Windward Ranch

Windward Ranch, a distinctive community in central St. Johns County, Florida, offers a remarkable residential experience. Located in St. Augustine, this gated community revolves around its connection to the natural landscape and its meticulously planned amenities. The presence of a homeowners association ensures that common areas and landscaping are expertly managed.

Thoughtful integration with nature defines the unique appeal of Windward Ranch homes for sale. Its 580 residences on lots ranging from 63 to 73 feet wide create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. A significant portion of these homes back onto serene wooded conservation lands, while others offer picturesque views of one of the nine tranquil lakes thoughtfully spread throughout the neighborhood.

Windward Ranch offers a plethora of amenities and activities for its residents. The central amenity center boasts a resort-style swimming pool with a zero-entry design and a covered patio perfect for events. Residents can stay active at the fitness center, engage in friendly competition on the basketball and pickleball courts, and enjoy a game on the mini-golf course. People of all ages enjoy the on-site outdoor pavilions, parks, and playgrounds.

The Windward Ranch community also offers social gatherings and recreational opportunities at the fitness center, pool, and mini golf course. In addition to these amenities, the location of Windward Ranch homes for sale provides residents with easy access to local retail, restaurants, top-rated St. Johns County schools, and nearby attractions like I-95, the outlet mall, and historic downtown St. Augustine.

Windward Ranch is situated within the St. Johns County School District. Students residing in Windward Ranch are typically zoned for Mill Creek Academy (an elementary and middle school) and St. Augustine High School. The former is about five miles west of Windward Ranch, whereas St. Augustine High is about eight miles east of the community.

For those pursuing higher education, St. Johns River State College has campuses nearby in St. Augustine and Palatka, offering associate degrees and workforce training programs. The University of North Florida is located a reasonable distance north in Jacksonville, providing a comprehensive university experience.

The area surrounding Windward Ranch offers extensive opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and immersion in natural landscapes. The community is bordered by beautiful wooded conservation lands and features nine lakes, providing a sense of natural tranquility outside your door. Beyond the immediate community, a network of well-kept parks invites further exploration for those residing in Windward Ranch homes for sale.

Mill Creek Park provides active recreational space with athletic fields and open areas. Heritage Oak Park offers a more serene setting, characterized by mature oak trees and open green spaces. For a deeper connection with nature, the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area, located a short drive away, presents a substantial natural preserve for exploration. During a peaceful walk or bike ride, you might spot deer, otters, American alligators, and many bird species.

Ford’s Garage St. Augustine, located in the World Golf Village area, offers a unique automotive-themed dining experience with vintage car parts and gas pumps adorning its interior. Tacos Queen, a local favorite, specializes in authentic Mexican street tacos, crafted with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

For those seeking elevated dining with a focus on specific cooking methods, Rustica Earth Sea and Fire brings a sophisticated approach to its menu. Simone’s Wood Fired Craft Kitchen also emphasizes the art of wood-fired cooking, offering artisanal pizzas and other creative dishes that showcase the richness of flame-cooked ingredients in a crafted setting. A more rustic and distinctive option, Outback Crab Shack, offers an authentic taste of Florida's casual seafood scene.

Shopping options near real estate in Windward Ranch are abundant, with several well-appointed retail centers within a short drive. The Shoppes at Mill Creek offers a readily available destination for daily necessities and convenient services. Similarly, Town Center West provides another accessible shopping hub. Further enhancing the local retail landscape is the Shoppes at Murabella. This neighborhood center serves the surrounding communities with diverse retail outlets, often including a grocery store, local shops, and quick-bite restaurants.

The St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, a premier open-air lifestyle mall, is a short drive north for more extensive shopping trips. This expansive destination boasts a wide selection of luxury retailers, well-known department stores, and distinctive boutiques, ensuring residents of Windward Ranch homes for sale have access to comprehensive shopping opportunities.

While real estate in Windward Ranch offers a peaceful residential atmosphere, options for evening entertainment are accessible in the surrounding St. Johns County and Jacksonville areas. Across St. Johns County, you will discover a rich tapestry of live music venues and bars. Downtown St. Augustine offers a charming historical backdrop for evening activities, with vibrant streets featuring lively pubs. Venues like Prohibition Kitchen and Colonial Oak Music Park often showcase local talent.

Ponte Vedra Beach, also within St. Johns County, contributes upscale options like Pusser's Bar & Grille, which often features live music on its upper deck with waterfront views, and 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop, known for its panoramic Atlantic vistas and Saturday live music. Further north, Jacksonville's Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods provide a more eclectic nightlife scene.

Windward Ranch comprises 580 homes situated on lots ranging from 63 to 73 feet wide. The properties appeal to those seeking modern living within a naturally beautiful setting. Builders like Lennar Homes have focused on crafting homes with high-end details.

Features such as paver driveways and 42-inch kitchen cabinets indicate a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Homes typically offer two to five bedrooms and two to four bathrooms, with square footage ranging from 1,544 to 3,427 square feet. These homes were primarily built between 2015 and 2021. The appeal of Windward Ranch homes for sale is further enhanced by access to the community's amenity center, which includes a swimming pool, a fitness center, a playground, and a mini golf course.