Top 10 Family-Focused Communities in Northeast Florida
Thinking about relocating to Florida and searching for that perfect community to call home? 🌴
Northeast Florida — including Jacksonville, St. Johns County, and St. Augustine — offers a mix of beautiful master-planned neighborhoods, strong schools, and a lifestyle that blends convenience, charm, and coastal living.
Here are ten sought-after communities known for their outstanding amenities, accessibility, and overall quality of life.
1️⃣ Nocatee (Ponte Vedra)
Consistently ranked among Florida’s top master-planned communities, Nocatee offers resort-style pools, golf cart paths, and a town center filled with shops, dining, and weekly events. Located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, it’s just minutes from the beach and known for its wide range of home options.
2️⃣ Julington Creek Plantation (St. Johns)
Known for its lush landscaping and recreational amenities, Julington Creek Plantation features miles of walking trails, community pools, and sports facilities. Its convenient location near Racetrack Road provides easy access to both Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
3️⃣ RiverTown (St. Johns)
Set along the St. Johns River, RiverTown combines natural beauty with modern amenities. Residents enjoy a riverfront clubhouse, kayak launch, fitness center, and boardwalk views — perfect for those who love the outdoors.
4️⃣ SilverLeaf (St. Augustine)
A newer master-planned development, SilverLeaf is known for its modern design and impressive amenities, including resort-style pools, trails, and community green spaces. Its location along County Road 210 makes commuting a breeze.
5️⃣ Shearwater (St. Augustine)
Shearwater is built for connection and outdoor living, offering a lagoon-style pool, lazy river, tennis courts, and miles of nature trails. Its design emphasizes wellness, recreation, and a strong sense of community.
6️⃣ Bartram Ranch (St. Johns)
A scenic community by Toll Brothers, Bartram Ranch showcases spacious homes, walking paths, and a peaceful, semi-rural atmosphere while still being close to top-rated schools and shopping in the Bartram Park area.
7️⃣ Palencia (St. Augustine)
Palencia blends Old-World elegance with modern convenience. Featuring a golf course, clubhouse, and nature trails that lead to the Intracoastal, it’s ideal for those seeking a coastal-luxury lifestyle.
8️⃣ Durbin Crossing (St. Johns)
Durbin Crossing offers two expansive amenity centers, fitness facilities, pools, and playgrounds. Its proximity to the Pavilion at Durbin Park makes it easy to enjoy shopping and dining without leaving the neighborhood.
9️⃣ Ortega (Jacksonville)
With its historic oak-lined streets and riverfront parks, Ortega is one of Jacksonville’s most charming neighborhoods. It offers a timeless character, convenient access to downtown, and beautiful architecture.
🔟 St. Augustine Shores (St. Augustine)
This established coastal community offers mature trees, walking paths, a fishing pier, and golf course access — all within minutes of historic downtown St. Augustine and the beaches.
💛 Why Northeast Florida?
From riverfront living to beachside neighborhoods, Northeast Florida offers something for every lifestyle — with lower property taxes than many major metros, no state income tax, and a growing list of amenities that make everyday life feel like vacation.
As a local relocation specialist, I help buyers from across the country discover where they’ll feel most at home — and guide them every step of the way.
📞 Melissa Roby, Realtor® | Compass Florida
🌐 WelcomeHomeNEFL.com
📱 904-707-2861
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available community and school data. All buyers are encouraged to conduct their own research to determine which neighborhoods best fit their lifestyle and needs.
