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Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island

Located in Charleston County

$2,159,127 Average Value
$622 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

In the 1600s, Kiawah Island was named after the Kiawah Indians who resided on the 10,000-acre piece of land to the south of Charleston. Land ownership passed through many farmers and wealthy individuals until C.C. Royal purchased the entire island in 1951. Over 20 years later, he sold the island for $18.2 million to luxury residential developers. What started as a prime spot for hunting and fishing is now one of the most sought-out coastal destinations on the east coast.

There are five separate communities on the Island: Cassique, West Beach, East Beach, Vanderhorst and Ocean Park. Each community has access to the water, and residents enjoy gorgeous coastal views.

Many different architectural styles are present on the island, making it easy to find the style and look you want. Homebuyers can choose from beach cottages and townhomes on the west or multi-level waterfront homes on the island's east side. The market is highly competitive, and homes sell well above the Charleston average.

Residents and visitors on the island can take advantage of the five public golf courses and a few private clubs featured as PGA championship courses. If golf isn’t your thing, you can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the fine dining restaurants with excellent seafood.

If you’re adventurous, you’ll find many parks around the island with easy water access, perfect for anglers or those who enjoy a casual kayaking trip. The Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn and The Sanctuary of Kiawah Island Golf Resort provide luxurious amenities for those visiting the island for a coastal getaway.

The island hosts golf tournaments, beach boot camps, annual adventure camps, group surf lessons and live music events at local restaurants and bars. The community also hosts seasonal gatherings such as the New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations. The local happenings help residents meet their neighbors and stay connected with their friends throughout the island, creating a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

The island has many breathtaking parks with water access and authentic coastal landscaping. You can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, or just relaxing in the pleasant weather. If you’re looking for a more active way to spend time outside, well-maintained tennis courts and a fitness club are available to residents and guests.

While there are no schools located on the island itself, there are several within 20 miles of most Kiawah Island communities. Surrounding areas such as Charleston and Folly Beach have outstanding options; Their schools offer academic and athletic excellence, making the commute worth the hassle.

Kiawah Island is a relaxing, slow-paced community, so many jobs come from the local restaurants and golf courses. With minimal businesses and stores, this is a convenient place for remote workers with home offices. Although the island has an above-average cost of living, many residents save money by spending time outside and walking or biking instead of driving a vehicle. The neighborhoods are lined with wide sidewalks and streetlights, making it a safe place for a jog even after dark.

Since the island is only about 10 miles long, many residents choose not to drive very often. With wide sidewalks and roads that allow golf carts and bikes, the island encourages residents to enjoy the coastal weather and save on gas money. There are no large stores or grocery shopping options on the island, so most locals use their cars primarily to travel to places like Charleston or Folly Beach.

Jon Puckett
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Emily McNamara
Video By
Emily McNamara

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Paul Charles, an experienced agent in this area.

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Parks in this Area

Kiawah Island Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$799,000
Median Sale Price
$811,666
Median Single Family Sale Price
$605,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$2,050,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
39%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$622

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
359
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1983
Months of Supply
4.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,956
On par with the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,282
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,119
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
682
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
16,552

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Sep 18
    Open House 9/18

    4426 Sea Forest Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455

    $999,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 770 Sq Ft
    • 4426 Sea Forest Dr

    Wonderful opportunity to purchase a 3rd floor oceanfront villa beautifully remodeled and updated for a luxury Kiawah Island vacation property. Enjoy the ease of elevator access and turnkey ownership with a well-established, repeat rental following! Located in popular East Beach Village, you're minutes from Night Heron Park & world-class golf with beach access directly from your building.

    Pam Harrington Pam Harrington Exclusives

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Kiawah Island Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,820
Median Age
70
Population under 18
4.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
63.8%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$182,692
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$197,658

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.8%
College Graduates
86.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47.7%
% Population in Labor Force
30.3%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

34 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

1 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Kiawah Island
Paul Charles
Akers Ellis Real Estate LLC
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