Dunes West vs Rivertowne Country Club — Which Is Better in 2025?By Brandon Bott — Mount Pleasant Realtor Since 2012
Dunes West and Rivertowne Country Club are two of the most desirable master-planned golf communities in North Mount Pleasant. Both offer beautiful homes, strong amenities, golf access, and great schools — which is why buyers often compare the two side-by-side.
If you’re deciding between Dunes West and Rivertowne in 2025, this guide breaks down the differences in lifestyle, amenities, price points, HOA structure, water access, appreciation, and long-term value.
🏡 1. Neighborhood Feel & Atmosphere
Dunes West
Gated community
Quiet, peaceful streets
More privacy
Larger lot sizes
Mature landscaping
Feels like a resort neighborhood
Rivertowne Country Club
Not gated (open access)
Golf-centric, active community
More varied traffic flow
River, marsh, and golf course homes
Classic lowcountry aesthetic
Summary:
Dunes West feels more private and secure due to its gates. Rivertowne feels more open, lively, and intertwined with the golf course lifestyle.
🛡️ 2. Security
Dunes West: Fully gated entrances with controlled access.
Rivertowne: Not gated.
For families prioritizing privacy and safety, this is one of the largest differences.
🏊 3. Amenities Comparison
Dunes West Amenities
3 pools
Tennis
Full fitness center
Golf course
Boat ramp
Clubhouse
Miles of walking/biking trails
Rivertowne Amenities
Golf course
Clubhouse
Community pool
Tennis courts
Trails
Beautiful marsh paths
Key Difference:
Dunes West offers more robust resort-style amenities, while Rivertowne is more centered around golf.
🚤 4. Waterfront & Water Access
Dunes West
Deep water homes (Wando River)
Marshfront
Tidal creek
Boat ramp inside gates
Limited deep-water inventory
Rivertowne
Some of the best marsh views in Mount Pleasant
More homes backing to golf + marsh
Tidal creek lots
No boat ramp inside the community
Water Advantage:
Dunes West = better boat access
Rivertowne = more marsh/golf combo lots
💵 5. Price Comparison (2025)
Dunes West
Detached homes: $850K–$1.4M
Premium sections: $1.3M–$1.9M
Deep water: $2M–$3.6M+
Rivertowne
Detached homes: $750K–$1.2M
Marsh/golf premium: $1.1M–$1.5M
Limited deep water: higher when available
Summary:
Dunes West is typically more expensive due to amenities, gates, and lot sizes.
💸 6. HOA & Club Costs
Dunes West HOA
Master HOA + sub-HOAs
Optional Athletic Club
Optional Golf membership
Rivertowne HOA
Single HOA fee
Optional Golf membership
Rivertowne is slightly more budget-friendly month to month.
📈 7. Appreciation & Resale Value
Both neighborhoods have strong resale performance.
Dunes West
Higher appreciation
Lower turnover
Strong demand from relocators
Rivertowne
Consistent demand
Marsh/golf homes perform extremely well
Slightly more turnover
🏁 Final Verdict
Choose Dunes West if you want:
Gated security
Larger homes
Strong resort-style amenities
Boat access
More privacy
Choose Rivertowne if you want:
Golf-centered lifestyle
Marsh + golf views everywhere
More affordable pricing
Open community feel
Both are excellent — the right choice depends on the lifestyle your family prioritizes.
📞 Need help deciding between Dunes West and Rivertowne?
I’ve helped buyers navigate both neighborhoods for over a decade.
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.
