THE ISLANDS
The Charleston SC area boasts of its numerous and pristine beaches that can be enjoyed by all. Both beachfront homes and lots, and private homes with views are available. The main beach communities include Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Dewees Island, Folly Beach, Edisto Island, Kiawah Island & Seabrook Island. Daniel Island, James Island, Johns Island, and Wadmalaw Island, all offer homes with views of the water or properties located on tributaries or marshlands. See below for a quick synopsis or click the links for more details, including homes and condos for sale on the MLS on each island.
If you are specifically looking for oceanfront property or something that is not seen on your MLS searches here, please contact me to discreetly search for that special home for you. Many times I am aware of homes that are not on the MLS, yet available, or that will be available on the MLS soon. The special ones go fast, so get your foot in the door early by letting your desires be known.
Isle of Palms can be divided into two parts, Wild Dunes Resort and Isle of Palms. The resort area (north on the island) provides organized activities and private clubs (dining & golf/exercise) for the residents there. This is a great place to own if you only plan to visit Charleston on occasion and wish to rent your property when not there. The rest of the island has a combination of holiday rental properties and full-time residents. It offers a very relaxed living environment.
This unassuming island is a joy - live on an island, but don't be inundated with tons of tourists and beach-goers who tend to gravitate towards Folly Beach and Isle of Palms. Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and osprey can be seen from this quiet beach front that is exclusively residential. The "be-all and end-all" of living well. This is also some of the highest priced real estate per square foot in the Charleston area.
Folly Beach is a surfers paradise in the Charleston area due to the biggest waves in the area. Hippy casual bungalos are rapidly being replaced by huge beach homes, but still retaining the down-to-earth casual and friendly atmosphere of yesteryear. Trendy and hip restaurants are located up and down the main street along with the sale of tye-dye shirts and flowing skirts.
Daniel Island is a modern day utopia of pristine homes and yards set in an old-fashioned neighborhood style where kids walk to school and mothers shop down the street. This seems like a small town, but is the home of the Family Circle Cup tennis stadium, and two recognized golf courses with the private and exclusive club hosting various tournaments. Relatively new luxurious homes and condos are found here.
Kiawah is known as a high-end resort island catering to the rich with exclusive spas and specifically featuring the Sanctuary. Seabrook is a walker's wonderland with golfing, trails, and beaches. This is a great resort and residential community with a kick-back lifestyle that is contagious. Both of these islands are located far enough from downtown Charleston to attract mostly golfer and those who do not mind the feeling of being in the outskirts.
Undergoing a lot of development by many independent builders because of the large amount of available land, there is still a lack of infrastruction creating a rural feel. Drive through the tree tunneled roads dotted with vegetable roadside stands. There is waterfront acreage and homes available on the Bohicket and Stono Rivers.
Head across the James Island Connector Bridge from downtown Charleston to arrive at this Island just across the harbor from historic Charleston which began development in the 60’s. James Island offers an affordable alternative in housing with its great location and water views.
Only accessible by ferry or private boat. A delight for naturalists, this island offers seclusion in an unspoiled location. This is some of the most beautiful beachfront real estate available in the Charleston area, but it is remote and one can sometimes be stranded due to weather.
The get-a-way for old Charlestonians who have sold out from downtown to escape the tourists. This is a special preservation district offering luxury waterfront real estate with deep water lots. Because of the local population arriving from South of Broad, the prices seem a bit inflated for what you get so far out of town.
Land of sea turtles, this wildlife haven, offers a natural setting an hour from Charleston, and it gives one the feeling of having a refuge from life. This is a good 45 miles or more from Charleston, and most who choose to live there do not commute.