Artisan Lakes

Pros

• The 55+ community is excellent.
• It is a wonderful neighborhood.
• Residents enjoy living there.
• The amenity center is wonderful and offers opportunities to meet others.
• The community is beautiful.
• The community is gorgeous.
• The community is very nice and newer, with a great pool and amenities center.
• It is great for older residents to retire and relax.
• The properties are great.
• The houses are amazing.
• The architecture and use of space are praised (best architecture and use of space in Nocatee).

Cons

• The bar staff were unfriendly and seemed to resent visitors.
• Cell service was poor, reportedly due to insulation blocking reception in the homes.
• There was poor craftsmanship with numerous defects, making the punch list tedious.
• Move-in cleanliness was lacking; the place felt dirty and had no professional cleaning.
• Paint work was rough, patchy, and bumpy, requiring sanding and repainting.
• Crown molding corners were left with gaps and had to be sealed later.
• Leaks were coming through the master shower ceiling.
• Bathtubs were plastic and cheap, not ceramic.
• Caveat Emptor: buyers should beware.

Review

Tucked into the far southeast corner of Duval County, this 55+ community sits just a few hundred feet from the St. John's County line, offering a mix of new construction and resale homes that keeps the area lively and accessible. Many residents describe it as an excellent 55-and-over environment, with all new homes clearly marketed as sold and resales generally priced quite reasonably for the neighborhood. The overall impression from several folks is that the neighborhood is beautiful, with a warm, well-kept appeal that suits a retirement lifestyle focused on comfort and peaceful living. People who move here often highlight the strong sense of community, the well-regarded amenity center, and the opportunities to meet neighbors and participate in activities.

The mood in the community leans toward a mature, older demographic, with many comments noting that it's very much tailored to retirees and those seeking a quieter, more settled environment. A number of residents describe the atmosphere as beautiful and inviting, with phrases like "gorgeous community" and "amazing houses" echoing through the conversations. Several reviews also praise the architectural use of space and the overall appearance of homes, with some even calling out the overall design as among the best in the area. The sentiment is reinforced by positive notes about the new-home experience, suggesting that those who prefer modern builds and newer layouts will feel right at home.

Amenities are repeatedly highlighted as a major draw. The amenity center is described as wonderful, with ample opportunities to meet neighbors and engage in social activities. Several reviews specifically call out the pool and common facilities as standout features, painting a picture of a community that makes it easy to relax, socialize, and enjoy a resort-like lifestyle at your doorstep. For many, this aspect alone justifies the move, especially for those who want a built-in social framework without having to seek it out actively.

However, there are some dim spots in the experience that prospective buyers should weigh carefully. One recurring thread is the experience at the clubhouse bar, where a resident's visit left them feeling like they were bothering staff and that the service wasn't particularly welcoming. While this appears to be an isolated incident in the notes, it is memorable enough to color some conversations about the social life on site. On a broader note, several people mention that the community's bar and club facilities don't always exude the warmth one might expect from an active 55+ setting, which can be a disappointment for those hoping for a consistently friendly social hub.

Cell service is another notable concern that crops up across multiple comments. Residents report that cellular reception inside homes is poor, with insulation cited as a likely culprit blocking signals. A few neighbors corroborate the sentiment, noting that there are only a couple of pockets inside houses where calls can be made, and that guests often have to step outside to complete conversations. In today's connected world, that level of trouble can be a real hindrance, especially for guests or family trying to stay in touch or manage remote work while visiting or living in the community.

On the construction side, the sentiments swing toward caution. A strong caveat emptor message appears in several reviews, driven by reports of craftsmanship issues in new homes. One resident moved in this year and encountered a raft of defects they described in detail: spacers left in a wood porcelain tile floor that were grouted over and later corrected, leaks in the master shower, noticeable dirt and poor cleaning at move-in, rough and patchy interior painting that required sanding and rework, crown molding gaps that had to be sealed, and later touch-ups as the resident took on painting tasks to finish the job. The bathtubs themselves were described as plastic and cheap compared with ceramic options, a detail that mattered to buyers seeking durability and a premium feel. The comparison to a prior experience - building a home in Weston in 2000 where issues were far fewer - adds to the sense that this community's finish quality may not consistently match expectations set by past experiences.

Despite the construction concerns, there is still a strong sense of pride and enthusiasm about new homes in the area. Some reviews emphasize the freshness and appeal of newer builds, the quality of the properties, and the perception that the overall design and layout are well thought out. Several comments celebrate "great properties," "amazing houses," and overall beauty, suggesting that if the finishing details can be addressed, the community holds substantial appeal. A few reviewers even highlight the architecture and space management as standout advantages, underscoring that the success of this community hinges on balancing aesthetic and functional design with a higher standard of craftsmanship.

In sum, this 55+ community presents a compelling mix of advantages and caveats. For retirees seeking a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing neighborhood with a robust amenity center and ample social opportunities, the location and concept are highly attractive. The newer homes and resales offer value and modern designs that many residents appreciate. Yet the experience is not without friction: inconsistent club-level service, spotty cell reception, and notable workmanship concerns in some new homes temper the overall appeal. For prospective buyers, the decision to move here will likely hinge on personal priorities - whether the social vibrancy and resort-like amenities outweigh the potential hassles of finish quality and the practical realities of limited cell coverage. If you prioritize a strong sense of community and a serene, age-targeted environment, this could be an excellent fit; if you demand flawless finishes and consistently warm hospitality, it may be worth probing further before making a commitment.

This area of Ponte Vedra, Florida, offers a convenient and well-rounded community for senior living. With multiple places of worship nearby, including St John Paul II Catholic Church and Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church, residents can easily continue their religious practices. There are also several reputable physicians and medical facilities in the vicinity, such as Baptist Primary Care and Nemours Jax South Office, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. A variety of dining options like South Kitchen & Spirits and Canopy Road Cafe provide a range of culinary experiences, while pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy make medication management hassle-free. For leisure activities, Cinemark Durbin Park And Xd theater is close by for entertainment. Overall, this area provides a mix of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Places of Worship

• St John Paul II Catholic Church (0.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church (6.6 miles)
• Holy Family Catholic School (9.6 miles)
• St Joseph's Catholic Church (10 miles)
• Cody Family Enrichment Center (10.1 miles)

Physicians

• Barnhorst Eye Associat (1.5 miles)
• Baptist Primary Care (4 miles)
• Pediatics Associates Of Jacksonville (5.1 miles)
• Nemours Jax South Office (5.3 miles)
• St John's Expresscare (5.6 miles)
• Walk in Medical Care (5.6 miles)
• Baptist Primary Care (6 miles)

Restaurants

• South Kitchen & Spirits (1.7 miles)
• Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill (3.2 miles)
• Canopy Road Cafe (5 miles)
• Lemongrass Thai Bistro (5.2 miles)
• Waffle House (5.4 miles)
• Applebee's (5.8 miles)
• McDonald's (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Bluebird Pharmacy and Spa (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (5.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (6.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.6 miles)
• Walgreens (6.7 miles)
• Walgreens (7.2 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Durbin Park And Xd (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.7 miles)
• Joint Bagel Co. (7.9 miles)
• Starbucks (8 miles)
• Starbucks (8.3 miles)
• Starbucks (9.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Baptist Medical Center South (6 miles)
• Baptist South hospital (8.9 miles)

Transportation

• Hertz Rent A Car (7.1 miles)

Parks

• Palencia Park (7.7 miles)
• Dolphin Cove Dog Park (8.5 miles)
• Losco Regional Park (8.8 miles)
• Aberdeen Park (9.3 miles)
• South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground (10.1 miles)
• Losco Park (10.2 miles)