Housing in Hastings reflects its agricultural origins, with a compact historic core of early-to-mid-20th-century homes near the downtown corridor and larger rural parcels and acreage on the surrounding farmlands. The housing stock skews modest and single-family, often with porches, yards, and generous lot sizes compared with the denser coastal communities to the east. Because the area sits at the quieter southwestern edge of St. Johns County, homes here frequently come with room for gardens, workshops, or small-scale agriculture. The dissolved-town status and rural character mean Hastings offers a more land-oriented option than St. Augustine's beachfront and suburban neighborhoods, appealing to buyers seeking space and a slower pace within one of Florida's highest-profile counties.

Though small, Hastings is organized around its historic downtown, where Main Street follows State Road 207 and holds many of the community's oldest commercial and residential structures. The blocks radiating from downtown contain a mix of early-20th-century cottages and mid-century homes, often shaded by mature oaks. Beyond the center, the community gives way to working farms, groves, and scattered rural residences along the county's two-lane roads. The surrounding southwestern St. Johns County landscape is defined by agricultural fields and open space, distinguishing Hastings from the master-planned subdivisions that dominate much of the county's northern tier.

Life in Hastings revolves around its agrarian roots and a revived sense of small-town community. The designation as a Florida Main Street community has supported a reinvestment in the downtown, with farmers markets, seasonal festivals, and the Hastings Fall Festival of Art drawing residents and visitors. Local eateries and businesses serve the farming community, while the area's rural character invites a do-it-yourself, land-connected lifestyle. Residents enjoy the contrast of a quiet agricultural setting with convenient access to St. Augustine's historic district, beaches, and dining, roughly a twenty-minute drive away.

Students in Hastings are served by the St. Johns County School District, which has consistently ranked among Florida's top-performing school systems. The district operates schools across the county, and Hastings-area students attend nearby St. Johns County campuses in the southwestern portion of the county. The district's strong academic reputation is a significant draw for families moving to this corner of Florida, even as the community itself remains small and rural.

Hastings sits along State Road 207, which runs northeast into St. Augustine and connects the community to the broader St. Johns County road network. Interstate 95 passes a few miles to the east, providing access to Jacksonville to the north and Daytona Beach and points south. U.S. Route 1 and the St. Augustine area are also within reach. The location puts residents within a manageable drive of St. Augustine's jobs, services, and attractions while keeping the community removed from the busiest coastal corridors.

The surrounding region offers both rural and coastal recreation. Within Hastings, community events, farmers markets, and the Fall Festival of Art anchor the local calendar. To the east, St. Augustine's beaches, state parks, and historic attractions are a short drive, and the broader St. Johns County and Matanzas River areas provide boating, fishing, and nature opportunities. The flat, open countryside itself supports cycling and rural rambles, and the community's agricultural heritage is celebrated at local markets and farm stands.