Stillwater has been on 55+ buyers' radar for years — an all-inclusive golf community off CR-210 with a Bobby Weed-designed course and resort-style amenities. But the community has also been "almost sold out" for longer than most buyers expected, and pricing has shifted enough that the question deserves a real answer: is it still worth buying into in 2026?
Here's the honest, data-backed look.
The Basics
Stillwater is a Lennar-built, exclusively 55+ golf community in St. Johns, FL (32259), in northwest St. Johns County near CR-210 and St. Augustine. Its centerpiece is an 18-hole golf course designed by Bobby Weed — the same architect behind courses at World Golf Village — featuring a practice facility with Toptracer technology, a pro shop, and professional instruction, all anchored by a resort-style clubhouse.
The community is marketed as "all-inclusive," meaning bundled maintenance and lifestyle amenities are built into the HOA rather than sold separately — a real differentiator, and also the source of its biggest cost consideration.
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The HOA and CDD Reality — The Number That Actually Matters Here
This is the single most important data point for anyone asking "is Stillwater still a good buy."
Stillwater's HOA runs roughly two and a half to three times higher than comparable St. Johns County 55+ communities. That's not a red flag by itself — the "all-inclusive" model means golf access, bundled maintenance, and resort amenities are folded into that fee rather than charged separately. But it fundamentally changes the total cost of ownership math, and it's the number every buyer needs to run before falling in love with a floor plan.
The real question to ask: does the bundled golf and maintenance value actually offset an extra $400–$450/month compared to Del Webb Saint Johns or Sweetwater? For a serious, regular golfer, it likely does. For a buyer who golfs occasionally or not at all, it's a much harder case to make.
Still Building — Longer Than Originally Planned
Here's something worth knowing honestly: Stillwater was described as "entering its final phase of construction" as far back as 2024. As of 2026, the community is still actively building, with villas and single-family collections still available for new construction.
This isn't necessarily a negative — it means buyers today still have access to new construction and builder incentives that were expected to disappear a couple of years ago. But it's also a signal worth factoring in: absorption has taken longer than projected, which is relevant to how you think about resale timing and demand in the years ahead.
What You're Actually Buying Into
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Golf course | 18-hole, Bobby Weed design, Toptracer practice facility |
| Clubhouse | Resort-style, central to community life |
| Home styles | Villas and single-family, multiple architectural collections (Lennar's "50s" and "60s" product lines) |
| Location convenience | Close to healthcare, shopping, cultural attractions, historic St. Augustine, and the beach |
| Age restriction | Exclusively 55+ |
Who Stillwater Is Still a Good Buy For
It's still a strong choice if: golf is a genuine, regular part of your retirement lifestyle and you want it built into your daily life rather than a separate club membership; you value the bundled, low-hassle maintenance model and are comfortable paying for that convenience; or you want new construction options that other nearby 55+ communities no longer offer.
It's worth comparing elsewhere if: the $691/month HOA doesn't pencil out against how often you'd actually use the golf course; you want the lowest possible monthly carrying cost among St. Johns County 55+ options; or you're specifically prioritizing established, fully built-out communities with a longer resale track record.
The Bottom Line
Stillwater remains a legitimate, well-regarded 55+ option in St. Johns County — the golf pedigree and bundled lifestyle model are genuinely appealing for the right buyer. But the $691/month HOA is a real number that needs to be weighed honestly against comparable communities charging less than half that amount. The current 6% gap between list and sold prices also suggests real negotiating room right now.
For committed golfers, Stillwater still makes strong sense in 2026. For buyers whose priority is minimizing monthly costs, it's worth running the comparison against Del Webb Saint Johns and Sweetwater before deciding.
Want the Real Numbers for a Specific Home?
I can pull current listings, run the full carrying-cost comparison against other 55+ communities, and help you negotiate from the current list-to-sold gap.
Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000
St. Johns County 55+ Community Specialist
Serving Stillwater, Del Webb Saint Johns, Sweetwater at Nocatee, and all of St. Johns County, FL
Pricing, HOA, and CDD figures reflect 2026 estimates from realMLS, 55places.com, and local brokerage sources current as of publication. Fees and inventory change frequently — always verify current figures directly with the HOA and your agent before making an offer.