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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/3
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bambi Elstrom,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bayview Soccer Complex
Picnic Area
Soccer
Multi-Purpose Field
Dock Street Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Pinckney Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
Ellis Oak Park
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
James Island County Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Camping
Melton Peter Demetre Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Tennis
Thomas Johnson Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Transit
Airport
Charleston AFB/International
39 min drive
Bus
Folly Rd & Calvary Church Nb
Bus
Fort Johnson Rd & Jeffords St
Bus
Folly Rd & Camp Rd Nb
Bus
Central Park Rd & Yale Dr
Bus
Sol Legare Rd & Folly Rd
Bus
Grimball Rd Ext & Folly Rd
Bus
Secessionville Rd & Westmoreland Ave
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 52 days. The median sale price for homes in James Island, Charleston over the last 12 months is $600,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy the convenience of living in desirable Lawton Harbor on a quiet cul-de-sac with a fenced yard backing up to a peaceful wooded area. (New Roof 2025) Entering the home, you're welcomed by a foyer that opens to a formal dining room featuring wainscoting, which flows seamlessly into a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. New LVP and crown molding extend throughout the entire first
Welcome to 460 Trapier Drive, the James Island home in Fort Johnson Estates you've been waiting for--truly one-of-a-kind in every way. This charming full-brick home sits on a large, private marsh front lot, offering both tranquility and space to spread out. PRICED SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW below a recent appraisal, it's a rare opportunity to live in one of the island's most desirable neighborhoods.
Escape to a coastal paradise with this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom marsh-side condo in Folly Beach. Nestled just 0.8 miles from the sandy shores, this property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Step inside and be greeted by an abundance of natural light and an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living spaces.Unwind on the covered patio, where breathtaking marsh
Spacious James Island Condo | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,223 Sq FtWelcome to 47 Rivers Point Row, Unit 3--a rare opportunity to own one of the largest floorplans available in this sought-after James Island community. Boasting over 2,200 square feet of living space, this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo is perfectly situated just minutes from Downtown Charleston and Folly Beach.Step inside to a
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
Welcome to this 2 bedroom/1.5 bathroom townhouse that is conveniently located on James Island off of Maybank Highway and is a short distance to Riverland Terrace, The Pour House, Maybank Public House, and many other shops and restaurants! Upon entering this home, you are greeted by the beautiful flooring that is found throughout the lower level of the home. The living space features plantation
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bambi Elstrom,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
30,931
Median Age
41
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$84,017
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,869
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
51.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.4%
% Population in Labor Force
73.6%
Above 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®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
15/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
