Why Families Are Moving to St. Johns County, Florida: The Complete Guide
By Inna Moskalyk
Mar 15, 2024
Last Updated: January 2026
If you’ve been researching where to raise a family in Florida, you’ve probably noticed St. Johns County appearing at the top of every “best places to live” list. There’s a reason for that-actually, there are several compelling reasons.
St. Johns County has become Florida’s premier destination for families seeking exceptional schools, safe neighborhoods, and a quality of life that’s hard to match anywhere else in the state. But what’s driving this migration, and is the hype justified?
Let’s break down exactly why families from across the country are choosing St. Johns County as their new home.
The Schools Everyone Talks About
Let’s address the elephant in the room first: St. Johns County schools are consistently ranked #1 in Florida. This isn’t marketing-it’s data.
What Makes These Schools Different
The St. Johns County School District has built a reputation through:
- High academic performance: Test scores consistently exceed state and national averages
- Graduation rates above 95%: Among the highest in Florida
- College readiness emphasis: Advanced Placement programs and college prep throughout
- Diverse school models: Traditional schools, K-8 academies, and magnet programs
Parents relocating from states with strong school systems-New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut-find that St. Johns County schools meet or exceed what they left behind. That’s rare for Florida, and families know it.
School Options That Fit Different Needs
Whether you prefer traditional elementary-middle-high progression or the increasingly popular K-8 academy model, St. Johns County offers choices:
- Traditional pathway: Elementary → Middle → High School
- K-8 academies: Continuity through 8th grade in one campus
- Magnet programs: Specialized focuses for various interests
Popular school zones include Creekside High School (Julington Creek area), Bartram Trail High School (Fruit Cove/Durbin area), and Ponte Vedra High School (Ponte Vedra/Nocatee area).
Managing Growth: New Schools Opening
The district is growing fast-one of the fastest in Florida. The 2024-2025 school year saw a 4.86% enrollment increase (2,579 additional students). To manage this:
- Hallowes Cove Academy in RiverTown opened Summer 2025, serving 1,100 K-8 students
- Two additional K-8 schools are planned for Silverleaf and Nocatee communities (2026-2027)
- The district maintains 5, 10, and 20-year facility plans
Yes, some schools experience temporary crowding due to rapid growth. But the district’s proactive planning typically resolves capacity issues within a year or two of new development phases.
Safety That Provides Peace of Mind
Here’s a statistic that matters to every parent: St. Johns County’s crime rate is lower than 96% of Florida communities.
This isn’t just about low crime numbers-it’s about the community culture. Neighborhoods here genuinely look out for each other. Whether you’re in Nocatee, Julington Creek, or Ponte Vedra, you’ll find:
- Active neighborhood watch programs
- Community events that bring families together
- A general sense of security that lets kids play outside
Local forums and Facebook groups (like “Nocatee Neighbors” and “Julington Creek Moms”) consistently feature comments about how safe residents feel-often from transplants comparing St. Johns to their previous communities.
Master-Planned Communities Built for Families
St. Johns County has become synonymous with resort-style master-planned communities. These aren’t just neighborhoods-they’re lifestyle packages.
Why Master-Planned Communities Appeal to Families
- Built-in amenities: Pools, splash pads, sports courts, fitness centers
- Planned green spaces: Parks, playgrounds, walking trails throughout
- Community programming: Organized events, summer camps, clubs
- Maintained common areas: HOAs keep everything looking sharp
Top Communities Families Choose
Nocatee: The flagship development with waterpark-style amenities, miles of trails, and its own town center with restaurants and shops. Homes range from townhouses to luxury estates.
Durbin Crossing: Two amenity centers, excellent schools (Durbin Creek Elementary, Patriot Oaks Academy), and strong community programming. More established than Nocatee, with mature landscaping.
Julington Creek Plantation: Established community with golf course, kayaking on the creek, and that “been here a while” charm. Lower price points than newer developments.
RiverTown: Newer community with naturalist programming, kayak launches, and a focus on outdoor living. The new Hallowes Cove Academy opened here in 2025.
For detailed comparisons, check out our Julington Creek vs. Durbin Crossing guide or explore the Top 5 New Home Communities in Nocatee.
The Florida Lifestyle (Yes, It’s Real)
Year-Round Outdoor Living
Florida’s climate means outdoor activities aren’t seasonal-they’re daily. In St. Johns County:
- Beaches are 15-30 minutes away: Ponte Vedra Beach, Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach
- State parks offer adventure: Anastasia State Park, Guana River Reserve, Faver-Dykes
- Golf is everywhere: From World Golf Village championship courses to neighborhood tracks
- Water sports abound: Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing in rivers, creeks, and ocean
Families from northern states consistently describe the adjustment as “life-changing.” Kids play outside year-round. Adults actually use their outdoor spaces. The pool gets used in March.
Weather Expectations (The Honest Version)
- Mild winters: December through February rarely dip below 50°F
- Hot summers: June through September are hot and humid-pool season
- Hurricane season: June through November, with September being peak. Newer construction is built to withstand most storms.
- Rain: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. They’re usually brief but intense.
Economic Benefits That Add Up
No State Income Tax
Florida’s lack of state income tax is a major draw for families relocating from high-tax states. For a dual-income family earning $200,000 in New York, the annual savings can exceed $12,000-15,000.
That’s real money that can go toward:
- A larger mortgage (bigger house)
- Private school or college savings
- Quality of life spending
Growing Job Market
St. Johns County benefits from the broader Jacksonville metro economy:
- Healthcare: Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic, UF Health (new Durbin Park facility opening 2026)
- Finance: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank operations
- Logistics: JAXPORT expansion, Amazon distribution centers
- Tech: Growing presence of tech companies in Jacksonville’s urban core
Many St. Johns County residents commute to Jacksonville (20-35 minutes) or work remotely with occasional office visits.
Cost of Living Reality
St. Johns County is not cheap-let’s be honest. Compared to Jacksonville proper or other Florida metros, you’re paying a premium. But compared to the Northeast, Midwest suburbs, or California, many families find St. Johns County more affordable.
Where costs are higher:
- Housing prices (median around $450,000-$550,000 depending on community)
- Property insurance (Florida-wide issue, not St. Johns specific)
- HOA/CDD fees in master-planned communities
Where you save:
- State income tax (zero)
- Property taxes (lower than many northern states despite higher home values)
- General cost of living (groceries, services roughly at national average)
Don’t forget about the Homestead Exemption-it can save you significant money on property taxes once you establish residency.
The Honest Challenges (Because Nowhere Is Perfect)
Rapid Growth Isn’t Always Comfortable
St. Johns County is growing fast. Construction is everywhere. Traffic on Race Track Road and US-1 can be frustrating. New plazas pop up monthly.
If you prefer established, slow-growth communities, some parts of St. Johns County may feel too dynamic right now. The growth will level off eventually-but not yet.
School Crowding Is Temporary
Some schools have portable classrooms. Rezoning happens. The district is building as fast as possible, but growth sometimes outpaces capacity. This typically affects specific communities for 1-2 years before new schools open.
Insurance Costs Are a Florida Reality
Homeowner’s insurance in Florida has increased significantly across the state. St. Johns County isn’t special here-everyone is dealing with this. Budget $3,000-$8,000 annually depending on your home’s size, age, and location.
Moving from Out of State?
From the Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA)
This is the most common migration pattern. What to expect:
- Tax savings are immediate and significant
- Pace of life is slower (in a good way, most say)
- Weather adjustment takes about a year-you’ll be cold in 60°F weather at first
- Cultural differences: Less intensity, more friendliness, slower service
From the Midwest (IL, OH, MI)
Another common origin. The transition is often easier:
- Similar values around family, community, work ethic
- Weather is the big upgrade-no more shoveling snow
- Cost of living may be similar or slightly higher depending on your specific area
- Beaches replace lakes for summer recreation
For comprehensive relocation guidance, see our Relocating to St. Johns County guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are St. Johns County schools really that good?
Yes. The district has been ranked #1 in Florida for over a decade. Test scores, graduation rates, and college placement consistently lead the state. The schools are why most families move here.
Is it expensive to live in St. Johns County?
Compared to Jacksonville or other Florida metros, yes-it’s a premium market. Compared to New York, New Jersey, or California suburbs, many families find it comparable or more affordable. The lack of state income tax significantly impacts net cost.
What about hurricanes?
St. Johns County is as vulnerable as any coastal Florida area. However, newer construction (post-2002) is built to stringent wind codes. Most master-planned communities weather storms well. Hurricane insurance is essential and included in your budget planning.
How long is the commute to Jacksonville?
From most St. Johns County communities, downtown Jacksonville is 25-40 minutes depending on traffic and exact location. Many residents work in the Town Center area (15-25 minutes) or along the I-95 corridor.
Which community is best for families?
It depends on your priorities:
- Nocatee: Best amenities, newest construction, higher prices
- Durbin Crossing: Balance of amenities and value, excellent schools
- Julington Creek: Established charm, golf/water access, lower prices
- RiverTown: Nature focus, newer, further from commercial areas
Ready to Explore St. Johns County?
Moving your family is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. St. Johns County delivers on its reputation-but it’s important to find the right community within the county for your specific needs.
Contact me to schedule a community tour. I’ll show you the neighborhoods, schools, and amenities firsthand so you can make an informed decision about your family’s next chapter.
Inna Moskalyk is a local St. Johns County real estate expert helping families relocate to Northeast Florida. Specializing in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Durbin Crossing, Julington Creek, and St. Augustine.