Situated in the prestigious Seacliff area of Huntington Beach, California, the St. Augustine 2 Community is a guard-gated enclave that offers a harmonious blend of coastal luxury, family-friendly appeal, and modern convenience. Built in 1998 by Taylor Woodrow Homes as the second phase of the St. Augustine development—alongside its sister community, St. Augustine 1—this neighborhood features 71 upscale single-family homes designed with Cape Cod-inspired architecture. Located just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, St. Augustine 2 is renowned for its proximity to top schools, the Seacliff Country Club golf course, and the vibrant heart of Huntington Beach, affectionately known as “Surf City USA.” As of March 3, 2025, the St. Augustine 2 real estate market reflects Huntington Beach’s high-demand coastal dynamics, delivering a premium yet approachable lifestyle in Orange County. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of St. Augustine 2, its current real estate trends, housing features, community amenities, lifestyle appeal, and why it stands out as a sought-after residential gem in Southern California.
A Coastal Haven Takes Root
The St. Augustine 2 Community emerged during a transformative period in Huntington Beach’s history, a city incorporated in 1909 that evolved from an oil-driven outpost into a thriving coastal hub by the late 20th century. By the 1990s, Huntington Beach—famed for its surf culture, expansive beaches, and growing residential appeal—had become a magnet for upscale development. The Seacliff area, nestled in the western part of the city near Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Beach Boulevard, emerged as a prime location due to its proximity to the ocean (less than a mile away) and the establishment of the Seacliff Country Club, a private golf course that added prestige to the neighborhood.
St. Augustine 2 was developed in 1998 by Taylor Woodrow Homes as part of the broader “Huntington Seacliff” master-planned community, following the success of St. Augustine 1 earlier that year. Designed as a guard-gated neighborhood, St. Augustine 2 aimed to offer spacious, high-end homes within a secure, family-oriented setting. Its Cape Cod-inspired architecture—featuring steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and clapboard or stucco exteriors—brought a timeless East Coast charm to the sunny shores of Southern California. Positioned near Garfield Avenue and Peninsula Lane, just 4-5 blocks from Huntington City Beach, the community quickly gained traction among buyers seeking luxury living close to the coast without the multimillion-dollar price tag of oceanfront properties. Over the past two decades, St. Augustine 2 has matured into a coveted neighborhood, prized for its exclusivity, quality construction, and access to Huntington Beach’s coastal lifestyle.
The St. Augustine 2 Real Estate Market in 2025
As of March 3, 2025, the real estate market in St. Augustine 2 mirrors Huntington Beach’s coastal trends—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 2 typically ranges from $1.9 million to $2.7 million, with some exceptional properties pushing past $3 million, depending on size, upgrades, 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, striking a balance between prestige and value.
Inventory in St. Augustine 2 is extremely tight, with its 71 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 2’s share is a minuscule fraction—often selling out within weeks when available. Recent sales data from 2024 shows prices ranging from $1.9 million for a 2,100-square-foot home to $2.8 million for a fully renovated 3,200-square-foot estate, with a median around $2.3 million and $700-$900 per square foot. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s robust 7-9% annual rate, fueled by its low turnover, gated security, and proximity to the beach (approximately 0.8 miles).
Buyers include families drawn to the top-rated 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 upkeep. Investors occasionally target the community for its rental potential, though it primarily appeals to owner-occupants. 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 limited supply keeps St. Augustine 2 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 2
St. Augustine 2’s 71 homes showcase luxury and thoughtful design, reflecting their 1998 construction by Taylor Woodrow Homes. The community offers a variety of floor plans—ranging from 2,100 to approximately 3,200 square feet—with three- to five-bedroom layouts and two-and-a-half to four baths. These predominantly two-story homes embody Cape Cod-inspired architecture, with steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and clapboard or stucco exteriors, complemented by interiors tailored for modern coastal living. While most are two-story, a few single-story options provide variety.
Key features include:
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- Elegant Interiors: Open-concept living areas with high ceilings, formal dining rooms, and family rooms featuring fireplaces—some with hardwood flooring or custom built-ins.
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- Gourmet Kitchens: Spacious kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center islands, and breakfast nooks, often opening to family rooms or outdoor patios.
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- Master Suites: Large primaries with ensuite bathrooms boasting dual vanities, soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and generous walk-in closets, frequently with private balconies offering neighborhood views.
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- Outdoor Spaces: Private courtyards or backyards, some with covered patios, built-in seating, or small pools, ideal for entertaining.
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- 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 $1.9 million, while fully renovated estates with premium features—like expanded master suites or modern kitchens—fetch $2.7 million or more. The community’s cul-de-sac streets enhance privacy and curb appeal, with mature landscaping and tree-lined sidewalks framing each residence.
Community Amenities and Lifestyle
St. Augustine 2’s lifestyle centers on its gated exclusivity and family-friendly environment, enhanced by its prime Seacliff location. Community features include:
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- 24/7 Guard-Gated Security: Ensures privacy and safety, a hallmark of the Seacliff area.
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- Community Pool and Spa: A resort-style pool area with a spa and seating, offering a relaxing retreat for residents.
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- Greenbelts: Scenic open spaces and sidewalks winding through the community, perfect for walks or playtime.
Monthly HOA dues, approximately $200-$225, cover security, pool maintenance, landscaping, and common area upkeep—an exceptional 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 Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, and nightlife at Baja Sharkeez. 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 2 is a luxurious yet relaxed blend of coastal and suburban living. 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 Old Crow Smokehouse or a quiet night by a fireplace. The 70°F climate keeps outdoor living central, while events like the Huntington Beach Surf City Nights or Fourth of July Parade—both nearby—enhance community vibrancy. Discovery Well Park, steps away, offers additional green space for families.
Why St. Augustine 2 Stands Out
St. Augustine 2’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:
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- Coastal Proximity: Less than a mile from the beach, it rivals coastal properties at a more accessible cost ($1.9M-$2.7M vs. $5M+).
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- School Access: Across from Seacliff Elementary, it’s a top pick for families with young children.
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- Golf Proximity: Steps from Seacliff Country Club, offering optional memberships for golf enthusiasts.
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- Gated Exclusivity: 24/7 guard service provides privacy and security, a draw for affluent buyers.
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- Value: Slightly 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 2’s upscale focus and school Proximity outshine inland neighborhoods. It competes with pricier Seacliff communities like Turnberry by offering lower HOA dues ($200-$225 vs. $300+) and a broader appeal to families, surpassing inland gated complexes like Pacific Ranch with its coastal adjacency and pool amenities.
Challenges to Consider
St. Augustine 2 has its hurdles. The $1.9M-$2.7M range requires an income of $350,000-$500,000 annually with a 20% down payment, factoring in taxes (1% yearly), insurance, and HOA fees ($200-$225 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 and landscaping mitigate this.
Investment Potential
For investors, St. Augustine 2 is a coastal sleeper hit. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% rate, with flipped homes—like a $2.5 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 2 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 2’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 2 delivers. Partnering with a local realtor can unlock this coastal treasure, turning a house hunt into a Surf City homecoming.
