$1,540,841Average Value$668Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes For Sale
Excitement all around the “Edge of America”
Since the 1940s, people have come to realize Folly Beach’s potential as an island paradise close to a major city. Sometimes referred to as the Edge of America, the neighborhood is a jetty island bordered to the north by the Folly River and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot for nature fans and beach lovers alike. It is also known as one of the best surfing destinations on the East Coast. The island is only 12 square miles and is filled with a variety of stilted and raised homes and a booming commercial area in the center. The outskirts of the island are awash with sandy beaches and parks. “The east end of the island is basically untouched,” says Ulf Hartwig, a Realtor with Carolina One Real Estate who has been in the Folly Beach area since 1999.
Folly Beach, also known as "The Edge of America", has unique styles of beach homes and cottages.
Washout at Folly Beach is a popular surfing spot with the best waves in the area for surfing.
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A variety of South Carolina beaches and parks
Folly Beach is the place for outdoor adventure in the Charleston area. Locals can head to Pirate’s Cove Playground to enjoy fun in the shade or a game of pickleball at the nearby tennis court. Residents with furry friends can also enjoy Folly Bark Park with plenty of space to run around. Folly River Park has plenty of shaded green space and is a common spot for city events throughout the year. Folly Beach itself offers 6 miles of open beach and a 1000-foot fishing pier where locals can soak up the sun or do a little fishing. “The pier is definitely a local favorite,” Hartwig says. The nearby Morris Island is a short boat ride north of Folly Beach and provides a quieter place to enjoy a beach day or to view the sunset below the famous Morris Island Lighthouse.
Folly Beach residents love a fun game of pickleball at Pirate's Cove Playground.
Folly Beach Pier has great amenities for families to enjoy on Folly Beach.
Folly Beach County Park is a great place for quiet and calm morning walks on the beach.
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Stilted cottages and beach homes
Homes in Folly Beach range from modern single-family homes and beachfront vacation properties to funky cottages. Homes often take a Craftsman or "lowcountry" styling with wooden siding, and many residences are raised up or on stilts, so homes are safe from potential flooding. Lawns are mainly taken up with driveways and space for golf carts or bikes, but the patches of green that are there are full of palm trees and tropical foliage. Homes start around $1.2 million and can go up to $2 million.
Folly Beach has gorgeous elevated colonial revival style homes with easy access to the beach.
Folly Beach has lovely oceanfront homes with beautiful views and beach access.
Folly Beach has modern craftsman style homes with striking architectural detail.
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Always something to do in Folly Beach
When it comes to fun in Folly Beach, “there is always something to do here,” Hartwig says. Events include the annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show on the beach and the cooking and cocktail competitions at Taste of Folly each January. Locals can also watch Santa and local bands walk down Center Street in the annual Christmas Parade or brave the icy waters of the Atlantic during the Polar Plunge after New Year. The Folly Beach Community Center is home to the local library for story times, as well as numerous clubs, from gardening clubs to book clubs.
Folly Beach’s cafes and saloons
Residents never have to stray far from Center Street for shopping and dining options. Hartwig recommends Lost Dog Café, which is popular among tourists and residents alike for baked goods and a hot cup of coffee or tea. For dinner, many locals head to Jack of Cups Saloon, which “has a different menu than other restaurants in the area,” Hartwig says, with the restaurant taking inspiration from Asian and Indian cuisines. Although residents head to the mainland to shop for groceries at places like Harris Teeter, Bert’s Market is on the island and offers daily necessities just a short walk away from many homes.
Lost Dog Cafe on Folly Beach is a popular restaurant with excellent food and outdoor seating.
Jack of Cups Saloon on Center Street in Folly Beach has great pub grub and excellent cocktails.
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Charleston County School District
Students are served by the Charleston County School District and can begin their education at James Island Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating on Niche. They can then move on to Camp Road Middle, which receives an A-minus, before finishing up at the B-plus rated James Island Charter High School. The high school has been very popular for its international baccalaureate program.
James Island Elementary School value creativity and arts education in all facets of the school.
Camp Road Middle School on James Island offers academic, fine arts, and athletic programs.
James Island Charter High School is a short commute from Folly Beach.
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Golf carts and beach bikes
When it comes to getting around the island for shopping and recreation, many residents “use golf carts and bike,” Hartwig says. However, driving is also a common choice for longer trips, where many venture toward Center Street, the only way on or off the island. For trips outside of South Carolina, locals are 22 miles away from Charleston International Airport. For medical care, locals can head 11 miles north to the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston.
Folly Beach locals enjoy biking up and down East Ashley Ave for a fun outdoor activity.
Folly Beach is a beautiful neighborhood with the closest beach to historic Charleston.
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Erosion and renourishing
Due to Folly Beach being an island, the entire area is very susceptible to flooding. Part of this is due to the jetties around Charleston Harbor, which cause chronic erosion in the area. However, the city has a renourishment agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers and is working on “renourishing the island,” Hartwig says, by resupplying sand and support to the ever-important beach on the island about every 8-10 years. "Folly Beach is the only island in the Charleston area that has a renourishment agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers," Hartwig says.
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Riser,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Folly Beach, SC sell after 101 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Folly Beach, SC over the last 12 months is $1,055,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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