Featuring breathtaking scenery that includes rivers, marshes, and estuaries, James Island offers its residents a unique mixture of natural beauty and access to bustling downtown Charleston. “It’s a really established area that isn’t too built up or overdeveloped,” says Bill Olson, real estate agent with Real Broker LLC and longtime resident of James Island. “So you have a really laid-back kind of vibe right next to all the things you could want in Charleston.” Serving as a peaceful residential retreat that fuses urban convenience with serene beachside living, James Island is worth looking into for those that want the best of both worlds.
Boaters enjoy riding on their boats on a sunny day in the James Island neighborhood.
Charleston Harbor is accessible from the James Island neighborhood.
Discover coastal living on James Island in Charleston, SC.
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James Island County Park is the place to gather
Even though residents are just a few minutes from Charleston, James Island gives off a serene, lowcountry vibe. “It’s not rural, but it’s got that tucked away feel to it,” says Olson. “And it’s a haven for outdoor activities.” Residents are just a few minutes from the beach, including nearby Folly Beach. James Island also has several parks, the most popular being James Island County Park—a nearly 650-acre park that features miles of trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and its own waterpark. Melton Peter Demetre Park features a nearly 200-foot fishing pier, allowing for fishing and outstanding sunset views.
James Island County Park boating activities can be enjoyed by families and friends.
James Island County Park has a fun disc golf course with tree shaded fairways.
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Classic styles and vintage charm
Homes in James Island reflect its established nature, with many of the houses being built in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. And while there is some new development here and there, the overall vibe of the island is decidedly classic. “There isn’t a lot of new construction, and the nature of the island means there really can’t be,” says Olson. “But that’s what so many people enjoy about it—that vintage style.” Homebuyers will find plenty of ranch style homes and split levels, along with classic beach cottages. Additionally, there are plenty of other traditional style homes with a variety of renovations and updates. “Neighborhoods like Riverland Terrace and Harborside show off the different styles of the island,” Olson says. “Every home is different.” Single family homes generally range in price from $500,000 to $2 million—though larger homes on the waterfront can go for as high as $3.5 million. Townhouses and condominiums range from $185,000 to $500,000.
Find beautiful brick ranch style homes with landscaped yards on James Island.
Find character homes like this one
in the James Island neighborhood.
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Folly Road is the place for shopping and dining
Folly Road is where the island’s shopping and dining options are found, with a selection good enough that residents don’t need to leave for Charleston unless they want to. For groceries, residents have numerous options—including Harris Teeter, Publix, and Food Lion. For retail needs, Walmart serves as the go-to spot. Those looking for local flavor can find it at The James, an upscale eatery offering classic American fare. The Pour House serves as a music venue and tavern, offering a great place to meet for drinks after work or a show on the weekends.
The James is an excellent restaurant on James Island to eat with family and friends.
James Island residents love to grocery shop at the local Harris Teeter.
Publix is a great grocery store in Riverland Market on James Island.
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James Island Charter High earns high marks
Students begin their education at James Island Elementary, before moving on to Camp Road Middle and fishing up at James Island Charter School—the latter of which features some of the top Honors, IB, and AP programs in the state of South Carolina. According to Niche, these schools earned scores of B-plus, A-minus, B-plus.
James Island Elementary School in Charleston has covered drop off and pick up areas.
Camp Road Middle is a public school in Charleston.
James Island Charter High School is located on a beautiful campus.
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Charleston is just a bridge away
While much of Charleston is highly walkable, James Island is a more car-dependent area—though commuting to anywhere in Charleston is almost always a simple 15-minute drive away. College of Charleston students simply need to cross the bridge to get to class, as well. “Whether you’re working at the hospital, somewhere downtown, or are a student, commuting is simple,” says Olson. “As tucked away as it is, you can be in Charleston in no time.”
James Island is easily accessible and a short commute by bridges to downtown Charleston.
Charleston Battery and White Point Garden is a short commute from James Island.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
James Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
James Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in James Island, Charleston sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in James Island, Charleston over the last 12 months is $600,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Back on market after 40 days under contract! The previous buyer couldn't sell their home, so their contingent offer fell through. Inspections and timelines went smoothly -- this beautiful Freeman's Point home is ready for a new buyer, is currently the only home available in the neighborhood, and won't last long!**Live the Lowcountry lifestyle with access to a waterfront pool, community dock,
Welcome to this beautiful new construction home, located in the highly desirable Lawton Bluff subdivision on James Island. This semi-custom Charleston Single-style residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 2,230 sq ft of elevated living space designed for Lowcountry lifestyle and comfort. Enjoy double front porches with a view of the Charleston harbor from the top porch, a wraparound
Planned completion in November! Located on James Island, Riverbend is a boutique new home community featuring waterfront living amongst grand oak trees and deep-water access via a community dock to the Stono River. This Prescott South Classic plan features a very large, private homesite with screened porch, secluded first-floor office, incredible two-story great room, and three generous secondary
James Island - Lynwood Neighborhood | $600,000This great home in the desirable Lynwood community offers a traditional floor plan with a formal dining room, spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace, and a large owner's suite with private bath. Major updates include a brand-new roof in 2024, all new windows, and rewrapped ductwork in 2025, giving you peace of mind for years to come.Step
Recently Renovated Unit WITH GARAGE/STORAGE/WORKSHOP! This second floor one-bedroom residence, which enjoys plenty of natural light and is close to all amenities, has been renovated with new countertops, cabinets, custom crown molding and waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout. The bedroom is large enough to comfortably fit a king bed, and the walk-in closet has plenty of room for
This two-story home offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan with multiple living spaces and scenic views from nearly every room. Positioned at the end of Lawton Place on James Island, 740 Lawton Place is a prominent residence overlooking the main expanse of the 24-acre Lake Frances, just off Harborview Road. A welcoming full front porch, framed by majestic oak trees, sets the stage for
We spy your perfect home on James Island, right here at Spyglass Seaside. We invite you to experience unparalleled coastal living, moments from the Folly Beach shoreline. Offering stunning one, two, and three bedroom apartments with stylish features and finishes, as well as a variety of high-end community amenities, Spyglass Seaside has it all. Home feels just like a five-star resort when youre
This beautifully maintained, move-in-ready townhome in Meridian Place has been freshly painted throughout and features newly refinished kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The functional floor plan includes a front dining room, a galley kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a refrigerator that conveys, and a spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and a gas-log fireplace. A brand-new sliding
Riverland Woods offers an unmatched tropical paradise only minutes away from historic Downtown Charleston and Folly Beach. Choose from our 1, 2, and 3-bedroom newly upgraded apartment homes to best suit your needs and enjoy the perks of resort-style living. At your disposal are beautifully maintained amenities including a sparkling pool with cabanas and sundeck, various outdoor trail options and
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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.
