Satsuma offers small-town living on the St. John’s River
Satsuma is a rural community that gives buyers access to many single-family homes and outdoor attractions along the St. Johns River. Named for the type of citrus trees that grew in the area, Satsuma maintains a rural feel with plenty of vegetation and access to the river. “It's an outdoorsy place. Dunns Creek branches right off in Satsuma and connects to Crescent Lake,” says Christopher Fields, a broker associate with iHeart Realty Inc., who has been selling for over 15 years. “The St. John’s River [is] the [main] waterway for boating, fishing and going to the restaurants up and down the river. It draws quite a lot of people to this particular spot.”
A variety of housing options are available with low HOA presence
Homes in Satsuma can vary from manufactured to ranch-style and New Traditionals. The median price is $235,000, lower than the national and state medians. However, costs can vary wildly from $100,000 to $800,000 depending on size, location and condition. Some housing can even reach the $1 million range. Fields also says that HOA activity is low.
Properties inland are typically on gridded streets with smaller lots along with live oaks and palm trees accenting lawns. Housing along the St. John’s River and other waterways can have private docks.
Fields says that the locale has attracted a mix of retirees wanting to live on the water and those attracted to the lower-priced housing. However, families and those seeking vacation homes have also been buying property in Satsuma. “Putnam County has a lot of eyes on it right now. We’re really growing as we’ve been discovered,” says Fields.
Putnam County School District for public school students
Students can attend the Putnam County School District, rated C-plus on Niche. Pupils can start at Browning-Pierce Elementary, also graded C-plus. They can finish at Palatka Junior/Senior High School, which earns a B-minus and has career courses in agriscience, animal science and aerospace technology.
The river, state parks and racing are the backbone of fun
The St. Johns River runs along Satsuma's western and northern borders and has plenty of fishing and boating space. The 6,200-acre Dunns Creek State Park has trails, horseback riding and a canoe and kayak launch. The Murphy Creek Conservation Area also has trails, fishing spots and camping locations. Just Add Dirt Motorsports hosts a variety of dirt track races and car events. Downtown Palatka's attractions are 11 miles north.
Dining on U.S. 17 Highway and on the water, more options in Palatka
Most dining locations are on U.S. Highway 17. Mema’s Family Restaurant serves sandwiches, burgers and breakfast items. Chico’s Mexican Restaurant serves classics from South of the Border. Gnarly Gnar Marina & Bar, along the river, has been in Satsuma since the 1960s and offers live music.
U.S. 17 also has several convenience stores and a Dollar General. Palatka has more big-box retailers and grocery stores.
Weather risks in Satsuma
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there is a risk of flooding for locations both along the river and inland. Hurricanes and other storms can be factors, but Putnam County maintains a warning system.
U.S. 17 is the main link to airports further away
Satsuma does not have any public transit links and is car-dependent. U.S. 17 connects to Palatka and to DeLand, 46 miles south. Northeast Florida Regional Airport is 38 miles northeast, while Daytona Beach International is 58 miles southeast. HCA Florida Putnam Hospital is 15 miles north.
