If you're considering Stillwater in St. Johns County, Florida, the purchase price is only part of the financial picture.
Stillwater is a 55+ active adult, gated golf community with an 18-hole course, clubhouse, pool, fitness center, pickleball, tennis, bocce and other amenities. It is also a CDD community, so buyers need to look beyond the mortgage when calculating their true monthly housing cost.
Here's what the numbers can look like.
What You’re Really Paying For
| Monthly Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | Principal & interest based on purchase price, down payment and rate |
| Property Taxes | County and other applicable property taxes |
| HOA | Community maintenance and amenities |
| CDD | Community infrastructure and operating assessments |
| Home Insurance | Homeowners coverage and applicable deductibles |
| Utilities | Electric, water, sewer, internet, etc. |
| Golf | Bundled into Stillwater's community offering |
| Maintenance | Depending on the property and what's included |
The HOA Is a Major Part of the Equation
Current Lennar information lists an approximate HOA fee of $710.72 per month for Stillwater's new homes, although fees can vary by property and are subject to change.
That may sound high compared with a typical Florida HOA — but Stillwater is different.
The community's offering includes access to its 18-hole golf course, practice facility, clubhouse, pool, fitness center, tennis, pickleball and other amenities.
In other words, you're not simply paying for landscaping and a gated entrance.
Don't Forget the CDD
Stillwater also has a Community Development District (CDD).
The CDD collects annual assessments for community infrastructure and ongoing operations. The exact amount can vary by property and year.
Current Lennar information lists an approximate special assessment of $3,607.35 per year, or roughly $301 per month when divided across 12 months.
That's an important number to include when comparing Stillwater with communities that have different fee structures.
A Realistic Monthly Example
Let's use a $600,000 home as an illustration — not a quote for any particular property.
Assume:
- $600,000 purchase price
- 20% down ($120,000)
- $480,000 mortgage
- 30-year fixed loan
- Example 6.5% interest rate
The principal and interest payment would be approximately $3,034/month.
Then add the other costs:
| Expense | Approx. Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage P&I | $3,034 |
| HOA | $711 |
| CDD equivalent | ~$301 |
| Property taxes | Varies |
| Homeowners insurance | Varies |
| Utilities | Varies |
| Before taxes, insurance & utilities | ~$4,046/mo. |
That's the number buyers need to understand: a $600K Stillwater home isn't necessarily a $600K decision.
Your actual monthly housing cost can be substantially higher once taxes, insurance and utilities are included.
But What About Golf?
This is one of Stillwater's biggest financial advantages for the right buyer.
Stillwater is marketed as an all-inclusive, bundled golf community, with residents receiving access to the 18-hole golf course and practice facilities as part of the community offering.
For someone who plays regularly, that's worth comparing against the cost of purchasing a home elsewhere and then paying a separate golf membership.
If you don't play golf, however, you should still consider how much you're willing to pay for a lifestyle package built around golf.
What $500K–$700K Can Look Like
Stillwater's current new-construction inventory is higher than some of the prices buyers may remember from a few years ago.
As of October 2026, Lennar lists new Stillwater homes starting around $585K, with available homes generally in the $625K–$670K+ range depending on the floor plan and homesite.
| Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| $500K–$600K | Primarily resale opportunities |
| $600K–$700K | More new-construction and larger/upgraded options |
| $700K+ | Larger homes, premium upgrades or desirable homesites |
Prices and availability change, so buyers should evaluate the specific property rather than relying on a community-wide average.
The Hidden Question: Is the HOA Worth It?
That's really the question each buyer needs to answer.
Stillwater may make sense if you:
✔ Play golf regularly
✔ Want a 55+ community
✔ Value resort-style amenities
✔ Want a gated community
✔ Prefer bundled maintenance and recreation
✔ Plan to use the clubhouse, pool and sports facilities
It may not be the best fit if you:
✘ Don't play golf
✘ Want the lowest possible monthly HOA
✘ Prefer to pay only for amenities you personally use
✘ Want a community without CDD assessments
The Bottom Line
The true monthly cost of living in Stillwater, St. Johns County isn't just the mortgage.
For a buyer considering a $600K home, an example mortgage of roughly $3,034/month plus approximately $711 HOA and ~$301/month equivalent CDD assessment puts the cost at roughly $4,046/month before property taxes, insurance and utilities.
But that monthly expense also buys into a 55+ lifestyle with bundled golf, extensive amenities and community maintenance.
The right question isn't simply, "What can I afford to buy?"
It's:
"What will my total monthly cost be — and is the lifestyle worth it to me?"
Considering Stillwater?
I can help you compare Stillwater with Del Webb Saint Johns, Sweetwater at Nocatee, WaterSong at RiverTown and other 55+ communities based on purchase price, HOA, CDD, amenities, golf and overall monthly cost.
Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000
St. Johns County Real Estate Specialist
Serving Stillwater, St. Johns, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, RiverTown, SilverLeaf, St. Augustine and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.
Monthly payment examples are for illustration only and are not a loan quote. HOA, CDD, taxes, insurance, utilities and other expenses vary by property. Always verify the current fees and assessments for the specific home before purchasing.