JOHNS ISLAND

Johns Island still has a really laid back feel to it. You’ll see a gun store next to a brewery across the road from a hardware store. It’s that kind of place. A lot of the produce at the area farmers markets is grown on Johns Island or neighboring Wadmalaw Island.

JOHNS ISLAND
Angel Oak, Johns Island, SC. Photo by Kevin Wenning

Johns Island House Prices 2024

Single Family Homes: Median Price $613,000. $350,000-$1,000,000


Pros of Johns Island

  • The feel of the area. It’s a world away from the city of Charleston.
  • Buy your food from the farmer on the farm it was grown on.
  • There are some beautiful drives around the area, check out Rockville and pick up your shrimp direct from the trawler at Cherry Point.

Cons of Johns Island

  • You have to drive to do some serious shopping, but you’ll pass through those areas anyway during your commute
  • Some neighborhoods are new and are still growing into themselves, they don’t have the mature landscape yet

Johns Island Residents Say

Here are ten comments on Reddit from people live in Johns Island.

  1. "Living on Johns Island is like living in a rural oasis just outside Charleston. It’s got a real Southern charm and a slower pace."
  2. "The island is huge with lots of space. You get that country feel with farms and open fields."
  3. "Traffic isn’t too bad most days, but the road to Charleston can get congested during rush hour."
  4. "Housing here is more affordable compared to areas closer to downtown Charleston. You can find some nice properties with land."
  5. "The community vibe is strong. People here are friendly and there’s a real sense of community."
  6. "There’s a lot of history here too. You’ve got places like Angel Oak and historic plantations to explore."
  7. "It’s great for outdoor activities. Plenty of parks, waterways, and trails for hiking or biking."
  8. "There aren’t as many commercial options compared to downtown Charleston, but you’ve got essentials nearby."
  9. "It’s quieter here. Perfect if you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle away from the city hustle."
  10. "Overall, Johns Island offers a mix of rural charm, community spirit, and easy access to Charleston. It’s a unique place to call home."

Where is Johns Island SC?

Johns Island is a barrier island located 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. It is 15 minutes to Kiawah Island.

Johns Island is bordered by the Stono River and the Kiawah River. Johns Island's population is about 20,000 people.


What is Johns Island SC Like ?

Johns Island was agricultural and ‘out there’ until about ten years ago, until developers figured out it was one of the last land banks close to Charleston. All the other areas were running out of land, while Johns Island had acres and acres of land, so they started buying up land and building. I’m sure the old timers don’t like it, but it’s given thousands of people the chance to get an affordable home that is within commuting distance of the city.

Johns Island still has a really laid back feel to it, there’s only a couple of grocery stores and nothing even resembling a big box store. You’ll see a gun store next to a brewery across the road from a hardware store. It’s that kind of place. A lot of the produce at the area farmers markets is grown on Johns Island or neighboring Wadmalaw Island.

Johns Island even has its own executive airport, which is mostly used by the VIPs en route to their Kiawah Island vacation homes.

When I first started selling out here, it was mostly houses in the 100s and people moved here for the value. Now though, it has become a popular place to live because of the quality of communities that have been built and the vibe of the area, so there are new houses selling in the 500-$1M range.

Waterfront homes go for $1M+. If you want 5 to 10 acres with water access, these still exist on Johns Island. These sell in the $3M-$5M range too.

If you like your privacy and don’t want to be governed by neighborhood association rules, then this is a good spot too since some older neighborhoods remain about the newer planned subdivisions.

Note : At some point, I-526 will be extended for Johns Island. It’s a bit like a hurricane, there’s a lot of predictions but nobody knows where it’s going to make landfall on Johns Island for sure. Take that into consideration when buying your home here.


Johns Island Area Favorites

  • Seanachai Irish Pub - Ok, I’m a little biased here, but it is genuinely the most authentic Irish pub in the US. I’ve been in many of them, but when you’re in Seanachai, you’re in Ireland.
  • Fresh produce direct from the farm.
  • Angel Oak - It’s featured in every tourist article in Charleston but it’s for a reason.
  • Rockville. If Gone With The Wind was to mix with Forrest Gump, they'd film it in the absolutely gorgeous Rockville. Buy your shrimp here.

How Far is Johns Island From?

Airport: 30 minutes. Downtown: 25 minutes. Closest Beach : 25 minutes


Shopping on Johns Island

Part of the charm of Johns Island is that is still has that rural feel and with that comes a lack of stores. There are a couple of grocery stores out here now and a coffee shop (that is not from Seattle). Buy your groceries direct from the farmers on Johns Island, you’ll get to know a shrimp guy too. Johns Island is very small business orientated and I love it for that.


Closest Beaches to Johns Island

Folly or Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park are your closest options. Depending on where you are in Johns Island, it'll be 15-30 minute drive.

Have Questions About Johns Island?

We answer all your Johns Island questions. Quickly.

The Best Neighborhoods on Johns Island


1. The Villages in St John's Wood

What I like about The Villages is that it's a mature neighborhood, I don't mean by resident age, more the neighborhood itself. Johns Island is developing so quickly that some of the newer neighborhoods look bare. In The Villages, the trees are fully grown providing plenty of character and shade. It's got a very central location too

2. Whitney Lakes

I've sold more houses in this neighborhood than any other in Johns Island, mostly to MUSC Medical Residents for some reason. The huge lake that is in the center of the neighborhood is the reason why. Kayak, fish, walk the dog, relax. The houses all have Southern style porches, so if you like outdoors lifestyle, Whitney Lakes has a lot to offer. Highly recommend.

3. Oakfield

Oakland is a newer neighborhood on Johns Island with 600 homes in different price ranges. I like it because with modern homes, you get modern floor plans. It's a bit quieter because it's not off the main road in Johns Island, instead it's off the less trafficked Cane Slash Road. Their amenity center is excellent too.

4. Stonoview

Stonoview Johns Island is a high end neighborhood with waterfront homes. Its key selling point is its proximity to downtown. It's located just a few minutes from the Stono River Bridge, so you can be on James Island heading for downtown. It has a community dock to launch your kayak from, a gorgeous pool & clubhouse. Walking trails for miles.

5. Headquarters Island

Headquarters Island is a luxury waterfront community midway between Johns & James Island that is loved by boaters. It's directly located on the Intracoastal Waterway. Some homes have deep water docks. There are large homes on Headquarters, up to 6000 sqft. St Johns Yacht Harbor is on the island too, so even if you have a dock at your house, you can join their club and have a full service boat club a short golf cart ride from your house.

The next island over is the beautiful neighborhood of Rushland Plantation which has similar views, but without the boating amenities.

6. Kiawah River Estates

As the name would suggest, this is much closer to the Kiawah Island end of Johns Island. So if you need to be downtown every day, you'll have a longer commute. But if you like an active golfing, boating and tennis lifestyle in a gated community, then Kiawah River Estates will be perfect for you.

Kiawah River Estates has large custom homes, some waterfront, some on the golf course. It's a very short drive over to Kiawah Island itself. Freshfield Village shopping and dining is on your doorstep. Kiawah River Estates is an excellent choice for those seeking active luxury.


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Areas Like Johns Island

James Island is closer to town and busier, but it has the same older school vibe. West Ashley is similar. If you want land and space, the more rural areas past West Ashley such as Ravenel & the gorgeous Meggett, have land while still being within 45 minutes of Downtown Charleston .