Julington Lakes in St. Johns, FL: Homes, Amenities & Community Guide

Julington Lakes: A Complete Community Guide

Julington Lakes is one of the most well-rounded communities in St. Johns County, offering an exceptional blend of Toll Brothers craftsmanship, resort-style amenities, a gated entrance, and access to the top-ranked school district in Florida.

Here is a quick summary of why so many homebuyers choose Julington Lakes:

✅ Gated community with a staffed entrance and no CDD fees,
✅ Toll Brothers luxury construction with three distinct home collections,
✅ The Lakehouse amenity center with resort-style pool, fitness center, tennis, and more,
✅ Top-ranked St. Johns County public schools,
✅ Convenient access to I-95, dining, and everyday shopping.

Julington Lakes is a community I get asked about a lot as a realtor in Jacksonville. Buyers see that the community checks a lot of boxes (gated community, quality builder, modern floor plans) and want to know more.

In this comprehensive guide, I will provide a complete breakdown of Julington Lakes, including the homes, price points, amenities, schools, nearby conveniences, and HOA fees.

Community Overview

Julington Lakes is a gated, single-family community tucked into the heart of northern St. Johns County.

Toll Brothers broke ground on Julington Lakes in 2015, bringing its award-winning brand of quality construction to one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.

The community was thoughtfully designed around its natural surroundings, with homes nestled along nature preserves, large lakes, and serene waterways that give the neighborhood a distinctly peaceful and scenic character.

One of the things that makes Julington Lakes stand out immediately is the combination of quality and value.

Toll Brothers brought their award-winning home designs to the community, and yet the HOA fees remain remarkably low with no CDD overlay to worry about. For buyers who have shopped other top communities in St. Johns County, this distinction gets noticed quickly.

The community features a gated entrance staffed by an attendant from 7 AM to 7 PM. Outside of those hours, a virtual attendant manages access. Residents control guest and contractor lists through an online portal, which makes the whole experience convenient and modern. The result is a community that feels genuinely secure without feeling like a burden to navigate.

Julington Lakes is fully built out, meaning all new construction is sold. Homes are available on the resale market, and given the community's sustained popularity and the strength of the overarching housing market in Jacksonville, appropriately-priced homes do seem to sell quickly when they come on the market.

The feel of the neighborhood is active and family-friendly without being chaotic. Residents use the walking paths, kids take the boardwalk over to Veterans Park, and The Lakehouse amenity center gives the community a true gathering place.

Golf carts are allowed in Julington Lakes. However, golf cart owners should note that only electric carts are permitted within the community. Gas carts are not allowed. Drivers under 18 must have a valid driver's license or learner's permit, consistent with St. Johns County ordinance.

Where is Julington Lakes Located?

Home Types and Price Range

Toll Brothers offered three distinct collections at Julington Lakes, each with its own personality, size range, and price point. Whether you’re looking for a lower price point but still in a nice community, or a buyer looking for a spacious estate-style home, there was a collection designed for you.

The Heritage Collection was the entry point into the community, featuring one- and two-story home designs with sizes ranging from approximately 2,200 to over 2,800 square feet. These homes featured the quality details Toll Brothers is known for throughout, including gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, and private primary bedroom suites.

The Ambassador Collection offered seven different one- and two-story home designs, stepping up in size and included features. These homes appealed to buyers who wanted more space without going fully into the estate tier.

The Estate Collection was the flagship offering at Julington Lakes, featuring five flexible two-story home designs ranging from approximately 3,600 to over 4,300 square feet. Many Estate Collection homes were positioned on oversized homesites along nature preserves and lakes, offering the most dramatic and private settings in the community.

Throughout all three collections, Toll Brothers delivered the architectural details and build quality buyers expect from the brand: open-concept floor plans, covered lanais oriented for outdoor living, gourmet kitchens with large center islands, spa-style primary bathrooms, generous storage, and solid construction that holds up well over time.

Today, because the community is fully built out, pricing reflects the resale market and the significant appreciation this area has experienced since 2015.

Current resale prices in Julington Lakes typically range from the $600,000s to over $1.3 million, depending on the collection, lot location, upgrades, and current market conditions. Homes with lake and preserve views consistently command a premium.

Connecting with a trusted St. Johns County real estate agent who knows the community well is always the best way to get the most accurate and current picture of available inventory and pricing.

Amenities for Residents

The amenity package at Julington Lakes is impressive, especially for a community without CDD fees. Toll Brothers made a substantial investment here, and the result is a set of amenities that are well above what you might expect for the cost.

The centerpiece is The Lakehouse, a designer-decorated, private residents' clubhouse and amenity center that celebrated its opening in early 2018. Nate Beidle, senior project manager for Julington Lakes at the time, described it as the perfect place for residents to gather as a community and celebrate special family events, and that description has proven accurate.

The Lakehouse features a social room and catering kitchen, making it a popular venue for private events and community gatherings throughout the year. The fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and is open 24 hours a day for residents who need early morning or late evening workout options.

The outdoor amenity highlights include a resort-style, zero-entry swimming pool with two lap lanes and a raised pool deck lined with lounge seating. A pergola overlooks a picturesque lake, making it one of the most scenic spots in the neighborhood to spend an afternoon.

The recreational amenities include a playground, two lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a half-court basketball area. Tennis and pickleball courts operate from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, and Court 1 uses reservation software through YourCourts.com while Court 2 is first-come, first-served.

Beyond The Lakehouse, residents enjoy The Landing, a large open-air pavilion situated directly on Lake Julington. The Landing features picnic tables, a wood-burning fireplace, a fire pit, and a dock for canoes and kayaks. This is the kind of spot where you bring a cooler on a Saturday afternoon and settle in to watch the sun move across the water. It adds a genuinely outdoorsy, Florida character to the community that residents consistently appreciate.

The community also features nature preserves, multiple lakes, and in-neighborhood walking paths that encourage residents to stay active and enjoy the natural environment.

One of the most practical and beloved features is a 110-foot boardwalk that connects directly to Veterans Park just outside the community gates. Veterans Park includes multi-purpose athletic fields, basketball courts, a skate park, a picnic pavilion, a playground, and a dog park. For families, having direct pedestrian access to a fully equipped public park is a meaningful daily quality-of-life advantage.

The combination of well-maintained facilities and thoughtful infrastructure creates an amenity environment that genuinely serves residents rather than just looking good on a brochure.

HOA and Initiation Fees

Julington Lakes has an active homeowner's association, and the community's rules and regulations are well-organized while providing a good balance of freedom and regulations to keep properties looking good and home values protected.

The quarterly HOA fee is approximately $577.52 per quarter, which comes out to roughly $2,310.08 per year.

For a gated community with a staffed entrance, resort-style pool, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, an open-air pavilion on a lake, and a boardwalk connection to a public park, this is an exceptional value. It is consistently one of the lowest HOA fee structures I encounter for a community of this caliber in northern St. Johns County.

There is no CDD (Community Development District) fee at Julington Lakes.

In many neighboring communities throughout St. Johns County, such as Rivertown or Beachwalk, CDD fees can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually to the true cost of homeownership. The absence of a CDD at Julington Lakes is a genuine financial advantage and is frequently one of the first things buyers mention when comparing Julington Lakes to other communities in the area.

Finally, there is a one-time capital contribution fee of $775 to Julington Lakes HOA.

Schools Assigned to the Community

Ask any parent why they chose Julington Lakes or St. Johns County broadly, and the schools will come up within the first thirty seconds. The St. Johns County School District is consistently ranked among the very best school districts in Florida, outperforming state averages across nearly every academic metric. It is the kind of school system that makes the decision to move to this part of Northeast Florida an easy one for families with children.

Homes in Julington Lakes are assigned to Freedom Crossing Academy (kindergarten, elementary, and middle school) and Creekside High School (high school).

Freedom Crossing Academy serves Julington Lakes students from kindergarten straight through eighth grade. Having elementary and middle school under one roof at the same campus is a genuine convenience for families, and it creates a real sense of continuity for kids who spend nine years building relationships with the same teachers, staff, and classmates. Freedom Crossing is part of the St. Johns County School District, which is consistently ranked among the top districts in Florida, and the school reflects those district-wide standards of academic quality and parent engagement.

Creekside High School serves Grades 9 through 12. Creekside is well-regarded for its college preparatory programs, strong athletics, and a school culture that families in the area are genuinely proud of. It is one of the more sought-after high school assignments in northern St. Johns County, and students who come up through Freedom Crossing Academy tend to transition into Creekside well-prepared. For families relocating to the area, Creekside consistently earns high marks in conversations I've had with parents who have been through the school.

For families who prefer private school alternatives, several well-regarded options are within a reasonable drive. The Bolles School, with its Ponte Vedra campus, is a popular choice for college-bound students looking for a more structured private school environment. There are also a number of faith-based and smaller private schools in the broader Jacksonville and St. Johns area that families in Julington Lakes utilize.

Nearby Attractions, Shopping, and Restaurants

The location of Julington Lakes puts residents within easy reach of virtually everything they need for daily life, weekend errands, or a proper night out.

Northern St. Johns County has grown substantially over the past decade, and the dining and retail options have kept pace in a way that makes this area feel increasingly complete.

The Pavilion at Durbin Park

The most significant retail and dining destination near Julington Lakes is The Pavilion at Durbin Park, located just about 10 minutes away.

This outdoor shopping center has become a genuine community hub for northern St. Johns County, featuring a Cinemark movie theater, a wide variety of restaurants, and a solid mix of national and local retailers.

With its close proximity, Julington Lakes' residents can catch a Saturday afternoon movie, grab dinner, and knock out a few errands without ever hitting a highway.

Restaurants Near Julington Lakes

The dining scene surrounding Julington Lakes has expanded considerably in recent years, and there are now solid options across a range of cuisines and occasions.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux at the Pavilion is a reliable and popular pick for families and sports fans alike. The menu leans into scratch-made Louisiana-inspired dishes, fresh never-frozen seafood, and an extensive bar program. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and it has earned a loyal following from residents throughout the area.

Mellow Mushroom, also at the Pavilion at Durbin Park, has quickly become a neighborhood staple. The menu goes well beyond pizza, with calzones, hoagies, salads, and a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails and an impressive 48 draft beers on tap. The patio is a great spot on a nice evening, and the weekly specials give locals plenty of reasons to come back regularly. Friday nights bring live music, Saturday and Sunday mornings offer $4 mimosas, and the happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 PM. It is the kind of spot that works equally well for a family dinner or a low-key night out with friends.

Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ is a St. Johns County institution that has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way. Located at the intersection of State Road 13 and County Road 16, it was ranked among Yelp's Top 100 Barbecue Spots nationwide and is one of only a handful of Florida spots to make that list. Owner Lisa Marston and her team do Southern-style low-and-slow barbecue daily, smoking brisket, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, ribs, and Datil sausage in-house. The Datil sauce is house-made and has developed a following of its own. Lines form before the doors open, and they close when they run out, so going early is always the right call. If you have not been, it is one of those experiences that makes you feel like you are in on a local secret.

Ember and Iron is an elevated option in the area and the right answer when the occasion calls for something more intentional. Founded by Chef Michael and Brittany Cooney, the concept centers on rustic American fare prepared over a towering eight-foot oak-burning grill. The live-fire approach gives every dish a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with conventional cooking, and the menu leans into seasonal ingredients that let the quality of each component come through. For Julington Lakes residents looking for a dinner worth dressing up for, Ember and Iron is a good choice.

Beyond these highlights, the broader corridor along Race Track Road and the Bartram Park area features a growing lineup of additional dining options covering everything from fast-casual to full service. The restaurant scene here genuinely continues to improve year over year as more residents move into northern St. Johns County.

Shopping and Everyday Conveniences

Day-to-day shopping near Julington Lakes is simple. Publix, Target, and major retailers are all within a short drive.

The Bartram Park corridor to the north also offers a strong mix of retail and services. For anyone who wants a broader retail experience, the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville is roughly 20 to 25 minutes away and covers virtually every major national brand you could need across more than 175 stores.

Outdoor Recreation and Local Attractions

Veterans Park is directly accessible via the community's boardwalk and is used heavily by Julington Lakes residents on a daily basis.

The park provides athletic fields, a dog park, basketball courts, a playground, and picnic areas, all without leaving the neighborhood on foot. It is one of the more practical and well-used features of the community's design.

The broader northern St. Johns County area also provides access to the St. Johns River for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

And of course, everyone wants to know... how far is Julington Lakes from the beach? For those willing to make the 30-minute drive, Northeast Florida's beaches are within easy reach.

Historic downtown St. Augustine, with its shops, restaurants, and genuine character, is approximately 30 minutes to the south and makes for a great day trip at any time of year.

There's so much that happens in Northeast Florida that reoccurs each year. Here's my list of 7 annual events that you don't want to miss.

The Bottom Line

As you can tell, Julington Lakes stands out as one of the most complete communities in northern St. Johns County, offering a rare combination of quality construction, thoughtful design, and long-term value.

Built by Toll Brothers and centered around scenic lakes and preserves, Julington Lakes has that polished, upscale feel but without the burden of CDD fees built into your property taxes. This is a meaningful advantage for many buyers.

Add in top-rated St. Johns County schools, convenient access to major roadways, and a ton of growth in nearby dining and shopping, and it’s easy to see why demand here remains strong. For buyers planning ahead, it’s also worth exploring the best places to retire in Jacksonville, as communities like Julington Lakes continue to stand out for long-term livability.

Julington Lakes continues to check all the right boxes. It’s the kind of place where people don’t just move. They stay and make it home.

Julington Lakes Homes for Sale

Julington Lakes is a fully built-out community, so all available homes are resales.

Given the strength of the St. Johns County market and this community's consistently strong demand, inventory tends to stay lean. When well-priced homes come to market, they move. Here is a current inventory of available homes.

Showing 5 properties · Updated April 22, 2026

FAQs About Julington Lakes

1. Is Julington Lakes a gated community?

Yes, Julington Lakes is a staffed, gated community. A gate attendant is on duty from 7 AM to 7 PM, and a virtual attendant manages access outside of those hours. Residents manage their guest and contractor lists through a convenient online portal, making the system both secure and easy to use day to day.

2. What are the HOA fees at Julington Lakes?

HOA fees at Julington Lakes are $577.52 per quarter ($2,308.08 per year), which is well below average for a community of this caliber. There is also no CDD fee, which makes the overall cost of ownership very attractive compared to many competing communities in St. Johns County.

3. Are there CDD fees at Julington Lakes?

No CDD fees at Julington Lakes. This is one of the most frequently mentioned advantages of the community among buyers who are comparing it to other options in northern St. Johns County. The absence of a CDD meaningfully reduces the true annual cost of ownership and gives Julington Lakes a compelling edge from a budgeting standpoint.

4. What builder constructed Julington Lakes?

Toll Brothers built Julington Lakes, breaking ground on the community in 2015. Three distinct collections were offered during the new construction phase: the Heritage, Ambassador, and Estate. The community is now fully built out, so all available homes are on the resale market. Toll Brothers is a Fortune 500 company and one of the nation's most respected luxury home builders, and the quality of the construction is evident throughout the neighborhood.

5. What schools serve Julington Lakes?

Julington Lakes is zoned for Freedom Crossing Academy (a K-8 school covering both elementary and middle grades) and Creekside High School for Grades 9 through 12, both part of the St. Johns County School District. St. Johns County is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Florida.

6. What amenities does Julington Lakes offer?

Residents enjoy The Lakehouse, a private clubhouse featuring a resort-style zero-entry pool with lap lanes, a 24-hour fitness center, a social room with catering kitchen, and an outdoor yoga lawn. Additional amenities include two lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts, a half-court basketball area, and a playground. The Landing open-air pavilion on Lake Julington offers a dock for canoes and kayaks, a fire pit, and a wood-burning fireplace. A 110-foot boardwalk connects directly to Veterans Park just outside the gates.

7. What is the price range for homes in Julington Lakes?

Current resale prices in Julington Lakes typically range from the upper $700,000s to over $1.3 million, depending on the collection, lot position, views, and upgrades. Homes backing to lakes or preserves consistently command a premium. For current pricing and available inventory, reach out to a St. Johns County real estate agent who knows this community well and can give you an accurate picture of the current market.

8. How far is Julington Lakes from downtown Jacksonville?

Julington Lakes is approximately 20 to 25 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, with direct access to I-95 and State Road 9B making the commute manageable. Historic downtown St. Augustine is about 30 minutes to the south, and Northeast Florida's beaches are roughly 30 to 40 minutes away. It is a well-situated community for buyers who want the quiet of a suburban neighborhood without being far from the region's best destinations.