Best Areas in Charleston for Waterfront Living (2025 Guide)By Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012
Waterfront living is one of the biggest reasons people move to Charleston. Whether you want deep water access for boating, scenic marsh views, or peaceful river frontage, Charleston offers some of the most beautiful waterfront neighborhoods in the Southeast.
Here’s your 2025 complete guide to the best places to live on the water in the Charleston area — broken down by lifestyle, price range, and type of water access.
🌊 1. Mount Pleasant (Dunes West, Rivertowne, Old Village)
Mount Pleasant is home to some of the most desirable waterfront communities in the entire metro.
Dunes West
Dunes West offers:
Deep water homes on the Wando River
Marshfront homes with incredible sunset views
Larger lots
Gated entry
Golf, boat launch, pools, tennis
Dunes West waterfront homes range from $1.8M to $3.6M+, depending on water depth, lot size, and views.
Rivertowne Country Club
Another top choice with:
Wando River access
Golf course homes
Marshfront properties
Great for boaters who want river convenience without the gated lifestyle.
Old Village / Old Mt. Pleasant
If charm is your priority, Old Village offers:
Charleston Harbor views
Historic character
Walkability to Pitt Street Bridge and local restaurants
Waterfront homes here easily climb into the multi-million-dollar range.
🌅 2. Daniel Island (Smythe Park, Etiwan Park, Daniel Island Park, Edgefield Park)
Daniel Island is one of Charleston’s most sought-after luxury markets.
Waterfront options include:
Wando River frontage
Marshfront lots
Private docks on deep water
Elevated homes with panoramic views
Homes with private docks often sell for $2.5M–$5M+, depending on location and water depth.
🚤 3. Johns Island
If you want space, Johns Island offers incredible waterfront opportunities at prices lower than Mount Pleasant or Daniel Island.
The Stono River and marsh systems make this area perfect for:
Horses + waterfront
Larger acreage
Riverfront estates
Luxury new construction
Expect prices from $1M up to $4M+ for premium deep-water lots.
🏝️ 4. James Island
Minutes from downtown, James Island offers:
Tidal creek homes
Marshfront views
Access to the Charleston Harbor and Stono River
Walkability to Folly Beach (in some pockets)
Ideal for people who want beach proximity + shorter commutes.
🌴 5. Isle of Palms & Sullivans Island
If you want true coastal ocean living, these islands are Charleston’s crown jewels.
Sullivans Island
Exclusive, quiet, ultra-high-end.
Homes often range from $3M–$10M+.
Isle of Palms
Waterfront options include:
Intracoastal Waterway
Marshfront
Oceanfront
Golf course + water combinations (Wild Dunes)
Perfect for second homes, vacation rentals (IOP only), and full-time beach life.
🛥️ 6. Folly Beach
Known for its fun, eclectic vibe — Folly is perfect for people who want:
Laid-back beach living
Surf culture
Tidal creek and marsh access
Oceanfront options
Prices range widely from $900K to $3M+, depending on location and view.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Best Waterfront Community for YOU
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Best for boating: Dunes West, Rivertowne, Daniel Island
Best for luxury: Daniel Island Park, Sullivans Island
Best for charm: Old Village
Best for budget-friendly waterfront: Johns Island
Best for beach living: Isle of Palms, Folly Beach
Best for families: Mount Pleasant waterfront communities
📞 Thinking about buying a waterfront home in Charleston?
I’ve toured and sold in every major waterfront community across the Lowcountry. If you want real guidance — not generic online info:
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.
