Madeira in St. Augustine

Madeira is a gated community on the north side of St. Augustine, with single-family homes, lakes and marshland surroundings. It belongs on the shortlist if you want to stay connected to historic St. Augustine while comparing newer homes and distinctive homesites.

Location and everyday life

Think through the trips you make most often: groceries, appointments, the beach and evenings downtown. Madeira’s location offers access to St. Augustine, but a short distance on a map does not guarantee a short drive during busy periods. Drive your likely routes at the times you would actually use them before choosing a home.

Homes, builders and homesites

The community website lists AR Homes, Toll Brothers, ICI Homes, Dostie Homes and MasterCraft. That is a starting point for research, not a promise that each builder has available homes or lots today. Compare current new construction with resales, and ask which builder and warranty apply to the specific property.

A marsh outlook, a pond view and a preserve boundary create different ownership considerations. Walk the actual homesite. Review the survey, drainage, easements, setbacks and permitted improvements. If a pool, screened enclosure or larger outdoor living area matters, confirm feasibility before signing, not after choosing finishes.

Amenities and community character

Published builder information describes a clubhouse, pool and fitness center. Visit the amenities and ask about current access, operating rules, guest policies and any additional charges. Madeira may appeal if your priorities are a gated setting and proximity to St. Augustine. Buyers looking for the scale of recreation found in a larger master-planned community should compare it with Nocatee, RiverTown and Shearwater.

HOA and CDD: two separate costs

Madeira has both an HOA and a community development district. The HOA manages association responsibilities and rules; the CDD has a separate budget and assessments. Do not assume one payment includes the other.

Request the current adopted CDD assessment schedule and match it to the exact property. Start with the official community document library for HOA and district contacts. Request current HOA dues and transaction-specific association documents. Builder fee examples are useful background, but they are not a closing cost quote.

Ask whether there are separate neighborhood charges, transfer or capital contributions, pending assessments or maintenance responsibilities specific to the home. Compare annual ownership costs, not just the mortgage and advertised base price.

Questions worth asking before you buy

• What can be built on this exact lot, including a pool or enclosure?

• Which environmental or phase-specific restrictions apply?

• What flood zone, elevation and insurance costs apply to the property?

• What are the current HOA dues, CDD assessments and one-time closing charges?

• For a resale, what warranties transfer and what maintenance is due?

• For a new build, what is included, what costs extra and what happens if completion shifts?

Madeira’s community document library includes environmental and pool-related materials. Review the documents for the correct phase and lot with the appropriate professionals. A neighboring home’s improvements are not proof that the same work is permitted on yours.

Is Madeira the right fit?

Start here if gated living, St. Augustine access and a carefully chosen homesite are high priorities. Compare alternatives if you want a different commute, a wider amenity program or a different total ownership cost. The right answer depends on the property as much as the community name.

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Sources and updates

Madeira community and builders; community documents; AR Homes amenities and published fee reference. Sources reviewed October 31, 2026. Availability, fees and rules can change. Request current property-specific documents.