Palm Valley is an unincorporated community in St. Johns County, right on the Atlantic Coast. It’s a sunny haven where residents expect to be able to enjoy the outdoors all year long. The area is home to about 22,000 people, and some residents consider it part of Ponte Vedra Beach. “We’re known for gorgeous beaches, amazing golf – pro and amateur – a terrific quality of life, great clubs and friendly people,” says Clare Berry, broker and owner of Berry & Co. Real Estate.
Palm Valley is a quiet area, far enough away from Interstate 95 that people don’t just stumble on it in passing. But its proximity to Jacksonville – less than 30 miles northwest – provides residents with easy access to museums, sports events and other big–city culture. Some residents also commute to Jacksonville for work. Jacksonville International is the nearest airport.
Open floor plans and windows to enjoy the sunshine
The median price in Palm Valley is about $730,000, much higher than the national median of nearly $400,000. Many properties have “beachy” vibes, with open floor plans and durable flooring to withstand sandy feet, Berry says. Most places feature lots of windows so people can enjoy the sunshine even while indoors. “There’s a lot of indoor-outdoor connectivity,” she says. Two-bedroom condos can sell for around $250,000, while luxury homes with private deep-water access along the Intercoastal Waterway or near the ocean can sell upwards of $3 million.
An A-rated district with a career academy model
Palm Valley is served by the St. Johns County School District, which has an A on Niche. The district offers career academies and “programs of choice” at its high schools, for which students can apply to attend. Academies include focuses on hospitality and tourism, engineering, biotechnology and law. Other programs include arts, early college and JROTC options.
The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass and other community events
One of the area’s biggest events is The Players Championship, held annually in March. The tournament is part of the PGA Tour and is held at TPC Sawgrass. The Ponte Vedra Auto Show is held in the fall, with more than 200 collector cars on display. Several regular fundraising events are also held throughout the year, including a tennis tournament benefitting breast cancer research. “It’s a very charity-centered community,” Berry says.
Interactive art and walking trails at local parks
In addition to the beaches, Palm Valley residents also enjoy the outdoors at a handful of parks in the community. Bird Island Park has a playground, boardwalk and interactive art sculptures. Cornerstone Park is a sports complex with baseball fields and basketball and tennis courts. DeLeon Shores Park has a dog park and skating area. Just south of Palm Valley, the Nocatee Preserve offers multiple trails for walking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Shopping and dining along A1A
Shopping and dining options, many locally owned, are plentiful along State Road A1A. Diners can find everything from French and Italian food to Indian and Mexican restaurants. The Sawgrass Village Shopping Center has a Publix grocery store, pharmacy and several boutiques and restaurants.
More to know about Palm Valley
Palm Valley is also just 10 miles from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus.
The area has moderate risk of flooding, according to the climate modeling website First Street. More than 90% of all properties in Palm Valley are at risk of flooding over the next 30 years. Hurricane season, which runs from June through November, brings an increased risk for severe weather.
According to data from the Florida Department of Health, St. John County’s violent crime rate in 2023 was less than half that of Florida.
Written By
Nour Habib
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Was this overview helpful?
Palm Valley by the Numbers
24,047
Population
49
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$855,000
Median Single Family Price$1,017,495
Average Price Per Sq Ft$400
Months Of Supply5
Demographics and Finance
Median Household Income$113K
Higher than National Average$71K
% Owners75%
Higher than National Average63%
College Graduates66%
Higher than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Palm Valley, FL
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Ocean Palms Elementary School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#2 Palm Valley Academy
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#3 Ponte Vedra Palm Valley - Rawlings Elementary School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#4 Seabreeze Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Alice B. Landrum Middle School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#2 Palm Valley Academy
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#3 Duncan U. Fletcher Middle School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 Allen D. Nease Senior High School
A
Niche
10
GreatSchools
#2 Ponte Vedra High School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#3 Duncan U. Fletcher High School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Private Schools
#1 Palmer Catholic Academy
#2 The Bolles School - Lower Ponte Vedra Beach Campus
I create VIP experiences buying and selling beautiful homes in the Ponte Vedra Beach area.
My personal attention and dedication to the families I help are what have earned me five star reviews. Superior communication, creative marketing and a global network help me sell your home quickly and/or find you your next one!
Would love to meet over coffee to chat about your real estate goals!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
