and a launch for boats and smaller watercraft. The river is nationally known for its largemouth bass fishing, and Riverfront Park hosts the annual Bassmasters Elite tournament. Hastings is home to the St. Johns Equestrian Center, which offers horseback riding and children’s play areas. A community center there can be rented for special events. The amenities-filled Al Wilke Park is the center of athletic activity. Nearby attractions include St. Johns Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, which offers a relaxing environment and more children’s activities. The waterfront attractions of Saint Augustine, which include several public beaches, are within 20 miles of the community.
Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival is a signature event
Main Street hosts the Annual Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival, which began in 2024 as a contemporary version of the former Taste of Hastings. A brunch tasting and a four-course, chef-created dinner are culinary highlights of the signature event. The two-day festivities now include a Miss Potato Queen pageant, 5K and 10K Spud Runs, a lawn mower parade and lawn mower races. “It’s been a smaller festival, but there was a good turnout last year. It was one of the better I have seen, and it was nice weekend,” Caputo says. “It’s growing in popularity, and now that there are more people out here, I’d argue it’s just going to get better.” The St. Johns County Fairgrounds is a nearby venue that hosts everything from rodeos to dog shows to disc golf tournaments.
Restaurants and coffee shops on Main Street
Dining options are concentrated along Main Street. Norma D’s is a highly-rated restaurant that serves up homestyle comfort food, and Main Street Pizza is another popular stop. “They’re starting to work on the downtown area,” Caputo says. “They’re putting more shops in. They’re getting a Dunkin’ Donuts, and they just got a new coffee shop.” Hastings Coffee Co. was established about a year ago and has gotten rave reviews. The county is putting its stamp on the community’s growth. “They just started building a library on Main Street,” Caputo says. The library is part of a project that includes a community center and health and human services annex. It is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. County Line Produce is a Hastings institution that sells products grown on local farms. Waterfront restaurants are featured among Palatka’s many dining destinations. Publix and Walmart in Palatka are the closest big-box retailers.
Students can attend well-rated county schools
Younger students can attend South Woods Elementary School, B-rated by Niche, and Gamble Rogers Middle School, rated A-minus. Older students can attend Pedro Menendez High, a B-rated International Baccalaureate school that features business, health and architectural design academies.
State road provides convenient access to Palatka, St. Augustine
State Road 207, which runs through the community, provides direct access to Palatka and HCA Florida Putnam Hospital about 10 miles west and Saint Augustine less than 20 miles east. State Road 206 connects to Interstate 95, which provides convenient travel to larger cities along the coast. Daytona Beach International is the closest commercial airport, about an hour away via I-95.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tom Langmann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hastings
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hastings, Saint Augustine sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Hastings, Saint Augustine over the last 12 months is $377,704, up 55% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Attention Investors and 403K buyers! Solid, cleaned out shell, metal roof, ready for development in rapidly growing Hastings, St Johns County. No sight unseen offers.
Charming 3BR/2BA Home with Fireplace, 2 Screened Porches & Detached Shed in Downtown Hastings – No HOA! Welcome to 116 E St Johns Ave, a peaceful retreat nestled in the quiet rural community of Hastings. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,256 sq ft of a comfortable split plan living space and was built in 2005. Perfectly positioned on a spacious lot with no HOA, this property combines
This beautiful .23 acre property in the The Hastings community provides you with quiet nights, lots of trees and beautiful views. This lot appears to have access to some utilities for a quick and easy build. Septic on site comes As Is and has not been inspected. Don't miss out on what could be your new forever home. Buyer will be responsible to confirm utilities, details listed and any
Luxury Studio Space - Newly Renovated with Private Yard & Modern Amenities Welcome to your dream home! This newly renovated luxury studio space offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Located just outside St. Augustine in St. Johns County, you'll have easy access to local amenities. Enjoy ultimate low maintenance living with Water, Electric, Trash, and Lawncare
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tom Langmann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,109
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,032
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$136,226
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.1%
College Graduates
6.9%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
48°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
35/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
19/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
