Last reviewed: September 8, 2026 – Reviewed by Marshawn Hogans, Homes By Hogans.
Diamond Springs is a large new-construction development on Jacksonville’s Westside built around a feature Duval County has not had before: a MetroLagoon-centered master-planned residential community.
For buyers, however, the lagoon is only one part of the decision. The larger questions are which homes are available, which builder is selling the product you want, what amenities are open versus still developing, what the contract requires, and how the complete monthly and cash-to-close picture fits your plan.
What is Diamond Springs?
Diamond Springs is a master-planned community along Normandy Boulevard in Jacksonville. Metro Development Group identifies it as Duval County’s first lagoon community and says the long-term plan includes about 2,700 homes across single-family and townhome product. The community is already in active home sales and continues to build out in phases.
That matters because a community this large will not arrive all at once. Homesites, model homes, builder releases, amenities and infrastructure can change as later phases open. Buyers should evaluate the version of Diamond Springs that exists at the time they are shopping rather than assuming every planned feature is already complete.
Source: Metro Development Group – Diamond Springs.
Is the Diamond Springs lagoon open?
The lagoon is the defining amenity, but buyers should separate the broader community opening from the status of each individual amenity. Metro has described the lagoon as the centerpiece of the community and has published plans for water-oriented recreation, trails, green space and other amenities.
Because amenity availability and operating details can change during a large master-planned buildout, Homes By Hogans recommends verifying what is currently open, what is under construction and what is still planned before making a purchase decision based on a particular feature.
Metro’s published materials describe planned lagoon activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding along with a broader recreation program. The safest buyer approach is to rely on the current written community documents and builder disclosures rather than an older advertisement or rendering.
What types of homes are being built in Diamond Springs?
Diamond Springs includes both single-family homes and townhomes. That creates a wider range of product than a one-builder subdivision, but it also means buyers need to compare more than price.
Homes By Hogans currently highlights three approved builders with active or planned participation in Diamond Springs:
- D.R. Horton: townhomes are now selling, with additional single-family opportunities developing as the community expands.
- Dream Finders Homes: single-family homes are being marketed in the community.
- DRB Homes: single-family inventory is part of the current Diamond Springs market.
D.R. Horton currently markets Diamond Springs Townhomes in Jacksonville with three-bedroom plans beginning at 1,468 square feet. Availability and pricing change, so current inventory should always be checked directly.
Source: D.R. Horton – Diamond Springs Townhomes.
Why a lagoon community requires more than a lifestyle comparison
A large amenity can make a community memorable, but it should not replace the financial and contractual review. Two homes in Diamond Springs can have different builders, floor plans, incentives, closing timelines, financing choices and ongoing costs.
Before comparing homes, buyers should understand:
- The builder and specific product or collection.
- Whether the home is completed, under construction or a future release.
- The current base price and included features.
- Homesite premiums and structural or design upgrades.
- Builder incentives and any eligibility requirements.
- HOA, CDD or other recurring community obligations that apply to the specific property.
- Estimated taxes, insurance and total monthly housing cost.
- Contract deadlines, deposit requirements and financing timelines.
- Inspection opportunities and final walkthrough procedures.
- Which amenities are currently available versus planned for a later phase.
The result is a better comparison than simply asking which builder has the lowest advertised payment or which home is closest to the lagoon.
What should buyers do before visiting a Diamond Springs model home?
Builder registration procedures can matter from the first visit. If you want independent buyer representation, it is better to discuss that before touring models, completing an online registration or giving your information to a sales center.
That does not mean a buyer should avoid the community. It means the buyer should understand who each person represents and what happens after registration. The builder’s sales team can explain the builder’s homes and process. A buyer may also choose separate representation to help evaluate the transaction from the buyer’s perspective.
Homes By Hogans is independent of the builders featured in this article. Marshawn Hogans is a Florida REALTOR® affiliated with Unlock Realty.
How should you compare builder incentives?
Builder incentives can be valuable, but buyers should compare the complete offer rather than one headline number. A rate incentive, closing-cost contribution or price reduction may affect the transaction differently depending on the loan program, borrower qualifications, lender requirements and closing date.
A useful comparison includes the purchase price, interest rate, APR, points, lender credits, required cash at closing, monthly principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA or CDD costs and any conditions attached to the incentive.
For a deeper buyer-side comparison, see Builder Lender vs. Independent Lender: Compare the Whole Offer.
Should you get an independent inspection on new construction?
A newly built home can still benefit from an independent inspection. The builder controls construction and its own quality-control process, while an independent inspector works for the party who hired the inspector and can provide another set of eyes on the property.
Inspection rights and timing depend on the contract and stage of construction. Buyers should review the builder’s procedures early instead of waiting until the final walkthrough.
Read the full Homes By Hogans guide: Does Your New Construction Home Need an Independent Inspection?
How can you see current Diamond Springs homes for sale?
The Homes By Hogans Diamond Springs Jacksonville community page includes a live Showcase IDX feed for the entire community. That gives buyers a current view of active and recently changing inventory instead of relying on a static list that can become outdated quickly.
Because the feed covers the entire community, MLS inventory may include listings from participating builders beyond those Homes By Hogans chooses to feature editorially. The feed is intended to show the market, not to rank or endorse every builder represented in it.
The buyer takeaway
Diamond Springs is important to Jacksonville new construction because it adds a large lagoon-centered master-planned community to Duval County. The feature is attention-getting, but the best purchase decision still comes down to the individual home, builder, contract, financing, ongoing costs, timing and the buyer’s own priorities.
Use the lagoon to start the conversation. Use the complete transaction to make the decision.
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