Few places in Florida have grown as fast as the stretch of St. Johns County between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. The St. Johns area, including Fruit Cove, Julington Creek and the new communities along SR 13 and County Road 210, draws families for its schools, newer homes and quick access to Jacksonville. As movers in Jacksonville FL serving St. Johns, Premier Movers put together what to know before you relocate.
Where Is St. Johns, FL?
St. Johns is an unincorporated area in northwest St. Johns County, directly south of Jacksonville’s Mandarin neighborhood across Julington Creek. The St. Johns River forms its western edge, and I-95 runs along the east. Most addresses use the 32259 ZIP code. The area includes older riverside neighborhoods in Fruit Cove and newer master-planned communities such as Julington Creek Plantation, RiverTown, Durbin Park, Shearwater and SilverLeaf.
How Fast Is St. Johns Growing?
St. Johns County’s population reached an estimated 346,328 in 2025, up from 190,039 in 2010 and 26.7% higher than at the 2020 Census, according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. That puts it among the fastest-growing counties in Florida. In practice, you will see new schools, shopping centers and road projects going up along CR 210 and SR 13, along with more traffic at rush hour than longtime residents remember.
Fruit Cove, the older core of the area, gives a good picture of who lives here:
| Measure | Fruit Cove | St. Johns County |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $141,863 | $109,839 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $484,000 | $489,200 |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | 87.4% | 82.2% |
| Average commute to work | 29.8 minutes | 26.9 minutes |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 American Community Survey. In short, St. Johns is a homeowner-heavy family area with longer commutes. Census home values lag the market, so expect current asking prices for new construction to run higher.
Why Families Choose St. Johns: Schools
The St. Johns County School District has ranked at or near the top of Florida’s district grades for more than a decade, and it is the biggest reason families pick this area. Because the county is growing so quickly, the district opens new schools and redraws attendance zones regularly. A house that was zoned for one school last year may be zoned for another this year. Check the district’s school locator for the exact address, and have your closing documents or lease ready for enrollment.
New Construction, HOAs and CDD Fees
Much of the St. Johns area is new construction, which brings a few costs and rules that are easy to miss:
- CDD fees. Many newer communities are financed through a Community Development District. The CDD assessment appears on your property tax bill and can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Ask for the exact amount before you sign.
- HOA rules. Most communities have HOA rules on truck size, move-in hours, parking and where moving PODS can sit. Get them in writing early.
- Homestead exemption. File with the St. Johns County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after you buy to reduce your taxable value by up to $50,000.
What to Plan for When Moving to St. Johns
- Expect the closing date to slip on new construction. Builder timelines change often. If you have to leave your current home before the new one is ready, plan for short-term storage. Choose climate control, because Florida humidity is hard on wood furniture and electronics.
- Time the move around the school year. Summer is peak moving season, so dates fill fast. Book early if you need to be settled before the first day of school. See our guide to the best time of year to move to Jacksonville.
- Leave room for traffic. CR 210, SR 13 and the I-95 interchanges back up at rush hour. Morning moves that start early beat the worst of it.
- Protect brand-new floors and walls. Ask your mover about floor runners and door-frame padding. New homes show every scuff.
What Affects the Cost of a Move to St. Johns?
Moves from Jacksonville into St. Johns are local moves. Moving from out of state? See our long-distance moving service. Either way, a few things shape the price:
- How much you are moving. Family homes take longer to load, so clear out what you will not need first.
- Timing. A slipped closing date can mean two trips and storage in between.
- Specialty items. Bringing a backyard spa? If so, see our hot tub moving service.
- Your moving date. Summer and the end of the month book up first.
A free quote based on your home and your dates is the quickest way to a real number.
Still deciding between communities? Our guide to moving to Nocatee covers the other big master-planned option in St. Johns County.
Ready to Make St. Johns Home?
A St. Johns move goes smoothly when HOA rules, closing dates and school timing are sorted out early. Learn more about our movers in St. Johns, call 904-392-7670 or get your free quote today.
