Marshy island getaway 30 minutes from downtown Charleston
Sunsoaked parkland sweeps across 20 miles of shoreline between the Cooper and Wando rivers in Daniel Island, an expansive master-planned community full of contemporary iterations of the Charleston Single, 30 minutes from the heart of the city. “It’s divided into two sections. Life in the park side is focused around the Daniel Island Club – when you buy here, you’re automatically a social member. The south side is where all the schools and churches are, so there’s always kids running around,” says Ashley Severance, owner & broker-in-charge of Atlantic Properties of the Lowcountry and 15-year Daniel Island local. This pictorial hideaway’s 4,000-some landscaped acres feel like one large waterside park. When asked why she chose this marshy getaway, Severance said, “We wanted an active outdoor lifestyle where the kids could just hop on their bikes and go.”
Daniel Island is a charming island neighborhood in sweet little corner of Charleston, SC.
Daniel Island Club has 2 top-ranked golf courses with beautiful fairways and greens.
1/2
Strolling at Smythe Park
Living on Daniel Island means enjoying mild South Carolina weather at manicured parks and wetland-lined trails. It’s a walking community laced with tree-shaded sidewalks that connect residential developments to outdoor getaways like Smythe Park. It’s off the main road, so it stays busy, often full of locals doing laps around the fishing pond. The coastal theme at Children’s Park is a hit with the island’s younger residents, who can also stretch their legs at the DISA Soccer Complex. Daniel Island is also home to two nationally recognized golf courses. Members of the Daniel Island Club sharpen their game on its scenic saltwater marshes, which will host the 2026 US Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, the club’s second USGA championship. “Golfing memberships are very coveted with a years-long waitlist,” Severance says.
Enjoy a peaceful walk on beautiful trails at Smythe Park on Daniel Island.
Enjoy a fun sunset paddle on a beautiful lake at Smythe Park on Daniel Island.
1/2
Coveted collection of contemporary Charleston Singles
Pristine porch-front homes punctuate these Southern sidewalk suburbs, overlooking rows of palms and maples drenched in Spanish moss. Buyers can purchase a move-in-ready condo with water views, a three-story townhome, or a contemporary single-family style with a yard on Daniel Island. “Park side homes are larger with private lots. There’s about twice as many homes on the south side because they’re smaller and closer together,” Severance says. Properties start around $350,000 for a modest townhome and climb well over $6 million for a brand-new five-bedroom waterfront estate. “You’re lucky to get in anywhere under $1 million these days,” Severance says. She also notes that new construction is finite on the island. “The final phase of development should wrap up in the Fall of 2024. There’s a lottery that interested buyers are entered into, so it’s the luck of the draw. Usually, people who enter their name move forward with the sale.”
Find elegant homes with landscaped lawns and palm trees on Daniel Island.
Find gorgeous Charleston-single style homes with two car garages and landscaped lawns.
Experience Daniel Island living steps away from shops and eateries at Daniel's Landing Condos.
1/3
Easy in-town errands
Daniel Island’s commercial corner is a few brick-cobbled corridors of mixed-use communities. The shopping strips are relatively new and look it – each storefront is clean and uncluttered. It’s a comfortable place to take care of weekly errands, anchored by a Publix and surrounded by specialty shops and restaurants. New Realm Brewing is a popular place to wind down on the weekends and The Kingstide is the go-to for a meal on the water. This quiet little island comes to life when there’s an event at Credit One Stadium. The 7,000-seat venue hosts major musical acts and the Charleston Open, the longest-running professional women’s tennis tournament in the country. “If you live close enough, you can hear the music,” Severance says, “I could hear Elton John playing Piano Man playing from 2 miles away.”
New Realm Brewing is a fun restaurant for families and friends with outdoor seating.
Daniel Island residents shop for groceries at the local Publix.
Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island is the best place to see music concerts.
1/3
Students at Daniel Island School advocate for inclusivity
Kids can attend public school within the Berkely County District, rated B-plus and ranked third-best in the city by Niche. Daniel Island School carries an A-minus rating and serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The campus is a central community landmark built right off the main road, next to the public library. The school is known for its outstanding extracurriculars and made the news in February 2024 when an ambitious group of student council members secured $100,000 from the district to build an inclusive playground in the place of one that didn’t meet the needs of all their classmates. Rising students can continue to Phillip Simmons High, rated A-minus, located on the mainland about 10 miles away, off Clements Ferry Road. Daniel Island is also home to the top private high school in Berkeley County, Bishop England High, a prominent brick building with grassy, park-like grounds.
The Daniel Island School serves kids in grades K-8 in on Daniel Island, SC.
Philip Simmons High School is part of the Berkeley County School District in Charleston, SC.
The Bishop England High School serves grades 9-12 to all teens living in Daniel Island, SC.
1/3
Innovative flood planning
As is true in most coastal communities, it’s important to be aware of flood zones and take preventative measures to stay safe in the event of a storm. Most buildings are above ground level, and unlike historic areas like downtown Charleston, this community was built with inclement weather in mind. Extra precautions were taken at the time of the town’s development (during the early 1990s) with a robust drainage system that channels stormwater into the wetlands, which also happens to make the best use of the runoff. The roadways here stayed relatively clear even after the impacts of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Take the ferry downtown
It's a 2-mile ride from the town’s entrance to its southernmost reaches. Daniel Island Drive, a quiet connector lined with parks and residential communities, is the easiest way in and out of town. It leads to Interstate 526, which directs locals into downtown Charleston, a 15-mile ride. It crosses the north side of the peninsula, giving residents a pathway over Wando River to Mt. Pleasant and northern beach towns like Sullivan’s Island. The commercial hot spots in North Charleston and West Ashley are just as accessible in the other direction. Locals also have the option to take the Daniel Island Ferry from the dock all the way into downtown – a good option considering the city’s increasingly limited parking availability. The Charleston International Airport is a 10-mile ride away for long-distance travel.
Enjoy a ferry ride to Charleston or a fun harbor cruise with family on the Daniel Island Ferry.
Daniel Island is easily accessible with short commutes from I-526.
On average, homes in Daniel Island, SC sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Daniel Island, SC over the last 12 months is $849,995, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meet Bambi Elstrom – Your Trusted Charleston Real Estate Broker Associate Bambi Elstrom is a dedicated real estate professional specializing in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and the surrounding islands including Isle of Palms, Daniel Island, and Kiawah. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the local market, Bambi brings clarity, confidence, and personalized service to every transaction. Her commitment to honesty, attention to detail, and relentless perseverance ensures that each client feels informed, supported, and empowered—whether buying their dream home or selling a cherished property.
As a seasoned Broker Associate, Bambi values relationships, listens deeply, and advocates fiercely for her clients. Known for her sharp negotiation skills and luxury market expertise, she holds certifications including Resort & Second Home Specialist, Accredited Buyer Agent, and Master of Negotiation. With a heart for service and a drive for results, Bambi is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals—and making the entire experience smooth, successful, and deeply rewarding.
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.
