Here's the catch: true in-town waterfront listings in St. Marys are scarce. Most riverfront parcels downtown were platted in the 1700s and 1800s, sit inside the historic district, and rarely change hands. When they do, buyers often face aging systems and steep price tags.
This guide breaks down where waterfront living is actually available near St. Marys, clears up the "does it have a beach" question, and introduces new construction communities built along the same river system.
Key Takeaways
- In-town waterfront homes are historic, limited, and costly to renovate.
- NorthShore new homes sit directly on the St. Marys River, minutes from downtown.
- St. Marys is a river town; the beach is a short ferry ride to Cumberland Island.
- New homes meet flood-elevation codes that many older riverfront properties lack.
- Kings Bay Naval Base proximity makes this area popular with military families.
Are There Any Waterfront Properties in St. Marys, GA?
Yes, but the inventory is thin. St. Marys was laid out along the river in 1788, and its historic district covers roughly 230 acres that were designated by the city in 1976. Homes here include the Orange Hall (circa 1835) and the Collier Casey House (1874).
These properties don't come on the market often, and when they do, buyers usually inherit outdated plumbing, older roofing, and renovation restrictions tied to historic-district status.
Why Kingsland Is Worth a Look
Buyers who want river access without the historic-home headaches are turning to new construction just outside St. Marys city limits. Kingsland, GA shares the same St. Marys River system, and it's where Smith Family Homes built NorthShore, a gated community directly on the water.
Flood Zones Matter Here — Old or New
Camden County reports that approximately 35%, or 17,000 residents, live within the 100-year floodplain, and half the county's land is classified as wetlands. Before buying any waterfront property in the area, ask:
- What FEMA flood zone is the lot in: Zone A, AE, X, or a coastal zone?
- Is flood insurance required by your lender, and what's the estimated annual premium?
- Was the structure built to current Base Flood Elevation requirements?
Because riverfront inventory shifts fast, work with a local new construction specialist who tracks available lots in real time rather than relying on outdated listing sites.
Does St. Marys, Georgia Have a Beach?
Not directly. St. Marys sits on the river and salt marsh, not the open Atlantic. It's a river town first, and that's part of its charm — quiet water, fishing docks, and a walkable waterfront park instead of high-rise beach hotels.
That said, beach access isn't far. The Cumberland Island ferry departs from the St. Marys waterfront and takes visitors to the undeveloped Atlantic beaches of Cumberland Island National Seashore in under an hour.
If you want river living plus easy beach trips, consider these nearby options:
- Cumberland Island: reachable only by ferry from downtown St. Marys, with wild horses and miles of undeveloped shoreline.
- Amelia Island, Florida: just across the water, known for resort-style beaches.
- St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island: roughly an hour north, both popular Golden Isles destinations.
Buyers wanting that river backdrop can explore NorthShore in Kingsland, a gated community directly on the St. Marys River.
NorthShore: New Construction Homes Along the St. Marys River
NorthShore is Smith Family Homes' gated community set directly along the St. Marys River in Kingsland, just minutes from downtown St. Marys. It's built for buyers who want river scenery and a fresh, low-maintenance home instead of a fixer-upper.
What's Included
The community's current floor plan, the Gwinnett Plan, starts at $421,900 for 4,161 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms. Standard features include:
- Open-concept first floor with a kitchen, living room, breakfast area, formal dining, and office
- Granite countertops on the kitchen island with white cabinetry
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in first-floor common areas
- Stainless steel dishwasher, oven, and microwave
- Covered back porch on an 8,712-square-foot lot
Community Amenities
Beyond the home itself, NorthShore offers scenic river views, a community pool, a playground, a pond, and a walkable sidewalk system, all behind a gated entry.
Buyers can also personalize the Gwinnett Plan with optional upgrades, including a second-floor media room and a primary bath enhancement, giving more flexibility than a typical resale home allows.
Location adds another advantage: NorthShore sits about 25 minutes from Kings Bay Naval Base, making it a strong fit for military families relocating to the area. Smith Family Homes builds the same Gwinnett Plan at Settlers Hammock in Kingsland and Covington Pointe in Brunswick, and offers a 3% buyer's agent commission across all three communities.
Why New Construction Beats Older Waterfront Homes for Buyers
Building near a river means building smart. New homes go up under current flood-elevation and building codes, a real advantage over older riverfront properties constructed decades before those standards existed.
Maintenance costs tell the same story. A Census Bureau analysis of the 2021 American Housing Survey found that owners of homes built before 1950 spent a median $1,800 annually on upkeep. Recent buyers of those older homes spent even more: a median $3,900 in their first year alone. New construction buyers avoid that surprise expense curve.
Other advantages worth weighing:
- Predictable systems: new plumbing, roofing, and HVAC instead of decades-old infrastructure
- Fewer surprises: no inherited foundation issues or hidden repairs
- Personal choice: buyers select their own finishes instead of living with someone else's dated decisions
For waterfront-adjacent property specifically, that combination of code compliance and fresh systems matters more than it does for a typical inland home. NorthShore, on the St. Marys River, is built to these standards from day one.
Beyond the Water: Lifestyle Perks of Living Near St. Marys
Choosing a new construction home near St. Marys doesn't mean giving up the town's character — it's a short drive away.
Downtown offers Osborne Street's historic homes (including Orange Hall, circa 1835), oak-lined streets, and the Howard Gilman Waterfront Park boardwalk with its fishing pier and playground. For outdoor time, buyers have easy access to:
- The Cumberland Island ferry for beach and hiking day trips
- Crooked River State Park's 500 acres of maritime forest and marsh
- River fishing, paddling, and boat launches throughout the area
Beyond recreation, school quality is another key consideration for relocating families. Camden County's school district includes Camden County High School and Kingsland Elementary, both recognized as 2024-2025 Military Flagship Schools for military families.
This mix of small-town charm and easy river access draws a range of buyers. Kings Bay proximity is a major pull for military families relocating on orders, while first-time buyers priced out of downtown and retirees seeking low-maintenance water views round out the mix.
How to Buy: Working With a Local New Construction Specialist
Buying new construction works differently than buying resale. You're working through a builder contract, a construction timeline, and lot or upgrade selection rather than negotiating over an existing structure. A specialist who handles new construction daily can walk you through each step and flag what to expect before you sign anything.
For buyers exploring NorthShore or Smith Family Homes' other communities, Dannielle Grassa serves as the listing agent across all three developments. She can:
- Answer property questions on pricing, available lots, and floor plans
- Schedule a tour — in-person or virtual, with appointments available through the fall
- Walk through upgrade options like the media room and primary bath enhancement
- Explain builder contract terms and estimated construction timelines
Ready to see NorthShore in person? Reach out to Dannielle Grassa at 912-793-1997 or dgrassa@smithfamilyhomes.com to schedule a tour of NorthShore or one of Smith Family Homes' other coastal Georgia communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any waterfront properties in St. Marys, GA?
True in-town waterfront homes are rare, historic, and often expensive to renovate. New construction communities like NorthShore, along the St. Marys River in nearby Kingsland, offer a comparable waterfront lifestyle with none of the upkeep issues.
Does St. Marys, Georgia have a beach?
St. Marys is a river and marsh town rather than an oceanfront destination. The nearest beach is reachable via the Cumberland Island ferry, which departs right from the St. Marys waterfront.
How far is Kingsland from St. Marys, GA?
Kingsland sits about 10 miles from downtown St. Marys, roughly a 15-minute drive, and both cities share access to the St. Marys River system. Communities like NorthShore put buyers minutes from historic downtown.
Is St. Marys, GA a good place to live for military families?
Yes. The area sits close to Kings Bay Naval Base, and communities like NorthShore are built with military families in mind, offering an easy commute and family-friendly amenities.
What's included in Smith Family Homes' new construction communities?
Standard features include granite countertops, LVP flooring, and stainless steel appliances, along with community amenities like pools, playgrounds, and gated entries at select communities.
Can I customize a new construction home near St. Marys?
Yes. Select floor plans, including the Gwinnett Plan at NorthShore, offer optional upgrades such as a media room and primary bath enhancements for buyers who want to personalize their home.
