Welcome to Florida's East Coast
I've lived in North Florida for 23 years and helped families move here from all over the country. Palm Coast sits between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, with Flagler's beaches to the east, the Intracoastal Waterway running through it and miles of paved trails, parks and golf courses in between.
This page covers what people ask me most before they move: where to live, what it costs, taxes and insurance, and how to get around. For everything in one place, download my free relocation guide.
Free download
The Palm Coast Relocation Guide
Neighborhoods, taxes and homestead, insurance tips, drive times and a step-by-step moving timeline, all in one PDF.
Why people move here
Life on Florida's East Coast
Beaches without the crowds
Flagler Beach and the A1A coastline are minutes away, with a fishing pier, beach town restaurants and quiet stretches of sand.
Golf, boating and the outdoors
Championship golf, saltwater canals, the Intracoastal Waterway, parks and miles of paved trails for walking and biking.
No state income tax
Florida has no state personal income tax, and the homestead exemption helps keep property taxes in check on your primary home.
Room to breathe
A slower pace than South Florida and Orlando, with St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and Jacksonville all within easy driving distance.
Where to live
Find your fit
Costs, taxes & insurance
What to budget for
- Homestead exemption: up to $51,411 off the assessed value of your primary home in 2026 (part of it now rises with inflation each year). File by March 1.
- Save Our Homes: once homesteaded, yearly increases in assessed value are capped at 3% or inflation, whichever is lower.
- Insurance: roof age, wind mitigation features, elevation and flood zone drive your premium. Get quotes before you're under contract.
- HOA and CDD fees: many newer communities have both; a CDD is often billed with property taxes.
Getting around
Drive times from Palm Coast
| Flagler Beach | about 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| St. Augustine | about 35 minutes |
| Daytona Beach | about 35 minutes |
| Jacksonville | about 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Orlando | about 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Daytona Beach International Airport | about 35 minutes |
| Jacksonville International Airport | about 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Orlando International Airport | about 1 hour 30 minutes |
Typical times by car without heavy traffic.
Schools, healthcare & everyday life
Palm Coast is served by Flagler Schools, with private school options and a Daytona State College campus in Palm Coast. See my guide to Palm Coast schools.
AdventHealth provides hospital care in Palm Coast, with more specialists in Daytona Beach, St. Augustine and Jacksonville.
For restaurants, parks and weekend ideas, start with my Locals Guide, things to do in Palm Coast and day trips from Palm Coast.
Buying from out of state
I'll be your eyes and ears here
Live video tours, honest opinions on the things photos don't show, neighborhood drive-throughs, trusted local inspectors and insurance agents, and a closing process that works from wherever you are.
Smart home search
What does your Florida home look like?
Describe it in your own words: beach or Intracoastal, golf, quiet street, price range. I'll search the MLS and send new matches while you plan your move.
Here's what I understood (change anything)
Listings from Stellar MLS, shown with the listing brokerage. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Get new matches every morning
I'll watch the MLS for:
Moving to Palm Coast: Questions
Is Palm Coast a good place to live?
Does Florida have a state income tax?
What is the Florida homestead exemption?
How far is Palm Coast from the airport?
Can I buy a home in Palm Coast before I move?
Ready when you are
Let's Get Started
A 30-minute conversation is the fastest way to find out what your home is worth, what your budget buys, or whether now is the right time. No pressure, no obligation.
