The Neighborhoods & Communities of St. Johns County

February 26, 2026

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St. Johns County is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns River in Northeast Florida, with numerous historical and natural landmarks to explore. Established in 1821, it has a growing population of over 306,000 people — making it one of the fastest growing counties in Florida and the U.S. With a median household income of $101,237, and no state personal income tax — and the lowest real estate taxes in Northeast Florida — it’s an ideal place to live. Plus, it’s the #1 rated school district in the state of Florida. Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods and communities to call home.

 

World Golf Village (WGV) was built in the 1990s as a community for golfers, families and retirees alike. Its location to both Jacksonville and St. Augustine, especially the historic district, make it unique, offering a mixture of rural communities set in nature preserves and uplands and more suburban-style homes. There are two legendary golf courses, Slammer & Squire and King & Bear, and shopping centers with everything from big box stores to local restaurants and boutiques.

 

Madeira is a master-planned community nestled between marshes and woodlands with some of Florida’s best beaches only a 10-minute drive away. Just north of St. Augustine, and just west of Vilano Beach, Madeira’s beautiful homes are surrounded by unobstructed views of local nature and offer quiet privacy. The neighborhood also includes amenities like a lap pool, fitness facility and a social room and kitchen.

 

RiverTown is a master-planned community along the St. Johns River with resort-style amenities and luxury waterfront homes located throughout six neighborhoods. There are biking trails, nature preserves, sports courts, a fitness center, riverfront hiking, over a dozen playgrounds, multiple dog parks, pools and boardwalks for walking, lounging and fishing. The RiverClub offers an amphitheater, game room and a café.

 

Julington Creek Plantation was established in the late 1700s as a 10,000 acre estate. Today, it encompasses approximately 4,120 acres, with a 1,200-acre nature preserve. The community is located halfway between St. Augustine’s historic downtown and Jacksonville’s city center, and boasts over 100 lakes, an aquatics and fitness center, seven miles of trails for walking, biking and jogging, golf, tennis, child care and so much more. It’s a vibrant neighborhood that offers both tranquility and an active lifestyle.

 

Nocatee is located in Ponte Vedra, and is considered one of the best-selling master planned communities in the U.S. There are twelve unique neighborhoods in Nocatee, with the Nocatee Town Center acting as the hub for community events and socializing. It has its own schools, offices, shops and restaurants, as well as several greenspaces, pools, dog parks, kayak launches, fitness trails and a club. It also boasts the largest Publix and first Greenwise grocery store in Northeast Florida.

 

Palencia is a master-planned community just 20 minutes north of St. Augustine. Its amenities include three swimming pools, athletic fields, tennis and pickleball courts (as well as pro shop), a fitness center with saunas and steam rooms and parks — which include a 30-acre park connected by boardwalks and fitness trails. Market Street brings a small town feel to Palencia, with shops, salons and much more. Their private club, The Palencia Club, is at the heart of the village center, offering golf, socializing and dining.

 

St. Johns County is a beautiful place to call home, with many communities to choose from. If you’re interested in calling Northeast Florida home, Davidson Realty is here to help. Call us today at 904-940-5000 or email at info@davidsonrealtyinc.com.

 

Nocatee: One of the Best Places to Raise a Family

April 10, 2023

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When choosing where to raise a family, there are multiple factors to consider, but it should come as no surprise that one of the main factors that come into play when choosing where to settle down is location, location, location.

 

For those who choose The Sunshine State as the place to call home, one community stands out against the rest – Nocatee. The master-planned community in St. Johns County has been ranked Number One among the Best Places to Raise a Family in Florida, and it’s easy to see why.

 

About Nocatee 

When construction on Nocatee first broke ground back in 2005, there was one goal in mind – to provide residents with a high quality of life. Spanning 14,000 acres and offering various housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes and apartments, Nocatee has quickly become one of the most sought-after communities in Northeast Florida, with over 15,000 residents calling it home.

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5 Hidden Gem Neighborhoods in Northeast Florida Worth Visiting

May 17, 2021

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No matter where you explore in Northeast Florida you are bound to find beauty and interest. “Northeast Florida is richly diverse and provides residents a wide variety of activities, restaurants, and sites to enjoy and make wonderful memories. Each neighborhood has a unique culture that truly enriches the First Coast,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re sharing some new, some old, and some neighborhoods you may have forgotten about in Northeast Florida you need to check out! 

 

San Marco

Take a stroll along tree-lined San Marco Square and you’ll see there is no shortage of incredible dining, boutiques, and art galleries. The Mediterranean-influenced neighborhood which is just a few minutes from Downtown Jacksonville is a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring. A few of our favorite spots to visit in historic San Marco are Grape and Grain Exchange, Aardwolf Brewing Company, Stellers Gallery, and Heyday!

 

Springfield

As the oldest neighborhood in Jacksonville, Springfield offers residents a historic and eclectic experience. Established in 1869, Springfield, located just north of Downtown Jacksonville, was home to the city’s wealthiest residents. Today, the neighborhood is filled with restored mansions, hip restaurants, and locally-owned shops. Springfield also hosts popular festivals including Porchfest. Be sure to make a pit stop at Strings Sports Brewery while touring Springfield. 

 

Riverside/Avondale

Antique meets modern in charming, historic Riverside and Avondale! Home to the world-class Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, you won’t want to miss the charm and culture that Riverside and Avondale provide. Drive around the area and you’ll see gorgeous million dollar waterfront homes, locally-owned restaurants, and beautiful parks. Memorial Park, Pinegrove Market and Deli, and Kickback’s Gastropub are definitely places to visit in the area. Oh, and for dessert Whit’s Frozen Custard

 

Ponte Vedra Beach

If you have visited Ponte Vedra Beach before, you likely only skimmed the surface of what this stunning resort town has to offer. Prior to becoming a prominent luxury town with world-class golf courses, Ponte Vedra was a pristine wilderness home to valuable minerals giving it the nickname “Mineral City.” Discover Northeast Florida’s natural beauty with a hike at the GTM Reserve or play at TPC Sawgrass, one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Head to Ponte Vedra for date night and try LuLu’s Waterfront Grille or 3 Palms Grille.

 

Nocatee

Perhaps one of the newest go-to areas in Northeast Florida is Nocatee. Although this master-planned community hasn’t been around long, it’s definitely worth visiting! Enjoy lunch at Treylor Park (we suggest the Ahi Tuna Flatbread or the Treylor Park Nachos Grande!) or Timoti’s Seafood Shak before heading to Makk Fashions or Really Good Beer Stop. With new businesses popping up all around Nocatee, you’ll likely have more places to try each time you visit. 

 

Although all these neighborhoods have their own unique flair, one thing reigns true whether you call St. Augustine, Jacksonville, The Beaches, or anywhere in between home… Northeast Florida is the PERFECT place to live! 

Pros and Cons of Living in a Master-Planned Community

September 17, 2019

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Master planned communities continue to pop up all over Northeast Florida, offering a new option for buyers seeking a beautiful home and sense of community.  Just some of these communities include eTown, Nocatee, Wildlight, Beachwalk, RiverTown, Shearwater, Tamaya, TrailMark, Palencia, OakLeaf Plantation, World Golf Village and many more.

 

While there are plenty of upsides to master-planned community living, there are also a few downsides you may want to consider when making the move to one of these communities.

 

Pro: Nearby amenities and services

Perhaps the most highly regarded of pros people cite for living in a master-planned community is convenient proximity to stores, service providers and amenities. Gone are the days of driving 20+ minutes to one store! In a master-planned community, almost everything you need from Publix and dry cleaners to a UPS store and elementary school are just a short drive, bike ride or walk away.

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Davidson Networking Spotlight: Katie Mentor of Assisted Living Made Simple

July 16, 2019

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When it comes to selecting an assisted living facility, one size does not fit all. That’s where Katie Mentor comes in. The Senior Advisor for Assisted Living Made Simple is dedicated to helping people find assisted living or memory care when they are no longer safe to stay at home.

 

The company, based in New Smyrna Beach, makes placements throughout much of the state. As a resident of St. Augustine, Katie concentrates on Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and Nocatee.

 

The service, which is free to families, is focused on easing an often difficult process. As Katie puts it, “It is such a stressful transition and we do everything possible to make it easy for everyone concerned.”

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