Two Northeast Florida 55+ communities come up in the same conversation constantly, and they sit in different counties. One is a newer golf community in St. Johns County. The other is North Florida’s original Del Webb, in Southside Jacksonville.

Here is the side-by-side.

Price

Stillwater

  • Median list price: $425,000
  • Recent sold median: $399,540
  • Price range: villas from the low $330s, single-family $370K to $520K+
  • Price per sq ft: ~$249
  • Home types: villas and single-family, 1,500 to 2,300 sq ft

Sweetwater

  • Average asking price: ~$335,500
  • Price range: $239,000 to $519,000
  • Price per sq ft: ~$202
  • Home types: single-family, carriage homes, villas, and 4-story elevator condos

Sweetwater runs roughly $50,000 to $90,000 below Stillwater on typical pricing. Stillwater’s list prices sit about 6% above recent closings, which gives buyers some room to negotiate.

Monthly and Annual Costs

Stillwater

  • Master HOA: $691/month
  • CDD: $2,500 to $3,400/year
  • One-time fee: verify at closing
  • Annual estimate (single-family): ~$10,800 to $11,700

Sweetwater

  • Master HOA: ~$275/month
  • CDD: none
  • Sub-association (condo and villa sections): ~$360 to $715/month, includes building maintenance and utilities
  • One-time fee: ~$1,500 capital contribution
  • Annual estimate (single-family): ~$3,300

On a single-family home, that is roughly $7,500 to $8,400 more per year at Stillwater. The extra cost buys complimentary golf membership and lawn maintenance. Sweetwater’s condo and villa sections carry higher sub-association fees, but those cover water, sewer, trash, cable, pest control, and exterior maintenance, so compare the specific section you’re considering.

Golf

Stillwater has the course on site: an 18-hole Bobby Weed design with flexible 3- to 15-hole loops, a lit driving range, and TopTracer technology. Resident golf membership is included.

Sweetwater has no golf course. It has an active golf club of residents, and golfers typically play at nearby public or private courses.

Location and the Details That Differ

Stillwater

  • Nearby: about 25 minutes to Jacksonville and St. Augustine
  • Property taxes and schools: St. Johns County
  • Age of homes: new to recent

Sweetwater

  • Nearby: minutes to Mayo Clinic, UNF, the airport, downtown, and the beaches
  • Property taxes and schools: Duval County
  • Age of homes: built 2005 to 2016

Because Sweetwater is in Duval County, property tax rates and school zoning differ from St. Johns County. Verify the current millage and insurance costs for the specific address before you compare total ownership cost.

Who Should Choose Each

Choose Stillwater if: golf is part of your weekly routine, you want new construction, and you’re comfortable paying a higher monthly fee for bundled golf and yard care.

Choose Sweetwater if: you want the lowest carrying cost, no CDD, a larger resort-style clubhouse, and a more established 55+ community with a long track record, and you don’t need a golf course at your door.

The Bottom Line

These communities offer different trade-offs. Stillwater is the golf-and-new-construction choice at a higher annual cost. Sweetwater is the established, lower-cost choice with a bigger clubhouse and no CDD. Run the full annual number for the exact home you’re considering before you decide.

Want to Compare the Real Numbers?

I can pull current listings, verify HOA and sub-association fees, and help you compare total ownership cost for both.

Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000
St. Johns County 55+ Community Specialist
Serving Stillwater, Del Webb communities, Nocatee, RiverTown, and all of St. Johns County, FL

Pricing, HOA, and CDD figures reflect 2026 listing data from local brokerage and community sources and change frequently. Verify current fees and property taxes directly with each HOA and the county before making an offer.