55+ Communities in Nocatee: A Side-by-Side Comparison

There's a reason Nocatee keeps landing on national "best places to retire" lists. The location is hard to beat; you're minutes from the beach, close to Jacksonville and St. Augustine, and surrounded by trails, dining, and more amenities than most people use in a year.

But for buyers over 55, Nocatee has another layer: three distinct age-restricted communities, each with a very different personality. Choosing between them isn't just about price or square footage. It's about how you want your day-to-day life to feel.

Here's an honest, side-by-side look at all three.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra (Riverwood)

Del Webb Ponte Vedra, sometimes called Riverwood, is the original 55+ community in Nocatee, and it's the largest Del Webb in all of Northeast Florida. It's been around since 2007, so the landscaping is mature, the social scene is well-established, and the community has a settled, country-club kind of feel.

The Anastasia Club is the centerpiece. At nearly 40,000 square feet, it includes an indoor heated pool and spa, a resort-style outdoor pool, a full fitness center, a grand ballroom, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and the Sawgrass Café. There's a full-time Lifestyle Director and Fitness Director on site, and with over 35 active resident clubs, you'll have no trouble filling your calendar.

Because this community is fully built out, all homes are resale. You'll find single-family homes, carriage homes, and condos. The original homes have concrete tile roofs; most of the rest have asphalt shingle. Lot views include lake, preserve, and standard home-to-home.

One thing worth knowing: this is one of the few Nocatee communities with a manned security gate.

Who it's best for

Buyers who want a large, highly social community that already feels full of life. If you want a busy activities calendar, a resort-level clubhouse, and neighbors who are genuinely engaged, this is probably your fit.

Trade-offs

Homes can sit closer together. Floor plans skew older. And because the community is large and well-amenitized, fees can be higher.

Learn more about Del Webb Ponte Vedra

Del Webb Nocatee

Del Webb Nocatee is the newer sibling on Del Webb Ponte Vedra, and it shows. Everything feels more modern. There's open floor plans, higher ceilings, updated finishes. It's smaller and a bit quieter than Del Webb Ponte Vedra, which is either a pro or a con depending on what you're after.

The Canopy Club opened in late 2021 and includes a zero-entry resort pool with lap lanes, a fitness studio, pickleball courts, and an onsite Tavern & Grill with private wine lockers. Like the older Del Webb, there's a full-time Lifestyle Director planning weekly events, clubs, and classes.

Del Webb Nocatee is now sold out for new construction. Del Webb is directing buyers to their newer Del Webb Saint Johns community nearby. That means if you want to live here, you're looking at resale homes only. Inventory can be limited.

Residents get access to both the Canopy Club amenities and the full Nocatee master-plan amenities (trails, kayak launch, splash park, dog parks, fitness center, and community events).

Who it's best for

Buyers who want a newer, more modern home in a slightly quieter setting, but still want the Del Webb social infrastructure. Great for people who don't want to deal with a construction timeline.

Trade-offs

Smaller community means the social scene is less established than Del Webb Ponte Vedra. Resale inventory can be tight.

Learn more about Del Webb Ponte Vedra

Artisan Lakes

Artisan Lakes is the smallest and most boutique of the three. With just 196 homes, it has a much more intimate feel. Most homesites back up to preserve, lakes, or park space, so you get more privacy and a quieter setting than either Del Webb community.

The clubhouse is smaller but well-appointed. It has a zero-entry pool with an infinity edge, fitness center, pickleball, bocce ball, and a putting green. It's not trying to compete with the Anastasia Club's 40,000 square feet. Instead, it's focused on quality of space and a more relaxed pace.

Because Artisan Lakes sits within Nocatee, residents still get full access to the Nocatee master-plan amenities; Town Center shopping and dining, Splash Water Park, fitness trails, kayak launch, dog parks, and community events. You're not giving up convenience; you're just coming home to a quieter street.

Who it's best for:

Buyers who want more space, more privacy, and a calmer day-to-day — but still want all the perks of living in Nocatee. Particularly good for people who are less interested in a packed social calendar and more interested in design quality, outdoor views, and a small-neighborhood feel.

Trade-offs:

Fewer organized social activities compared to Del Webb. Smaller community means less built-in programming.

Learn more about Artisan Lakes

Quick Comparison

What All Three Communities Share

No matter which one you choose, you're still living in Nocatee, which means:

• Golf cart-friendly streets and pathways throughout the community
• Access to the Nocatee Town Center (Publix, restaurants, shops, pharmacy)
• Over 40 miles of trails for walking, biking, and running
• Splash Water Park, dog parks, kayak launch, and community events year-round
• Minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach, with easy access to Jacksonville and St. Augustine via I-95 and US-1
• St. Johns County schools for visiting grandchildren. Consistently rated among the best in Florida
• Nearby healthcare at Baptist Medical Center South, Flagler Hospital, and UF Health Jacksonville

Frequently Asked Questions

How many 55+ communities are in Nocatee?

‍There are three: Del Webb Ponte Vedra (Riverwood), Del Webb Nocatee, and Artisan Lakes. All three are gated and offer access to Nocatee's master-plan amenities.

Is Del Webb Nocatee still building new homes?

‍No. Del Webb Nocatee is sold out for new construction. Del Webb is directing new buyers to Del Webb Saint Johns, a nearby community. Homes in Del Webb Nocatee are available on resale.

What's the difference between Del Webb Ponte Vedra and Del Webb Nocatee?

‍Del Webb Ponte Vedra is the older, larger community (~1,900 homes, built 2007–2020) with a 40,000 sq ft clubhouse and a very active social scene. Del Webb Nocatee is newer and smaller (~700+ homes, built starting 2019) with more modern floor plans and a 22,000 sq ft clubhouse.

What are HOA fees like in Nocatee's 55+ communities?

‍Fees vary by community and home type. All three communities are in CDD (Community Development District) zones, which means you'll pay a CDD assessment in addition to HOA dues. Your total monthly cost typically covers lawn maintenance, amenity access, gated security, and common area upkeep. Contact us for current fee breakdowns.

Can I use a golf cart in Nocatee?

‍Yes. Nocatee is golf cart-friendly, and many residents use them daily to get to the Town Center, trails, and amenity areas.

Thinking About 55+ Living in Nocatee?

Each of these communities has a different personality, and the right one depends on what your ideal day looks like, not just what's on the spec sheet. The Lisa Barton Team has helped dozens of buyers find the right fit in Nocatee's 55+ neighborhoods. We know these communities inside and out.

Schedule a call with our team or download our free, private MLS App of Ponte Vedra and Nocatee to search available homes, updated faster than Zillow, with no third-party data sharing.