West Augustine is finally getting a shot at keeping more of its workforce close to home. The Village of New Augustine, a 92-unit affordable apartment community in West Augustine, is set to welcome its first residents this week, offering income-restricted one-, two- and three-bedroom homes aimed at workers who have been priced out of St. Johns County. The opening follows years of neighborhood advocacy and public-private financing that supporters hope will keep local families and essential employees closer to their jobs and basic services.
One of the first tenants, Khrissy Axen, has already signed her paperwork, and new Ability Housing CEO Reggie Fullwood said the nonprofit wanted to deliver housing residents could “take pride in.” As reported by News4JAX, rents at the Village start at about $634 a month for a one-bedroom and run up to roughly $1,600 for a three-bedroom, with final prices tied to household income and HUD eligibility rules.
Funding and site details
The Villages of New Augustine covers roughly 6.5 acres at North Volusia Street and Chapin Street and includes four three-story residential buildings, a community center, pavilion, walking trail and 149 parking spaces. According to St. Johns County, the approximately $25 million development was financed through a mix of Florida Housing Finance Corporation loan support, low-income housing tax credit equity and a construction loan from Bank of America.
Who it’s for
The community is geared toward households earning around 60% of area median income or less - the hospitality staff, public-sector employees and health care workers who keep St. Johns County’s economy moving but often struggle to live near where they work. Jacksonville Today reports that developers and county officials have pitched the project as a modest but necessary step toward closing a countywide gap in affordable units.
Leasing and resident services
Ability Housing says leasing will roll out in phases as buildings receive certificates of occupancy, and the complex will feature on-site leasing, a computer lab and flexible community space for residents. According to News4JAX, interested households are being sent to an online interest form for eligibility screening, while Ability Housing’s own materials emphasize the organization’s growing footprint under CEO Reggie Fullwood. Ability Housing named Fullwood CEO in February 2026.
Local leaders say the Villages of New Augustine is a significant win for the neighborhood, even if it is not a cure-all for the broader housing crunch. Community advocates and county documents note that projects like this will need to be paired with bigger policy moves and more investment if long-time residents and the region’s workforce are going to avoid being pushed out altogether.
