A home in Isle of Palms puts seven miles of sandy beach, oceanfront estates, and beachfront condos within easy reach – perfect if you want a coastal lifestyle with real on-island options. The island is primarily car-dependent, so buyers often weigh beachfront location against commute time via the Isle of Palms Connector, US-17, and I-526 when choosing between a Wild Dunes property, a marsh-view single-family home, or a condo near the marina.
Start your search for Isle of Palms homes for sale with live MLS listings pulled from the Charleston Trident MLS (CTMLS); our active MLS listings include photos, price history, and local notes like flood zones and HOA covenants so you can save this search and set listing alerts as new listings appear.
Isle of Palms SC Homes & Real Estate For Sale
Listings are subject to the Fair Housing Act and Charleston Trident MLS (CTMLS) rules.
Your Isle of Palms Real Estate Expert(s)
Ashley Graham is a Realtor with Carolina One Real Estate, ranked in the top 0.7% of Charleston-area agents. She has 9 years of experience, has closed over 100 transactions totaling $122.6 million, and recorded $35M+ in 2024. Awards include Realtor of Distinction and Carolina One’s Diamond Circle of Excellence.
Ashley focuses on waterfront and luxury properties across the Lowcountry, including the barrier islands named in her bio. That background matters here: she helps buyers review flood and wind insurance needs, understand Wild Dunes covenants, and assemble the inspection and elevation documentation lenders will expect for oceanfront and marsh-adjacent homes.
Isle of Palms Real Estate Market Insights
The market is particularly active for well-maintained, move-in-ready homes; listings in top condition tend to draw the most interest. For buyers, prioritize pre-approval, schedule showings quickly when new listings hit the MLS, and expect the clean, turnkey homes – especially those with ocean access – to move faster than fixer options. Sellers should make obvious repairs, collect elevation or flood documents, and present utility and insurance costs up front to shorten market time.
Living in Isle of Palms
Life on the island centers on long beach days, boat access, and resort amenities—Wild Dunes brings golf, tennis, and private beach options, while the marina supports fishing and charter trips. The Isle of Palms Connector links the island to US-17 and I-526, so commutes to the greater Charleston area and Charleston International Airport (CHS) stay reasonable for most buyers.
Island living also means factoring seasonal rental demand and insurance costs into ownership math; many buyers compare oceanfront estates, marsh-view single-family homes, and beachfront condos to weigh maintenance, rental potential, and year-round living needs.
Isle of Palms Local Highlights & Attractions
- Pristine Beaches: Seven miles of wide sandy beach. Great for morning runs, family shelling, and evening walks when the tide drops.
- Wild Dunes Resort: A resort community with two Tom Fazio golf courses and a top-ranked tennis complex. Locals use the courses and pools for daily recreation and social events.
- Isle of Palms County Park: A family spot with picnic areas, playgrounds, sand volleyball, and seasonal lifeguards. Best on summer weekends for kid-friendly beach time.
- Isle of Palms Marina: A working marina offering charters, fishing trips, and boat rentals – handy if you want regular access to open water.
- The Windjammer: A beachfront bar and music venue that’s been part of island life for decades. Locals stop in for a burger, a cold drink, and live bands that play against the backdrop of the ocean.
- Community Events: Markets, beach cleanups, and small-town festivals fill the island calendar. Locals know it’s where new neighbors meet and weekend routines take shape.
Isle of Palms School Scene
Isle of Palms is served by the highly-regarded Charleston County School District (CCSD). Local public schools include:
- Elementary School: Sullivan’s Island Elementary School (rated 10/10 by GreatSchools.org)
- Middle School: Moultrie Middle School (rated 9/10 by GreatSchools.org)
- High School: Wando High School
Beyond the strong public schools, the Charleston area also offers respected higher-education options, including the College of Charleston and The Citadel, both within an easy drive of the island.
Crime & Peace-of-Mind in Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is known for its safety, with crime rates that are significantly lower than state and national averages.
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.94 per 1,000 residents
- Property Crime Rate: 15.56 per 1,000 residents
Most reported incidents are non-violent property crimes, which aligns with the island’s tourism activity; residents often rely on vacation-check programs and neighborhood communication to monitor local safety.
Isle of Palms Real Estate: Buyer FAQs
With average DOM at 68 days, many desirable, move-in-ready homes still sell quickly—particularly oceanfront and well-maintained Wild Dunes properties. Have financing in place and be ready to tour new listings early in their market life.
Coastal homes commonly require flood insurance and wind/hail coverage in addition to a standard homeowners policy. Ask for elevation certificates, previous flood claims, and recent wind-proofing or roof upgrades as part of your due diligence.
Property taxes are managed by Charleston County; primary residences are assessed at 4% of appraised value. Tax bills also reflect county and school district millage rates, so get a tax estimate for any address you consider.
Yes. Wild Dunes is a private, resort-style community offering private beach access, golf, tennis, and pools—ownership there carries different amenities and often different rules than standalone beachfront homes or condos elsewhere on the island.
The island has an active vacation rental market, but the City of Isle of Palms regulates short-term rentals with licensing and rules; review local ordinances before assuming rental income will cover ownership costs.
