5 Reasons Why St. Johns County is One of the Best Counties to Call Home

St. Johns County is a thriving area in Northeast Florida that's population continues to grow. From St. Augustine to Ponte Vedra Beach and beyond, the county offers an abundance of activities for all ages to enjoy. In fact, St. Augustine, often referred to as the "Nation’s Oldest City,” recently earned a new accolade: The South’s Best Small Town 2023 by Southern Living as part of its annual The South's Best feature. Here are five reasons why St. Johns County is one of the best places to call home.

Incredible Weather

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, St. Johns County is the ideal spot for those seeking sunny skies and mild temperatures. With average high temperatures of 80° in summer and lower humidity than other parts of Florida, residents enjoy some of the state’s best local weather.

Relaxing Beaches + Parks

St. Johns County is home to some of the most pristine beaches and parks in the nation. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or an exciting place for beach activities, St. Johns has it all. Local favorites include Anastasia State Park, Bird Island Park, Vilano Beach, and Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. From sunbathing and surfing to fishing and paddle boarding, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunshine with family and friends. 

Family-Friendly Communities

Home to the #1-ranked K-12 public school district in Florida, it’s no surprise that St. Johns County is also known for its family-friendly communities. Situated in the heart of northern St. Johns County, you will find the well established Nocatee community and the premier “no CDD fee” community of SilverLeaf. Riverside Homes is proud to be a preferred builder in these communities and offer homebuyers the ability to choose from a variety of popular floor plans with functional layouts, stunning kitchens, and inviting outdoor living spaces. Both master-planned Florida communities have recently generated national headlines for their continued growth and unmatched lifestyle that residents enjoy.

Located in St. Augustine, FL, SilverLeaf ranks as the third fastest growing Master-Planned Community in the U.S. for 2022 according to RCLCO, a well-respected and independent real estate consulting firm. SilverLeaf residents enjoy the use of a main amenity center that includes a large well-appointed clubhouse surrounded by three pool structures, a splash park, an exciting playground, two dog parks, four tennis courts, and six pickleball courts. Riverside Homes is building new homes in three of the community's neighborhoods: SilverLeaf Village, Silver Landing, and Courtney Oaks. While sales in SilverLeaf Village are concluding, there are still opportunities left to build on one of the 60 and 70-foot homesites in Silver Landing as well as the 70 and 80-foot estate homesites in the luxury, gated neighborhood of Courtney Oaks. 

The award-winning Nocatee community is no stranger to receiving national recognition for its incredible resort-style amenities, idyllic location and unparalleled lifestyle where you can live, work, and play. In 2023, this master-planned gem ranked #1 on Niche’s ‘Best Places to Raise a Family in Florida’ list. Riverside Homes is currently building in the Settler's Landing, Seabrook Village and Coral Ridge neighborhoods. 

Rich History Paired with Abundant Cultural Activities

St. Johns County boasts a rich history, from the Spanish colonial period to the Civil War era. From old forts and markers to museums and monuments, visitors can explore St. Johns County’s past while visiting some of the area’s treasured historical sites. St. Johns County also offers an abundance of cultural activities and events. From art exhibitions, community festivals, and concerts to local theater productions and farmers markets, there's something for everyone in St. Johns County. The Nocatee and SilverLeaf communities are known for their strong sense of community, with different planned events and activities that bring residents together each month. 

Affordable Living

St. Johns County offers an affordable cost of living with many homes available for purchase at reasonable prices. Pricing for new homes built by Riverside Homes start from the $400s in the award-winning and amenity-rich SilverLeaf community. Additionally, the county boasts some of the lowest taxes in Florida, making it an attractive spot for homebuyers. The affordability of a high-quality life is a major draw for why so many continue to flock to St. Johns County. The fact that you are never more than a short drive away from shopping centers, pristine beaches, delicious restaurants, medical facilities, and much more is just the icing on the cake!

With its beautiful beaches, family-friendly communities, rich history, and sunny weather, St. Johns County is an ideal spot to put down roots and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. Make the move today to one of Riverside Homes' new home communities and come experience why so many people love calling St. Johns County home!