Ponte Vedra affordability tracker.
Median home price vs. median household income in northern St. Johns County. Monthly payments at current rates. What income it actually takes to buy in this market.
The Ponte Vedra affordability picture.
Ponte Vedra is the highest-priced submarket in Northeast Florida and one of the highest in the state outside South Florida. Median home price runs around $725K — meaningfully above Jacksonville metro ($400K), and well above Gainesville ($340K) or Ocala ($275K).
St. Johns County has the highest median household income in NEFL ($95K vs. $74K Jacksonville metro), but home prices have appreciated faster than incomes since 2020. The price-to-income ratio of 7.4x is well above the healthy 3.0-4.5x range — closer to Miami than to typical North Florida.
What it means practically: Ponte Vedra is not accessible at typical NEFL incomes. Most buyers here are dual-income professional households earning $200K+, retirees with substantial equity transfer from higher-cost markets, or relocations with corporate housing allowances. First-time buyers earning $75K-$100K cannot reasonably buy in the core Ponte Vedra submarkets without major compromise.
| Home Price | Down Payment (20%) | Monthly Payment* | Income to Qualify** |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $100,000 | $3,500 | $125K |
| $725,000 | $145,000 | $5,075 | $181K |
| $900,000 | $180,000 | $6,300 | $225K |
| $1,200,000 | $240,000 | $8,400 | $300K |
| $1,800,000 | $360,000 | $12,600 | $450K |
| $2,500,000 | $500,000 | $17,500 | $625K |
*Monthly payment assumes 30-yr fixed at ~6.75% (estimated market rate range), includes principal, interest, taxes (1.0%), and insurance. **Income to qualify assumes payment ≤ 28% of gross monthly income.
Buy vs. rent in Ponte Vedra.
Ponte Vedra's rental market is meaningfully smaller than the buy market. Most luxury inventory here is owner-occupied or second-home, not rental. The rental inventory that exists tends to be either: Nocatee mid-market single-family rentals, oceanfront condos, or short-term vacation rentals.
For long-term renters considering buying, the math typically tips toward buying around the 5-year mark in Ponte Vedra (later than in lower-priced markets, because the transaction costs are larger in absolute terms). Under 3 years, renting almost always wins.
| Scenario | Monthly Cost | 5-Yr Total Outlay | Equity Built (Buy Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent comparable home | $3,895 | $234K | $0 |
| Buy $725K home (20% down) | $5,135* | $453K** | ~$87K |
| Buy $725K home (10% down) | $5,750* | $418K** | ~$54K |
| Buy $725K home (FHA 3.5%) | Not typical at this price | N/A | N/A |
*Includes P&I, taxes, insurance, est. maintenance. FHA loans cap around $766K in St. Johns County, so most Ponte Vedra purchases use conventional financing.
Ponte Vedra is not affordable at NEFL median incomes — and it doesn't need to be. The market is structurally for higher-earning households and equity transfers. The most common first-time buyer story we see here is a couple in their early 30s where one or both work in healthcare, finance, or tech making $150K-$250K combined, often with down payment help from family. If your household income is under $150K, look at Nocatee mid-market, World Golf Village, or further south in St. Johns rather than Ponte Vedra Beach proper.
Median home price from NEFAR RealMLS YTD data for the Ponte Vedra/St. Johns submarkets. Median household income from U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates for St. Johns County. Mortgage payment calculations use a 30-year fixed rate in the current market range. Property tax estimated at 1.0% (St. Johns County rate, among lowest in NEFL).
Primary sources: NEFAR median sale data · Census ACS income data · Freddie Mac PMMS rate data. Data accuracy reflects Momentum Realty's best available information as of the last update date.
Important: Information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Affiliated Business Arrangement: The principal owners of Momentum Realty, Jon Brooks and Brittany Brooks, have a 50% ownership interest in Titan Title Services LLC. You are not required to use Titan Title Services LLC. There are frequently other settlement service providers available with similar services; you are free to shop around to determine that you are receiving the best services and rate. See full disclosures →
Last updated: Q2 2026 (May). Next refresh: Q3 2026 (August).