I’On: One of the Best Areas to Live in Mount Pleasant SC

I’On is one of Mount Pleasant SC’s best areas to live because of its extensive public green spaces, two lakes, fantastic facilities for boaters and tennis players, great public schools, full range of amenities, and superb location. After 16+ years of specializing in Mt Pleasant real estate, it’s still one of our favorite neighborhoods. The charm and overall feel of the community make it stand out. So what are the pros AND cons of living in I’On? Here’s the feedback we’ve gotten over the years along with similar neighborhoods to compare!

Why Are Home Buyers Drawn to I’On?

It’s hard to find a better location in Mount Pleasant. With multiple entrances off Mathis Ferry Road, I’On appeals to buyers wanting to live closer in to Downtown Charleston (just a 10-15 minute drive away). The beaches are also conveniently just 10 minutes away. The numerous shopping, restaurant, and entertainment options which make Mount Pleasant such a popular suburb are within a few minutes’ drive. The central location of I’On is one of its best features!

Although there are many neighborhoods in Charleston that have the classic Charleston style that buyers love, the builders and homeowners in I’On have spared no expense in recreating the feel of historic homes on the Charleston Peninsula. Copper roofs, highly landscaped backyards and courtyards, triple porches, and double brick chimneys make I’On stand out. Simply put, walking or riding through this neighborhood really makes you feel like you’re Downtown (except these houses don’t have the heavy maintenance that a 150 year old requires). And although I’On is NOT a historic community, it has somehow managed to create a charm and pay homage to the area’s rich history, traits that can be harder to find with newer neighborhoods. For example, the neighborhood is named after Jacob Bond I'On, the first Mayor of Sullivan’s Island which is the closet beach.

I’On amenities are also hard to beat. Here you’ll find a Junior Olympic pool, an impressive tennis center with 7 courts (including tennis lessons and programs), 3 total club houses, community dock and boat ramp located on Hobcaw Creek, a kids’ park, and fitness center. If top notch amenities are a deciding factor in your home search, a tour of the I’On Club and amenities will impress even the pickiest home buyer!

In this mixed use community, residents also enjoy being able to walk to the shops and restaurants just inside the main entrance. You’ll also find East Cooper Montessori Charter School within the borders which serves first through eighth grade students. In addition, just outside of the neighborhood you’ll find a shopping center that’s convenient.

For commuters, having the location that is south of the Isle of Palms Connector is prime to help reduce traffic. This close proximity to both the Ravenel Bridge and Interstate 526 is helpful regardless of which route you commute.

Even I’On Has Drawbacks (Just Like Any Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood)

Because of the high demand from home buyers, I’On is one of Mount Pleasant’s most expensive neighborhoods. Some buyers feel like if they’re paying this much for a home, they could live a little further out (Dunes West or Carolina Park, for example) and have a larger lot or a water view for the same price. Buyers have to choose which trade offs make sense for their families and their lifestyles.

While some buyers love the exclusive feel of the neighborhoods, other buyers are turned off by the feeling that they’re keeping up with the Jones’. During our 16+ years of experience working in Mount Pleasant, we sometimes hear feedback like “too picture perfect,” “too manicured,” and “too planned” – and that’s ok because our job is finding the right fit for the right family.

Ready to Take a Tour?

If you’re looking for the aesthetics and feel of Downtown Charleston but with the conveniences, parking, and public schools of a suburban lifestyle, I’On should certainly be on your list of Mount Pleasant neighborhoods to consider. We’d be happy to give you a tour of I’On and some of the comparable neighborhoods so that you can get a feel for what’s available (for example, the Hibben section of Belle Hall has similar Charleston style homes as well as Riverside at Carolina Park).

After 16+ years of helping buyers relocate, we still love helping folks find the best fit for their family!