The Complete Davis Shores Guide. (2026)

Executive Summary

Davis Shores is an established waterfront neighborhood on the northern end of Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, just across the Bridge of Lions from the historic district. Dating to the 1930s and surrounded on three sides by water, it is one of the most desirable island neighborhoods in St. Johns County, prized for its Matanzas River frontage, its private docks, and its walk-to-downtown location.

The homes here range from midsize inland houses to larger waterfront properties, many with private docks and views across the Matanzas River toward the old city. The combination of an island setting, water access, and proximity to the historic district drives a premium over much of the county.

For pricing context, Davis Shores trades well above the broader St. Augustine market. South Davis Shores carried a median near 585,000 dollars in early 2025 according to Redfin, and recently sold homes in North Davis Shores have shown median list prices near 799,000 dollars in 2026 on a small sample. Those are third-party figures, not NEFAR statistics, and the spread reflects how much water access and position drive value, so a specific home should be priced off the closest comparable sales.

Quick Facts

Community Overview & History

A historic island neighborhood by the Bridge of Lions

Davis Shores was developed beginning in the 1930s on filled land at the north end of Anastasia Island, directly across the Bridge of Lions from the oldest city. Its position, nearly encircled by the Matanzas River and the Salt Run, made it a natural waterfront neighborhood, and over the decades it has become one of the most sought-after island addresses in St. Augustine.

How it feels on the ground today

Davis Shores reads as a peaceful, established island neighborhood where the water is never far and the historic district is a short walk or drive over the bridge. It draws boaters, second-home buyers, and those who want to live on the water near the oldest city. Because the homes range from midsize to waterfront, values vary widely, and the waterfront positions are limited and prized.

The Neighborhood and What You Are Buying

Davis Shores spans the north and south ends of its island setting, so the choices come down to whether a home is inland or waterfront and its position relative to the river rather than separate named sections.

Waterfront homes

Homes along the Matanzas River and Salt Run carry private docks and water views, the premium of the neighborhood and the reason many buyers look here.

Inland island homes

The inland homes are midsize and competitively priced for an island setting, offering an entry into the neighborhood without the waterfront premium.

North and south ends

The neighborhood spans north and south pockets on the island, each with its own mix of inland and waterfront homes and its own price profile.

Real Estate Market

Davis Shores appeals to boaters, second-home buyers, and those who want to live on the water within walking distance of historic St. Augustine. The Matanzas River frontage and the private docks are the headline draws.

South Davis Shores carried a median near 585,000 dollars in early 2025, and recently sold North Davis Shores homes have shown median list prices near 799,000 dollars in 2026 on a small sample, both well above the broader St. Augustine market. Because water access and position drive so much of the value and sales are limited, a specific home should be priced off the closest comparable sales.

Buyers should review flood zone designation, insurance, and any dock and seawall condition closely, since the island setting means most of the neighborhood carries coastal flood considerations.

Who Lives Here

Davis Shores draws boaters and water lovers who want a home with a dock, second-home buyers seeking an island retreat near the historic district, and affluent primary residents who want to live on the water by the oldest city. The common thread is a desire for water access and proximity to downtown St. Augustine.

Schools

Davis Shores is served by the St. Johns County School District, which is consistently ranked among the highest-rated public school districts in Florida. Elementary, middle, and high attendance zones are assigned by home address, so the dependable way to confirm where a particular Davis Shores address is zoned is the St. Johns County School District locator. If you are moving for a specific school, verify the assignment for the exact home before you write an offer, since boundaries can shift as the county adds capacity for its fast-growing population.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Davis Shores leans on its island setting and its proximity to the historic district for character rather than built community amenities.

Matanzas River frontage and docks

The river frontage and private docks are the central amenity, giving boaters direct access to the water and the Intracoastal.

Island setting

Surrounded on three sides by water, the neighborhood offers a peaceful, natural island feel with wildlife and quiet streets.

Walk to historic downtown

The Bridge of Lions connects Davis Shores to the historic district, its restaurants, and its bayfront, all a short walk or drive away.

Anastasia State Park and beaches

Anastasia State Park and the Atlantic beaches are minutes south on the island.

HOA, CDD & Costs

Davis Shores is an established neighborhood and generally does not carry a mandatory homeowners association, which gives owners flexibility but means standards vary from home to home. Confirm the status for any specific home before relying on it.

Because most of the neighborhood is on or near the water, review the flood zone designation and obtain an insurance quote early, and check the condition of any dock, seawall, or bulkhead.

Confirm any applicable CDD through the St. Johns County Property Appraiser, and budget flood insurance and waterfront maintenance into your full cost of ownership.

Commute Analysis

Davis Shores pairs an island setting with a walk-to-downtown location. The historic district is about five minutes over the Bridge of Lions, the beach about ten, and Anastasia State Park about five, so residents enjoy the water and the oldest city in equal measure.

Shopping & Dining

Davis Shores is minutes from the restaurants, shops, and culture of historic downtown St. Augustine over the Bridge of Lions, with everyday needs along the Anastasia Island corridor and beachside dining a short drive south. The location pairs an island lifestyle with immediate access to one of the most visited historic districts in the country.

Pros and Cons

Davis Shores vs. Comparable Communities

Hidden Things Buyers Should Know

Flood is the first question

On an island neighborhood, most homes carry coastal flood considerations. Pull the flood designation and an insurance quote before you fall for a water view.

Waterfront drives the value

The spread between inland and waterfront homes is large, so price off comparable sales for the exact position rather than a neighborhood average.

Docks and seawalls need diligence

On a waterfront home, verify the condition and permitting of any dock, seawall, or bulkhead, since those carry real cost.

Momentum Expert Insight

Selling a Home in Davis Shores

Selling in Davis Shores is about telling the island-and-waterfront story to a boater or second-home buyer, with clear flood, insurance, and dock information up front so a serious buyer can move with confidence on a limited-inventory property.

We price from the closest comparable sales for the right position, accounting heavily for water access, and market the dock, the views, and the walk to downtown to the buyers who specifically want island living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

If you are weighing Davis Shores against other St. Johns County waterfront and island communities, these guides are a good next step.