Our List of the Best South Carolina Coastal Towns to Build In

South Carolina coastal towns are a thing of beauty. Here in South Carolina, a handful of picturesque communities with jaw-dropping scenery can be found along the state’s coast. The further south you travel on the map, the richer the Lowcountry flavor. 

In these towns, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and meet others who share a love for the sea and all its glory. Thrill seekers, golf lovers, beach-goers and the like, flock to these locations for a chance to own a slice of paradise. With the luxury real estate market soaring at the moment, now is the time to find your perfect place to build your dream beach home. Take a tour of the top South Carolina coastal towns to build in below. 

1. Isle of Palms

Starting north to south, the first town to consider is Isle of Palms, located adjacent to Charleston and Mount Pleasant. This small community sits on a 7 mile long barrier island. The nightlife is exciting, with quirky beach-themed bars and restaurants that are filled with locals and visitors each night. At the north end of the island is Wild Dunes Resort, which offers two golf courses and other resort amenities. Depending on where you are on the island, downtown Charleston is 20 to 30 minutes by car.

Building a Home on Isle of Palms

Here, you’ll find varying home sizes from quaint bungalows to extravagant beach homes and everything in between. Homes are typically built with the traditional coastal style such as shingle exteriors and light color palettes. The majority of Isle of Palms homes are vacation rentals to accommodate the large number of tourists that visit this beautiful island each year.

2. Sullivan’s Island

Just next door to Isle of Palms is Sullivan’s Island, a laid-back town with great historical significance. The main amenity on Sullivan’s Island is the outdoor recreation available. This barrier island is also a popular tourist destination, with a central street that houses all of the island’s businesses. Popular restaurants, bars, and sporting outfitters are located on this street to serve your every need. 

Building a Home on Sullivan’s Island

Homeowners have the opportunity to build a home with oceanfront views or that faces a scenic strait. Simply cross the bridge over the strait and you are connected back to the mainland. Living on Sullivan’s Island is a great option if you are interested in eventually renting your beach property to others. 

3. Kiawah Island

Further down the coast is Kiawah Island, an upscale Island with an affinity for the outdoors. What sets Kiawah Island apart from the other South Carolina coastal towns is its lush vegetation and layered views. Local residents regularly partake in the resort-style amenities, such as world-class golf and exclusive Kiawah Island Club Member events and dining. The island is private, and therefore a secluded place to enjoy the beach, it’s many golf courses, and other amenities at your leisure. 

Building a Home on Kiawah Island

With both custom and pre-designed home options available, building a home on Kiawah is one of the best ways to make the most of your time on the island. Designing a home to your taste will ensure all of your needs are met. Relaxing bedroom suites, gourmet kitchens, and spa-like bathrooms, are just some of the features you can look forward to. From eco-friendly cottages to grand beach houses, you are able to get exactly what you want out of your home. 

4. Seabrook Island

Seabrook is another wonderful option if you’re looking for a South Carolina coastal town to call home. As our neighbors, Seabrook also offers some privacy and is ideal for equestrians looking for a community that shares their passion for horses. With a state-of-the-art equestrian center, you can ride on the soft sandy beaches of Seabrook Island. 

Building a Home on Seabrook Island

The communities on Seabrook offer the chance to build a beautiful home with oceanfront or marsh views. Inland properties provide affordability with close by access to the island’s two beautiful beaches.

5. Edisto Island

Edisto is enticing for those looking to live life at a much slower pace. This no frills town has a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. The focus is to appreciate the natural beauty of the ocean in a laid back fashion. What this South Carolina coastal town lacks in nightlife and amenities, it makes up for in peace and tranquility. 

Building a Home on Edisto Island

Property on Edisto is more affordable than the other towns on this list. As a small community of roughly 600 residents, living here is perfect for those needing a simple escape in the summer months. 

Build Your Dream Home on Kiawah Island

Whether you choose to build a custom or pre-designed home, the homes on Kiawah Island are exquisite, with elegant design and well-thought-out features. Regardless of its style, each home is designed to blend with the surrounding landscape and provide stunning vistas from every vantage point of your residence. 

Kiawah’s luxurious lifestyle appeals to homeowners with a finer taste. Each community across the Island offers its own unique features, landscape, and amenities. Some may have layered views of marsh and fairways, while others sit high against the sand dunes. 

If you have never seen Kiawah’s beauty up close, we invite you to visit the Island for a chance to see what makes it stand out from the rest. Stay a weekend and play a round of golf, go for a swim, or try your hand at catching something local. Come tour homes and get carried away in the splendor of Kiawah Island.