LIVING IN JACKSONVILLE, FL -JACKONVILLE REAL ESTATE

If you’re relocating to Northeast Florida, chances are you’ve narrowed your search to St. Johns County—and for good reason. This area is known for top-rated schools, beautiful master-planned communities, and an unbeatable quality of life.

Two of the most talked-about neighborhoods are Nocatee and RiverTown. Both are exceptional—but they offer very different lifestyles.

So which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

Location: Beach Vibes vs. Country Calm

The biggest difference between these two communities is where they sit.

Nocatee

• Located along the Intracoastal Waterway

• About 5–8 miles from the beach

• Feels more coastal and energetic

• Highly developed with commercial hubs

RiverTown

• Located further west on the St. Johns River

• Feels more quiet, natural, and peaceful

• Development is still growing

• Ideal for buyers who love nature and space

Quick takeaway:
If you want beach access and activity—Nocatee wins.
If you want serenity and scenery—RiverTown shines.

Commercial Development: Built-Out vs. Still Growing

Nocatee

Nocatee is already a self-contained town:

• Multiple grocery stores (more coming)

• Dozens of restaurants

• Hotel, dentists, vets, salons

• Golf-cart-accessible drive-thrus

• Even a steakhouse with a rooftop bar

RiverTown

RiverTown is in the early stages:

• Publix opened just a few years ago

• More retail is coming—but slowly

• Less traffic, less congestion

Which is better?
Love convenience and buzz? Choose Nocatee.
Prefer quiet and fewer crowds? Choose RiverTown.

Golf Cart Lifestyle: Extensive vs. Expanding

Both communities embrace the golf cart lifestyle, but the scale is different.

Nocatee

• One of the most advanced golf-cart road systems in Florida

• Connects schools, commercial centers, and 50+ neighborhoods

• Many residents can live daily life without a car

RiverTown

• Great internal paths

• Still building connections to schools and shopping

• Expected to grow—but not there yet

Schools: Established vs. Emerging

Both communities are in St. Johns County, one of Florida’s top school districts.

Nocatee

• Multiple K-8 schools

• Pine Island Academy already open

• A fourth K-8 school planned for 2026–27

RiverTown

• Elementary and middle schools in place

• On-site K-8 school opening in 2027

• Excellent future growth, fewer options today

Community Size and Home Variety

Nocatee

• Developed by The PARC Group

• Many national and local builders

• Huge variety of floor plans and styles

• Nearly built out with about 11,000 homes, final count near 12,000

RiverTown

• Primarily built by Mattamy Homes

• Around 3,000 homes today, projected to reach 5,000

• Quieter feel and more consistency

• New custom builders like Toll Brothers entering the community

Amenities: Amazing in Both—RiverTown’s Riverfront Edge

Both communities offer resort-level amenities, but in different ways.

Nocatee

• Famous water parks

• Multiple splash zones

• Endless activities for kids

RiverTown

• Beautiful RiverHouse gym and pool

• Amenities set along the St. Johns River

• Expanding features such as:

  • River Lodge

  • Lazy river

  • Pickleball courts

Many buyers feel RiverTown’s river backdrop gives it a unique advantage.

Home Prices: Premium vs. Value

Pricing often becomes the deciding factor.

Nocatee

• Close to the beach

• Land is scarce

• Prices are higher

• A 4,000 sq ft home on a 70–80 ft lot often runs $1.2M–$1.6M+

RiverTown

• Earlier in development

• More land supply

• Better overall value

• Similar home often around $1M

Important Tip for RiverTown Buyers

Because RiverTown still has a lot of new construction ahead, resale timing matters.

If you buy there:

• Plan to stay at least 3–5 years

• Short-term resales compete with brand-new homes

• Builders can offer incentives that resale homes can’t

RiverTown is best for long-term homeowners, not short-term flippers.

Should You Use an Agent for New Construction?

Yes—absolutely.

Many buyers think skipping an agent saves money. It doesn’t.

Here’s why using an agent matters:

• Builders already pay the commission

• You don’t get a discount without one

• An agent helps you:

  • Choose the right lot

  • Compare builders

  • Secure incentives

  • Manage timelines

  • Protect your interests

Having representation is free to you—and incredibly valuable.

Quick Comparison

Nocatee

• Near the beach

• Energetic, busy vibe

• Fully built-out commercial areas

• Extensive golf-cart system

• Multiple K-8 schools now

• Very high home variety

• Higher price point

• Best for convenience lovers

RiverTown

• On the river

• Quiet, scenic atmosphere

• Commercial growth still coming

• Expanding golf-cart paths

• More schools opening soon

• Moderate home variety

• Better overall value

• Best for nature lovers

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose Nocatee if you want:

• Beach proximity

• A true town feel

• Tons of dining and shopping

• A fast-paced lifestyle

Choose RiverTown if you want:

• Peace and quiet

• Riverfront scenery

• More home for your money

• Long-term appreciation potential

Both are outstanding—you just need the one that fits your lifestyle.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you’re moving to Jacksonville or St. Johns County and deciding between Nocatee and RiverTown, I’d love to help you:

• Compare available homes

• Review builder incentives

• Understand future development plans

• Avoid costly new-construction mistakes

Let’s Talk About Your Move

Call/Text: 904-599-2125
Email: Greg@LivingInJacksonvilleFL.com
Website: www.LivingInJacksonvilleFL.com

About the Author

Greg DeTullio is a Florida-licensed real estate broker and founder of the Living in Jacksonville FL Team, with 10 years of experience, 200+ closed transactions, and 65 five-star Google reviews.

He specializes in Jacksonville relocation and St. Johns County new construction, serving Nocatee, SilverLeaf, RiverTown, St. Johns, EverRange, Ponte Vedra Beach, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.