Small Islands of Coastal South Carolina
Okay, for the past 5 weeks, we’ve been going through some of the best small towns and cities to retire or relocate to in the North Carolina Piedmont Region.
This week we’re going to take a bit of a left turn and head south east.
With spring headed towards the eastern coastline, I couldn't help but notice, I’ve been getting a great deal of interest from you about the best places to retire or relocate to on the South Carolina coast.
What a great time to plan your summer vacation and visit those cities and towns along the South Carolina coastline. Perhaps one of them is your best place to live.
A lot of people are interested in life on the various islands along the South Carolina coast and since I don’t think we’ve looked exclusively at several of the small sea islands that dot the South Carolina coast it now seems like a good time to take a closer look.
So what I am talking about when it comes to small islands in South Carolina?
Basically, a long chain of barrier islands lines the Atlantic coast from around Georgetown, SC down to the northeastern corner of Florida.
In this chain there are over 100 island of varying size and description, many yet uninhabited and a large number of which are still only accessible by boat or other means.
Along the South Carolina coast, many of these sea islands have long been tourist destinations because of their beautiful natural environments so you’ll find tourism as well as real estate are pretty much the local economy.
The closer to the water you are, the more you can expect to pay for housing and on some of the islands the only communities are pricier exclusive planned communities.
Moreover, you’ll have to take into account the cost of multiple types of mandatory insurance to prepare you for tropical storms and hurricane season.
Ultimately, small islands on the South Carolina coast offer a sunny, outdoor-based lifestyle in a laid back semi-tropical environment and while some might not have the all the amenities and services you’re looking for you’ll most likely find them not far away on the mainland.
Let’s take a look at some of what small island South Carolina has to offer.
Kiawah Island, SC is located about 21 miles south of Charleston, SC and is accessible by car. Kiawah Island is a 
resort community with roughly 1100 year round residents.
Kiawah Island’s economy is tourism based with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, especially time spent on its nationally famous golf courses or ten miles of beach.
Housing costs on Kiawah Island are quite pricey.
In general, you’ll find that the median home value is almost $800,000 and you can expect to pay an average of around $550 per square foot for housing.
Median rental costs are also high at around $2000 per month.
There are a small number of stores and restaurants on Kiawah Island and no hospitals, nevertheless Charleston, SC is not far away.
Fripp Island, SC is located about 20 miles east of Beaufort, SC and can be reached by car via U.S. 21 or SC 406.
Fripp Island, is a private gated community of roughly 887 year round residents with upwards of 3000-5000 annual tourists.
Only 6.5 square miles, Fripp Island has not only golfing and 3 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, but also much of the island is a nature reserve.
Median home sales prices hover around $460,000 and the average price per square foot on Fripp Island is $275.
Look to Beaufort, SC for shopping, medical services and regional transportation options.
Traveling about an hour south of Charleston on Hwy. 174 you’ll reach Edisto Island, SC, population 2,632.
Edisto Island has a charmingly underdeveloped feel to it with a lot of older homes and cottages and little in the way of commercial development.
Housing is much more affordable, the median home sales price being around $175,000 and a median gross rental cost of about $550 a month.
If you head north out of Charleston and cross the Cooper Bridge you’ll enter the quaint little world of Sullivan’s Island, SC, population 1,891.
This is the place where coastal South Carolinian come to play and while Sullivan’s Island, SC is a tourist destination you won’t find any hotels, only beautiful old Victorian houses and maybe an interesting restaurant here or there.
Nevertheless, it is a little pricey with a median home sales price of over $1 million.
Well, I’ve run out of time and space but come back next week and we’ll look at more of our best places on the South Carolina coast!
See you next week!
About Bob Bencivenga
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Bob Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location analyst for major corporations and has been researching the growth of NC and SC to find the Best Places to Retire or Relocate that are still affordable. |
| Visit his blog The Carolina Report and sign up for FREE updates by email,his FREE Affordable Best Places To Live Report and, get FREE Expert Advice on how to find Your Best Place to Retire or Relocate to in North Carolina and South Carolina, additional resources, and a lot more.
Bob does not sell real estate. |
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