Quick Answer: Most planned communities in St. Johns County have HOA fees, and many also carry separate CDD fees. HOA dues typically cover community maintenance, amenity operations, and common area upkeep. Amounts vary widely — from under $100/month to several hundred — depending on the community and what’s included. HOA Basics for New Buyers If…
Quick Answer: Florida has no state income tax, but property taxes are real. As a new buyer in St. Johns County, your taxes will be based on the purchase price — not what the prior owner paid. Once you establish primary residency, homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes cap provide meaningful long-term protection. Here’s…
Quick Answer: The sticker price on a home in St. Johns County is only part of the cost. CDD fees, HOA dues, flood zone assessments, homeowners insurance, and property tax rates all affect your true monthly payment — often by hundreds of dollars. Zillow shows you the mortgage estimate. It doesn’t show you the full…
Homeowners insurance in St. Johns County deserves a bigger budget conversation than many buyers give it, especially for coastal homes, older properties, and anyone relocating from markets with lower weather-related risk. That is the short answer, but the more useful conversation is where the money actually goes and which parts of the budget tend to…
Quick Answer: The best neighborhoods in St. Johns County for out-of-state buyers depend on what you’re optimizing for — school zones, amenities, price point, or lifestyle. The most popular options include Nocatee, Shearwater, RiverTown, Silverleaf, Beachwalk, and Ponte Vedra-adjacent communities. Each has a distinct character, and the “best” one is personal. Why This Question Is…
Quick Answer: Beachwalk and Shearwater are both amenity-rich CDD communities in St. Johns County, but they feel very different. Beachwalk is built around a unique crystal-clear lagoon, while Shearwater is a golf-cart-friendly community centered on trails, a resort-style pool, and a more natural, laid-back vibe. Which fits you depends on what you’re looking for in…
