World Golf Village
A comprehensive master-planned community undergoing a structural transformation from a global tourism destination into a thriving, multi-functional suburban core.
From Global Tourism to Suburban Hub
Originally conceptualized in the early 1990s as a global destination for golf enthusiasts, World Golf Village spans approximately 2,700 acres of protected nature preserve within a broader 6,300-acre master plan. The original $300 million vision was centered on the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. However, the late 2010s and early 2020s marked a shift, leading to the relocation of the Hall of Fame and PGA Tour Productions.
The current historical phase is defined by the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners’ strategic $5.5 million acquisition of the World Golf Foundation’s remaining assets in April 2024. This move secured public control over the area’s central architecture, paving the way for a comprehensive revisioning from an attraction-based destination into a vibrant, community-centric core with proposals like "Golftopia" or medical-anchored mixed-use campuses pending.
Curated Communities for Every Lifestyle
World Golf Village is not a monolithic development but a collection of over 20 distinct neighborhoods offering a unique structural profile:
Heritage Landing
A family-centric development known for its large-scale amenity center including a beach-entry pool. Features 1,154 homesites (HOA & CDD).
The Cascades
A premier 55+ active adult community emphasizing a maintenance-free lifestyle. Monthly HOA fees include lawn care with NO CDD assessments.
MuraBella
Highly desired for its resort-style amenities and immediate proximity to the MuraBella shopping district along the SR 16 corridor.
Luxury Condominiums
Options like La Fontana and Isles of the World provide luxury multi-family living with minimal maintenance and proximity to the Slammer & Squire golf course.
Regional Retail Powerhouse
While the internal core is in transition, the surrounding commercial corridors have evolved into significant regional hubs, particularly the World Commerce Center.
Major Anchors
- Costco: 152,000 sq ft facility.
- Buc-ee's: First in Florida (104 gas pumps).
- Bass Pro Shops & Home Depot
- Walmart Supercenter (in development near Tocoi Creek HS).
Dining & Specialty
- Chipotle, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A.
- CR 210 expansion: Kilwins, BurgerFi, Starbucks.
- Smalls Sliders planned east of I-95.
Governance & Financials
Varies by neighborhood (Bond & O&M). Verify bond payoff status.
Highly dependent on neighborhood structure (e.g. landscaping included).
General fund millage recently reduced to ~4.6537, offsetting rising valuations.
Education Hub
Infrastructure & Transit
- Direct proximity to I-95 and upcoming First Coast Expressway.
- JTA St. Johns Express Select shuttle for Jacksonville commuting.
- Baptist & Wolfson ER and Ascension St. Vincent's Health Campus.