Isle of Palms, SC Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms is a barrier island in Charleston County, connected to Mount Pleasant by the Isle of Palms Connector and about 25 to 35 minutes from downtown Charleston outside peak traffic. Isle of Palms homes for sale range from beach cottages and condos near Front Beach to oceanfront homes on Palm Boulevard, deepwater homes near the marina, and resort property inside the gated Wild Dunes community. Here's our team's guide to the island's neighborhoods, the rules that matter before you buy, and where to eat.
Isle of Palms Market at a Glance
Oceanfront: front row homes on Palm Boulevard and inside Wild Dunes are the top of the Isle of Palms market.
Second row and mid-island: homes between Palm Boulevard and Waterway Boulevard, including Forest Trail, trade the ocean view for larger lots and a quieter street.
Condos and villas: the entry point to the island, concentrated near Front Beach and inside Wild Dunes.
Waterway and marina: homes on the Intracoastal Waterway and creeks, several with deepwater docks.
Flood insurance: nearly all of the island sits in FEMA flood zones AE or VE, so a lender will require flood insurance on most purchases.
For current median prices and days on market, call 843.730.4454 or book a consultation.
Isle of Palms Neighborhoods
Tap "View on Google Maps" to see where each area sits relative to the beach, the Connector, and the marina.
Wild Dunes
A gated resort community of roughly 1,600 acres at the northeast end of the island, with two Tom Fazio golf courses (the Links and Harbor courses), resort pools, tennis, and private beach access. Resort amenities are owned and run separately from the homes, so confirm what membership includes before you buy.
View on Google MapsPalm Boulevard
The island's main oceanfront corridor, with front row and second row homes that carry the strongest rental demand and the highest prices outside Wild Dunes.
View on Google MapsForest Trail and Mid-Island
Between Palm Boulevard and Waterway Boulevard, with larger lots, mature trees, and a more residential feel, while still a short walk or bike ride to the beach.
View on Google MapsMarina and Waterway
Homes along the Intracoastal Waterway and the creeks near the Isle of Palms Marina, popular with boaters who want a deepwater dock.
View on Google MapsFront Beach
The island's small commercial district by the county park, with condos and cottages a few steps from restaurants, shops, and the public beach.
View on Google MapsGoat Island and Dewees Island
Two small islands off the waterway side of Isle of Palms, reached only by boat or ferry, for buyers who want privacy above convenience.
View on Google MapsThings to Do on Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms County Park
Front Beach access with lifeguards in season, restrooms, and parking, next to the Front Beach shops and restaurants.
View on Google MapsIsle of Palms Marina
Boat rentals, fishing charters, and fuel on the Intracoastal Waterway.
View on Google MapsSullivan's Island
Across Breach Inlet: Fort Moultrie, the Middle Street restaurants, and a quieter, fully residential beach town.
View on Google MapsRestaurants Our Clients Love
Long Island Cafe
A mid-island mainstay on Palm Boulevard for local seafood.
View on Google MapsAcme Lowcountry Kitchen
All-day dining with a focus on local seafood, a short walk from the beach.
View on Google MapsIslander 71 Fish House & Raw Bar
Waterfront seafood and a raw bar at the Isle of Palms Marina, with views over the Intracoastal.
View on Google MapsThe Boathouse at Breach Inlet
Southern seafood and a rooftop bar at the inlet between Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island.
View on Google MapsThe Windjammer
A beachfront bar and music venue on Ocean Boulevard and an island institution.
View on Google MapsIsle of Palms FAQ
How much does a home on Isle of Palms cost?
Condos and villas near Front Beach and in Wild Dunes are the entry point, mid-island and second row homes sit in the middle of the market, and oceanfront homes on Palm Boulevard and in Wild Dunes are the top tier. Flood insurance and, in Wild Dunes, any optional resort membership come on top of the purchase price. Call 843.730.4454 for current prices by area.
Do homes on Isle of Palms need flood insurance?
Nearly all of them. Almost the whole island sits in FEMA flood zones AE or VE, which means a lender will require flood insurance. Premiums vary widely by elevation and zone, so get an elevation certificate and a quote before you make an offer.
Can you rent out a home on Isle of Palms?
Yes, with a city short term rental license. Isle of Palms requires a license for any rental, sets occupancy limits per bedroom, and has not capped the number of licenses since a 2023 referendum on limits failed. Confirm current rules with the City of Isle of Palms before you budget a rental return.
How far is Isle of Palms from downtown Charleston and the airport?
About 25 to 35 minutes to downtown Charleston and 30 to 40 minutes to Charleston International Airport outside peak traffic, via the Isle of Palms Connector and Mount Pleasant. The Connector lands on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, about 10 minutes from its shopping and restaurants.
What is the difference between Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island?
Isle of Palms is larger, has the Wild Dunes resort and a Front Beach commercial district, and allows licensed short term rentals. Sullivan's Island, across Breach Inlet, is smaller and fully residential, with far tighter limits on short term rentals, so the right choice depends on whether you want a rental option or a quieter year-round neighborhood.
Comparing the coast? See Mount Pleasant homes for sale, Seabrook Island real estate, and Downtown Charleston homes for sale.
Thinking About Buying on Isle of Palms?
We'll walk you through flood zones, rental rules, and the differences between Wild Dunes, oceanfront, and mid-island homes before you make an offer.
Book a Consultation