There are three main areas for beachfront south of Charleston. Folly Beach, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island.
Two of the very best destinations in America can be found just 25 minutes south of Charleston, South Carolina. Kiawah Island and Seabrook Islands they are both gated communities, offering the best resort amenities and the best beach resort communities on the east coast.
The city Charleston, South Carolina has been voted the best city in America four years on a row now by the magazine Conde Naste Traveler. Beyond the amazing historical downtown area, Charleston is surrounded by several islands. Isle of Palms and Daniel Islands to the North... Folly Beach, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands to the south.
I receive several questions a week about the best places around Charleston to have a second home, retire in style, or just get away from it all. Each island has it’s own style and flair, but it’s hard to beat two gated islands to the south of Charleston… Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island! Please feel free to contact me directly, as I will be happy to elaborate and provide you with more information on the two islands. 843-580-6251 or email remichaelsmith@gmail.com… or feel free to read on!
First of all Kiawah Island is a little over 10,000 acres with over 10 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. The five legendary golf courses were designed by five world renown architects: Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, and Clyde Johnston. The five clubhouses are spectacular and cater to all levels and age of golfer. If you love tennis, “Tennis resorts online” ranks Kiawah Tennis the #2 ranked facility in the country, the two state of the art complexes will not disappoint. The Five Star Sanctuary Hotel & Spa is a sight to behold, they have entertained presidents from around the world and many famous actors each year. The 30 miles of bicycle paths are wonderful to explore or you can take a beach cruise bike and go for a ride on the sand at low tide.
Membership dues on Kiawah Island vary depending on level. Family pool memberships for under $900 per year to unlimited access to pool, clubhouses, tennis and golf for $8,900.
The smaller Seabrook Island is 2,200 acres and 3.5 miles of sandy beaches. It has two golf courses, the Ocean Winds Golf Course, designed by Willard Byrd, and the Crooked Oaks Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The elegantly designed and decorated clubhouses are perfect for the 19th hole. The new tennis center boasts of 15 clay courts and daily activities for all ages. The state of the art equestrian center is second to none, providing all levels of service. It is one of the few equestrian centers on the east coast that has beach access for riding.
Dues on Seabrook are mandatory for all homeowners starting at $3,800 per year up to $9,400 for full access. Lower fees are available for those that just own property.
Both islands share the security of a 24 Hour manned gated entrance.
Just outside the gated communities there is something for everyone. Freshfield Village for all your shopping needs and the Bohicket Marina. There are many restaurants to choose from, elegant dining at the clubhouse to casual at Bohicket Marina or Freshfields Village. Freshfields Village has sort of a small town square feeling, reminiscent of something Disney would create. Don’t miss the Farmer’s Market or movie night under the stars in town square.
There is plenty of opportunities for watersports. Rent or charter a boat, kayak or canoe the rivers. You will see exotic birds, many dolphins, turtles and various wildlife.
Camp Kiawah or Camp Seabrook are amazing camps for children available on both Islands. Check out my blog, things for kids and families to do on Seabrook Island or Kiawah Island.
The climate is hard to beat! Temperatures compared to inland are wonderful on both islands, you will find it 10 degrees cooler during the summer months and 10 degrees warmer during the winter.
It’s very difficult to feel bored on Seabrook Island or Kiawah Island resorts. The quarterly guide is filled with hundreds of social activities and clubs for all ages.
The main difference is the feel of each island..
Kiawah Island is more well known and draws guests from all over the world, it is a high class resort it has more of everything... more bike paths, longer beaches, and more rentals. This high class resort is extremely desirable and maintains property and home values. Beach front lots sell for well over $4 million, and the shore is lined with homes valued at 5 -20 million. Many properties are still attainable, throughout the resort you can find wonderful lagoon or golf course views for under a million and condos in the $400’s. Celebrities you may run into while cruising around include Dan Marino, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, Bruce Willis and more. Golf icons Tiger Woods and various others work out here as well. Owning a second home on Kiawah Island reflects prestige and affluence. Kiawah Island has been in the Top 5 Best Place For a Second Homes in the United States by Barron's for several years now. Kiawah Island has won many awards such as being in the top five U.S. Tennis Resorts, the Top 10 of America’s Best Beach Towns and of course the Best Golf Community in the U.S.A.
Seabrook Island, just to the south, tend to feel a little more laid back, quaint, more exclusive and intimate. Here you tend to see more hard working millionaires, not as much flair but very high quality homes, built with pride, an elligence runs throughout the community. There are rentals on Seabrook but a majority of the inhabitants live there year round. You will pay a little less for homes and property on Seabrook and it may be the best hidden secret on the east coast!
Many people that own quality lots and homes in Kiawah and Seabrook may not want their home posted online. Many owners to not want the whole world to know their business, so you will not see them on Zillow, or Realtor web sites. Most prefer to work exclusively with a certain Realtor they trust. Many use Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate, founded by Warren Buffet, a name they trust. If you are interested in property or homes in Seabrook Island or Kiawah Island feel free to call me anytime to see what might be available. 843-580-6251
Author of this blog: Michael Smith is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices serving Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. For more information on buying real estate in Kiawah or Seabrook Islands contact him at 843-580-6251. For more information go to: TopCharlestonAgent.com
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