Top Waterfront Neighborhoods in Central and North Florida

Ponte Vedra Beach | Josh Moore

The allure of the waterfront lifestyle in Florida is undeniable. Countless scenic communities house charming neighborhoods surrounded by scenic waterways. Let’s look at some of the most breathtaking waterfront neighborhoods in North and Central Florida.

Seven Pines

Seven Pines covers over 1,000 acres in Jacksonville, including multiple lakes. A vibrant village center is in development, and residents benefit from close proximity to Seven Pines’s scenic lakes, parks, and trails available for exploration. The stylish and expansive homes there seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach, situated near Jacksonville, serves as an affluent suburban oasis with opulent mansions along the water. This expansive seaside community encompasses some of the premier beaches in North Florida and is home to TPC Sawgrass, a renowned golf course that annually hosts THE PLAYERS Championship, a prestigious PGA tournament. 

Ponte Vedra Beach | Michelle Cencich

Sunset Inlet

Sunset Inlet, a stunning neighborhood in the scenic coastal town of Beverly Beach, embodies the appeal of the Central Florida lifestyle. Located within a protected inlet, this luxurious community is ideal for boating enthusiasts, ensuring effortless access to and from the water with 31 private boat slips for residents. In addition to exclusive beach access and an on-site boardwalk, residents are also just minutes from premier golf courses. 

Anastasia Island

Anastasia Island sits alongside St. Augustine, one of North Florida’s most popular communities for a vacation. The small barrier island is renowned for its pristine beaches, and it houses the Fort Matanzas National Monument, a relic from the Spanish colonial past dating back to the 1700s. While relatively small, the residential community comprises numerous appealing houses amid scenic forests, mere steps away from the water.

Anastasia Island | barbara bish

Riverside

Riverside, one of Jacksonville’s most desirable neighborhoods, distinguishes itself as a vibrant and densely populated urban waterfront community. This charming and upscale district has museums, markets, and premium restaurants, all set against the backdrop of the St. Johns River. Beyond its allure as a shopping haven with many waterfront boutiques, Riverside also treats visitors to pleasant green spaces, including scenic parks with trails. There is an abundance of real estate options in Riverside, including high-end condominiums and stylish homes. 

Lake Nona

While Orlando isn’t a coastal community, there are plenty of waterfront neighborhoods around the city, including Lake Nona. This scenic, master-planned hub is the fastest-growing neighborhood in Orlando. Lake Nona boasts an array of home options, including apartments, bungalows, and stately detached houses. Residents can leisurely stroll through Lake Nona’s gorgeous parkland or explore over 1,000 acres of lakes and waterways that grace this picturesque neighborhood.