One of the most common questions I get from retirees considering a move to Northeast Florida is: "Joey, where exactly should I be looking for an active adult community?" And honestly, St. Johns County is where I point most of my clients first — and for very good reason.

St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire United States, and it consistently ranks among the top counties in Florida for quality of life, school ratings, and public safety. But what really draws retirees here is the incredible variety of 55+ and active adult communities that have taken root over the past decade. You're not choosing between a handful of options — you're choosing between dozens of distinct lifestyles.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra at Nocatee

If I had to name the most talked-about active adult community in St. Johns County right now, it would be Del Webb Ponte Vedra, located within the master-planned community of Nocatee. This community is anchored by the Anastasia Club, a 37,000-square-foot amenity center with indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, pickleball courts, bocce ball, and a packed social calendar. Homes here typically range from the mid-$400,000s to over $700,000, depending on the floor plan and lot. The community has a genuine sense of connection — residents here are active, engaged, and genuinely enjoy where they live.

Stillwater at Shearwater

Shearwater is another master-planned community in St. Johns County — located in Fruit Cove near the St. Johns River — and within it sits Stillwater, a dedicated 55+ enclave. What I love about Stillwater is how it blends the intimate feel of an adult community with access to Shearwater's incredible resort-style amenities, including the KideaFit Lagoon-style pool, a fitness center, and miles of nature trails. Homes in Stillwater are generally in the $400,000 to $600,000 range and offer single-story floor plans that retirees specifically request.

Watersong at RiverTown

RiverTown is a master-planned community along the St. Johns River in northern St. Johns County, and Watersong is its 55+ village. This community offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery you'll find in any active adult neighborhood in NE Florida — think sweeping river views, nature preserves, and an amenity campus right on the water. Watersong homes are typically in the $380,000 to $580,000 range, and the community has quickly developed a loyal following among retirees who want a slower, more nature-centered pace of life.

Why St. Johns County Makes Sense for Retirees

Beyond the communities themselves, St. Johns County offers some practical advantages that matter a great deal to retirees. The county has no state income tax (that's a Florida-wide benefit), a homestead exemption that can reduce your taxable home value by $50,000, and property tax rates that, while not the lowest in Florida, are offset by the county's exceptional services and infrastructure. The healthcare network in the area has expanded dramatically — with facilities like Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Flagler Health+ Flagler Hospital in nearby St. Augustine providing quality care close to home.

My advice to anyone seriously considering a 55+ community in St. Johns County is to visit in person before making any decisions. Each community has its own personality, its own pace, and its own social culture. I regularly take clients on community tours throughout the county — it's one of my favorite parts of this job, because you can almost always see the moment someone walks into the right neighborhood and just knows. That's what we're looking for.

If you'd like to schedule a tour of any of the communities mentioned here, or if you want a full list of active adult communities available in St. Johns County right now, reach out to me directly. I'm happy to help you find the one that fits your retirement vision.