St. Augustine 1 Community of Huntington Beach

Nestled in the prestigious Seacliff area of Huntington Beach, California, the St. Augustine 1 Community is a guard-gated enclave that epitomizes upscale coastal living with a touch of timeless elegance. This exclusive neighborhood, part of the broader St. Augustine development alongside its sister community St. Augustine 2, offers a serene retreat just blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1998 by Taylor Woodrow Homes, St. Augustine 1 comprises 70 meticulously designed single-family homes, blending Cape Cod-inspired architecture with modern amenities tailored for luxury and convenience. Known for its proximity to top schools, world-class golf, and the sandy shores of Huntington Beach—often called “Surf City USA”—this community attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking a premium lifestyle in Orange County. As of March 3, 2025, the St. Augustine 1 real estate market reflects Huntington Beach’s high-demand dynamics, offering a unique blend of exclusivity and coastal charm. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of St. Augustine 1, its current real estate trends, housing features, community amenities, lifestyle appeal, and why it stands out as a premier residential gem in Southern California.

A Coastal Legacy in the Seacliff Area

The St. Augustine 1 Community emerged during a pivotal era in Huntington Beach’s evolution, a city incorporated in 1909 that transitioned from an oil-driven outpost into a thriving coastal hub by the late 20th century. By the 1990s, Huntington Beach had cemented its reputation as a surf mecca and a desirable residential destination, fueled by its 10-mile shoreline, vibrant downtown, and growing population. The Seacliff area, located in the western part of the city near Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Beach Boulevard, became a focal point for upscale development, thanks to its proximity to the beach (less than a mile away) and the establishment of the Seacliff Country Club, a private golf course that anchors the neighborhood’s prestige.

St. Augustine 1 was developed in 1998 as part of a two-phase project by Taylor Woodrow Homes, alongside St. Augustine 2, within the broader “Huntington Seacliff” master-planned community. Designed as a guard-gated neighborhood, St. Augustine 1 was envisioned to offer spacious, luxury homes within a secure, family-friendly setting. The community’s Cape Cod-inspired architecture—characterized by steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and clapboard siding—evokes a timeless East Coast charm, adapted to the sunny, coastal climate of Southern California. Its strategic location near Garfield Avenue and Peninsula Lane, approximately 4-5 blocks from the beach, made it an instant draw for those seeking proximity to the ocean without the multimillion-dollar price tag of oceanfront properties. Over the past two decades, St. Augustine 1 has matured into a sought-after community, prized for its exclusivity, quality construction, and access to Huntington Beach’s coastal lifestyle.

The St. Augustine 1 Real Estate Market in 2025

As of March 3, 2025, the real estate market in St. Augustine 1 reflects Huntington Beach’s coastal allure—high demand, limited supply, and a premium on location—while offering a luxurious yet accessible entry into the Seacliff area. The median sale price for homes in St. Augustine 1 typically ranges from $1.8 million to $2.5 million, with some exceptional properties pushing past $3 million, depending on upgrades, lot size, and market conditions. This places it above Huntington Beach’s citywide median of $1.3 million, driven by single-family homes, but below the $5 million-plus starting point for oceanfront properties along PCH, offering a balance of prestige and value.

Inventory in St. Augustine 1 is notoriously scarce, with its 70 homes rarely yielding more than 1-2 active listings at a time. In February 2025, Huntington Beach reported 350 active listings citywide, meaning St. Augustine 1’s share is a tiny fraction—often selling out within weeks when available. Recent sales data from 2024 shows prices ranging from $1.8 million for a 1,786-square-foot home to $2.7 million for a fully renovated 3,000-square-foot estate, with a median around $2.2 million and $700-$900 per square foot. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s robust 7-9% annual rate, fueled by its limited turnover, gated security, and proximity to the beach (approximately 0.8 miles).

Buyers include families drawn to the award-winning Seacliff Elementary School (across the street), professionals commuting to Irvine (15 miles) or Los Angeles (35 miles), and retirees seeking spacious, upscale homes with minimal maintenance. Investors occasionally target the community for its rental potential, though its primary appeal lies in owner-occupied residences. Cash transactions are common for larger, upgraded homes—especially those with premium finishes—while financing dominates mid-range purchases like smaller three-bedroom models. The tight supply keeps St. Augustine 1 a seller’s market, with prime listings often sparking multiple offers, sometimes 2-5% above asking, particularly for homes with modern upgrades or larger lots.

Housing Features in St. Augustine 1

St. Augustine 1’s 70 homes are a testament to luxury and thoughtful design, reflecting their 1998 construction by Taylor Woodrow Homes. The community offers three primary floor plans—Plan I, Plan II, and Plan III—ranging from 1,786 to approximately 3,000 square feet, with three- to five-bedroom layouts and two to three-and-a-half baths. These predominantly two-story homes feature Cape Cod-inspired architecture, with steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and clapboard or stucco exteriors, complemented by interiors tailored for modern coastal living. A select few single-story variants exist, adding variety to the community’s offerings.

Key features include:

• • Spacious Interiors: Open-concept living areas with high ceilings, formal dining rooms, and family rooms featuring fireplaces—some with hardwood flooring or custom tile accents.

• • Gourmet Kitchens: Large kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center islands, and breakfast nooks, often opening to family rooms or outdoor spaces.

• • Master Suites: Generous primaries with ensuite bathrooms boasting dual vanities, soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and spacious walk-in closets, frequently with private balconies offering neighborhood views.

• • Outdoor Spaces: Private courtyards or backyards, some with patios or built-in seating, ideal for entertaining; select homes feature upstairs balconies.

• • Garages: Two- to three-car garages, with some offering tandem spaces convertible to bonus rooms, plus additional driveway parking.

Many homes have been renovated since 1998, featuring upgrades like luxury vinyl flooring, smart home systems, energy-efficient windows, and updated bathrooms with frameless glass showers. Original homes needing updates start around $1.8 million, while fully renovated estates with premium features—like expanded master suites or modern kitchens—fetch $2.5 million or more. The community’s cul-de-sac streets enhance privacy and curb appeal, with lush landscaping framing each residence.

Community Amenities and Lifestyle

Peninsula Park’s lifestyle revolves around its gated exclusivity and family-friendly setting, enhanced by its proximity to Huntington Beach’s coastal attractions. Community features include:

• • Guard-Gated Security: 24/7 gatehouse entry ensures privacy and safety, a hallmark of the Seacliff area.

• • Community Pool and Spa: A private pool area with a spa and cabana, offering a resort-like retreat for residents.

• • Greenbelts: Scenic open spaces and sidewalks winding through the community, ideal for strolls or play.

Monthly HOA dues, approximately $200, cover security, pool maintenance, landscaping, and common area upkeep—an excellent value for the upscale experience. Residents are less than a mile from Huntington City Beach—a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride—and 1.5 miles from downtown’s Main Street, featuring surf shops, eateries like Pete’s Breakfast House, and nightlife at Perqs Bar. Pacific City (2 miles south) offers upscale shopping and dining, while the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (3 miles north) provide nature trails and birdwatching.

Daily life in St. Augustine 1 is a luxurious yet relaxed affair. Mornings might start with a walk to Seacliff Elementary for drop-off or coffee at Coffee Nature, afternoons with a swim at the community pool or a beach trip, and evenings with dinner at Sushi on Fire or a quiet night by a fireplace. The 70°F climate keeps outdoor living central, while events like the Huntington Beach Surf City 10 or Fourth of July Parade—both nearby—enhance community vibrancy. Nearby Peters Canyon Park offers additional green space for families.

Why St. Augustine 1 Stands Out

St. Augustine 1’s appeal lies in its gated luxury, prime location, and family-oriented design within Huntington Beach’s competitive market. Here’s what sets it apart:

• • Coastal Proximity: Less than a mile from the beach, it rivals coastal properties at a more accessible cost ($1.8M-$2.5M vs. $5M+).

• • School Access: Across from Seacliff Elementary, it’s a top pick for families with young children.

• • Golf Proximity: Steps from Seacliff Country Club, offering optional memberships for golf enthusiasts.

• • Gated Exclusivity: 24/7 guard service provides privacy and security, a draw for affluent buyers.

• • Value: Below Seacliff’s priciest tracts (e.g., Turnberry at $3M-$4M), it delivers luxury affordably.

Compared to Huntington Beach’s broader market—where single-family homes dominate at 46% of housing stock (NeighborhoodScout)—St. Augustine 1’s upscale focus and school proximity outshine inland neighborhoods. It competes with pricier Seacliff communities like Turnberry by offering lower HOA dues ($200 vs. $300+) and a broader appeal to families, surpassing inland gated complexes like Pacific Ranch with its coastal adjacency.

Challenges to Consider

St. Augustine 1 has its hurdles. The $1.8M-$2.5M range requires an income of $330,000-$460,000 annually with a 20% down payment, factoring in taxes (1% yearly), insurance, and HOA fees ($200 monthly)—a steep entry. Traffic on PCH or Beach Boulevard can snarl during summer, reflecting its coastal draw. Older 1998 homes may need updates (e.g., HVAC, plumbing), and parking is capped at two- to three-car garages, challenging multi-car households.

Inventory scarcity—often 1-2 listings—sparks bidding wars, with buyers facing competition. Noise from nearby PCH may affect quieter preferences, though the gated design mitigates this.

Investment Potential

For investors, St. Augustine 1 is a coastal sleeper hit. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% rate, with flipped homes—like a $2.4 million sale in 2024—showing 20-25% returns post-renovation. Rentals fetch $4,500-$6,500 monthly, driven by family demand and proximity to downtown (1.5 miles). Long-term holds shine, as the community’s value grows with Huntington Beach’s coastal appeal—short-term rentals are less common due to HOA restrictions.

Conclusion

The St. Augustine 1 Community in Huntington Beach is a gated coastal retreat blending luxury, family appeal, and timeless charm. As of early 2025, its market thrives on scarcity, top schools, and a location that captures Surf City’s essence. From Cape Cod-inspired homes to resort-style amenities, it suits diverse buyers—all drawn by its exclusivity and beach proximity.

Challenges like cost and competition are par for Huntington Beach, but St. Augustine 1’s rewards—coastal access, community prestige, and investment upside—dazzle. Whether you’re seeking a family home, a retirement retreat, or a rental gem, St. Augustine 1 delivers. Partnering with a local realtor can unlock this coastal treasure, turning a house hunt into a Surf City homecoming.