UNDERSTANDING CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA

The Charleston area can be easily understood by dividing the area into seven different regions separate from the islands, and then understanding the differences between the numerous surrounding islands.

See bottom of page for summary descriptions and more information.

THE MAINLAND

HISTORIC CHARLESTON

MT. PLEASANT

WEST ASHLEY

NORTH CHARLESTON

AWENDAW

GOOSE CREEK

SUMMERVILLE

THE ISLANDS

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND

DANIEL ISLAND

ISLE OF PALMS

DEWEE’S ISLAND

JAMES ISLAND

FOLLY BEACH

JOHNS ISLAND

SEABROOK ISLAND

KIAWAH ISLAND

WADMALAW ISLAND

EDISTO ISLAND

 

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP of Charleston location lingo. 

Historic Charleston

The exquisite mansions and gardens are discovered in the neighborhood called “South of Broad”. Here’s what the tourists come to see; ride in a horse drawn carriage around the historic neighborhoods of Charleston. But there is more to Charleston than that...

For more details on the different neighborhoods in downtown historic Charleston, CLICK HERE

Mt. Pleasant

 Located over the Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston, Mt. Pleasant offers enough living comforts and activities that some residents rarely venture to the downtown area. 

For more details on neighborhoods of Mt. Pleasant, CLICK HERE.

The Town Center Shopping Center and the development of a new hospital will continue to create a separation between the areas. Families love the schools in this area. For more school information,CLICK HERE.  

West Ashley

 West Ashley is located just over the Ashley River Bridge from downtown Charleston. There are many exclusive neighborhoods tucked between more affordable alternatives. All are established neighborhoods with mostly older homes. There is a large choice of areas available offering some neighborhoods with views.

For more details on neighborhoods in West Ashley, CLICK HERE.

North Charleston

North Charleston is being revitalized and it includes a very funky main street with a fun atmosphere. There are some renovated old homes of past military officers now on sale with great water views. The Noisette Project is here.

For more details on neighborhoods in North Charleston, CLICK HERE.

Awendaw

Goose Creek

Goose Creek provides affordable homes to many former military families. There are several affordable golf communities that are convenient to shopping malls and a quick run to the airport.

 to see homes for sale in the Goose Creek area.

Summerville

Summerville is a distant part of the Charleston area. Located almost an hour from downtown Charleston, it offers its own downtown area and many housing areas that are as distinct to Summerville as the neighborhoods of Charleston area.

to see homes for sale in Summerville.

THE ISLANDS

Daniel Island

Daniel Island is a modern day utopia of pristine homes and yards set in an old-fashioned neighborhood style where kids walk to school and mothers shop down the street. This seems like a small town, but is the home of the Family Circle Cup tennis stadium, and two recognized golf courses with private clubs hosting various tournaments. Mostly new luxurious homes and condos are found here, and the island is about 3 years from being built out by the developers.

For more details on neighborhoods on Daniel Island, CLICK ON PHOTO.

Dewees Island

A delight for naturalists, this island is only accessible by ferry or private boat offering seclusion in an unspoiled location. This is some of the most beautiful beachfront real estate available in the Charleston area.

For more details on Dewees Island, CLICK ON PHOTO.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms can be divided into two, Wild Dunes Resort and Isle of Palms. The resort area (north) provides organized activities and private clubs (dining & golf/exercise) for the residents there. This is a great place to own if you only plan to visit Charleston on occasion.  The rest of the island has a combination of holiday rental properties and full-time residents. It offers a very relaxed living environment.

For more details on Isle of Palms & Wild Dunes,   

Sullivan's Island

The "be-all and end-all" of living well. This unassuming island provides the joy of living on an island, but it is not inundated with tons of tourists and beach-goers who tend to gravitate towards Folly Beach and Isle of Palms. Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and osprey can be seen from the quiet beach front that is exclusively residential.  

For more details on Sullivan's Island, CLICK ON PHOTO.

James Island

This Island just across the harbor from historic Charleston began development in the 1960’s. Travel to downtown in minutes by driving over the new 4-lane bridge called “The James Island Connector”. James Island offers affordable alternatives in housing with a great location and water views.

For more details on James Island, CLICK HERE. 

Johns Island

This island is currently undergoing development by many independent builders. There is still has a rural feel here because of the tree tunneled roads dotted with vegetable roadside stands. There is waterfront acreage and homes available on the Bohicket and Stono Rivers.

For more details on Johns Island, CLICK ON PHOTO.

Wadmalaw Island

The get-a-way for old Charlestonians who have sold out from downtown to escape the tourists. This is a special preservation district offering luxury waterfront real estate with deep water lots.

For more details - Wadmalaw Island, CLICK ON PHOTO.

Edisto Island

This wildlife haven, offering a natural setting an hour from Charleston, gives one the feeling of having a refuge from life.

For more details - Edisto Island, CLICK HERE

Kiawah Island

 For more details on Kiawah, CLICK HERE.

Seabrook Island

  Seabrook is a walker's wonderland with golfing, walkways, and beaches.This is a great resort and residential community with a kick-back lifestyle that is contagious.

 For more details on Seabrook Island, CLICK HERE.

Folly Beach 

Folly Beach is the surfers paradise in the Charleston area because here are the biggest waves in town. Hippy casual bungaloos are rapidly being replaced by beach mansions, but still retaining the down-to-earth casual and friendly atmosphere of yesteryear. Trendy and hip restaurants are located up and down the main avenue.

For more details on Folly Beach area, CLICK HERE.