James Island
Just 10 minutes from Downtown Charleston and 15 minutes from Folly Beach, James Island is the closest coastal suburb to the Charleston Peninsula. With a relaxed lifestyle centered around community and enjoying the unique natural terrain of the Lowcountry, James Island ticks many boxes for those relocating to the Charleston area. The laid-back, home-town vibe makes this community feel like it has always been home.
While James Island was first established as “Jamestown” in 1671, much of what we see present-day began around 1925 with the development of the Riverland Terrace neighborhood. The community has continued to grow through the years while always maintaining a neighborly atmosphere. While you’ll find new construction and custom-built homes peppered throughout the island, charming mid-to-late century brick ranch, estate-style homes, condos and townhome communities are where the most options can be found. Many neighborhoods offer nicely sized lots in well-established neighborhoods with access to great public schools, recreation and dining, making it a popular place to settle in Charleston. There are plenty of grocery stores, shops, medical offices and other services close to just about every neighborhood so you never have to venture far for the necessities. Citadel Mall and the Shops at Tanger Outlet are less than 30 minutes away, and don’t forget the fantastic shopping opportunities in Historic Downtown Charleston!
In true island fashion, outdoor activities are a big part of life on James Island, and residents enjoy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal waterway, Charleston Harbor and the Ashley & Stono Rivers. Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and surfing are all easily accessible and a great way to soak up the sun and explore the Lowcountry from the water. Boaters can find easy access to the waterways at one of four public boat launches around the island and the James Island Yacht Club offers outstanding summer camps for young sailors. Beyond the waterways, Golf enthusiasts can get a round in at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course and there are numerous playgrounds and parks throughout the island perfect for biking, walking or watching the sunset.
If food and fun is more your thing, you’ll find it around every corner in the form of community events, local restaurants and entertainment venues. You can find just about any kind of your favorite foods here, whether at recognizable chains or family-owned restaurants. James Island has lots of great local eateries where the regulars hang out but new faces are always welcome. The Charleston Pour House is one such venue, featuring live music from local musicians of all genres, great food and of course, a refreshing pour! The 643 acre James Island County Park offers countless programs and activities and is also host to some of the most popular attractions in the Charleston area. This huge park offers residents and visitors miles of paved walking/biking trails, saltwater fishing, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, a dog park, playground and picnic areas. A water park, climbing wall, 18-hole disk golf course, camp ground and rental meeting facilities offer year-round fun with family and friends, and make this park a true hub of the community. And in neighborly fashion, James Island County Park also hosts several yearly events enjoyed by folks from all around Charleston & beyond. The Cajun Festival, Summer Reggae Nights concert series and the renowned (and magical) Winter Festival of Lights offer lots of opportunities to make memories with family and friends!
Johns Island
Just a hop, skip and jump from James Island lies Johns Island. As the largest island on the South Carolina Coast and the 4th largest Island on the East Coast, Johns Island draws homeowners who like a little more space to stretch out. Residents enjoy an easy 15-25 minute drive to Downtown Charleston/MUSC and about 20-25 minutes to the beaches of Kiawah or Folly.
Settled since the Colonial Era, Johns Island has been rural farm and plantation land for most of its history and really began experiencing its current rate of controlled growth in the early 2000s. Homes on the island vary from vintage cottages, new construction communities, condos, townhomes, golf course communities, waterfront estates, agricultural and horse farms, all typically nestled into the lush coastal island setting that exemplifies the area. Offering a sense of seclusion in its beautiful natural landscape, Johns Island draws folks looking for a relaxed lifestyle that still includes easy access to activities and attractions of the Greater Charleston area. The modern-day lifestyle of Johns Island is steeped in its agricultural and sea-faring history. Farming and fishing are still part of life here, and locals enjoy getting to know their local shrimper or picking up produce and artisanal favorites at the Farmers Market. Also home to Low Tide Brewing Company and numerous restaurants featuring home-grown, farm-to-table fare, you may find that many ingredients come from the chef’s own garden! While you’ll have to pop over to James Island for big-box chain stores, shopping areas like Live Oak Square provide flourishing local shops, restaurants, medical offices and services, giving the Johns Island shopping experience a more home-town feel.
Outdoor adventure abounds on Johns Island. Or course water activities are a major pastime on the island, surrounded as it is by the Stono River, Kiawah River and Bohicket Creek. In addition to the John F Limehouse public boat landing, Bohicket Marina and St, John’s Yacht Harbor are two membership-based marinas offering boating clubs, storage and slips. While you won’t have to travel far for deep water, another hidden gem of Johns Island is Trophy Lakes, featuring waterskiing, a water park and 18 hole disc golf course right in the middle of the island! The 738 Acre Johns Island County Park is home to the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center and offers pristine wooded trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. Play a round of golf at Oak Point Golf course, or gather visiting family & friends for a trip to the famous Angel Oak Tree attraction. This stately Live Oak is estimated to be between 400-500 years old and offers 17,000 square feet of shade and endless gorgeous photo ops. Residents of Johns Island also enjoy activities on nearby Wadmalaw Island and the resort communities of Kiawah & Seabrook. Peaceful and quiet, Wadmalaw is home to the Deep Water Winery and Charleston Tea Garden. You’ll find Beachwalker County Park as an additional beach option on Kiawah along with world-class tennis resorts, upscale shopping, dining and golfing.
Surrounded by scenic waterways and steeped in the slower agrarian history of the Carolina Lowcountry, Johns Island offers a little bit of everything within an easy distance of the Greater Charleston Area!
Suzy is an established leader in the Real Estate community, well trained and deeply respected for her diligence and concerted attention to the wide variety of needs of both buyers and sellers. This philosophy extends to all members of our team and is the #1 reason our clients say that when they work with us, they are confident that their needs are our first priority.