Not everyone who wants a one-level home wants a 55+ community.

You may have adult children or grandchildren who stay with you. You may want the widest possible resale market. Or you may just prefer a neighborhood with all ages. The good news is that single-story living in St. Johns County doesn’t require an age restriction.

Here’s where to look and what to check.

Why Look Outside 55+ Communities

  • Anyone can live with you. Adult children, grandchildren, and caregivers aren’t limited by the community’s age rules.
  • A wider resale pool. Any qualified buyer can purchase your home later, not just age-qualified ones.
  • More choice. Non-restricted master-planned communities have more builders, floor plans, and price points.
  • A mixed-age neighborhood. Some buyers prefer this over an age-segregated one.

Most of these communities have a CDD assessment, which local agents call the number-one surprise cost for new-construction buyers. SilverLeaf is the notable exception, so compare total monthly cost, not just the sticker price.

The Resale Option

Older, established neighborhoods often have more single-story homes at lower prices and little or no CDD:

  • Bridgewater, Entrada, and Julington Creek Plantation: single-family homes and townhomes generally from the low $200s to the low $400s
  • Mature landscaping and lower HOA fees than many newer communities
  • A faster move-in than a new build

The county’s median list price is about $550,000, so resale in older communities can undercut new construction considerably.

How to Find One-Story Homes

  • Filter MLS searches by “stories: 1.” Don’t rely on listing descriptions or community names.
  • Ask builders for one-story plan names. Floor plan availability changes with each phase and lot.
  • Ask where bedrooms are located. Some “one-and-a-half story” plans put a bedroom upstairs.
  • Confirm lot size. Single-story plans need wider lots, which can limit options in tighter sections.

What to Check Before You Buy

  • Primary suite on the main level
  • No-step entry from the garage and front door
  • Doorways and hallways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair
  • Shower with a low or no threshold
  • A den or flex room that could become a caregiver’s bedroom
  • Exterior and lawn maintenance, if you want the HOA to handle it

Trade-Offs to Know

  • Price per square foot. One-story homes cost more to build per square foot because of the larger roof and foundation, so expect to pay more for the same living area.
  • Bigger lots. A wider footprint means less yard, or a higher price for a larger lot.
  • HOA and CDD. Compare monthly HOA dues and any CDD across communities.
  • Resale demand. One-level homes tend to appeal to a broad range of buyers, including retirees.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a 55+ community to live on one level in St. Johns County. SilverLeaf, Nocatee’s Crosswinds, Shearwater, RiverTown, and older neighborhoods like Julington Creek Plantation all offer choices. The key is to filter by plan, not by community name, and to compare total monthly cost before you fall for a floor plan.

Want Help Finding the Right One-Story Plan?

I can pull current one-story listings and builder plans across SilverLeaf, Nocatee, Shearwater, and RiverTown, and compare HOA and CDD costs side by side.

Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000
Best St. Johns County Relocation Specialist
Serving Nocatee, SilverLeaf, RiverTown, Shearwater, and all of St. Johns County, FL

Pricing reflects October 2026 listing data and changes frequently. Plan availability, HOA, and CDD figures vary by builder and phase; verify with the builder and your agent before making an offer.