Why we chose to move to Amelia Island over the panhandle

 

If you love the beach, searching for beach treasures, or decorating with coastal decor, I'm looking for YOU!

4 years ago this summer, we started seriously considering planning a move to the beach, but first we had to decide where! We always thought we would end up somewhere along the panhandle. After all that is closer to our family in Tennessee and a pretty easy drive. We have been vacationing to Panama City Beach and 30A as a family since our girls were babies, and I've been going there myself since I was a young teen with friends.

But the more we looked at it through the eyes of living there, the more we felt pulled a different way. We were looking for not only a home near the beach, but a slower, quieter lifestyle. We traveled to St. Augustine with my parents and made a day trip to Amelia Island to check it out. We came back a few days later with our girls and stayed for a bit, and we all decided this was it.

This was home. And we love it here on Amelia Island! A small sleepy beach town, where our biggest complaint is now "What is happening in town today because I had to park at the back of Publix parking lot?"

Our small quaint downtown, the local shops and restaurants, and the beach are all within a mile drive. It's a great place to visit, and an even better place to live.

Let me know if you have ever visited Amelia Island and follow along for more coastal inspiration.

Made on Amelia Island, Shipped to You

Every sign and piece of decor we make is handcrafted right here in our Amelia Island studio. When you order from Anchored Soul Designs, a little piece of this island comes with it. Here are a few of our favorites that celebrate island life and the places we love.

Amelia Island, Florida T-Shirt - wear your island pride! Our Amelia Island tee is a favorite for locals, visitors, and anyone who has fallen in love with this little barrier island on the northeast Florida coast.

Custom Zip Code Sign - celebrate the zip code of the place you love most. Browse all our Location Signs for more options.

I'd Rather Be Hunting Shark Teeth Sign - Amelia Island is one of the best places on the East Coast to find shark teeth, and this sign is a love letter to the hunt.

More Coastal Living Inspiration

• Decorate with Coastal Style Wherever You Live
• Don't Stop Dreaming About Making the Beach Your Home Someday
• Small Changes to Get Your Best Coastal Style
• 10 Ways to Decorate with Coastal Style Without Breaking the Bank

Frequently Asked Questions About Amelia Island

What is Amelia Island known for?

Amelia Island is a barrier island on the northeast coast of Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, historic downtown Fernandina Beach, world-class shark tooth hunting, shelling, and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.

How is Amelia Island different from the Florida panhandle?

The Florida panhandle is known for sugar-white sand and emerald green water. Amelia Island has a more historic, small-town feel, darker Atlantic sand, excellent beachcombing, and a quieter pace of life.

Is Amelia Island a good place to live?

Amelia Island is wonderful for those who love a slower coastal lifestyle. The downtown is walkable, the beaches are rarely crowded, and it has a tight-knit community feel that is hard to find at more tourist-heavy Florida destinations.

What can you find beachcombing on Amelia Island?

Amelia Island is one of the best beachcombing destinations on the East Coast, known for shark teeth, seashells, sand dollars, and sea glass. The shark tooth hunting is exceptional, with fossilized teeth washing up regularly on Fernandina Beach.

Shop Handmade Signs from Amelia Island

Every sign we make is handcrafted in our studio on Amelia Island, Florida. Browse our Beachcombing Signs, explore our Location Signs, or shop our full Beach Every Day collection for everyday coastal decor made with love from our little island studio.