What is it like living in St. Johns?
St. Johns is a fast-growing area in northwest St. Johns County known for top-rated schools, family-friendly master-planned communities, and convenient access to both Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Residents enjoy modern amenities, abundant parks, and a strong sense of suburban community.
The St. Johns area — centered around the 32259 zip code — has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, transforming from rural farmland into one of Northeast Florida's most desirable addresses. Communities like Julington Creek Plantation, Aberdeen, and Durbin Crossing offer resort-style amenities including pools, fitness centers, splash pads, and miles of walking trails. The area sits along the CR-210 and Race Track Road corridors, providing easy access to I-95, Town Center at St. Johns (a major shopping and dining destination), and the St. Johns River. Young families are the primary demographic, drawn by the nationally recognized school district and relatively affordable new construction compared to coastal areas.
How are the schools in St. Johns?
The St. Johns County School District has been ranked #1 in Florida for over a decade and is consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation. Schools in the St. Johns area include highly rated options like Patriot Oaks Academy, Liberty Pines Academy, and Bartram Trail High School.
Education is the single biggest draw for families moving to St. Johns. The district earns straight 'A' grades from the state and boasts graduation rates above 95%. Elementary and middle schools in the area regularly score in the top percentiles on standardized tests. Bartram Trail High School and Creekside High School offer robust AP programs, competitive athletics, and extracurricular activities. The district has invested heavily in new school construction to keep pace with population growth, opening several new schools in recent years. Private school options in the area include Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus and several faith-based institutions.
How fast is St. Johns growing?
St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida and the United States. The population has more than doubled since 2010, driven by new master-planned communities, job growth in Jacksonville, and the exceptional school district attracting families from across the country.
Growth in St. Johns has brought significant commercial development alongside residential expansion. The Town Center at St. Johns (Durbin Park) now anchors the area with major retailers, restaurants, and entertainment. New developments continue to break ground along CR-210, Race Track Road, and the US-1 corridor. While growth brings amenities and economic activity, it also creates challenges — traffic congestion on Race Track Road and CR-210 during peak hours is a common concern, and the county continues to invest in road widening and infrastructure improvements to keep pace with demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the St. Johns County School District ranked #1?
The St. Johns County School District earns its top ranking through consistently high standardized test scores, graduation rates above 95%, strong teacher retention, and significant community investment in education. The district benefits from a robust tax base, involved parent community, and a culture that prioritizes academic achievement. It has earned an 'A' grade from the Florida Department of Education for over 20 consecutive years.
Is St. Johns more expensive than Jacksonville?
Yes, homes in St. Johns generally carry a premium over comparable properties in Jacksonville, primarily due to the school district. The median home price of $450K is higher than Jacksonville's median of around $350K. However, many families find the investment worthwhile for the schools, lower crime rates, and newer housing stock. Property taxes in St. Johns County are also slightly higher than Duval County.
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Sources & Local Data
The information on this page is grounded in public records and live MLS data. Verify anything yourself:
- St. Johns County Property Appraiser · Public parcel records and assessed values for St. Johns County.
- U.S. Census QuickFacts: St. Johns County · Population, housing, and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
- GreatSchools (Florida) · Independent school ratings and boundaries. School zoning can change, so verify per address.
Live prices, counts, and availability on this page come from the regional MLS through our own search, and update automatically. We do not publish static numbers that go stale.
Talk to a Local Expert
Questions about living in St. Johns? DJ and Lindsey DellaSala know this market cold.