Byrnes Down is a small, picturesque neighborhood filled with midcentury bungalows not far from bustling downtown Charleston. Residents here get the same charming, walkable community as those living in South Windemere and The Crescent — two upscale neighborhoods nearby — but at a lower price point. They also get quick access to Wappoo Creek, which flows by the community’s south side and offers kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Most homes in Byrnes Downs are two- and three-bedroom midcentury bungalows. They sit on lawns landscaped with grass and mature trees. Prices typically range from $450,000 to $885,000 and climb to $1.5 million for houses with four bedrooms and recent renovations. Updating homes in this neighborhood is common. “You can come in, renovate, and really inject a lot of equity quickly into those homes. There’s a lot you can do with them,” says Julie Nims, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who sells throughout the Charleston and West Ashley areas. Residential streets are quiet and often lined with sidewalks, which allow residents to walk to shops and restaurants on Savannah Highway.
Charleston County School District serves Byrnes Downs, offers open enrollment and scores an A from Niche. The neighborhood’s zoned schools are A-rated St. Andrews Elementary, which children attend from prekindergarten through fifth grade; B-rated C.E. Williams Middle, and B-rated West Ashley High. C.E. Williams Middle is separated into two campuses; the north campus is for sixth graders, and the south campus is for seventh and eighth graders. Families interested in private education can pick from faith-based and secular options nearby.
Wappoo Creek offers saltwater fishing and a public boat ramp. Residents head to nearby Ackerman Park for its many amenities including a skate park, a dog park, and multipurpose fields. West Ashley Greenway is nearby and is a popular biking and hiking trail that winds several miles through neighborhoods, parks and marshes. Residents also don’t have to go far to spend a day at the shore. “It’s close to Charleston’s beaches. There are a few of them and they each have their own vibe and character, so that gives people a lot of options,” Nims says.
Bound by Savannah Highway to the north, Byrnes Downs has many convenient shopping and dining options. Most of the closest restaurants are national or local chains, like Swig & Swine, popular for its pulled pork and ribs; and Kairos Mediterranean, a fast casual spot where diners build their own healthy bowls. St. Andrews Shopping Center is on the neighborhood’s northwest side and features Harris Teeter. Whole Foods is nearby and another option for groceries. Downtown Charleston’s bustling shopping, dining and entertainment scene is about 4 miles away.
The West Ashley Farmers Market is held in Ackerman Park between April and October on Wednesday evenings. Of the many annual events in the city, the Charleston Wine & Food Festival is one of the most popular. The multi-day event takes place in March and in 2026, will celebrate 20 years of offering Charleston’s best food and drinks.
Savannah Highway runs along the neighborhood’s north side and connects to downtown Charleston and other nearby communities. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, or CARTA, bus also stops along Savannah Highway. Charleston International Airport is about 10 miles away, and Charleston’s Amtrak station is a little closer, about 8 miles away.
Byrnes Downs has a moderate risk of flooding during big storms. While flood insurance isn’t required, buyers are often encouraged to consider purchasing it. The city’s website has resources to help residents stay informed about road closures and other flood-related news. The Charleston area has been hit by hurricanes in the past — Hurricane Ian in 2022 was the most recent — but they are not a regular occurrence.
Donna Gustafson
AgentOwned Realty Preferred Group
(854) 222-7819
50 Total Sales
1 in Byrnes Downs
$416,000 Price
Roni Haskell
Keller Williams Key
(843) 410-5298
382 Total Sales
2 in Byrnes Downs
$500K - $575K Price Range
JC
Joan Craig
Craig & Co.
(843) 703-1581
24 Total Sales
2 in Byrnes Downs
$395K - $459K Price Range
GM
Graham Miller
Tidewater Realty LLC
(854) 222-7938
7 Total Sales
1 in Byrnes Downs
$264,000 Price
William Barnwell
The Cassina Group
(843) 994-3309
48 Total Sales
7 in Byrnes Downs
$395K - $800K Price Range
Denise Hendricks
Tabby Realty LLC
(843) 410-3903
42 Total Sales
4 in Byrnes Downs
$516K - $1.3M Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Byrnes Downs | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 1 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 1 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Byrnes Downs, Charleston sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Byrnes Downs, Charleston over the last 12 months is $757,500, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$1,386 - $4,420 per month
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Mid-century brick homes close to downtown Charleston and the beach
Quiet Charleston suburb near downtown shopping and dining
A walkable, tree-filled James Island neighborhood with diverse housing styles
Tight-knit Charleston community with competitive home prices
Single-family suburb close to Charleston's downtown and historical attractions
Historic neighborhood along the Ashley River
