Sullivan’s Island is one of Charleston’s barrier islands and although it’s a short drive to downtown Charleston, it feels a world away. If you’re thinking about moving to the Charleston area, and you have your heart set on living close to the beach, you should know about Sullivan’s Island and all it has to offer.
The Town of Sullivan’s Island is located to the south/southeast of Mt. Pleasant, with miles of shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean curving in towards the Charleston Harbor on the westernmost end. Just to the northeast of the island is the Isle of Palms, another barrier island.
From the post office on Sullivan’s Island, the average drive times in good traffic are:
The feeling of laid-back luxury on Sullivan’s Island is due to what the island has as well as what it’s lacking. The island is home to a number of restaurants, churches, and historical sights as well as many beautiful houses and, of course, the beach. What’s missing from Sullivan’s Island is massive commercial development. You’ll find no tall condo buildings on the shore, no sprawling resort complexes, no hotels, no strip malls – not even a full-sized grocery store. The result is a beach town with a sophisticated and tranquil vibe.
The island is small, with a total area of just 3.44 square miles – less than half the size of the Charleston peninsula at around 8 square miles – and a population of around 2,000 people. Despite the small size, Sullivan’s Island has two historic districts and something of a “downtown” area on Middle Street featuring a handful of bars and restaurants including Poe’s Tavern and The Obstinate Daughter. Parents of little ones can send their pre-K through 5th grade kids to Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, newly constructed and opened in 2015, and the only elementary school in the country that’s perched above the beach. There’s also a private Christian preschool, a post office, a gas station, a small grocer and deli, and a few other such places. For all other shopping and amenities, residents and visitors typically find what they need over the bridge in nearby Mt. Pleasant or Isle of Palms.
As for history and places of interest, there’s a surprising amount to see for an island so small. Fort Moultrie, a military fort with 171 years of history spanning the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond, is located at the western end of the island and is open to visitors. Nearby is the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park Visitor Center. Other worthwhile sites include the Edgar Allan Poe Library, the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, Mugdock Castle, and the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church.
But the main attraction is surely the beach. The island boasts about 2 ½ miles of exquisite Atlantic Ocean coastline, and in addition to swimming and sunbathing, it’s also a spot for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. Sullivan’s Island has a number of regulations for beachgoers in order to keep the area clean and to respect and protect wildlife, such as restrictions on dogs and prohibiting plastic straws and plastic containers. It sees itself as steward of the shoreline and works to keep it clean and well-preserved for everyone’s enjoyment, now and in the future.
Sullivan’s Island is an exceptional and exclusive place to live. Because the island is narrow, every house on it is a short walk to the beach, if not right on the water with spectacular views to boot. The prices of real estate here reflect this, with homes in the millions.
In terms of style, many houses on Sullivan’s Island feature common Lowcountry architectural elements like elevated foundations, split staircases, double covered porches, and light exterior paint colors. Many were built in the early- and mid-1900s and have been well maintained and updated over the years, but you can also find homes that were built more recently, as well as the occasional new construction project, to suit modern tastes in home layout and design. Buyers on a budget may consider one of the limited number of smaller condos on the island that sometimes come up for sale.
Of the three barrier islands that are close to Charleston (the others being the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach), Sullivan’s Island is the smallest and least developed. It has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and a feeling of a close-knit community. For those lucky enough to live here, they can enjoy the beach life while being close to the Charleston peninsula.
If you’re dreaming of living in a home by the beach on Sullivan’s Island, or a home in the greater Charleston, SC area, give me a call and I can help. My name is Kenton Selvey and I’m an experienced Realtor® with William Means. I help people buy and sell homes on Sullivan’s Island, Charleston, Daniel Island, Mt. Pleasant, James Island, and beyond, and I’m ready to help you find your dream home. Call me at 843-806-7222 or email me here. I look forward to hearing from you!
2,220 people live in Sullivan's Island, where the median age is 50 and the average individual income is $98,841. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Sullivan's Island has 832 households, with an average household size of 2.67. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Sullivan's Island do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,220 people call Sullivan's Island home. The population density is 888.7 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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