Realtor Amanda Houser’s Guide to Affordable Waterfront Living at RiverTown

Sounds like an oxymoron, right? From the premium list prices to the continuous maintenance, waterfront living is typically anything but affordable. What is there was a compromise to enjoy the waterfront lifestyle without the added cost and maintenance? One of my favorite waterfront communities does just that and is located right here in St Johns County: RiverTown.

RiverTown is a Mattamy Homes development and is the only master planned riverfront community in St Johns County. The development was originally started by the St Joe Group right before the big “market crash”. Like many other communities in NE Florida, building slowed to a crawl post-crash. Mattamy Homes purchased RiverTown in the Spring of 2014 and has been spending lots of capital on research and development to ensure this community capitalizes on its name sake, the St Johns River, and maintains that old Florida charm.

RiverTown is projected to house over 4,500 homes upon completion and is currently called “home” to approximately 125 St Johns County residents. The development has in place an amenity center, The River House, with expansive porches and views of the St Johns River, a resort-style pool, a heated lap pool, water slide, tennis courts, fitness center, yoga studio, several play parks, a 50-acre Riverfront park including jogging trails, a fishing pier, and event lawns! A new entrance to the community onto Longleaf Pine Parkway is currently underway and rumored to be completed by Spring 2016.

Driving into the community from the picturesque State Road 13 is like driving back in time. This community truly is a “front porch” community that was influenced by Southern neighborhoods of years past. The homes in the Main Street section feature rear-loaded garages and expansive front porches. RiverTown is an extremely active community from monthly farmers markets and food truck rallies to the fall chili cook-off and spring fling. There are events bringing together neighbors and nature almost weekly.

RiverTown is currently zoned for all A-rated schools including Hickory Creek Elementary, Switzerland Point Middle, and Bartram Trail High School. There is land reserved in the community for two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school (Bartram Trail which has already been built). The community athletic fields have been completed and are already in use by area sports groups.

RiverTown recently welcomed Mastercraft Builder Group and Landon Homes to build out the remaining lots in the Main Street section of RiverTown. Both Mastercraft Builder Group and Landon Homes have broken ground on their model homes which are slated to be completed prior to Fall 2015.

Landon Homes is a locally owned and operated Jacksonville builder. They offer a personal, hands-on approach to building that is rarity in the modern world of new construction. Landon homes will feature floor plans from 1705-2928 square feet with pricing offered between $250K-$330K. Lot premiums are reasonably priced and range from $0-$12,000. The standard features included in the price of the home are comparable to other St Johns County new construction communities.

Mastercraft Builder Group is also a locally owned and operated builder native to St Johns County known for their quality of construction and generous standard features. They will feature floor plans from 1470-2713 square feet with pricing offered between $205K-$350 and lot premiums are, again, reasonably priced between $0-$10,000.

Remember when dealing with new construction homes that you should utilize a Realtor® with experience in new construction. They can help you navigate the contract and ensure timelines given are realistic and are met. Should any issues arise you want to know you have your own representation that is experienced with this type of real estate. Call Amanda Houser, Realtor® at 904-466-0092 to schedule an appointment today to view the available new construction homes in St Johns County! For more new construction updates follow Amanda’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/amandasellsjax