Everything You Need to Know About Moving to St. Johns County — From Someone Who Actually Lives Here

St. Johns County offers top-ranked schools, low crime rates, and rapid growth — but that growth brings traffic, rising home prices, and CDD fees that catch many buyers off guard. We cover all of it honestly in our full guide.

CDD fees range from $900 to $4,500 per year depending on the community. They cover amenities, roads, and infrastructure — but whether they're worth it depends on what the community offers and how long you plan to stay.

Nocatee consistently scores high on both. That said, RiverTown, Shearwater, and SilverLeaf are all strong contenders depending on your priorities.

It depends on your timeline, budget, and priorities. New construction offers customization and builder incentives. Resale can offer better value in established neighborhoods. We break down both in our buyer guides.

Most of St. Johns County is 20–40 minutes from the Atlantic coast. Ponte Vedra Beach is within the county. Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine Beach are both easily accessible.

Traffic has grown significantly as the county has expanded. Morning and evening commutes into Jacksonville can be congested — particularly on CR-210 and US-1. Many residents build this into their community decision.

Yes — Durbin Crossing, Aberdeen, and parts of Fruit Cove still have resale inventory under $400K. New construction under $400K is increasingly rare but not impossible.

Nocatee is the right fit if you want resort-style amenities and top schools and are comfortable with CDD fees. If you want more space, lower fees, or a quieter lifestyle, RiverTown, Trailmark, or Shearwater may be a better match.