James Island Real Estate

Close to Charleston: Ideal for commuters

James Island is located just across the harbor from Downtown Charleston. Because of its superb location, many residents who work Downtown actually live on James Island since it's the shortest commute you'll find. Plus, Folly Beach is just a 5-10 minute drive. Fantastic public schools also make this one of the best suburbs in Charleston. James Island is known for its laid back atmosphere and independently owned shops and restaurants. Fantastic water access makes it popular among folks who love boating, kayaking, and getting outdoors. Picture perfect marsh settings and beautiful old oak trees cover the island, creating a lifestyle that is hard to compare. Some of the best neighborhoods include Bennett’s Bluff, Ocean Neighbors, Freeman’s Point, and Seaside Plantation.

James Island Real Estate Statistics

Total Listings: 62
Average Price: $892,588
Highest Listing Price: $2,700,000
Average Days On Website: 59
Average Price/SqFt: $413

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James Island Pros:

  • Closest suburb to Downtown Charleston
  • Minutes to Folly Beach
  • Great public schools
  • Ideal water access for boating
  • Plenty of newer condos and renovated older brick houses
  • A small-town feel 

James Island Cons:

  • Fewer new construction houses (see Bennett's Bluff)
  • Higher home prices due to high demand
  • Fewer shopping and restaurant establishments

James Island Real Estate Listings

Price, High to Low
62 Properties Found.
Page 1 of 7
Photo of Listing #24006685

1528 Hunley Avenue

$2,700,000
MLS® #24006685

Bayfront
James Island, SC
4 BR, 4 BA, 3661 SQ FT, 0.39 ACRES
Built in 2005
House

Welcome to 1528 Hunley Ave, Charleston, SC - a breathtaking waterfront paradise with a large lot and a private, …

898 Kushiwah Creek Court

$2,600,000
MLS® #24001879

Stiles Point Plantation
James Island, SC
4 BR, 3½ BA, 3491 SQ FT, 0.51 ACRES
Built in 1986
House

Absolutely gorgeous home with stunning views of the Charleston Harbor. This very unique home offers Brazilian Ch…

1115 W Oceanview Road

$2,349,900
MLS® #23023446

Oceanview
James Island, SC
4 BR, 3 BA, 3963 SQ FT, 0.97 ACRES
Built in 1992
House

Elevate your living experience with this remarkable property boasting an unbeatable blend of nature, space, and …

847 Whispering Marsh Dr Drive

$1,995,000
MLS® #24003289

Stiles Point Plantation
James Island, SC
4 BR, 4 BA, 3624 SQ FT, 0.37 ACRES
Built in 2006
House

Welcome to the prestigious Stiles Point Plantation neighborhood, where location truly is everything! This stunni…

2123 Westrivers Road

$1,750,000
MLS® #24000970

Riverland Terrace
James Island, SC
4 BR, 4½ BA, 3150 SQ FT, 0.24 ACRES
Built in 2024
House

Proposed New Construction to be built by Port City Homes of Charleston. 4 beds & 4.5 baths. Open and flowing. 10…

426 - 428 Riverland Drive

$1,500,000
MLS® #24005565

Green Acres
James Island, SC
8 BR, 4½ BA, 3794 SQ FT, 0.42 ACRES
Built in 1945
House

Rare opportunity to own a turnkey 4-unit compound near Riverland Terrace! The property includes a 3bd/1.5ba main…

7 Old Summer House Road

$1,489,000
MLS® #24003920

Point Verona
James Island, SC
3 BR, 3½ BA, 2295 SQ FT, 0.06 ACRES
Built in 2019
House

Spectacular views, stunning architectural design, and DEEP-water boat access...this home has it ALL!! Located in…

739 Schaffer Street

$1,450,000
MLS® #24003202

Clearview
James Island, SC
5 BR, 3½ BA, 3586 SQ FT, 0.54 ACRES
Built in 1968
House

Welcome home to a waterfront gem. With modern updates, this 5-bedroom, 3.5 bath home is located on over a half a…

654 Cedar Point Drive

$1,390,000
MLS® #24002306

Cedar Point
James Island, SC
4 BR, 3½ BA, 2784 SQ FT, 0.29 ACRES
Built in 2008
House

Cedar Point is a lovely upscale waterfront neighborhood on James Island. This classic lowcountry home, located o…

James Island, SC Homes and Real Estate

best neighborhoods on james island sc

James Island real estate is especially popular among locals looking for a more relaxed small-town feel and an eclectic mix of independently owned restaurants and stores. Sure, you'll find some big chains like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Walmart. However, most residents prefer the local businesses that have a character all their own.

If you like outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, boating, walking, or rock climbing, you will find lots to do without ever having to leave the island. Or, if you want a day full of shopping or sightseeing, Downtown Charleston is just a few minutes away.

James Island waterfront homes are in high demand, but there are plenty of public boat ramps on and around James Island for you to launch your boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Seaside Plantation (pictured) and Riverland Terrace have boat landings within the neighborhood but the Folly Beach, Wappoo Cut, and Sol Legare boat landings are open to the public.

Best Neighborhoods on James Island, SC

After many years of living on James Island and specializing in real estate here, we know these neighborhoods well! These are consistently buyers’ top picks (and some of our favorites to work in). On our website, you can also search James Island neighborhoods with amenities.

james island sc homes for sale

Ocean Neighbors is one of the friendliest communities on James Island. A 12-acre saltwater lake (pictured) offers good fishing and paddleboarding, and a community dock with green space gives all homeowners access to the lake. The most sought-after homes here are located on the water since they offer good privacy and views. Ocean Neighbors also has a very kid-friendly playground.

Seaside Plantation is one of the largest scaled neighborhoods on James Island, and it has a range of prices with 8 subsections to choose from. Freeman’s Point tends to be the most popular subsection because it’s the newest and offers a Low Country charm that is hard to beat. Reminiscent of a coastal magazine, Freeman’s Point has its own pool, kids’ park, dog park, and dock. Seaside Plantation also has a community dock and boat landing that all homeowners can enjoy, plus there are ample walking trails throughout.

Bennett’s Bluff is nearing the end of its development. This new construction community built by Toll Brothers boasts a dock on Clark Sound and a playground. It’s also within walking and biking distance of the high school.

Stiles Point Plantation appeals to buyers wanting older homes in an established neighborhood. The homes directly overlooking Charleston Harbor fetch the highest real estate prices, and these coveted views of Downtown and the Ravenel Bridge are some of the most impressive you’ll find on James Island. From 2017 to 2019, Mungo Homes built The Village at Stiles Point which was a 90 lot section that sold exceptionally well since newer homes on James Island can be hard to find.

James Island Condos and Townhouses

james island sc real estate

James Island condos and townhomes appeal to buyers wanting low maintenance and affordability without sacrificing location. As the average home price on James Island climbs over $500K, condos and townhouses are a good option for looking to get onto the island and enjoy the lifestyle that James Island is known for.

Meridian Place townhouses make some of the best investments because they offer the most privacy (especially end units that only share one wall with a neighbor). The fenced backyards are great for entertaining, and the one-story floor plans are convenient. Amenities include fantastic walking trails and a tennis court. It’s also important to note that these have some of the lowest monthly regime fees on James Island, and they’re less likely to have HOA litigations compared to James Island condos.

The best James Island condo communities all happen to be gated, and you’ll find full amenities including pools. The Retreat has an elevator in every building which really sets it apart and makes everyday tasks (like carrying groceries) much easier! The Regatta was built in 2006, making it the newest condo development on James Island. Mira Vista has the closest condos to Downtown. If you’re on the Connector coming from Downtown, Mira Vista has the colorful condos on the right before you get to Folly Road.

Living on James Island and Things to Do

James Island Restaurants - There are too many good independently owned restaurants and local chains to name them all, but some of our favorites include: Bohemian Bull tavern (great outdoor seating pictured), Ladles for the homemade soups, Maybank Public House for the best burgers in Charleston, El Pollo Guapo for tacos and fresh sides, and Crust Wood Fired Pizza which is conveniently located next to the movie theater. You can also find some big chains like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.

best restaurants on james islandjames island entertainment

Local Movie Theater - Some locals describe The Terrace as a higher-brow venue, and this retro-styled establishment serves beer and wine in its lobby. The Terrace shows some of the big blockbusters but is mostly dedicated to independent and smaller budget films. (Or if you're looking for a full IMAX theater, the Citadel Mall in West Ashley is just a 15-minute drive.)

The James Island County Park has more than 600 acres of paved walking trails, intramural fields, a huge playground with a splash pad, picnic areas, and a dock for fishing and crabbing. Annual Gold Passes are very affordable (about $70 per family for Charleston County residents) and grant you access to all other county parks throughout Charleston including the beaches. The James Island park offers more recreational options at an additional cost, such as the climbing wall (it's the largest in South Carolina, measuring 50 feet tall). The Splash Zone Waterpark is usually open from the beginning of May to early September. Since most James Island neighborhoods don't have swimming pools as amenities, this is a nice option for families with younger kids. Here you can also enjoy the best dog park in tri-county Charleston. In November and December each year, the park features one of the best holiday light displays in South Carolina. People come from all over the state to drive through the Holiday Festival of Lights and take advantage of its events like the Fun Run and Walk. The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission has a 2nd location on James Island at McLeod Plantation. At this circa 1851 cotton plantation, visitors can take the Transition to Freedom guided tour, learn about the rich Gullah/Geechee culture in Charleston, and view a 600-year-old oak tree. Admission is free for up to 4 people if you have a Gold Pass.

living on james island scjames island county park

2 Golf Courses on James Island - The Charleston Municipal Golf Course has been open to the public since it was established in 1929. As it's called by locals, "The Muni" is especially good for first-timers and players who are still new to the sport. Featuring one of Charleston's most affordable games of golf, it's no wonder that more than 60,000 rounds are played each year at this course.

The Country Club of Charleston is a members-only club and hosted the 2019 U.S. Women's Open. As the closest golf course to Downtown, there are spectacular views of the marshes and Charleston Harbor from its location on the Intracoastal Waterway. Real estate in Country Club is perhaps the priciest on all of James Island since it's the only true golf course community on the island.

James Island's Water Access - Boating is an extremely popular pastime on James Island because it has some of the easiest water access you will find in Charleston. James Island has more public boat landings than most Charleston suburbs, so you don't have to own a private dock or live in a neighborhood with boat facilities in order to enjoy boating. The Riverland Terrace Public Boat Landing is located at the back of the island and tends to be less crowded. The Wappoo Cut Boat Landing is technically on the West Ashley side of the water, but it has plenty of parking space and perhaps the best location (just minutes from Charleston Harbor). Another good public landing is off Sol Legare Road which puts you right onto the Stono River.

James Island Schools

james island charter high school

In Charleston County, the James Island public schools are second only to Mt. Pleasant. For more info on public school rankings in Charleston, GreatSchools.org and the Charleston County School District are good resources.

James Island Charter High School serves all James Island residents. This was actually the first high school in South Carolina to convert to charter status. With approximately 1,600 students, it's also one of the largest charter high schools in the southeast. It boasts Charleston County’s only International Baccalaureate Program.

The high school offers students a wide range of clubs and after-school activities including sailing, surfing, rowing, rugby, mock trial, film, bluegrass, and National Art Honor Society. The athletic program at James Island Charter is also excellent. The women’s soccer, men’s soccer, women’s cross country, and women’s track and field teams each won the AAAA State Championships in 2021!

All James Islanders are zoned for Camp Road Middle which is a newer school that was completed in 2020. The $52 million project accommodates a growing population on James Island and currently serves about 800 students.

You'll find 4 public elementary schools on James Island. Stiles Point and Harbor View tend to rank the highest. James Island Elementary isn’t far behind in rankings, and Murray-LaSaine offers the only Montessori school on James Island.

James Island Homes for Sale

james island real estate

James Island offers a mix of residential homes amongst small commercial outlets, giving residents easy shopping without the traffic, noise, and congestion that accompany large-scale centers. A variety of big-name stores including Lowe's, Walmart, Publix, and Harris Teeter intermingle with doctors' offices and other small businesses. Virtually all shopping can be done quickly and efficiently without ever having to leave the island. Numerous locally owned and operated restaurants span the range from local seafood and vegetarian fare to Tex Mex and Japanese.

For those interested in high-end boutique shopping and fine dining, however, Downtown Charleston is only a quick drive over the Connector. Less than 10 minutes will put you on Hwy 17 South towards the Citadel Mall, on Highway 17 North towards Mount Pleasant, or on I-26 towards Northwoods Mall or the Tanger Outlets.

The location of James Island is second-to-none for home buyers wanting the convenience of small-town living with the benefits of living next to a large city. The mix of James Island SC homes for sale, townhouses, and condos in this area also makes it an excellent choice for those looking to downsize and simplify their lives, or for those interested in purchasing a rental property. With the College of Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Charleston School of Law just across the harbor, this is always a popular place to call home for students.

A Quick Video About James Island Real Estate

Questions About Living on James Island?

We live on James Island ourselves, so we're happy to chat about neighborhoods and help you find the perfect fit!

Contact The Keadle Group

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James Island Houses
James Island Condos | James Island Townhouses
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The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker ReciprocitySM Program of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Carolina One Real Estate are marked with the Broker ReciprocitySM logo or the Broker ReciprocitySM thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers.

The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision.

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