A Full Tour of Nocatee, Florida (2025): Northeast Florida’s #1 Master‑Planned Suburb

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By Amy Howell — Owner of O.N.E. Florida Group, a veteran-owned, service-driven real estate team helping families relocate to Northeast Florida.

TL;DR (Quick Take)

  • Where is Nocatee? In Ponte Vedra, between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
  • Lifestyle: ~14,000 acres with ~60% preserve, two spectacular water parks, and a vibrant Town Center.
  • Schools: St. Johns County’s top-rated options, including K-8 academies.
  • New Construction: Final build opportunities in Reflections; limited quick move-ins.
  • 55+: Del Webb with the resort-style Canopy Club.
  • Costs: Expect CDD + HOA plus a premium for amenities/lifestyle.
  • Fit check: Amenity lovers and families = ✔️; nightlife seekers or ultra-budget = maybe not.

Where Nocatee Is (and Why It’s Perfectly Placed)

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Nocatee sits in Ponte Vedra, just south of Jacksonville and north of St. Augustine. You’re minutes from pro sports (hi, Jacksonville Jaguars), big concerts, museums, and urban dining in JAX—and the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine, with the Castillo de San Marcos, lighthouse climbs, and cobblestone magic.

The Vibe: Ponte Vedra, Beaches & Luxury Perks

Ponte Vedra blends a laid-back beach rhythm with upscale everything: Mickler’s Landing Beach (pink coquina shells + shark-tooth hunting), TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS, high-end boutiques, spas, and top-tier dining.

Fast Facts: Size, Green Space & Golf Carts

  • Pronunciation: “NO-kuh-tee.”
  • Meaning: Derived from a Native American term for “peaceful river.”
  • Size: ~14,000 acres with about 60% preserved green space.
  • Established: First residents arrived around 2006.
  • Golf-cart life: Paths, parking, school pickup lines, and holiday parades.

Town Center: Work, Eat, Shop, Repeat

Nocatee Town Center anchors daily life:
  • The Link: Coworking hub for remote pros who want a fresh scene.
  • Dining & Nightlife: Treylor Park is the go-to for game nights and great eats.
  • Groceries: Two Publix locations—one a GreenWise concept—right across from each other.
  • Variety: ~30+ businesses and 20+ food & drink spots, plus food trucks and a regular farmers market.

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Water Parks: Spray Park & Splash Water Park

Spray Park brings major resort vibes on arrival and features a ~17,000-sq-ft pool with family favorites. Splash Water Park (the original) stacks up with the tallest water slide in Northeast Florida, a zip line, lazy river, multiple pools, and a 21+ adult area across 5+ acres.

Developers & What’s Next

The PARC Group master-planned Nocatee (also known for eTown in South Jacksonville). A new project, EverRange, is anticipated with models targeted for Spring 2026 (timelines subject to change). Want base pricing and first pick of lots? Join our VIP list and we’ll update you as details drop.

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New Construction: Reflections (Final Builds)

As Nocatee nears completion, Reflections remains a prime spot for from-the-ground-up builds (plus occasional quick move-ins). It’s roughly a 10-minute drive to the main amenity center and offers quiet, tucked-back streets.

Builders You’ll See

  • Toll Brothers
  • ICI Homes
  • Dostie Homes
  • David Weekley Homes
  • Riverside Homes
  • Providence Homes
Typical range: ~1,500+ to 3,000+ sq. ft.; starting prices historically in the low-$500s to $600s+ depending on lot, features, and builder. Ask us for today’s pricing & incentives.

HOA vs. CDD—What Buyers Need to Know

  • CDD (Community Development District): Funds infrastructure/amenities via your property tax bill. Two parts:
    • Bond (often payable early)
    • Operations & Maintenance (O&M) (ongoing)
    Larger lots typically carry a larger CDD share.
  • HOA: Varies by subdivision; covers neighborhood standards/amenities.
Budget Tip: Fee-sensitive? Target smaller lots and lower-fee HOAs. We’ll line up options that fit your monthly goals.

Schools & Education Map

Nocatee feeds into St. Johns County—renowned for top-rated public schools. Within or near the community:
  • 6+ preschools
  • 3 K–8 academies (one more planned)
  • 2 nearby high schools
Convenience is real—school lines even have golf-cart pickups. Ask for our School Transition Checklist (zones, enrollment, after-care, sports/clubs, and physician transfer tips) and a private local parents’ group invite.

 

55+ Living at Del Webb

For low-maintenance resort living, Del Webb delivers with events, clubs, and pickleball for days. The Canopy Club features ~22,000 sq. ft. of amenities, a zero-entry pool, courts, and on-site bar & grill.
  • Limited vacant lots for build-from-scratch
  • Rotating quick move-ins and resales
Want an established street vs. construction? We’ll steer you to the right pocket.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Nocatee

Pros

  • Resort-level amenities (two water parks)
  • Golf-cart lifestyle & strong community vibe
  • Top schools (St. Johns County)
  • Mature landscaping + abundant preserves
  • Town Center convenience (coworking, dining, services)

Cons

  • Higher carrying costs (HOA + CDD + lifestyle extras)
  • “Bubble” feel (some love it, others want more variety)
  • Limited nightlife inside the community
  • Active construction in remaining build-out pockets

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nocatee a good place for families?Yes—many relocate for the amenities, parks, and St. Johns County’s highly rated schools.
How far is Nocatee from the beach?Minutes to Mickler’s Landing Beach in Ponte Vedra—easy weekend beach runs.
Is Nocatee golf-cart friendly?Very. You’ll find dedicated paths, parking, and even golf-cart school pickup lines.
Can I still build new in Nocatee?Yes—Reflections offers limited ground-up builds; you’ll also find quick move-ins and resales across the community.
What are typical HOA and CDD fees?They vary by subdivision and lot size. Your CDD includes a Bond portion (can often be paid off) and ongoing O&M. We’ll run a fee breakdown for any address or builder.

Next Steps, Tours & Free Buyer Guide

Remote Build Concierge: If you’re out of state, we act as your on-site eyes & ears—scheduling the 4 key inspections and sending stage-by-stage photo/video updates until closing.

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