Located along the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal waterway, St. Johns County offers its residents the opportunity to connect with nature while also enjoying the perks of city life. Nestled between Jacksonville’s bustling metropolitan area and the cozy historic district of St. Augustine, St. Johns County offers something for everyone.
According to the most recent United States census data, St. Johns County’s population has had a growth rate of 3.94% in the past year, making it the 25th largest county in the Sunshine State. See why residents from all over are flocking here as one of the best places in the country to live, work and play. Loving where you live is at the forefront of why we do what we do at MasterCraft. We believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back, and we’re in this business to help shape the place we’ve all chosen to settle our families.
In no particular order, here are our Top 10 Reasons we love living and building semi-custom homes in St. Johns County, FL.
#10 ~ Sun and Surf
With 42 miles of coastline to explore, St. Johns County beaches offer some of the best recreation and wildlife viewing throughout the State of Florida. From Ponte Vedra Beach and Mickler’s Landing to Crescent Beach and beyond, visitors are invited to walk our sandy shores, sunbathe, fish from the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier, search for wildlife at Anastasia State Park Beach, or ride a wave at one of our various popular surfing spots. With miles of coquina and sugar sand to enjoy, St. Johns County beaches are a popular location to hold special events, gather with friends and family, and enjoy the great outdoors.
#9 ~ Fore!
Fortunately for all the golfers out there, Florida is famous for its prestigious golf courses, with many of the finest greens being located within St. Johns County. When it comes to pastimes, golf is a Sunshine State favorite. Boasting public, semi-private, private, and resort courses for all to enjoy, book a round of 18 at famous resort courses such as TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, and King & Bear at World Golf Village. Or enjoy some friendly competition at courses open to the public that still pack a punch, including St. Johns Golf Club, Royal St. Augustine, and St. Augustine Shores.
#8 ~ History All Around Us
If you’re excited by history and love to explore, then look no further. St. Johns County extends into the Nation’s Oldest City, and historical attractions around every corner offer something new to explore each day. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine provides an array of historical attractions to learn from, including the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Oldest Store Museum, the Old Jail, and much more. Learn about the railroad industry and the history of Henry Flagler when you tour Flagler College, drink from the Fountain of Youth, bask in an array of artifacts at the Villa Zorayda Museum, take a stroll through the Nation’s oldest masonry fort at the Castillo de San Marcos, or visit the Colonial Quarter and see how the European’s lived in the 17th Century.
#7 ~ Outdoor Recreation
We all know that the Sunshine State boasts an array of outdoor recreational activities, but the question is, where to begin? Spend your days exploring our many State Parks, from Anastasia State Park to Alpine Groves and Nocatee Preserve. You can spend time searching for sea turtles, observing wildlife, or hiking the various nature trails. Spend a day out on the water on your paddleboard, boat, or kayak at one of the 14 launches we have to offer, including the GTM Research Reserve, Vilano Boat Ramp, and Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp. You can even take a guided tour with one of the St. Johns County Park Naturalists as the Parks and Recreation Department offers free kayak tours, nature walks, and educational workshops throughout the year. It’s never been easier to get outside.
#6 ~ Shopping
It’s no secret that St. Johns County is famous for its retail. From high-end department stores to local favorites, there’s something for everybody in this town. Residents and visitors alike can shop the wide variety of stores at Jacksonville’s fan-favorite St. Johns Town Center and visit the St. Augustine Outlets. Explore local shops and boutiques and be sure not to miss out on weekly Farmers Markets at the St. Augustine Amphitheater and Riverside Arts Market for one-of-a-kind pieces and extraordinary finds from local vendors throughout the region.
#5 ~ For the Foodies
If you’re a lover of food, then you’re in luck. St. Johns County is home to some of the most exquisite culinary adventures. Ranging from popular seafood dishes, Southern comfort food, and spicy datil peppers, our dining options will have your mouth watering. Enjoy an evening of Spanish favorites at Michael’s, taste the seasonal-fare of Southern favorites at The Floridian, or pour datil sauce over a piece of hearty fried chicken at local favorite food truck, Fried Chicken Kitchen. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal at the Elk House, an afternoon of tapas at Collage, or dining with a view at Cap’s on the Water or Palm Valley Fish Camp, you’ll never go hungry.
#4 ~ Arts & Culture
Who doesn’t enjoy an evening of live music or strolling through an art gallery? With a wide array of arts and cultural activities to choose from, it’s easy to fill your free time. Take a stroll through the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, or stop in and see the Lightner Museum’s stained-glass exhibit. Enjoy live music and theatre events at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, or the historic Florida Theatre. We regularly welcome world-class acts such iconic singer-songwriters, legendary rock bands, and family-friendly entertainment. Even Tringali Barn is becoming a popular venue for local businesses to showcase their unique merch, as well as a venue to catch national and local musicians eager to play in front of intimate crowds.
#3 ~ Community
Community is at the center of everything we do and why we build our homes here in St. Johns County. We regularly support area non-profits and local events that bring everyone together. Our community is the heart of why St. Johns County residents love where they live. Throughout the year, residents and visitors can experience community-wide events that bring our neighbors together from Nights of Lights’ twinkling lights display to popular events including Music By The Sea and Sing Out Loud Festival. There’s also the popular Great Chowder Debate, which raises money for the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, the annual Firefighting Chili Cookoff and St. Augustine Seafood Festival. You’ll connect with your community in a way you never have before.
#2 ~ Family-Friendly
From A-Rated schools to family-friendly activities, St. Johns County is a popular place for families to settle down. Spend a day at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for the best view in town, look for treasure at the Pirate Museum, feed giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo, or root for the Jaguars at an NFL game. Whether you’re at home in one of St. Johns County’s family-friendly neighborhoods like RiverTown, SilverLeaf, TrailMark, or Madeira or out on the town enjoying one of thousands of activities, you’ll quickly find that there is something for everyone when you live in Northeast Florida.
#1 ~ Rest and Relaxation
Everyone needs a little bit of self-care, and the pampering comes easy in St. Johns County. Enjoy a day of rejuvenating relaxation when you spend time at the famous Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Spa. If you’re in the Ancient City, stop by the Casa Monica Resort’s Poseidon Spa for one of their signature treatments. Or explore locally-owned businesses with services at the Fountain of Youth Spa, a detoxifying soak in the salt room at LaCURA Salt Spa, or treat your body to yoga practice at one of the various local studios in the area, including Hot Spot Yoga STA, Discovery Yoga, or Titanium Yoga.
