The Ultimate Guide to St. Johns County Neighborhoods
St. Johns County is known for its top-rated schools, beautiful natural surroundings, and a variety of master-planned communities that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for riverfront living, family-friendly neighborhoods, or something more exclusive, there’s a neighborhood for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the top developments in St. Johns County, detailing the amenities, vibes, and specific features of each one. Use this guide to start comparing the neighborhoods of St Johns FL – you will find a link for more information for each hood.
Table of Contents
- Julington Creek Plantation
- TPC Sawgrass
- SilverLeaf
- Durbin Crossing
- Shearwater
- Palencia
- Rivertown
- Cimarrone
- South Hampton
- St. Johns Golf and Country Club
- Stonehurst Plantation
- The Colony at Greenbriar
- The Vinings
- Beachwalk
- Lakeside at Beachwalk
Julington Creek Plantation
Amenities
Julington Creek Plantation (JCP) is one of the largest master-planned communities in St. Johns County, and it’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundant amenities. The neighborhood offers multiple pools, including a large aquatic complex with waterslides, lap lanes, and a splash park. There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, fitness centers, and miles of walking and biking trails.
Neighborhood Vibes
With over 1200 acres of conservation land, JCP provides a peaceful, nature-filled environment. Families love the community events, which include holiday celebrations, farmers’ markets, and sports leagues. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and is popular among families due to its access to highly rated St. Johns County schools.
Visit Julington Creek Plantation HOA
TPC Sawgrass
Amenities
TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach is renowned for being home to the Players Championship Tournament, making it a dream community for golf enthusiasts. It features two championship golf courses, a luxurious clubhouse, and multiple dining options. Residents can also enjoy tennis courts, a fitness center, and swimming pools.
Neighborhood Vibes
TPC Sawgrass is an upscale community with a mix of young families and retirees. It’s particularly known for its well-manicured landscapes and quiet streets, providing a serene environment. The neighborhood is close to the beach, giving residents a balance of laid-back beach living and the high-end vibe of a golf resort.
SilverLeaf
Amenities
SilverLeaf is one of the newer developments in St. Johns County and is rapidly growing. It features a variety of home options, from townhomes to large single-family homes. The neighborhood offers resort-style amenities including several swimming pools, splash parks, sports fields, dog parks, and miles of trails.
Neighborhood Vibes
SilverLeaf is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s popular among young families due to the numerous amenities and proximity to A-rated schools. The modern homes and ongoing community events create an engaging environment for both kids and adults.
Durbin Crossing
Amenities
Durbin Crossing is another family-focused community offering two large amenity centers, each with pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, basketball courts, and children’s play areas. The community also has plenty of parks, nature trails, and sports fields. Its location near the Durbin Park Town Center gives residents easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Neighborhood Vibes
Durbin Crossing is often described as a “classic suburban family neighborhood.” There are frequent community events like movie nights and holiday gatherings. The combination of amenities and its highly-rated schools makes it a top choice for families moving to St. Johns. There is quite a bit of lore in Durbin Crossing with a very famous murder that occured with a student comparing the neighborhood to the popular hit show Riverdale.
Shearwater
Amenities
Shearwater is a newer master-planned community that emphasizes outdoor living and health. It offers an impressive set of amenities, including a resort-style lagoon pool, lap pool, lazy river, tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness lodge, and over 15 miles of nature trails. Shearwater also features kayak and paddleboard access to Trout Creek.
Neighborhood Vibes
Shearwater is an active community with a strong focus on wellness and outdoor activities. It appeals to both families and active adults who enjoy an energetic lifestyle. The neighborhood’s modern homes and thoughtfully designed landscape make it a picturesque place to live.
Palencia
Amenities
Palencia is an upscale, gated community featuring a private championship golf course, multiple parks, swimming pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts. The community has a town center with shops and dining, giving it a self-contained, village-like atmosphere.
Neighborhood Vibes
Palencia has a mix of retirees and families, and its European-inspired architecture gives the neighborhood a luxurious yet welcoming feel. The expansive green spaces and waterfront views make it a peaceful retreat for residents, while still being close to St. Augustine and the beaches.
Rivertown
Amenities
Rivertown is a riverfront community along the St. Johns River that is designed to promote outdoor living and family connection. It features an array of resort-style amenities, including a riverfront park, pools with water slides, a fitness center, walking trails, and a fishing pier. One of the highlights is the RiverClub, a clubhouse with a riverfront restaurant and kayak launch.
Neighborhood Vibes
Rivertown has a charming, small-town feel with modern amenities. Families flock here for the outdoor activities, river access, and community events. It’s a neighborhood where you’ll frequently see kids playing in parks or families enjoying the trails and riverfront views.
Cimarrone
Amenities
Cimarrone is a gated golf course community featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, a clubhouse, tennis courts, a community pool, and playgrounds. Its central location in St. Johns makes it easy to access both Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
Neighborhood Vibes
This neighborhood has a more established feel compared to some of the newer developments, and it’s known for its strong sense of community. Cimarrone is a favorite for families who want the benefits of a private golf community with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
South Hampton
Amenities
South Hampton offers a semi-private golf course, a clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The community is also surrounded by walking trails and parks, making it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Neighborhood Vibes
With its lush greenery and golf course views, South Hampton provides a relaxed, country club atmosphere. The neighborhood has a family-friendly vibe, and many residents enjoy the quiet streets and well-maintained amenities.
St. Johns Golf and Country Club
Amenities
This neighborhood is centered around a picturesque 18-hole golf course. Residents enjoy access to a clubhouse, a large pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and several parks. The club frequently hosts events for both adults and children.
Neighborhood Vibes
St. Johns Golf and Country Club is an ideal choice for golf enthusiasts. The peaceful, upscale vibe of the neighborhood, combined with the social activities hosted by the clubhouse, makes it a popular choice for families and retirees alike.
Visit St. Johns Golf and Country Club HOA
Stonehurst Plantation
Amenities
Stonehurst Plantation is a no-CDD community, which is a big plus for many families. The neighborhood offers a community pool, playgrounds, and sports fields. Its location provides easy access to the main roads and top-rated St. Johns County schools.
Neighborhood Vibes
This is a tight-knit, family-friendly community with lots of social gatherings and a welcoming atmosphere. Many residents are attracted by the fact that it doesn’t have the extra CDD fees that some of the other neighborhoods have.
Visit Stonehurst Plantation HOA
The Colony at Greenbriar
Amenities
The Colony at Greenbriar is a smaller, more intimate community located along the St. Johns River. It offers a community pool and park, with river access for kayaking or canoeing.
Neighborhood Vibes
This neighborhood is perfect for families looking for a quieter, nature-focused lifestyle. The riverfront location provides stunning views and a peaceful environment, while still being within easy reach of schools and shops.
Visit The Colony at Greenbriar HOA
The Vinings
Amenities
The Vinings is a quiet, well-maintained community featuring a clubhouse, pool, and fitness center. It’s a smaller neighborhood compared to some of the larger developments, but it offers a comfortable, family-oriented environment.
Neighborhood Vibes
Residents describe The Vinings as peaceful and welcoming. The neighborhood is perfect for families looking for a more intimate community with fewer homes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Beachwalk
Amenities
Beachwalk is one of the newest and most exciting developments in St. Johns County. The neighborhood features a massive, crystal-clear lagoon where residents can paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on the beach. It also has a clubhouse, pools, a swim-up bar, tennis courts, and a fitness center.
Neighborhood Vibes
Beachwalk has a resort-like atmosphere with a laid-back, vacation vibe. It’s perfect for families and individuals who want to enjoy a coastal lifestyle without leaving home. The unique lagoon and water activities make this community stand out.
Lakeside at Beachwalk
Amenities
Lakeside at Beachwalk offers the same incredible lagoon amenities as Beachwalk, but with a more private, intimate setting. Residents have access to all of Beachwalk’s amenities while enjoying the peaceful lakefront homes in Lakeside.
Neighborhood Vibes
Lakeside is ideal for families and retirees looking for a quieter experience while still enjoying the excitement of the larger Beachwalk community. Its lakefront setting adds a tranquil touch to everyday living.
St. Johns County is brimming with diverse neighborhoods that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for top-tier schools and amenities or a retiree seeking a peaceful, resort-like environment, you’re sure to find a neighborhood that fits your needs.
