SULLIVAN'S ISLAND

If you've sold your company for 10 figures, Sullivan's Island is the place for you. Sullivan's Island is most expensive zip code in South Carolina. Despite the wealth, there’s a laid-back ease about Sullivan for the lucky 2,500 or so who live on the island.

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND
Sullivan's Island SC.Photo by Tanner Kohler

Price Range Sullivan's Island 2024

Single Family Home: Median price is $4.7M. Range is $2M - $15M

Sullivan's Island Pros

  • You've made it in life if you own a home on Sullivan’s
  • Most expensive zip code in South Carolina
  • It’s a community where people know each other

Sullivan's Island Cons

  • There are no cons to life on Sullivan’s Island. Zero. Nada.

Sullivan's Island Residents Say

Here are ten comments on Reddit from people live on Sullivan's Island

  1. "Living on Sullivan’s Island is like being on a perpetual vacation. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and feels like a real escape."
  2. "The beaches here are pristine. Soft sand, clear water—it’s a paradise for beach lovers."
  3. "It’s a small community, which is nice for a tight-knit feel. You get to know your neighbors pretty well."
  4. "Traffic isn’t bad compared to other parts of Charleston, but it can pick up during tourist season."
  5. "Housing prices are high, though. You pay a premium for that beachfront property."
  6. "There’s not a ton of commercial stuff on the island, but Mount Pleasant and Charleston are a short drive away for shopping and dining."
  7. "Hurricanes can be a concern being so close to the coast. It’s something you have to prepare for."
  8. "It’s great for outdoor activities. Lots of biking, kayaking, and just enjoying nature."
  9. "Nightlife is quiet here. It’s more about relaxing with friends or enjoying the peaceful surroundings."
  10. "Overall, if you love beach life and a laid-back vibe, Sullivan’s Island is hard to beat. It’s a slice of paradise."

Where is Sullivan’s Island?

Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island, just over the intra-coastal waterway from Mount Pleasant. It is 20 minutes from Downtown Charleston.


What is Sullivan’s Island Like?

Sullivan’s Island zip code is 29482, and it is one of the 50 most expensive zip codes in the US. The most expensive in South Carolina. Sullivan’s Island is the place for those who have done extremely well in life.

There are some small beach shacks on the island. Those shack dwellers are the lucky ones, they’ve been here their whole life. But, they’re being replaced quickly by bigger, expensive homes. $3M barely buys you a starter home here.

Despite the wealth, there’s a laid-back ease about Sullivan for the lucky 2,500 or so who live on the island. Sullivan’s residents are gracious enough to tolerate the influx from across the Ben Sawyer bridge since Sullivan’s is the local beach for those who live in Mt Pleasant or downtown.

The avenues here are called Stations, due to the old railroad that ran through the island. Now, it’s golf carts you need to watch out for. Every house comes with one.

A big difference between Sullivan’s and its neighbor, Isle of Palms, is that Sullivan’s doesn't allow short-term rentals. No Airbnbs here. It makes a huge difference. There’s a real community feel in Sullivan’s. No worrying about rowdy vacationers next door.

I do love downtown life, but if I was offered the tiniest sliver of SI dirt to park a tiny 200 sqft house, I’d be there tomorrow. If you have the financial means, stop your search right now and hyper-focus on Sullivan’s Island.


Who Lives on Sullivan's Island?

The very wealthy. People who sold their company for ten figures. And the lucky few who have lived there for generations.


Sullivan's Island Food & Drinks

The commercial part has a mix of beach-type bars & restaurants, along with some higher-end spots.


Sullivan's Island Shopping

If you need flip-flops and sunscreen, you can buy it here. Otherwise, Mt Pleasant is five minutes away and has everything you need.


Parks & Recreation

The beach is your recreation spot. There are tennis courts and basketball too.


How Far Is Sullivan's Island From?

Airport: 30 minutes. Downtown: 20 minutes

Have Questions About Sullivan's Island?

We answer all your Sullivan's Island questions. Quickly.

Neighborhoods

It’s such a small island, there are no real neighborhood divisions. I've numbered the Google Map below with some areas of interest.

1 Downtown Views

On the Fort Moultrie end, you have views across to Downtown Charleston. The Catholic Church is down here too.

2 Intracoastal Views

The houses on Thompson have docks onto the Intra Coastal

3 Downtown Sullivan’s Island

This is where the restaurants & bars are.

4 Raven ICW

You have more ICW views on Raven, without the docks generally though.

5 North End

Now you’re close to the Isle of Palms & Breech Inlet. Fabulous beach views from some of the houses here. Come kite surf with me at Station 28.5!


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You Might Also Like

Isle of Palms. Next to Sullivan's Island. Same views for less money.

Folly Beach is the other beach island on the other side. Much more eclectic, but the most gorgeous sunset views in the area.

Kiawah Island is where US Presidents vacation. It's a very wealthy area, but it has a much different feel to Sullivan's. Formal might be a bit strong of a word to describe a vacation island, but you'd dress well going out the door on Kiawah. Sullivan's dress code is flip flops, sun visor and croakies.