Nocatee vs. Shearwater for Family w/teenagers (HOA, homes) - Jacksonville - Florida (FL) - City-Data Forum

JJQPB · 03-24-2018, 06:08 PM

Hi, We are looking to move from the Carolinas and are looking at these 2 neighborhoods, Nocatee & Shearwater. We are most interested in finding a neighborhood where there are some other teenagers and where the kids won't feel like the "new kids" on the block because everyone grew up together. I'm hoping to hear from other parents of teenagers who live in one of these neighborhoods or are knowledgeable and can give some advice on each of these neighborhoods. I have read that there are several young families with younger kids but there isn't much from parents with older kids. Thank you!

Thundarr457 · 03-25-2018, 08:28 AM

Since both communities are new you will find many other families that have just moved there and looking to make friends as well. Its a matter of personal preference. Nocatee is more established and you know what you are getting whereas Shearwater is newer and much smaller and cheaper. Come down and visit and see which appeals to you. I would suspect you will prefer Nocatee because its more built out. All these new communities are similar with a community center with varying amounts of amenities. They are try to have a "gimmick" to lure you there. Nocatee has a huge center with a Publix, doctors, restaurants, a couple of pools, trails, gas station and more being added. Shearwater has an amenity center but not a lot there. There is also Beachwalk being developed nearby with its own lake, Rivertown which on the St Johns River and Markland. It all comes down to what you are looking for. There will be more teenagers in Nocatee since its much larger and has been there longer. Make sure before you buy because resales in these new communities are difficult. Good luck.

CarolinaHopefuls · 03-25-2018, 10:45 AM

Both are similar - master planned communities with homes on top of each other. Shearwater has sections that do better with lot sizes. If that doesn’t matter to you, make sure you are aware of CDD fees for both, how they compare to amenities if that appeals to you and then go from there.

Thundarr457 · 03-26-2018, 02:01 PM

http://www.city-data.com/forum/jacks...in-creeks.html

Here is a link to a thread that discusses numerous planned communities in St Johns

DJShay · 03-15-2019, 10:14 AM

My husband and I are relocating and considering a few neighborhoods as we have two young active boys. Has anything been built surrounding Shearwater? Thoughts on Nocatee vs. Beachwalk?

Thundarr457 · 03-15-2019, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJShay

My husband and I are relocating and considering a few neighborhoods as we have two young active boys. Has anything been built surrounding Shearwater? Thoughts on Nocatee vs. Beachwalk?

Shearwater is still a bit far out for any major commercial enterprises to be locating in. You have the new Durbin mega shopping center 10-15 minutes away. We did not care for Beachwalk since the most desirable homes that are adjacent to the lake are very pricey and the availability is very limited. The monthly fees are steep IMHO for what you get: 550/month including club fees, CDD, HOA etc. Nocatee is more of a known quantity and a safer bet because at least you know what you are getting. If you love the lake at Beachwalk by all means consider it. I would definitely plan a visit to see firsthand.

Gromicide · 03-16-2019, 07:42 AM

I think Nocatee offers more due to the size and surrounding areas. In Shearwater, if your boys want to venture a little further out on their bikes or what not they can't really. In Nocatee, the pedestrian paths run all through for miles with shops and parks etc...I let my kids bike to parks, gas station for an icee, sub shop for lunch. I liked Shearwater but didn't think there was enough amenity potential to make it worth the CDD fees.