St. Johns Forest in St. Johns, FL: Homes, Amenities, Schools & Complete Community Guide

St. Johns Forest: A Complete Community Guide

St. Johns Forest is a private, gated residential community of 532 single-family homes set on 435 acres in St. Johns, Florida. It's an established neighborhood that has been welcoming residents since 2004 and continues to stand out as one of the most desirable places to live in St. Johns County.

Here is a quick summary of what makes St. Johns Forest such a compelling place to call home:

✅ A fully gated community with a manned guardhouse
✅ Amenities including a resort-style pool with a dramatic 17-foot two-story slide, a 5,200-square-foot clubhouse, and a 24-hour fitness center
✅ HOA fee includes Comcast/Xfinity high-speed internet
✅ Assigned to the top-ranked St. Johns County School District, with Liberty Pines Academy (K–8) and Beachside High School (9–12)
✅ Established, mature-landscape community with ponds, preserves, and tree-lined streets; it has the character of an older neighborhood with the convenience of a newer one.

The top realtors in Jacksonville & Northeast Florida know that St. Johns Forest is a community for buyers who want to be in St. Johns County in an established neighborhood with character.

I've sold, listed, and showed numerous homes in this neighborhood, and I have found residents love St. Johns Forest because it is a contrast to the many clear-cut, new construction neighborhoods that are so prevalent in St. Johns County. Because of that, these homes hold their value well, and it's also a very convenient location to get to Jacksonville while still living in St. Johns County.

In this complete guide, we will cover the home types and builders, price ranges, amenities, HOA and CDD fees, assigned schools, what is nearby, and a set of frequently asked questions to help you evaluate whether St. Johns Forest is the right fit for you to buy a home.

Community Overview

St. Johns Forest is located off County Road 210 just east of I-95 in St. Johns, Florida (zip code 32259). It includes 532 single-family homes spread over 435 acres.

The community was developed starting in 2004 and completed around 2015, which means the neighborhood has the kind of mature, established character that newer communities simply cannot replicate yet. Towering oak trees, landscaped streets with sidewalks, natural ponds, and preserved wetland areas give St. Johns Forest a wooded, serene feel that residents cite time and again as one of the things they love most about where they live.

St. Johns Forest is a fully gated community with a manned guardhouse at the main entrance on St. Johns Forest Boulevard (which is accessed from CR-210). This is one of the distinguishing features of the community as there are only a handful of neighborhoods that are gated along CR-210. There are also two additional unmanned access gates (one off Russell Sampson Rd and one off St. Johns Parkway) within the community for resident convenience.

The community has a dedicated professional manager on-site. This means the amenities and common areas are consistently well-maintained, and residents have a consistent point of contact for community concerns and questions.

Home Types and Price Range

St. Johns Forest is a single-family home community. There are no townhomes or condominiums here; every residence is a detached, single-family home on its own lot. This contributes to the community's cohesive, upscale character.

Homes were built on 60-foot, 70-foot, and 80-foot wide lots, which is notably generous compared to many of the newer communities in St. Johns County.

Larger lot widths mean more space between neighbors, better yard sizes, and homes that feel more substantial. The developers made a deliberate design choice to place the largest homesites and most impressive homes along the main drive through the community, creating a grand entrance that sets the tone from the moment you pull through the gate.

Home sizes span from approximately 1,558 to over 5,600 square feet, which reflects the wide variety of floor plans and builder tiers within the community. Buyers can find a comfortable four-bedroom home in the mid $400s, while larger homes on premium lots with pools and extensive upgrades move into the $800,000 to $1,000,000+ range.

One feature worth noting for the right buyer: St. Johns Forest includes a number of concrete block (CBS) construction homes, which is relatively uncommon in St. Johns County. CBS homes typically offer better durability, improved insulation, and can carry insurance advantages compared to traditional wood-frame construction.

Here is a look at the primary builders who developed St. Johns Forest:

1. Taylor Morrison

• The primary builder and developer in the community by volume
• Built across the majority of the community's phases
• Known for quality craftsmanship, thoughtful floor plans, and strong resale value
• Many homes feature granite counters, hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, screened lanais, and custom cabinetry
• Floor plans frequently include formal and informal living spaces with three-car garages available on many lots

2. Toll Brothers

• Built in a premium section of the community on larger lots
• Nationally recognized for luxury-oriented construction and elevated architectural detailing
• Homes in this section tend to be larger and include premium standard finishes
• A strong choice for move-up buyers looking for a high-specification home

3. ICI Homes

• A well-regarded Florida-based builder with a strong reputation for quality and design
• Built select homes within St. Johns Forest with distinctive, well-appointed floor plans
• Known for attention to detail and solid construction practices throughout the state

4. Dream Finders Homes

• Built a portion of the community's homes, rounding out the builder mix
• Known for thoughtful designs that prioritize livability, energy efficiency, and flexibility
• Homes often include open floor plans and adaptable living spaces

Amenities For Residents

The amenity package at St. Johns Forest has been recognized as award-winning, and when you experience it in person, it is easy to see why.

These are not just checkboxes on a brochure; they are well-designed, well-maintained recreational facilities that residents use regularly.

The centerpiece of the community's offerings is the 5,200-square-foot clubhouse, a facility that functions as the social heart of the neighborhood. The clubhouse is staffed by a full-time Community Manager on weekdays, so the amenities are actively managed and maintained at a consistent level.

Pool and Aquatic Amenities

• Resort-style swimming pool with beach entry — open from dawn to dusk every day
• Decorative fountains throughout the pool area create a resort-quality atmosphere
• Two-story tower slide rising 17 feet above pool level — one of the most memorable and fun amenity features
• The pool area is designed for both active recreation and relaxed lounging year-round

Fitness Center

• Fully appointed Fitness Center open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Round-the-clock access is a great convenience that early risers and late-night fitness enthusiasts both appreciate
• Equipment covers a range of fitness goals including cardio, strength training, and flexibility work

Court Sports

• Two tennis and pickleball courts with lights that operate until 11 p.m.
• Basketball courts with lights until 11 p.m.
• Roller hockey rink — a unique amenity not commonly found in residential communities

Outdoor Recreation

• Playground for younger children
• Multi-purpose sports field with soccer goals — great for organized play, casual recreation, and community events
• Sidewalks throughout the neighborhood, with ponds and preserve areas creating a scenic backdrop for walking and jogging

Clubhouse and Community Life

• The 5,200-square-foot clubhouse is available for private event reservations through the community's amenity reservation form
• Active social groups organized by residents, including the well-attended SJF Dinner Club and other community gatherings
• A community calendar with events published on the official website keeps residents connected and informed

HOA and CDD Fees

Understanding the full fee structure at St. Johns Forest is an essential part of your due diligence, budget planning, and ownership in St. Johns Forest. And if you are working with one of the best realtors in Jacksonville, your agent should be knowledgeable and understanding of these fees as well.

Like most master-planned communities in St. Johns County, the neighborhood has both HOA fees and CDD (Community Development District) fees, which work differently and are billed separately.

If you are new to Florida real estate and unfamiliar with how CDDs work, an experienced realtor who knows St. Johns County communities will be able to walk you through the details so there are no surprises on your tax bill. Or you can read everything you need to know about CDD fees.

The HOA fee is paid quarterly and is currently $762/quarter. The HOA fee covers community management, common area maintenance, amenity operations, and — importantly — Comcast/Xfinity high-speed internet service for all residents.

The CDD fee is a separate assessment that appears on your annual property tax bill as a non-ad valorem assessment. It is administered by the St. Johns Forest Community Development District and is not part of the HOA. Be sure to include the CDD fee when calculating property taxes in St. Johns County.

CDD fee amounts vary depending on your specific lot, home, and neighborhood phase it was built in. For 2026, the operating & maintenance portion of the CDD is $508.04 while the bond portion varies (a general range is from $705 to $1,320).

One important detail: some homes in St. Johns Forest have had the CDD bond paid off in full, which eliminates that portion of the annual CDD assessment entirely. This is a meaningful distinction when comparing homes. Always ask your agent to confirm whether the CDD bond has been paid on any specific property before you close.

Schools Assigned to St. Johns Forest

School quality is one of the biggest reasons families target communities in northern St. Johns County, and St. Johns Forest is positioned squarely in the heart of the best school district in Florida.

The St. Johns County School District is consistently ranked as Florida's top-performing school district, recognized for high academic achievement, strong graduation rates, and an exceptional public education experience for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. For families relocating to Northeast Florida, the school district quality is often the single most important deciding factor that directs them toward St. Johns County.

Students who live in St. Johns Forest are currently assigned to the following schools:

Liberty Pines Academy (K–8)

Liberty Pines Academy serves students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Located at 10901 Russell Sampson Road, Saint Johns, FL 32259, the school is approximately 4 miles from the community.

As a K-8 school, it provides continuity for students over nine school years, allowing kids to build lasting relationships with teachers and classmates before transitioning to high school.

Liberty Pines consistently earns strong performance ratings and is one of the most sought-after school assignments in the district.

Beachside High School (9–12)

For high school, St. Johns Forest students are assigned to Beachside High School at 200 Great Barracuda Way, St. Johns, FL 32259.

Just a few miles from St. Johns Forest, Beachside opened in 2022 as one of the newest high schools in St. Johns County, and it was built in part to relieve overcrowding at Bartram Trail and Nease high schools.

Despite being a newer school, it has quickly built a strong academic and athletic reputation. Enrollment is approximately 2,200 students.

Both schools are part of the St. Johns County School District, which means students have access to the full range of district resources, enrichment programs, and extracurricular activities available across one of Florida's strongest public school systems.

Nearby Attractions, Shopping, and Restaurants

St. Johns Forest's position just off I-95 at CR-210 gives residents access to one of the most convenient locations in all of St. Johns County.

The area along CR-210 has seen substantial commercial growth over the past decade, and it continues to expand with new dining, retail, and services opening regularly.

Grocery and Everyday Shopping

There are two Publix grocery stores within 2 miles of St. Johns Forest, making daily grocery runs very easy and convenient.

An ALDI grocery store is also just outside the main gate of the community, and this same shopping center includes a CVS Pharmacy, UPS Store, Regions Bank, and Daily's Gas & Convenience Store. Everything you might need is nearby.

The Durbin Pavilion area offers an impressive selection of larger retailers including Walmart and Home Depot. Other national favorites like Lowe's and BJ's Wholesale Club are also both about 3 miles away. For bigger shopping trips, the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville is approximately 20 to 25 minutes north on I-95 and offers virtually every retail and restaurant brand you could ask for.

Restaurants

Dining near St. Johns Forest keeps improving as the area grows.

The fast-casual options along CR-210 are convenient for weeknight dinners, and Taps Bar and Grill has become a go-to neighborhood spot for casual dining and game-day gatherings.

There are several restaurants along CR-210 heading west. Ember and Iron is an elevated option, and the live-fire approach provides a fun experience. Other restaurant options along CR-210 include Hurricane Grill & Wings, Metro Diner, Daruma Japanese Steakhouse, La Catrina Tacos & Tequila Bar, Nori Sushi, & Poppy's Italiano.

Heading toward Nocatee on CR-210 opens up a richer dining scene around the Nocatee Town Center. Timoti's Seafood Shak, M Shack Burgers, and Tijuana Flats offer solid casual lunches, while Catullo's Italian and Chophouse Nocatee are popular sit-down dinner destinations that St. Johns Forest residents regularly enjoy.

For fine dining and a wider culinary experience, Historic Downtown St. Augustine is approximately 25 miles to the southeast and well worth the short drive. Waterfront seafood spots along Matanzas Bay, nationally recognized chef-driven concepts on St. George Street, and a vibrant local restaurant scene make St. Augustine a regular destination for date nights and special occasions.

Healthcare

Quality healthcare options are close at hand, which matters for families and of course retirees who are looking for the best places to retire in Northeast Florida.

Ascension St. Vincent's has an urgent care facility directly across CR-210 from St. Johns Forest.

For specialized care, the world-renowned Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — consistently ranked as the top hospital in Florida by U.S. News and World Report — is approximately 25 to 30 minutes away via I-95 North. World-class healthcare by the Mayo Clinic in Northeast Florida only makes the reasons to live here even more compelling.

Beaches

The Atlantic Ocean is roughly 15 miles from St. Johns Forest.

Ponte Vedra Beach and Mickler's Landing are the closest ocean access points, both reachable in about 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. St. Augustine Beach to the south and Jacksonville Beach to the north are also options.

Golf

Golfers will appreciate the options close to St. Johns Forest.

St. Johns Golf and Country Club, Cimmarone Golf and Country Club, and The Golf Club at South Hampton are all within 10 minutes of St. Johns Forest. All three courses offer well-maintained 18-hole championship courses, driving ranges, and comfortable facilities that make regular rounds easy for residents.

Nearby, the legendary TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players Championship and one of the most recognized courses in the world, is also within a reasonable drive. Northeast Florida's density of quality golf options is why many who love the game choose to call Northeast Florida home.

Historic St. Augustine

Living near St. Johns Forest puts one of America's most fascinating cities within easy reach.

St. Augustine is the longest continuously inhabited city in the United States, founded in 1565 and nicknamed the "Ancient City." Its Spanish-colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and preserved 19th-century buildings create an atmosphere completely unlike anywhere else in Florida.

Residents regularly make the drive down for the historic district, Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, and waterfront brunch overlooking Matanzas Bay. The St. Augustine Nights of Lights during the holiday season is visited by millions annually, and it's one of my top seven annual events in and around Jacksonville that you can't miss. St. Johns Forest residents can hop on I-95 and be there in minutes, which is a privilege that does not get old.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville, approximately 25 miles north via I-95, offers everything you could want in a major metropolitan area.

From professional sports (the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp), a thriving arts and entertainment district, and excellent museums to a world-class zoo, the largest urban park system in the United States, and headline name concert venues, there is literally something for everyone.

The Bottom Line

St. Johns Forest is a community that has earned its reputation over two decades, and that is not something every neighborhood in St. Johns County can say.

The combination of full-time guarded gate access, fantastic amenities including a spectacular 17-foot tower slide, a 24-hour fitness center, a mature wooded setting, and generous 60- to 80-foot wide lots makes St. Johns Forest one of the most distinctive residential communities in northern St. Johns County. While many communities in the area are still in various stages of buildout, St. Johns Forest is complete, settled, and thriving.

For buyers who value a truly gated lifestyle with a manned security presence, the peace of mind that provides is real. Coming home through a guarded gate every day, in a neighborhood with established trees and mature landscaping, is a qualitatively different experience from pulling into a brand-new subdivision where the oak trees are still saplings.

The assigned schools are excellent. Liberty Pines Academy for K-8 and Beachside High School for grades 9-12 represent a strong, complete educational path entirely within the St. Johns County School District — consistently the top-ranked district in Florida.

The HOA and CDD fees deserve a careful look during your budget planning, but the inclusion of Comcast/Xfinity internet meaningfully offsets the cost compared to communities that charge similar fees without that benefit. And for homes where the CDD bond has been paid off, the overall carrying cost picture improves further.

Buyers comparing St. Johns Forest often also look at nearby communities such as Julington Lakes and Beacon Lake depending on their priorities around price, amenities, or specific location preferences. But for buyers who want a gated, established, amenity-rich community with great schools and a character that only time and mature trees can create, St. Johns Forest deserves serious consideration.

As a military realtor in Jacksonville, I find that military families love St. Johns Forest as well because with the community's proximity to I-95, it's one of the easiest commutes to both Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville while still living in St. Johns County with its top school district.

I have worked with many clients in St. Johns Forest over the years, and the residents who live there simply love it. If you are considering St. Johns Forest, feel free to contact us. We would love to walk you through the current inventory and share everything we know about this community.

St. Johns Forest Homes for Sale

Here are the most current listings in St. Johns Forest. We monitor the housing market in Jacksonville closely and can help you identify the right homes based on your priorities, whether that is lot size, square footage, pool, view, or CDD payoff status.

Showing 5 · Updated May 23, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Johns Forest

Is St. Johns Forest a gated community?

Yes. St. Johns Forest is a fully gated community with a manned guardhouse at the main entrance on St. Johns Forest Boulevard. Guard staffing sets this community apart from most other communities in northern St. Johns County. There are also two additional unmanned gates for resident use within the community.

How many homes are in St. Johns Forest?

St. Johns Forest is a fully built-out community with 532 single-family homes on 435 acres. The community was developed between 2004 and approximately 2015. There is no new construction. All available homes are resale properties, which means every home comes with established landscaping and a known history.

What are the HOA and CDD fees at St. Johns Forest?

St. Johns Forest has both HOA fees and CDD fees. The HOA fee is paid quarterly, and as of 2026, the HOA fee for St. Johns Forest is $762 per quarter. Notably, it includes Comcast/Xfinity high-speed internet for all residents. The CDD fee is a separate assessment on the annual property tax bill, with amounts varying by lot and phase. Some homes have had the CDD bond paid off entirely, which eliminates that portion of the fee. For 2026, the operating and maintenance portion of the CDD is $508.04 while the bond portion varies (a general range is from $705 to $1,320).

Who built the homes in St. Johns Forest?

Taylor Morrison was the primary builder and developer in St. Johns Forest, responsible for the majority of the community's 532 homes. Toll Brothers, ICI Homes, and Dream Finders Homes also built within the community. This variety of builders creates an appealing mix of architectural styles and floor plans across 60, 70, and 80-foot wide lots throughout the neighborhood.

What types of homes are available in St. Johns Forest?

St. Johns Forest is a single-family home community with no townhomes or condominiums. Home sizes range from approximately 1,558 to over 5,600 square feet on generous 60, 70, and 80-foot lots. Homes were built between 2004 and 2015. Notably, the community includes concrete block (CBS) construction homes, which is a relative rarity in St. Johns County that can offer durability not found in wood-frame construction.

What schools are assigned to St. Johns Forest?

Students in St. Johns Forest are assigned to Liberty Pines Academy for grades K-8, and Beachside High School for grades 9-12. Both schools are part of the St. Johns County School District, which is consistently ranked as Florida's top school district. Liberty Pines Academy is located approximately 4 miles from the community. Beachside High School, which opened in 2022, is located just a few miles away on the east side of I-95.

Does the HOA fee include internet service?

Yes. The quarterly HOA fee at St. Johns Forest includes Comcast/Xfinity high-speed internet service for all residents. This is a notable benefit that effectively reduces the net cost of the HOA compared to communities that charge similar fees without internet included.

Are golf carts allowed in St. Johns Forest?

Yes, golf carts are allowed in St. Johns Forest, but residents must follow the community’s golf cart and low-speed vehicle (LSV) rules. Drivers must comply with all Florida laws, including age and licensing requirements. Golf carts may only be operated on approved roads and must follow posted speed limits and safety regulations. The community also requires proper lighting and safety equipment for vehicles operated after dark. Residents should review the HOA’s current rules and regulations before operating a golf cart within the neighborhood.

What is the pool like at St. Johns Forest?

The resort-style pool at St. Johns Forest is one of the community's most enjoyed amenities. It features a beach entry design, decorative fountains, and a two-story tower slide rising 17 feet above pool level, which is a standout feature that families love. The pool is open from dawn to dusk every day.