Palencia

Living in Palencia means joining one of St Johns County’s most established master-planned communities, set along the Intracoastal Waterway just north of St Augustine. The community runs along US-1 and is anchored by Palencia Club championship golf, a walkable town center, and the lived-in character of an established St Johns address.

Palencia was one of St Johns County’s first true master-planned communities, predating Nocatee and many of the newer developments by nearly a decade. That extra time shows in the maturity of the landscaping, the established feel of the streets, and the mix of residents. Daily life leans toward families with school-age kids, established couples, and a meaningful share of retirees who chose Palencia for the walkability and the golf rather than for resort-style amenities.

Living in Palencia looks different across its named neighborhoods. The Village area sits closest to the town center and features a mix of single-family homes and townhomes within walking distance of shops and restaurants. North Village, South Village, and the Palencia Club neighborhoods anchor the golf community. Marshall Creek and Las Calinas are sometimes considered Palencia-adjacent and share some amenities. Each area has its own price point and feel, but most residents share access to the same town center, golf course, and school zoning.

Schools are central to the Palencia draw. The community is served by the St Johns County School District, consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Florida. The community itself is anchored by Palencia Elementary School, a top-rated K-5 within walking distance for many residents. Pacetti Bay Middle School and Allen D. Nease High School round out the public school path for most Palencia families. Specific school assignments depend on home address through the district’s zoning system, so families should verify the assigned schools for any specific home before making a decision.