Isle of Palms

The Vibe

A great blend of beach town meets Lowcountry community with miles of white sand beaches. Just over the Isle of Palms Connector from Mt. Pleasant, where you have access to all of the modern amenities one could need in life, lies this laid-back destination. This island attracts both Charleston residents and travelers from all over the Southeast and beyond each year.

Here on the island you’ll enjoy a typical beach town vibe with miles of sand beaches, a short retail strip, and beach homes galore. But nestled closer to the Intracoastal is a distinct community of full time residents that gives this barrier island a unique characteristic over its similar counterparts.

And And the natural environment is an absolute haven for sun seekers and water enthusiasts alike, offering activities from surfing to shelling to kayaking. If you’re looking to own on the Island, an eclectic mix of options awaits from classic surf shacks and beachfront bungalows to luxury upscale oceanfront properties abound. Historically many homes have been employed as short term rentals adding another benefit to life on the island, and unlike some other parts of town, the local community voted at the end of 2023 to maintain this presence. One things for sure IOP you have an undeniable spirit where the sun and sea leave you coming back for more.

PROS & CONS

Beauty

The island offers some of the most stunning scenery and natural setting around. The views one one side of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal water on the other can’t be beat.
Cost

As one of the most expensive places to live in the Charleston area, the price to buy on the island is steep.
Community

This is a place where you know your neighbors. Unlike other beach towns, there is a very strong community of full time residents that are the heartbeat of IOP.
Hurricane & Flooding

This barrier island with a prime coastal location does not come without a risk of storms and flooding. And it is particularly vulnerable due to it’s geography and the fact that it’s surrounded on all sides by water.
Outdoors

The endless and expansive beaches here allow for a multitude of water sports, and Wild Dunes Resort at the end of the island offer an array of world-class amenities for any active individual.
Tourists

With just 2 ways on and off the island, coupled with tourists galore from Spring Break to Labor Day, congestion is apart of daily life. This also has altered part of the island which feels more like a destination with rentals and transient guest vs. home.