Agrihoods
St. Johns County Agrihoods: Current, Planned, and Future Farm-Centered Communities
St. Johns County is rapidly becoming one of the most innovative areas in Florida for master-planned communities — and one of the most exciting trends is the rise of agrihoods. These unique neighborhoods blend residential living with working farms, community gardens, and a farm-to-table lifestyle.
As growth continues south of Jacksonville and west of St. Augustine, several agrihood communities are already influencing development patterns — while others are proposed and still working through the approval process.
Here is a complete guide to existing, emerging, and proposed agrihoods in St. Johns County.
What Is an Agrihood?
An agrihood is a residential community centered around agriculture. Instead of golf courses or purely recreational amenities, these neighborhoods include:
- Working farms
- Community gardens
- Farm-to-table programs
- Agricultural education
- Fresh produce for residents
Agrihoods are designed to combine modern suburban living with sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
Major Proposed Agrihood in St. Johns County
Location:
Between County Road 208 and County Road 214
West of I-95
South of St. Augustine Premium Outlets
Size and Scope:
The largest agrihood proposed in St. Johns County is a massive 2,600- to 2,700-acre development that could include:
- Up to 3,332 residential homes
- Single-family homes, townhomes, and age-restricted housing
- 250,000 square feet of commercial space
- A working farm and agricultural amenities
- Parks, community spaces, and retail
This development is being planned by Freehold Communities, the same developer behind Shearwater.
The project has faced delays and rezoning challenges but remains active and may still move forward after revisions and review.
If approved, it would become one of the largest agrihood developments in Florida.
Shearwater: Agrihood-Inspired Living Already Here
Location:
County Road 210
North St. Johns County
While not officially branded as an agrihood, Shearwater was developed by Freehold Communities and incorporates many similar principles:
- Nature-focused design
- Extensive green space
- Trails and outdoor recreation
- Wellness-centered community planning
Shearwater spans approximately 1,500 acres with up to 2,000 homes planned.
It reflects the shift toward lifestyle-focused communities that connect residents with nature.
TrailMark: Farm-Inspired Community Model
Location:
County Road 16A near World Golf Village
TrailMark is another St. Johns County community built around natural living and conservation.
While not a formal agrihood, TrailMark incorporates:
- Community gardens
- Preserved land and trails
- Outdoor-centered lifestyle
These elements mirror many agrihood features and show the demand for agriculture-connected neighborhoods.
Future Agrihood Growth in St. Johns County
The proposed Freehold agrihood represents a major shift in land use for western St. Johns County.
The project could bring:
- Over 9,000 new residents
- New retail and job opportunities
- Agricultural programming and farm-to-table experiences
- Expanded infrastructure
Developers believe agrihoods represent the future of master-planned communities, combining sustainability with modern housing demand.
Why Agrihoods Are Becoming Popular in St. Johns County
St. Johns County is uniquely positioned for agrihood development because of:
Available Land
Large parcels of historic farmland still exist west of I-95.
Population Growth
St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.
Lifestyle Preferences
Buyers increasingly want:
- Outdoor living
- Sustainability
- Community-centered neighborhoods
- Health-focused lifestyles
How Agrihoods Will Shape the Future of St. Johns County
Agrihoods represent the next evolution of master-planned communities.
Instead of golf courses, future communities may offer:
- Organic farms
- Community food production
- Agricultural education
- Farm-to-table living
This model blends the rural heritage of St. Johns County with modern residential development.
Summary: Current and Planned St. Johns County Agrihood Locations
| Community | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Freehold Agrihood | Proposed | CR 208 and CR 214 |
| Shearwater | Existing (Agrihood-inspired) | CR 210 |
| TrailMark | Existing (Farm-inspired) | CR 16A |
| Future Developments | Likely | Western St. Johns County |
Duval County Agrihood Communities
Congaree and Penn (Operational Farm with Residential Influence)
Location: Northwest Jacksonville
This is Northeast Florida’s most famous agricultural community.
Features:
- 300+ acre farm
- Farm dinners
- Agricultural programs
Surrounding rural residential development has been influenced by its presence.
The District at Rail Yard (Urban Agriculture Concept)
Location: Jacksonville Urban Core
Planned mixed-use development includes urban agriculture elements.
Nassau County Agrihood-Style Developments
Wildlight (Agrihood-Inspired)
Location: Yulee, Florida
Features:
- Community gardens
- Sustainable planning
- Extensive green space
Clay County Agrihood-Influenced Communities
Saratoga Springs at Clay County
Planned communities incorporating agriculture and open space concepts.
Flagler County Emerging Agrihood Development
Several large land parcels west of Palm Coast have been identified for agricultural-centered residential communities.
These are in early planning stages.
Why Northeast Florida Is Becoming an Agrihood Hotspot
Northeast Florida is ideal because of:
Large available land
Thousands of acres remain undeveloped.
Rapid population growth
The region is one of Florida’s fastest growing.
Agricultural heritage
Many large family farms are transitioning into residential use.
Future Agrihood Locations Likely Coming Soon
Based on development patterns, future agrihoods will likely appear in:
West St. Johns County
Western Duval County
Nassau County
Flagler County
Summary: Northeast Florida Agrihood Locations
| Community | County | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Freehold Agrihood | St Johns | Proposed |
| Shearwater | St Johns | Active |
| TrailMark | St Johns | Active |
| Congaree and Penn | Duval | Active |
| Wildlight | Nassau | Active |
| Future West St Johns | St Johns | Likely |
| Flagler County Agrihood | Flagler | Early planning |