What's in this guide
Executive Summary
SilverLeaf is an 11,000-acre master-planned community in St. Johns County, Florida, positioned between County Road 210 and State Road 16 at St. Johns Parkway west of Interstate 95. The community has ranked among the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the United States — third nationally in 2022 per RCLCO data, with over 1,000 home sales in a single year. SilverLeaf's defining structural feature versus most St. Johns alternatives: no CDD fees. This is unusual for large-scale Florida master-planned communities and creates meaningful ongoing carrying-cost savings versus alternatives like Nocatee or Beachwalk.
This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. Real estate market data, school rankings, HOA fees, tax rates, insurance estimates, and community details about SilverLeaf change frequently and may already be outdated by the time you read this. Do not rely on the information on this page when making a purchase, sale, financial, legal, or investment decision. Always verify property-specific facts directly with the relevant authority, school district, HOA management company, and licensed professionals before acting. See full disclosures ↓
SilverLeaf is built on the concept of variety at scale. The master plan includes 7+ distinct neighborhoods, an apartment complex, a 55+ gated community, single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and a mixed-use commercial component called SilverLeaf Commons. With 11 builders (Riverside Homes, Taylor Morrison, Richmond American, MasterCraft Builder Group, Ashley Homes, David Weekley Homes, Lennar, ICI Homes, Toll Brothers, D.R. Horton, Dream Finders Homes) and 148+ floor plan options, the community delivers price-band variety from townhomes under $300K through luxury single-family approaching $1.5M.
Current pricing as of April 2026: median home price around $493,995, average sale price approximately $520,473. Inventory ranges from $327,500 (entry-level) to $1,458,900 (luxury). Approximately 396 houses currently for sale across the community. Median days on market is 57 days, very close to the national average of 56 days. The community is in active build-out with extensive new construction inventory plus a growing resale market from earlier-phase homes.
Schools are St. Johns County Public Schools (#4 of 68 districts in Florida). The specific feeder pattern includes Wards Creek Elementary (K-5), Pacetti Bay Middle School (6-8), and either Allen D. Nease High School (9-12) or Tocoi Creek High School (9-12) depending on specific address. Both high schools are highly rated, with Nease being one of the established top-tier St. Johns schools and Tocoi Creek being newer (established 2021) but performing strongly.
SilverLeaf works best for: buyers who want top-rated St. Johns County schools at the lowest entry price among active-build-out alternatives, buyers who prioritize no-CDD ongoing cost savings, families wanting builder and floor plan variety in a single community, golf cart enthusiasts (the community is golf-cart-accessible with 50+ miles of cart paths), and buyers comfortable with active build-out (mature trees and settled neighborhoods are not the look here yet). It works less well for: buyers who specifically want a signature amenity (Beachwalk's lagoon, Nocatee's town center), buyers wanting established neighborhood feel (JCP, Mandarin, Palencia), and buyers commuting daily to downtown Jacksonville or beaches (SilverLeaf's location pushes those commutes longer).
Quick Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Johns County, between CR 210 and SR 16 at St. Johns Parkway west of I-95 |
| County | St. Johns County |
| ZIP Code | 32092 |
| Total Acreage | ~11,000 acres (~4,350 acres preserved conservation land) |
| Zoned Build-Out | 17,600 dwelling units, 2,900,000 sqft mixed-use/commercial |
| Current Build Status | Active build-out, ranked 3rd fastest-growing in US (2022) |
| Builders | 11 builders incl. Riverside, Taylor Morrison, Richmond American, MasterCraft, Ashley, David Weekley, Lennar, ICI, Toll Brothers, D.R. Horton, Dream Finders |
| Floor Plan Options | 148+ plans across all builders |
| Home Types | Single-family, townhomes, apartments, condos, 55+ section |
| Home Size Range | 1,210 – 4,237 sq ft (apartments 702-1,518 sqft) |
| Median Price (April 2026) | $493,995 |
| Average Sale Price | $520,473 |
| Price Range | $327,500 – $1,458,900 |
| Active Listings (typical) | ~396 |
| Median Days on Market | 57 days |
| CDD Assessment | NONE — the "No CDD" community |
| Gated Sections | Several including Evergreen Island and Courtney Oaks |
| School District | St. Johns County Public Schools (#4 of 68 in Florida) |
| Elementary | Wards Creek Elementary (K-5) |
| Middle School | Pacetti Bay Middle School (6-8) |
| High School | Allen D. Nease HS or Tocoi Creek HS (depends on address) |
| On-Site Amenities | Resort pools, splash park, 4 tennis + 6 pickleball courts, 2 dog parks, 50+ miles of sidewalks/cart paths |
| Commercial Component | SilverLeaf Commons (mixed-use retail, dining, entertainment) |
| Distance to Downtown Jacksonville | 21 miles / 30-45 min |
| Distance to St. Augustine | 17 miles / 25-30 min |
| Distance to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) | 38 miles / 50-65 min |
Community Overview & History
SilverLeaf was conceived as one of the largest master-planned communities in Northeast Florida history. The development covers 11,000 acres with 7 miles of frontage along St. Johns Parkway. The zoning allows up to 17,600 dwelling units and 2,900,000 square feet of mixed-use and commercial space, making it one of the most ambitious community-scale projects ever entitled in St. Johns County. Approximately 4,350 acres is dedicated to preserved conservation land, which serves as both buffer between sub-neighborhoods and a major nature amenity.
Build-out began in earnest in the late 2010s and accelerated significantly in 2020-2023. In 2022, SilverLeaf was named the third fastest-growing master-planned community in the United States by RCLCO (an independent real estate consulting firm tracking master-planned community performance nationally), with 1,034 home sales in that single year. This growth pace put SilverLeaf in elite company alongside the top master-planned developments in Texas, Arizona, and the broader Southeast US.
The community design embraced variety from the outset. Rather than commit to a single architectural style or builder, the developer welcomed 11 builders, each given different sections and price points to develop. This created neighborhoods with distinct character: Silver Landing (Ashley Homes, Riverside Homes), SilverLeaf Village (Riverside Homes), Courtney Oaks (MasterCraft Builder Group, Riverside Homes, gated), Hidden Creek, Cherry Elm (townhomes), Evergreen Island (gated, executive series), Waterford Lakes (Lennar, with resort pool), and the 55+ section among others. The multi-builder, multi-neighborhood strategy delivers significant variety but creates some architectural inconsistency that single-builder communities like Tamaya avoid.
The defining structural decision was foregoing CDD financing. Where most large Florida master-planned communities use Community Development Districts to finance infrastructure through long-term bond assessments, SilverLeaf was financed differently, eliminating the ongoing CDD assessment that buyers in newer Nocatee and Beachwalk pay. This was a deliberate marketing positioning and continues to be a significant selling point.
Real Estate Market
SilverLeaf's real estate market is shaped by three forces: extensive new construction inventory (active builder programs across 11 builders), growing resale market from earlier phases (homes completed 2018-2023 now turning over), and the no-CDD positioning that creates measurable monthly-cost savings versus comparable alternatives.
Current Pricing by Segment (Spring 2026)
| Segment | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Townhomes (Cherry Elm, others) | $300K – $400K | Entry-level, 2-3 BR, 1,200-1,900 sqft |
| Smaller Single-Family (1,500-2,200 sqft) | $375K – $475K | 3 BR, popular with first-time buyers |
| Mid-Tier Single-Family (2,200-2,800 sqft) | $465K – $585K | The volume segment, 4 BR / 3 BA |
| Larger Family Homes (2,800-3,500 sqft) | $575K – $725K | 4-5 BR with premium finishes |
| Gated Neighborhood Premium (Courtney Oaks, Evergreen Island) | $525K – $850K | Gated sections carry security premium |
| Premium / Luxury Homes | $725K – $1,458,900+ | Larger lots, custom finishes, preserve frontage |
| 55+ Section | $385K – $625K | Age-restricted, designed for active retirees |
Historical Pricing Context
SilverLeaf launched at price points starting around $200K-$300K for entry-level product in 2018-2019. By the 2022 peak, base pricing had climbed substantially across all segments. Median sale price over the trailing 12 months (through April 2026) is $469,985, which is approximately 8% lower than the prior 12 months — reflecting the broader market cooling and the higher mortgage rate environment. The current median listing of $493,995 versus median sale of $469,985 suggests sellers are still slightly above where buyers are landing, which is consistent with current Northeast Florida conditions overall.
Inventory and Days on Market
SilverLeaf shows around 396 active listings at any given time across the entire community, the highest active inventory of any master-planned community in St. Johns County. This reflects both the size of the community and the active new construction pipeline. Median days on market is 57 days, essentially identical to national averages of 56 days. Entry-level under $400K moves fastest, mid-tier $500K-$700K is the most competitive band, and premium $800K+ takes longer particularly for non-gated locations.
New Construction Activity
SilverLeaf is one of the most active new construction markets in all of Northeast Florida. With 11 builders, 148+ floor plans, and significant remaining acreage to develop, new construction is widely available. Builders offer their standard programs (Lennar's Everything's Included, etc.) plus various incentives. Build timelines run 6-12 months from contract depending on builder, phase, and lot availability. Pricing direct from builder is generally competitive with resale, though new construction sometimes requires premium lot fees.
Resale Market
The resale market is growing as 2018-2022 phase homes turn over. Resale inventory often offers immediate occupancy (versus 6-12 month build wait), already-installed builder upgrades, and established landscaping. Some resale inventory also has lot characteristics that builders don't currently offer (specific lot orientations, preserve frontage, etc.). Buyers should evaluate both new construction and resale paths actively.
Who Lives Here
SilverLeaf skews younger and more diverse than older St. Johns master-planned communities because of the price-band variety and active new construction. The community has significant out-of-state relocator activity, plus a growing 55+ contingent in the age-restricted section.
| Metric | SilverLeaf (estimated) | For Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $95K – $135K | Jacksonville MSA: $66K |
| Median Age | ~38–42 | Jacksonville MSA: 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | ~50-58% | FL state: 32% |
| Owner-occupied housing | ~85% | FL state: 67% |
| Median home value | ~$494,000 | Jacksonville MSA: $325K |
Who Actually Lives Here
- Young families and first-time buyers (35-40%): The variety of entry-level townhomes and smaller single-family product attracts buyers in their late 20s to early 40s.
- Move-up families with school-age kids (25-30%): Families scaling up from starter homes in Jacksonville suburbs into SilverLeaf for the St. Johns school district.
- Out-of-state relocators (20-25%): Active relocation market from Northeast US, Midwest, and California, drawn by St. Johns schools, no-CDD positioning, and new construction availability.
- Active retirees and 55+ residents (10-15%): The dedicated 55+ section plus general inventory attracts retirees looking for low-maintenance Florida living.
- Remote professionals (10-15%): The CR 210 / I-95 location plus newer home product attracts work-from-home professionals across industries.
Schools
SilverLeaf is in St. Johns County School District, consistently ranked among Florida's top 5 districts. The specific feeder pattern includes Wards Creek Elementary, Pacetti Bay Middle School, and either Allen D. Nease High School or Tocoi Creek High School depending on address. Both high schools are highly regarded, with different positioning.
Elementary School
Wards Creek Elementary School (Grades K-5) is the primary zoned elementary. A-rated within the St. Johns County system. Strong test performance, active parent involvement. Located within reasonable proximity to most SilverLeaf sub-neighborhoods.
Middle School
Pacetti Bay Middle School (Grades 6-8) is the zoned middle school for the SilverLeaf area. Part of the St. Johns County system, with strong academic and athletic programs.
High School
SilverLeaf addresses are split between two highly-rated high schools:
Allen D. Nease High School (Grades 9-12) is one of the established top-tier St. Johns high schools, consistently ranked among Florida's better public high schools. Located in Ponte Vedra. Strong academic, athletic, and AP programs. The traditional "top St. Johns HS" along with Ponte Vedra HS, Bartram Trail, and Creekside.
Tocoi Creek High School (Grades 9-12) was established in 2021 to alleviate overcrowding at Bartram Trail HS and Nease. Located at 11200 St. Johns Parkway in St. Augustine — directly serving the SilverLeaf area. Approximately 2,375 students. Three career academies. Athletic rivalry with Beachside HS. Too new for US News national ranking but performing strongly with St. Johns district academic standards.
Verify the specific high school zoning for any property under consideration, as the boundary between Nease and Tocoi Creek runs through the SilverLeaf area.
Amenities
SilverLeaf's amenity strategy is "many neighborhood amenities" rather than "one signature amenity." The community has a main amenity center plus sub-neighborhood-specific amenities at many of the 7+ neighborhoods. The result is significant total amenity infrastructure but no single iconic feature like Beachwalk's Crystal Lagoon or Nocatee's Splash Water Park.
Main Amenity Center
The community's main amenity center is the social hub, featuring a large clubhouse, three pool structures (lap, family, and resort-style), a splash park for younger children, an exciting playground, two dog parks, four tennis courts, and six pickleball courts. Year-round programming includes holiday celebrations, food truck days, outdoor movie nights, St. Johns County Public Library bookmobile visits, resident socials, and a variety of hobby clubs.
Sub-Neighborhood Amenities
Many sub-neighborhoods have their own additional amenity packages:
- Waterford Lakes (Lennar): Resort-style zero-entry pool, covered seating, gated splash pad, 24-hour gym
- Evergreen Island: Gated executive section with additional security and amenities
- Courtney Oaks: Gated MasterCraft section with playground and walking paths
- 55+ Section: Age-restricted amenities designed for active retirees
SilverLeaf Commons
SilverLeaf Commons is the community's mixed-use commercial component, designed to integrate dining, shopping, and entertainment within the master plan. As of 2026, the commercial component is in early development with some establishments operational. The eventual buildout includes restaurants, retail, and entertainment within a walkable/cartable area accessible from most sub-neighborhoods.
Golf Cart Community
SilverLeaf is golf-cart accessible with over 50 miles of sidewalks and golf cart paths throughout the community. Residents commonly use golf carts for daily transportation between sub-neighborhoods, amenity centers, and SilverLeaf Commons. The proximity to renowned golf courses (the World Golf Village's Slammer & Squire course is within 10 miles, and the four-star Cimarrone Golf Club is within 1 mile) makes the golf-cart access particularly valuable for golf-oriented residents.
Nature Preserve
Approximately 4,350 acres of the SilverLeaf footprint is preserved conservation land. This is substantial — nearly 40% of the total community area is set aside as nature preserve. The preserve includes wetlands, native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and connecting trails between sub-neighborhoods. This is one of the largest preserve allocations of any Northeast Florida master-planned community.
HOA Fees (No CDD)
SilverLeaf's most distinctive structural feature is the absence of CDD fees. This is unusual for a master-planned community of this scale in Florida. The vast majority of comparable master-planned communities (Nocatee, Beachwalk, JCP, Trailmark, Bartram Park, and others) have CDD assessments adding $1,500-$3,500+ to annual carrying costs. SilverLeaf doesn't have this. The financing structure that made this possible is different from traditional CDD financing.
HOA Fees Structure
SilverLeaf operates with a multi-layer HOA structure: a master HOA plus sub-neighborhood HOAs for each of the 7+ neighborhoods. Fee amounts vary by sub-neighborhood:
- Master HOA: Funds main amenity center, common areas, master infrastructure
- Sub-neighborhood HOA: Funds neighborhood-specific amenities, gating where applicable, sub-neighborhood maintenance
- Gated sub-neighborhoods (Courtney Oaks, Evergreen Island, others): Higher sub-HOA fees due to gate operations and additional security
Total HOA fees combined (master plus sub-neighborhood) typically run $100-$300/month depending on which neighborhood. Always verify the specific fees for the exact property under consideration.
All-In Monthly Carrying Cost Example
For a $500,000 home in a typical SilverLeaf sub-neighborhood, the all-in monthly carrying cost (excluding mortgage P&I) typically runs:
- CDD: $0 (the No-CDD advantage)
- HOA (master + sub-neighborhood): $125-$250/month
- Property tax (St. Johns County): $415-$455/month
- Homeowners + wind insurance: $275-$425/month
- Total non-mortgage carrying: roughly $815-$1,130/month
Compare to a comparable home in Nocatee or Beachwalk where the CDD alone adds $200-$350/month, and the SilverLeaf advantage becomes clear. Over a 10-year hold, the CDD savings alone can total $25,000-$40,000+.
Commute Analysis
SilverLeaf's location west of I-95 makes it well-positioned for commutes to St. Augustine, Mayo Clinic, and St. Johns Town Center, but commutes to downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and JAX airport are all longer than from more centrally-located St. Johns communities like Beachwalk or JCP.
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine Historic District | 17 miles | 25 min | 30 min |
| St. Johns Town Center | 17 miles | 25 min | 35-40 min |
| Mayo Clinic Jacksonville | 22 miles | 30 min | 40-50 min |
| Deerwood Park (Florida Blue, Fidelity) | 19 miles | 28 min | 40-45 min |
| Downtown Jacksonville | 21 miles | 30 min | 45-55 min |
| Jacksonville Beach | 26 miles | 35 min | 45-55 min |
| Ponte Vedra Beach | 22 miles | 30 min | 40-45 min |
| Nocatee Town Center | 15 miles | 22 min | 30 min |
| Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) | 38 miles | 50 min | 60-75 min |
The primary commute corridors are St. Johns Parkway (community spine), CR 210 (east-west connector), SR 16 (north-south alternative), and I-95 (primary north-south for longer commutes). I-95 access is approximately 5-10 minutes from most SilverLeaf sub-neighborhoods.
Shopping and Dining
SilverLeaf Commons
SilverLeaf Commons is the community's planned mixed-use commercial center with dining, shopping, and entertainment integrated into the master plan. As of 2026 the commons is in early development with growing establishments. Full build-out of the commercial component continues alongside the residential phases.
Grocery
Publix locations within 5-10 minutes via CR 210. The Bartram Park Publix is approximately 15 minutes north. Whole Foods at St. Johns Town Center is 25 minutes. Costco and Sam's Club via I-95 are 25-30 minutes.
Restaurants
Dining options cluster in: (1) SilverLeaf Commons (growing on-site options), (2) the CR 210 corridor with newer chain and local restaurants, (3) St. Augustine's historic district (20-25 minutes south, with significant established restaurant scene including James Beard-recognized options), (4) St. Johns Town Center (25 minutes north, full range from casual to upscale), and (5) Nocatee Town Center (20-22 minutes east).
Healthcare
Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine is approximately 20 minutes south. Mayo Clinic Jacksonville is 30 minutes north via I-95. Baptist Medical Center South is 30 minutes via I-95. Multiple urgent care facilities along CR 210 and SR 16.
Entertainment
The community's own amenities (pools, splash park, tennis, pickleball, dog parks) are daily entertainment. Beyond that, St. Augustine's historic attractions (20-25 minutes south) offer extensive sightseeing, beaches, and dining. St. Johns Town Center (25 minutes north) is the regional retail and entertainment hub. World Golf Village (10 minutes) offers championship golf and the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- No CDD fees — structural carrying cost advantage of $25K-$40K+ over 10-year hold vs alternatives
- Top-tier St. Johns County school district (#4 of 68 in Florida)
- 11 builders and 148+ floor plans — best variety in NE Florida
- Significant price-band variety from townhomes under $300K to luxury approaching $1.5M
- Active new construction available across multiple sub-neighborhoods
- 4,350 acres of preserved conservation land — substantial nature buffer
- Multiple amenity centers and sub-neighborhood-specific pools
- Golf-cart accessible with 50+ miles of cart paths
- Dedicated 55+ section for active retirees
- Both Allen D. Nease HS and Tocoi Creek HS are strong school options
Potential Drawbacks
- No signature amenity (Crystal Lagoon, Splash Park, Town Center) like flagship competitors
- Community still in active build-out — limited mature trees and settled neighborhood feel
- Multi-builder architectural variety creates visual inconsistency some buyers dislike
- Location west of I-95 makes downtown Jacksonville, beaches, and JAX commutes longer
- HOA fees are slightly higher than CDD-based alternatives (offsets some no-CDD savings)
- SilverLeaf Commons commercial buildout still developing — not yet a full Town Center experience
- High school boundary between Nease and Tocoi Creek can change as district rezones
- Sub-neighborhood fee structure complexity requires per-property due diligence
- Resale market still establishing — community is too new for long-term value pattern data
- 396 active listings means significant competition when selling
SilverLeaf vs. Comparable Communities
| Community | Median Price | CDD? | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| SilverLeaf | $494K | No CDD | No CDD, 11 builders, 4,350-acre preserve |
| Nocatee | $565K-$850K | Yes ($200-350/mo) | Town Center, Splash Water Park |
| Beachwalk | $650K | Yes | 14-acre Crystal Lagoon |
| Julington Creek Plantation | $535K | Yes (very low, mature) | Established mature community |
| Trailmark | $525K-$700K | Yes | Trout Creek conservation |
SilverLeaf vs. Nocatee
Both are St. Johns County master-planned with top schools. Nocatee has Town Center, Splash Water Park, larger overall scale, and established Town Center experience. SilverLeaf has no CDD (significant carrying cost advantage), more builder variety, and 4,350 acres preserved. Pricing similar at entry but Nocatee has more premium product. Choose Nocatee for amenity experience and lifestyle integration. Choose SilverLeaf for lower carrying costs and builder variety.
SilverLeaf vs. Beachwalk
SilverLeaf is meaningfully more affordable (median $494K vs Beachwalk's $650K) and has no CDD plus no mandatory club membership. Beachwalk has the Crystal Lagoon as its differentiator. Schools are similar (both St. Johns County). Choose Beachwalk if the lagoon lifestyle is the goal. Choose SilverLeaf if you want top St. Johns schools at the lowest carrying cost.
SilverLeaf vs. JCP
Both St. Johns County master-planned with top schools. JCP is mature (1994-2004) with established neighborhoods, mature trees, and the lowest CDD in NE Florida due to amortization. SilverLeaf is new construction with no CDD at all. Pricing is similar. Choose JCP for established community feel. Choose SilverLeaf for new construction and slightly lower total carrying costs.
SilverLeaf vs. Trailmark
Both are newer St. Johns master-planned communities in the same general area. Trailmark is smaller, focused on Trout Creek conservation, with traditional CDD financing. SilverLeaf is much larger, no-CDD, more builder variety. Choose Trailmark for the conservation-focused community feel. Choose SilverLeaf for scale, variety, and carrying cost advantage.
Hidden Things Buyers Should Know
The No-CDD Reality
SilverLeaf's no-CDD positioning is real and a genuine advantage, but it doesn't mean zero infrastructure cost. The infrastructure was financed differently (developer financing, HOA capital reserves, etc.) and HOA fees are slightly higher than CDD-based alternatives to fund amenities the CDD would otherwise fund. The net advantage is still meaningful (typically $100-$250/month savings vs comparable CDD communities) but isn't free.
High School Boundary Variability
SilverLeaf addresses can be zoned for either Allen D. Nease HS or Tocoi Creek HS depending on specific location within the community. The boundary has shifted as Tocoi Creek (opened 2021) absorbs more of the SilverLeaf population to alleviate Nease and Bartram Trail overcrowding. Verify the specific zoning for any address before assuming. Both schools are strong, but they have different characteristics — Nease is more established, Tocoi Creek is newer and still building its track record.
Sub-Neighborhood Variation
SilverLeaf's 7+ sub-neighborhoods have meaningfully different characteristics: gated vs non-gated, builder-specific architectural styles, sub-neighborhood-specific amenities, age-restricted (55+) vs all-ages. Two homes 500 feet apart in different SilverLeaf sub-neighborhoods can have very different total costs, amenity access, and architectural character. Work with an agent who knows the sub-neighborhood-level differences.
Active Construction Period
SilverLeaf is still being built. This means dust, truck traffic, construction noise, and visual disruption in active phases. Phases already completed are settled, but the overall community will continue to have active construction for years. If you specifically want a finished, settled community feel, look at JCP or established Mandarin instead.
Cimarrone Golf Club Proximity
The four-star Cimarrone Golf Club is approximately 1 mile from SilverLeaf, making it the primary "neighborhood" golf option. The Slammer & Squire and other World Golf Village courses are within 10 miles. SilverLeaf itself does not have an on-site golf course, but golf-cart access to nearby courses fills the gap for golf-oriented residents.
Insurance Considerations
SilverLeaf is in St. Johns County with standard hurricane exposure. Most homes are in FEMA X flood zones (no flood insurance required). Hurricane/wind insurance is essentially mandatory. Average all-in homeowners + wind insurance for a $500K SilverLeaf home typically runs $2,800-$4,500/year. Newer construction (2018+) generally qualifies for better insurance rates than older homes.
Resale Market Maturity
The SilverLeaf resale market is still establishing. Earlier-phase homes (2018-2020) are now turning over, but the community lacks long-term resale price pattern data. Buyers should expect that resale dynamics will become clearer over the next 3-5 years as more homes transact. The 396 active listings reflects both the community's size and the active new construction pipeline competing with resale.
Momentum Expert Insight
Who should actually buy in SilverLeaf
SilverLeaf is the math play in St. Johns County. While Beachwalk sells the lagoon and Nocatee sells the Town Center, SilverLeaf sells the spreadsheet: same top-tier school district, no CDD, multiple builders to choose from, and meaningfully lower monthly carrying costs over a long hold. For buyers who run the numbers carefully and don't need a signature amenity to justify their purchase, SilverLeaf is structurally one of the best values in all of Northeast Florida.
Buy here if: You want top-rated St. Johns County schools at the lowest entry price among actively-building master-planned communities. You're carrying-cost-sensitive and want to capture the no-CDD advantage. You want the broadest builder and floor plan selection in one community. You're comfortable with active build-out (some dust, truck traffic, evolving streetscape). You're an out-of-state relocator who values St. Johns schools but doesn't need the iconic-amenity story. You're a 55+ buyer drawn to the dedicated age-restricted section.
Look elsewhere if: You want a signature amenity (Beachwalk's lagoon, Nocatee's Town Center). You want established neighborhood feel with mature trees (JCP, Mandarin, Palencia). You commute daily to downtown Jacksonville or the beaches (SilverLeaf's west-of-I-95 location adds time to those routes). You want a fully-built-out community without ongoing construction. You value architectural consistency over builder variety.
The carrying cost math: Over a 10-year hold, the no-CDD advantage typically saves SilverLeaf buyers $25,000-$40,000 vs comparable CDD-financed alternatives. That's real money compounding over the hold period. For families on tight budgets or buyers maximizing investment returns, this is meaningful. For luxury buyers where the carrying cost is a rounding error, the advantage matters less.
The variety play: With 11 builders and 148+ floor plans, SilverLeaf offers genuine variety. If you don't know exactly what you want, this is a community where you can shop multiple styles, sizes, and price points without leaving the master plan. The trade-off is decision fatigue — too many options can paralyze. Work with an agent who can narrow your search based on your actual criteria.
Long-term outlook: SilverLeaf will continue building for years. Eventual buildout includes 17,600 dwelling units (current is significantly less) and 2.9M sqft of mixed-use/commercial. The community will look quite different in 10 years than it does today. For long-term holders, that growth and the maturing of SilverLeaf Commons is part of the value thesis. For shorter holds, the active construction is a near-term reality to plan around.
Where to focus your search: Gated sub-neighborhoods (Courtney Oaks, Evergreen Island) for security and premium positioning. Waterford Lakes for the resort pool amenity. The 55+ section if age-appropriate. Avoid sub-neighborhoods immediately adjacent to active construction phases unless you're prepared for ongoing build disruption.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just gathering information about SilverLeaf, drop your details below. We'll connect you with a Momentum Realty agent who specializes in this area. No obligation, no spam, no high-pressure follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SilverLeaf have CDD fees?
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Does SilverLeaf have a golf course?
What is SilverLeaf Commons?
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No Reliance
The information presented in this SilverLeaf guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any buying, selling, financial, legal, tax, or investment decision. Market conditions, prices, fees, school assignments, zoning, flood designations, and community characteristics change frequently. Information that is accurate as of the publication date may be outdated by the time you read this guide.
Independent Verification Required
Buyers, sellers, and other readers must independently verify all property-specific information before acting. This includes (but is not limited to): the specific school attendance zone for any address (verify with the school district), FEMA flood zone designation (verify with FEMA or a flood insurance specialist), HOA dues (verify with the HOA management company), property taxes (verify with the county tax assessor), insurance costs (obtain a quote from a licensed insurance agent), deed restrictions and easements (verify through a title search), and any other community fact relevant to your decision.
Data Sources & Limitations
Statistics and market data in this guide are sourced from publicly available reports including the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR), US Census Bureau, Florida Department of Education, Niche, US News & World Report, GreatSchools, SchoolDigger, FEMA, Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, Homes.com, RCLCO master-planned community rankings, builder websites, the SilverLeaf community website (silverleafflorida.com), and other third-party aggregators. Some figures are approximations derived from available data. Momentum Realty makes reasonable efforts to verify data but does not warrant its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
Personal Commentary, Not Professional Advice
Sections of this guide that include personal opinion or market commentary by Jon Brooks reflect personal observations based on local real estate experience. They are not investment, legal, tax, financial, or insurance advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult appropriate licensed professionals.
Licensing & Fair Housing
Momentum Realty is a real estate brokerage licensed in Florida and Georgia. Momentum Realty is an Equal Housing Opportunity broker and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local fair housing law.
Affiliated Business Relationships
Momentum Realty has an Affiliated Business Arrangement (AfBA) with Titan Title, a title insurance and settlement services provider. Momentum Realty and Titan Title share common ownership.
Additional Disclosures
For full disclosures, see Disclosures & Statistical Sources. Questions, corrections, or concerns may be directed to jon@movewithmomentum.com.
Last updated: May 2026. Information accurate to the best of our knowledge as of publication.
