However, for those who don't live or own here you don't have that luxury, unless you purchase your own slice of heaven. Charleston SC has 5 major ocean front areas all with beachfront houses, ocean front villas, beach access condos for sale year around. Our 5 primary beach communities are: Sullivan's Island, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms (Includes Wild Dunes Resort), Folly Beach, & Seabrook Island. Edisto Island is also part of our

At the end of the IOP connector sits, you guessed it, the Isle of Palms - One of South Carolina's most famous beach communities, and home to the beloved Wild Dunes Resort. The Isle of Palms since the 1970's has blossomed into an oceanfront island community that is home to both many primary home owners, second homes, & investment rental properties.  Unlike Sullivan's Island, the Isle of Palms does have not only large beachfront houses, but also ocean front villas / condos for sale year around. 

At the end of the island is Wild Dunes, the gated golf resort where hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the fun in the sun, two world class golf courses, and tennis facilities. There are a few condos developments on Isle of Palms, that are not in the gates of Wild Dunes, but most are, and definitely most beachfront villas are in Wild Dunes. Wild Dunes has a $750 yearly HOA fee & a 1/2 of 1% of the sales price (one time) expense due at closing if you purchase a property in the resort. 

Homes on Isle of Palms regardless of style can also be a great investment vehicle as well since so many visitors come each year to the island & rent condos & homes. However, keep in mind that ALL the condos/villas will have a monthly regime fee & sometimes a capital contribution due at closing like the resort. Also like Sullivan's, Isle of Palms SC also has a huge demand for deep waterfront homes with docks for those who own boats, and want beautiful views of the intercoastal river. *The avg price per sq. foot for Isle of Palms is $362, and for Wild Dunes it's $380.

Much like Isle of Palms, Folly Beach is the other large public beachfront communities of Charleston. Most reminiscent of Myrtle Beach because of its more laid back, fun, and out going vibe, Folly Beach is just on the other side of James Island. The best part about owning an oceanfront property on Folly instead of the other beaches is they are more affordable. Making Edisto & Folly Beach the beachfront areas with the lowest prices. 

Folly Beach also has a good amount of condos for sale, both on beachfront, marsh front, and waterfront. however there are only a few condo developments on the beach itself. Charleston Oceanfront Villas is probably the most popular beachfront condo, and the other Seaside Villas, but keep in mind when owning any property on the ocean that insurance costs will always be a concern given the risk. 

Kiawah Island golf resort is obviously known for holding some of the most famous PGA golf tournaments like: The PGA Championship, The Ryder Cup, and countless others, but did you know it's fairly affordable to own here too. Condos and villas for sale in the Kiawah Island resort can be as low as $250,000 for a one bedroom, but if you just have to have beachfront property then that's another story. The ocean front beaches of Kiawah Island are some of the most untouched and pristine beaches you'll ever find anywhere. There are also waterfront homes on Kiawah Island as well. If beach isn't your only choice.

Intentionally. The resort & it's developers have taken pain staking effort to preserve the beauty and tranquility that only Kiawah Island offers. Beachfront villas for sale Kiawah Island usually begin around $800,000 for 2 bed, and $500k for 1 bedroom condo. If you're a social person, or sports enthusiast then you may want to inquire about a club membership. There are two clubs one could join: The Kiawah Island Club & The Governors Club, both offer different options and costs for membership. For the golfers you may want to own a golf course property on Kiawah Island and walk to the beach when you want. 

Seabrook Island SC is a fairly luxurious gated oceanfront community just at the end of John's Island, beside the very famous Kiawah Island golf resort. However, the largest difference is that is is more suited for full time living, and for year around visitors of second homes whereas Kiawah has a lot of 3rd & 4th home owners, and tourists. Just like Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Kiawah, Seabrook has a good amount of villas (really just condos), and most of them are beachfront, as well as golf course view. Seabrook Island has two gorgeous golf courses, stellar tennis facilities and an owners club with pools, and dining. 

There is a yearly $2000 HOA due, and a one time 1/2 of 1% capital contribution POA due at closing. If you own a villa you will also have a monthly regime fees as well. Just like the other two beachfront gated communities of Charleston SC (Wild Dunes & Kiawah), Seabrook Island also has many amenities for the family to enjoy: swimming pools, docks, kayaks, fitness center, tennis courts, walking trails and more that all come with being an owner & visitor. Luckily Seabrook Island is less expensive than Kiawah and therefore makes it a more appealing draw for buyers looking for beachfront homes in a gated quiet resort like environment.