Beach Islands

What is it like to live on Sullivan’s Island?
Sullivan’s Island is a quiet, historic barrier island of nearly 2,000 residents, known for its classic beach cottages, wide beaches and slower pace of life. There are no hotels or bed-and-breakfasts, so it feels like a true residential community, with a small business district of popular restaurants, bars and shops, plus a central park with sports courts and a playground.

How far is Sullivan’s Island from Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston?
Sullivan’s Island connects to Mount Pleasant by the Ben Sawyer Bridge and the Isle of Palms Connector, putting Mount Pleasant shopping and dining about 5 to 10 minutes away. Downtown Charleston is typically 20 to 25 minutes by car, and Charleston International Airport is about 30 minutes.

What is the history of Sullivan’s Island?
Sullivan’s Island was incorporated in 1817 as Moultrieville and is home to Fort Moultrie, which played a role in American history from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Edgar Allan Poe was once stationed on the island and set his story “The Gold-Bug” there, and generations of Charlestonians summered on Sullivan’s Island to escape the heat before air conditioning.

How much do homes cost on Sullivan’s Island?
Sullivan’s Island is one of the most exclusive markets in the Charleston area. The median sale price was about $3.91 million in September 2026, and monthly medians over the past year ranged from $3 million to $9.35 million, according to Charleston Trident MLS data. Homes range from original beach cottages to luxury new construction, with oceanfront properties commanding the highest prices.

Can I rent out a home on Sullivan’s Island?
Sullivan’s Island has some of the most restrictive short-term rental rules of Charleston’s beach islands, and only a limited number of short-term rentals operate there. Rules can change, so we verify current Town of Sullivan’s Island ordinances for any property before you buy with rental income in mind.

Do I need flood insurance on Sullivan’s Island?
Most homes on Sullivan’s Island are in FEMA flood zones, and lenders typically require flood insurance on those properties. Premiums depend on the home’s elevation and construction, so we recommend getting flood, wind and hail insurance quotes during your due diligence period. The town also has its own zoning and building rules that affect renovations and new construction.

What is it like to live on Isle of Palms?
Isle of Palms is a resort-style barrier island with about six miles of white, sandy beach, where homes throughout the island are within walking distance of the ocean. Residents enjoy Front Beach dining and shopping, a recreation department with renovated facilities, and boating and fishing on the Intracoastal Waterway, along with day trips to nearby islands like Dewees and Capers.

How far is Isle of Palms from Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston?
The Isle of Palms Connector links the island to Mount Pleasant in about 10 minutes, and downtown Charleston is typically 25 to 30 minutes away. Charleston International Airport is usually about 30 minutes, making Isle of Palms convenient for both full-time residents and second-home owners.

What is Wild Dunes?
Wild Dunes is a gated resort community on about 1,600 acres at the northeast end of Isle of Palms. It features two Tom Fazio–designed golf courses, the Links Course and the Harbor Course, along with tennis courts, pools, a hotel, a spa, and shops and restaurants. Wild Dunes includes private homes, villas and condos, many of which are used as vacation rentals.

How much do homes cost on Isle of Palms?
The median sale price on Isle of Palms was about $1.62 million in September 2026, and monthly medians over the past year ranged from about $1.62 million to $3.45 million, according to Charleston Trident MLS data. Condos and villas offer a lower entry point, while oceanfront and deep-water homes are priced well into the millions.

Can I rent out my home on Isle of Palms?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed on Isle of Palms with a city rental license, and the island is a popular vacation rental market, especially in Wild Dunes. Rental rules, permit requirements and occupancy limits can change, so we confirm current City of Isle of Palms ordinances before you buy with rental income in mind.

Do I need flood insurance on Isle of Palms?
Most homes on Isle of Palms are in FEMA flood zones, and lenders typically require flood insurance on those properties. Costs depend on elevation, construction and location on the island, so we recommend getting flood, wind and hail insurance quotes early in the due diligence period.

What is it like to live on Folly Beach?
Folly Beach, known locally as “The Edge of America,” is a laid-back, six-mile-long barrier island with about 1,600 year-round residents. Folly Beach has a relaxed, eclectic vibe, with a lively Center Street business district full of restaurants and bars, a county beach park with lifeguards in season, and a diverse community of surfers, families and retirees.

How far is Folly Beach from downtown Charleston?
Folly Beach is about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, reached by Folly Road through James Island. That quick drive makes Folly Beach one of the most accessible beach communities for people who work in the city.

Is Folly Beach good for surfing and fishing?
Yes, Folly Beach is home to some of the best surfing on the East Coast, especially at the Washout on the island’s east end, which has hosted many surfing competitions. The Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier stretches more than 1,000 feet into the Atlantic and offers excellent fishing, ocean views and an on-site restaurant.

How much do homes cost on Folly Beach?
Sullivan’s Island is one of the most exclusive markets in the Charleston area. The median sale price was about $3.91 million in September 2026, and monthly medians over the past year ranged from $3 million to $9.35 million, according to Charleston Trident MLS data. Homes range from original beach cottages to luxury new construction, with oceanfront properties commanding the highest prices.

Can I rent out a home on Folly Beach?
Short-term rentals are allowed on Folly Beach with a city permit, but the City of Folly Beach regulates where and how many rentals can operate in certain areas. Rules change from time to time, so we verify current ordinances for any property before you buy with rental income in mind.

Do I need flood insurance on Folly Beach?
Most homes on Folly Beach are in FEMA flood zones, and lenders typically require flood insurance on those properties. Beach erosion is also an ongoing consideration, and the island undergoes periodic beach renourishment projects. We help buyers review elevation, flood zone and insurance costs, including wind and hail coverage, during due diligence.