If you're moving to St. Johns County, three communities are likely to come up again and again: Nocatee, SilverLeaf, and RiverTown.
All three offer new construction, resort-style amenities, parks, trails, and a strong suburban lifestyle. But they have very different personalities.
So which one is right for you?
The answer depends on what matters most: beach access, budget, amenities, location, or a riverfront lifestyle.
Nocatee: Best for Convenience & Coastal Living
Nocatee is located in Ponte Vedra and is known for combining residential neighborhoods with shopping, dining, schools, parks, recreation, and community amenities.
Residents have access to attractions including Nocatee Splash Water Park, pools, parks, trails, dog parks, and the Nocatee Town Center.
Nocatee may be right for you if:
✔ Being closer to the beach is important
✔ You want shopping and restaurants nearby
✔ You enjoy an active community calendar
✔ You want lots of neighborhood choices
✔ You like the idea of golf-cart-friendly living
The trade-off: Homes can command a higher price, and buyers need to evaluate HOA and CDD costs on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
SilverLeaf: Best for Value & New-Growth Energy
SilverLeaf is one of the largest master-planned communities in St. Johns County, spanning approximately 11,000 acres with more than 4,350 acres of conservation land.
One major financial difference: SilverLeaf currently advertises no CDD fees. The community also offers more than 50 miles of sidewalks and cart paths, neighborhood parks, pools, pickleball, sports fields, and other amenities.
SilverLeaf may be right for you if:
✔ Avoiding a CDD is a priority
✔ You want newer construction
✔ You want more home-for-your-money options
✔ Parks, trails, and recreation matter
✔ You don't mind being farther inland from the beach
SilverLeaf is also continuing to grow. St. Johns County is currently building a new SilverLeaf Sportsplex, expected to open in early 2027.
RiverTown: Best for a Riverfront Lifestyle
RiverTown offers something the other two communities don't emphasize in quite the same way: life along the St. Johns River.
The community features riverfront trails, nature preserves, parks, sports courts, dog parks, fitness facilities, and resort-style pools. Residents can also enjoy kayaking and other outdoor activities along the river.
RiverTown may be right for you if:
✔ You love being around water and nature
✔ Boating, kayaking, or fishing appeals to you
✔ You want extensive trails and outdoor recreation
✔ You prefer a more relaxed, river-oriented setting
✔ You want a community designed for both families and active adults
The trade-off: RiverTown is farther inland, so beach trips generally require more driving than from Nocatee.
Which Community Fits Your Lifestyle?
| If Your Priority Is... | Consider... |
| Closest lifestyle to the beach | Nocatee |
| Shopping & dining convenience | Nocatee |
| Avoiding CDD fees | SilverLeaf |
| New construction & growth | SilverLeaf |
| Riverfront recreation | RiverTown |
| Trails & outdoor activities | All three |
| Resort-style amenities | All three |
| Golf-cart-friendly lifestyle | All three |
St. Johns County's overall housing market remains active in 2026. Redfin reported a $513,460 median sale price for the county in May 2026, with homes taking a median of 64 days to sell. That means buyers have opportunities to compare communities rather than choosing based solely on availability.
The Bottom Line
There isn't one winner for everyone.
Choose Nocatee if convenience, beach access, shopping, dining, and a highly amenitized lifestyle are your priorities.
Choose SilverLeaf if value, new construction, recreation, and avoiding CDD fees are high on your list.
Choose RiverTown if you want trails, nature, and a lifestyle centered around the St. Johns River.
The best way to decide is to visit all three before you buy. Drive through the neighborhoods, visit the amenities, check the commute, and compare the total monthly cost—not just the home's list price.
Thinking About Moving to St. Johns County?
Call or text Gail DeMarco at 904-640-8000 for help comparing Nocatee, SilverLeaf, RiverTown, and other St. Johns County communities based on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Community fees, amenities, available homes, and market conditions change frequently. Verify current pricing, HOA/CDD fees, taxes, and builder incentives for the specific property before making a purchase.