Is Sawgrass Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sawgrass

Sawgrass, Florida, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban tranquility, making it an appealing location for those seeking a refined lifestyle. Nestled within St. Johns County, this census-designated place (CDP) is part of the larger Jacksonville metropolitan area, providing residents with access to a thriving urban center while maintaining a distinct residential character. The community is renowned for its upscale atmosphere, largely influenced by its association with the prestigious TPC Sawgrass golf course, home to The Players Championship.

The demographics of Sawgrass paint a picture of an established and affluent community. With a median age significantly higher than the national average, it’s a place where many residents are established in their careers or enjoying retirement. This mature demographic is complemented by a high level of education and a strong median household income, reflecting the area’s desirability among professionals and those seeking a high quality of life. The community’s development history, beginning in the early 1970s, has shaped its landscape into a well-appointed residential area.

Is it Safe to Live in Sawgrass?

Sawgrass is recognized for its exceptional safety, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The community boasts a low incidence of both violent and property crimes, contributing to a high sense of security for its residents. This favorable safety profile is a key attraction for individuals and families prioritizing a secure living environment.

Violent crimes in Sawgrass are reported to be 81% lower than the national average, and the overall crime rate is 79% lower than the national average (as reported by Area Vibes). This low crime rate translates to a reduced risk of becoming a victim, with the chances of experiencing crime being approximately 1 in 229. Sawgrass is considered safer than 82% of cities in the United States, and crime has seen a 7% decrease year-over-year (as reported by Area Vibes).

Cost of Living and Housing in Sawgrass

The cost of living in Sawgrass is notably higher than the national and state averages, largely driven by its upscale real estate market. Housing prices, in particular, are substantially above Florida’s average, reflecting the desirability and exclusivity of the area. This elevated cost of living means that everyday expenses, including housing, groceries, and healthcare, tend to be higher.

The median home price in Sawgrass is approximately $1,000,489, which is 233.9% higher than the Florida average (as reported by Area Vibes). The home price-to-income ratio stands at 6, which is 42.9% higher than the Florida average (as reported by Area Vibes). For those looking to rent, the average rental price is around $5,241 per month, a figure that is higher than 98.3% of neighborhoods in Florida (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The real estate vacancy rate in Sawgrass is also substantial, at 45.2%, with a significant portion of these being seasonally occupied (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market Dynamics

The Sawgrass housing market is characterized by its high values and a somewhat competitive, though not intensely so, environment. The median sale price for a home in Sawgrass was $674,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 12.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell in about 65 days, a faster pace than the previous year’s average of 117 days (as reported by Redfin).

While the market is not extremely competitive, there are instances where homes may receive multiple offers, with sales occurring slightly below the list price. The area features a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes, with many residences built between 1970 and 1999, and a notable number constructed more recently (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Employment and Economic Landscape

Sawgrass presents a robust employment landscape, with a strong median household income and a low unemployment rate, indicating a healthy local economy. The primary industries supporting the workforce in Sawgrass include finance and insurance, which are prominent in the nearby Jacksonville area. The community’s residents are highly educated, with a significant percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.

The average annual salary in Sawgrass is approximately $39,314 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher median household income, reaching $122,500 in 2024 (as reported by Cubit Planning). The most common employment sectors for Sawgrass residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Finance & Insurance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations form the largest job group within the community (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Job Market

While specific major employers within Sawgrass itself are not detailed, the broader Jacksonville metropolitan area offers a diverse job market. Key industries in the region include finance, insurance, healthcare, and retail. Sawgrass International Corporate Park, located in nearby Sunrise, is a significant business hub, housing numerous corporate headquarters and regional offices, suggesting a strong presence of professional and corporate employment opportunities in the vicinity.

Companies like Walmart, Target, Amazon, Publix, and The Home Depot are among the major employers in the broader region, offering a wide range of employment opportunities (as reported by Indeed). The common industries for males and females in the area are finance and insurance, with many residents working in these sectors (as noted in the Wikipedia entry for Sawgrass).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Sawgrass experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters. The area receives a substantial amount of rainfall annually, with most of it concentrated during the summer months. The proximity to the coast influences its weather, providing a generally warm environment throughout the year.

Average annual precipitation in Sawgrass is around 53 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 89°F and lows in the mid-70s (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Sawgrass Climate). January is typically the coldest month, with average highs around 64°F and lows in the mid-40s (as reported by Sawgrass Climate).

Seasonal Weather Considerations

Summers in Sawgrass, from June to September, are hot and humid, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 84°F (as reported by Sawgrass Climate). These months also see the highest rainfall, with September being the wettest month, averaging around 7 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters, from December to March, are cooler and drier, with average daily highs below 69°F.

The period from mid-January to May and again from mid-October to December is considered the most comfortable time to visit or live in Sawgrass, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area generally experiences about 210 days per year with comfortable weather conditions.

Education and Schools

Sawgrass is served by public schools that are highly regarded, contributing to the community’s appeal, particularly for families. Sawgrass Elementary School, located in Sunrise, Florida, serves students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. This school has received a B+ rating from Niche and generally outperforms state and district averages in academic assessments (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger).

Sawgrass Elementary School is part of the Broward County School District, which is ranked among the top districts in Florida (as reported by SchoolDigger). While the school demonstrates strong academic performance, it has experienced higher-than-average chronic absenteeism rates in recent years (as reported by SchoolDigger). Despite this, the school has seen an increase in per-student spending, indicating investment in its educational resources.

Demographics and Community Profile

Sawgrass is home to a population that is characterized by its maturity, affluence, and high educational attainment. The median age in Sawgrass is notably high, with a significant portion of the population aged 65 and older. This demographic profile suggests a community that is well-established and may appeal to retirees or those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

The population of Sawgrass was 5,385 at the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age is around 59.0 years (as reported by Wikipedia). White residents make up the largest racial group, at 86% of the population (as reported by Cubit Planning). The median household income is approximately $119,349 (as reported by Wikipedia), with a substantial percentage of residents earning $200,000 or more annually (as reported by Wikipedia).

Population Trends and Lifestyle

Sawgrass has experienced population growth since the 2010 census, indicating its continued appeal as a residential location. The community is predominantly urban, with all residents living in urban areas (as reported by Wikipedia). A large majority of households are owner-occupied, reflecting a stable community where residents have invested in their homes.

The community is described as having a sparse suburban feel, with many residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). It is often noted that many retirees live in Sawgrass, and residents tend to be conservative (as reported by Niche). The area is considered one of the best places to live in Florida, offering a high quality of life and desirable amenities.