Where Are The Best Master-planned Communities in Jacksonville, Florida?

Where Are The Best Master-planned Communities in Jacksonville, Florida?

master-planned community in Jacksonville, FL

August 19, 2024


Jacksonville is a desirable place to live. The northern Florida city has ranked high among the best places to live in Florida and the United States. 

When you’re ready to make the most of the lifestyle in this thriving area, learn about some of your options. For example, where are the best master-planned communities in Jacksonville, Florida?

Why Is Jacksonville, Florida Such A Great Place To Live?

Jacksonville, Florida, sits on the Atlantic coast in northern Florida, and the city spans nearly 875 square miles, making it the largest city in the U.S. in terms of land mass. It sits near the southern border of Georgia, and the population is closing in on one million people (currently 997,164), a number that has steadily risen since 1960 when there were only 201,000 residents.

Jacksonville was ranked number 2 on Forbes’ list of “Best Places to Live in Florida” and #29 by US News & World Report on its list of “Best Places to Retire” in the US. Jacksonville is known as “The First Coast”. This coastal location makes it ideal as the home to various military facilities, including the Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

The city blends a massive array of urban experiences—including sports teams Jacksonville Jaguars (pro football), Jacksonville Armada FC (soccer), and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (minor league baseball). Museums, galleries, performance venues, special events, plus the many things to do on The Riverwalk, which is a 1.2-mile stretch along the St. Johns River in Downtown Jax (which is what the locals call the city). Residents also appreciate quality schools and healthcare.

What Is A Master-Planned Community?

A master-planned community (MPC) is like a town within a city or suburb. The development features homes—attached and detached—within individual enclaves. For example, one master-planned community might incorporate a section with townhomes or villas, with other enclaves of single-family homes. The entire community could span thousands of acres!

The principle behind the MPC is providing residents with the right balance of “live, work, play”. Developers include more in these communities than you’ll find in residential neighborhoods. It’s common to have retail, dining, entertainment, recreation, and both personal and professional services within the neighborhood. Some include schools and healthcare within the boundaries. The idea is that you have most of what you want and need right within your master-planned community.

The most defining feature of a master-planned community is the amenities. Expect a modern clubhouse, pools, fitness center, recreation (sports fields, courts, trails), meeting spaces, and greenways. Like resorts, there’s often an event planner who organizes activities all year long.

With so many places to visit within your master-planned community, it’s helpful to rely on a golf cart instead of a car to navigate your way to and from all the amenities.

Now that you know the benefits of this lifestyle and living in one of these new home communities in Jacksonville, FL, let’s answer the question, “Where are the best master-planned communities in Jacksonville, Florida?”

Nocatee: A Golf Cart Community with The Best Amenities

Niche chose Nocatee in Ponte Vedra, FL, as #1 on its list of “2024 Best Suburbs to Live in the Jacksonville Area”. Niche also ranked Nocatee the #1 “Best Suburb to Raise a Family in Florida in 2024”. This is the 4th consecutive year Nocatee received this top honor! 

Nocatee is close to the area’s pristine beaches, Downtown Jacksonville, and major airports. Within the master-planned community, the award-winning Nocatee lifestyle provides an exceptional choice of amenities:

Nocatee is one of the many golf cart communities in Florida so you’ll want to look into joining this popular trend among the residents. Get where you’re going, anywhere in Nocatee, in just minutes when driving an electric golf cart and leaving your car at home. Nocatee is also very walkable, allowing access to everything within a short walk.

About St. John’s County Schools

Families living in Nocatee are served by the St. John’s County Schools, rated the #2 School District in Florida. The St. John’s County School District is acclaimed for delivering well-rounded, high-quality education, from pre-k through high school. 

In the future, Nocatee residents will have the added benefit of an elementary and a middle school within the gated communities of Nocatee.

The Best Communities at Nocatee

Crosswinds at Nocatee

A short walk to Pine Island Academy, Crosswinds at Nocatee is one of the last enclaves within Nocatee where you can purchase a new construction home. Riverside Homes has a variety of homesites still available. We’re offering exclusive floor plans and options not available in the other Nocatee communities. 

Our single-family home designs range from 1,758 to 2,550 square feet. Each floor plan is distinctive and affords you many options to personalize, inside and out, to create the home of your dreams. In addition, our Crosswinds at Nocatee quick move-in homes present a fast path to ownership. 

Reflections at Nocatee

Reflections at Nocatee is a popular choice for people who are looking for resort-style living. The homesites are larger than in our other Nocatee neighborhoods, and you’ll have natural landscapes around you—neighboring preserve or water views. Reflections at Nocatee is close to Nocatee’s parks and amenities, and a perfect location for families who want to be close to the water, making it a great choice for golf cart communities. The Reflections at Nocatee floor plans present 15 single-level and multi-story homes with plenty of choices for exterior details, interior style, layout, and square footage—from 1,570 to 2,900 square feet of interior living space.

Seabrook Village at Nocatee

If you have a canine family member, you’ll live close to the dog park when you choose Seabrook Village at Nocatee. Riverside Homes is building in this neighborhood, which is close to the pool playground, and a new amenity center. As with the homes at Reflections at Nocatee, we’ve curated a selection of 15 floor plans, offering an exciting array of choices that span 1,570 to 2,900 square feet of beautifully appointed living space. If you’re ready to move quickly, check out Riverside Homes’ quick move-in homes at Seabrook Village at Nocatee. Or browse the available homesites and plans and let us build one to your preferences. 

Browse Our New Homes for Sale in Jacksonville, Florida

Riverside Homes is unique among home builders in Jacksonville, FL. We are locally owned, and driven by core values that consist of integrity, respect, quality, heart, and our personal commitment to serving our customers.

We build communities of new construction homes in the most appealing areas in Jacksonville and the surrounding suburbs—St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Fernandina Beach.

Connect with Riverside Homes Today!

Nocatee should be at the top of your list when considering “Where are the best master-planned communities in Jacksonville, Florida?” Riverside Homes would like to give you a personal tour of Nocatee, including the resort-style amenities, community atmosphere, and choice for your new home. Get started by contacting us to schedule time for a visit, and while you’re waiting, browse Riverside Homes’ selection of communities, floor plans, and quick move-in homes.

Get Fast Answers!