SilverLeaf St. Johns FL: 2026 Community & CDD Guide
Nov 20, 2025
Last Updated: January 2026 - Includes 2026 SilverLeaf builder data, neighborhood updates & school zones
Key Takeaways
- Zero CDD Fees: SilverLeaf is one of the only master-planned communities in St. Johns County with $0 CDD fees, saving homeowners thousands of dollars annually.
- Massive Master Plan: Spanning ~11,000 acres between CR 210 and SR 16 with over 4,350 acres of permanently preserved natural wetlands.
- Self-Contained Ecosystem: Features on-site healthcare at Baptist Health SilverLeaf Medical Campus, commercial retail at SilverLeaf Commons, and Magnolia Oaks Academy K-8.
- Diverse Home Options: Entry-level townhomes from the low $300s to custom luxury gated estates exceeding $1.5M.
Located in the heart of northern St. Johns County, SilverLeaf is one of the largest and most sought-after master-planned developments in the Southeastern United States. Developed by The Hutson Companies, SilverLeaf encompasses roughly 11,000 acres positioned between County Road 210 and State Road 16, centered along the bustling St. Johns Parkway (CR 2209).
For homebuyers seeking top-rated public schools, resort-style amenities, and modern construction without the hefty annual tax burden of a Community Development District (CDD), SilverLeaf stands in a league of its own.
The SilverLeaf Advantage: Why $0 CDD Fees Matter
In most Florida master-planned communities (such as Nocatee or Durbin Crossing), developers issue municipal bonds to finance roads, utilities, and clubhouses. These bonds are assessed directly on your annual property tax bill as CDD fees, typically costing homeowners $2,000 to $4,500+ every year for 20 to 30 years.
The Financial Impact of Zero CDD
Because The Hutson Companies privately funded the master infrastructure, SilverLeaf has NO CDD fees. This $0 CDD structure saves homeowners roughly $200 to $350+ per month in carrying costs, giving buyers significantly more purchasing power when applying for a mortgage.
HOA Dues Breakdown
While there are no CDD fees, standard Homeowners Association (HOA) dues maintain the community's pristine common areas, security, and world-class amenity campuses:
- Single-Family Residences: ~$100 to $150/month (billed semi-annually or annually).
- Gated Enclaves (e.g., Courtney Oaks): Supplemental gate maintenance fee (~$50/month).
- Attached Townhomes (e.g., Waterford Lakes, Brandon Lakes): ~$250 to $350/month (covers master HOA, exterior lawn care, irrigation, roof reserves, and paint maintenance).
To estimate your complete monthly housing payment including property taxes and insurance, use our St. Johns County Mortgage Calculator.
SilverLeaf Neighborhoods & Top Home Builders
SilverLeaf is divided into distinct, walkable villages catering to every stage of life, from first-time buyers and growing families to retirees.
| Neighborhood Enclave | Top Builders | Home Types | 2026 Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Landing | Dream Finders, Ashley Homes, Richmond American | 43', 53', & 63' Single-Family | $460K - $750K |
| Courtney Oaks | MasterCraft Builder Group, Riverside Homes, Ashley | Gated Luxury Estate Homes (70'-85'+ lots) | $850K - $1.6M+ |
| Holly Forest | Lennar, Dream Finders Homes | Family Single-Family Homes | $440K - $620K |
| Elm Creek | Richmond American Homes | 1- & 2-Story Single-Family | $450K - $650K |
| Johns Island | Lennar, Dream Finders Homes | Waterfront-Adjacent Single-Family | $480K - $700K |
| Waterford & Brandon Lakes | Dream Finders, D.R. Horton | 2-Story Townhomes w/ Garages | $320K - $390K |
| Reverie at SilverLeaf | Dream Finders (Active Adult) | Gated 55+ Single-Family & Villas | $430K - $750K |
Resort-Style Amenities & Outdoor Living
SilverLeaf is designed around outdoor recreation and community connection, featuring over 50 miles of paved multi-use golf cart paths and nature trails.
1. The Resident Amenity Hubs
Residents enjoy access to multiple signature clubhouses, including the central SilverLeaf Amenity Center and Johns Island Amenity Center:
- Resort Swimming Pools: Zero-entry lagoon pools, splash waterparks with bucket dumps, lap lanes, and shaded poolside cabanas.
- Racquet Club: Lighted championship tennis courts and dedicated tournament-grade pickleball courts.
- Athletic Fields: Multi-purpose soccer and event lawns.
- Bark Parks & Playgrounds: Fenced large/small dog parks with agility features and themed children's playgrounds.
2. Commercial Core & Healthcare On-Site
- Baptist Health SilverLeaf: A cutting-edge 24/7 Emergency Department, pediatric and adult urgent care, diagnostic imaging, and on-site physician practices located right on St. Johns Parkway.
- SilverLeaf Commons & Town Center: Rapidly expanding commercial retail, grocery stores, boutique fitness studios, veterinary clinics, and local dining options.
Public School Zoning
SilverLeaf is served by the St. Johns County School District, consistently ranked the #1 public school district in Florida.
- K-8 School: Magnolia Oaks Academy (K-8): Situated directly inside SilverLeaf along St. Johns Parkway, enabling students to walk, bike, or take a golf cart to school without traveling on major state highways.
- High School: Tocoi Creek High School: A premier high school campus located just south on SR 16, featuring state-of-the-art career academies in Emerging Technology, Built Environment, and Healthcare Sciences.
Pros and Cons of Living in SilverLeaf
The Pros
- Unbeatable Value with $0 CDD: Lower monthly overhead than nearly all neighboring developments.
- On-Site Schools & Healthcare: Baptist Health ER and Magnolia Oaks Academy within golf-cart distance.
- Builder Diversity: Dozens of floor plans from trusted national and luxury local custom builders.
What to Consider
- Ongoing Expansion: As a multi-decade development, you will experience active construction traffic in newly developing phases.
- Commute Logistics: Located 25-35 minutes from Atlantic Ocean beaches; peak morning traffic at the CR 210 and St. Johns Parkway intersection is actively undergoing county road widening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore SilverLeaf Real Estate
Whether you are looking for an affordable modern townhome, a family residence near Magnolia Oaks Academy, or a luxury custom home in Courtney Oaks, Inna Moskalyk provides expert, independent representation across all SilverLeaf builders.
- Start your home search with our St. Johns County Buyer Consultation.
- Selling your home? Request a Free Competitive Home Valuation.
- Contact Inna Moskalyk today to schedule a private tour of move-in-ready builder inventory in SilverLeaf.