Isle of Palms Real Estate
– CHARLESTON –
Elegant Coastal Living Just Minutes from Charleston
Nestled along South Carolina’s pristine barrier island coastline, Isle of Palms (IOP) and its exclusive resort community, Wild Dunes, offer a unique blend of upscale coastal living, serene natural beauty, and easy access to Charleston’s historic charm. Known for their wide, sandy beaches, championship golf, and family-friendly atmosphere, the island is ideal for those looking to live where the pace is relaxed and the ocean is always nearby.
Isle of Palms is a picturesque beach town located just 20 minutes from Downtown Charleston. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the island provides the best of Lowcountry living – lush maritime forests, beachfront tranquility, and a vibrant community.
Wild Dunes, located on the northern tip of the island, is a gated resort neighborhood that offers residents a luxurious blend of amenities and natural scenery, all within the privacy of a world-class coastal retreat.
Local Attractions & Amenities
Isle of Palms offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty and recreational amenities, all within easy reach of Charleston.
- Miles of Pristine Beaches: Enjoy over seven miles of wide, sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
- Outdoor Adventures: Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and coastal birds, or take a boat to nearby Bull or Capers Island for nature tours and secluded beach days.
- Recreation & Resort Living: Wild Dunes Resort features Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, tennis courts, pools, dining, and a full-service marina. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also popular thanks to easy water access.
- Family-Friendly Spaces: Isle of Palms County Park offers beachfront amenities, picnic areas, and seasonal lifeguards for safe, all-ages fun.
- Close to Charleston: Downtown Charleston is just minutes away, blending historic charm with urban convenience – perfect for browsing King Street boutiques, exploring the City Market, or indulging in world-class dining.
Neighborhoods & Communities
- Wild Dunes: A private, gated resort community within Isle of Palms that offers oceanfront, golf course, and lagoon-view homes and villas. This area includes smaller neighborhoods like Ocean Point, Grand Pavilion, and Mariners Walk, each offering its own architectural styles and private amenities.
- Forest Trail: A quiet, residential neighborhood of larger homes on generous lots, nestled beneath mature trees and close to the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Beachwood East/West & Ocean Boulevard: Prime oceanfront communities featuring custom homes with direct beach access and panoramic views.
- Waterway Island: A prestigious enclave within Wild Dunes offering deepwater access and private docks – ideal for boaters and those seeking luxurious waterfront living.
- Dewees Island: A secluded, private island community accessible only by owner ferry or boat, where homes blend with untouched natural surroundings. Known for its commitment to conservation, Dewees offers a peaceful, car-free lifestyle with pristine beaches, maritime forests, and minimal development—perfect for those seeking serenity and seclusion.
- Goat Island: A rustic and off-the-grid barrier island tucked between Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant, reachable only by boat. This unique community features eclectic, often self-sustaining homes, with no paved roads or commercial development—ideal for those craving privacy, natural beauty, and a back-to-basics coastal experience.
Education & Schools
Isle of Palms is served by the Charleston County School District (CCSD) Constituent District 2 “East Cooper District,” offering a wide range of public, charter, magnet, and private school options for families.
Public Neighborhood Schools (Charleston County School District)
Charter School Options
- East Cooper Montessori Charter School (PK–8)
- Orange Grove Charter School (PK–8)
- James Island Charter High School (9–12)
- Gregg Mathis Charter High School (9–12)
- Charleston Charter for Math & Science (6–12)
- Charleston Development Academy (K–8)
- Pattison’s Academy (PK–12)
Magnet School Options
- Academic Magnet High School (9–12)
- Charleston County School of the Arts (6–12)
- Military Magnet Academy (6–12)
- Buist Academy (K–8)
- Charleston Progressive Academy (K–5)
- Memminger Elementary School (K–5)
Private Schools Nearby
- Charleston Day School (K–8)
- Porter-Gaud School (K–12)
- Bishop England High School (9–12)
- University School of the Lowcountry (3–12)
- Ashley Hall (PK–12)
- The Charleston Catholic School (PK–8)
- Addlestone Hebrew Academy (PK–8)
- Mason Preparatory School (K–8)
Recognition & Accolades
- Isle of Palms has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Beach Towns in the Southeast by Southern Living and Travel + Leisure.
- Wild Dunes Resort has earned accolades from Golf Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, and Forbes Travel Guide for its amenities, resort atmosphere, and lifestyle offerings.
- The island is often featured in national publications as one of the best places to retire, invest in a second home, or raise a family in a scenic, low-density environment.
Why Live on Isle of Palms or in Wild Dunes?
Whether you’re looking for oceanfront serenity, world-class golf, or a community rooted in natural beauty, Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes provide a premier coastal lifestyle. Residents enjoy an easygoing pace of life with access to high-end amenities, preserved natural landscapes just over the bridge from a wide range of retail and dining available in the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant.