Mount Pleasant vs Johns Island — Which Is Better in 2025?By Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012
Mount Pleasant and Johns Island are two of Charleston’s fastest-growing suburban markets — but they offer completely different lifestyles. If you're deciding where to live in 2025, understanding these differences will help you match the right neighborhood to your long-term goals.
Here’s a full, data-backed comparison.
🌴 1. Overall Lifestyle & Atmosphere
Mount Pleasant
Suburban coastal
Highly developed
Master-planned communities
Top-tier schools
Families, relocators, and professionals
Clean, organized, predictable
Johns Island
Rural coastal
Land, space, trees
Farms, horses, nature
Local restaurants & breweries
Rapid growth but still quiet
Verdict:
Choose Mount Pleasant for convenience and neighborhood lifestyle. Choose Johns Island for space, nature, and quiet living.
🏡 2. Housing + Prices
Mount Pleasant
$750K–$1.3M average
Highly competitive
Smaller lots
Newer master-planned neighborhoods
Johns Island
$475K–$850K average
More affordable
Larger lots, acreage
Mix of new and older construction
Johns Island is significantly more budget-friendly.
🚗 3. Commute Times
Mount Pleasant
12–22 mins to Downtown
20 mins to beaches
Strong road infrastructure
Johns Island
22–35 mins to Downtown
20–30 mins to beaches
Two main access roads → heavy traffic at peak hours
Mount Pleasant wins easily for commute efficiency.
🍽️ 4. Restaurants & Amenities
Mount Pleasant
National brands + high-end dining
Shopping, gyms, parks, beaches
Everything within minutes
Johns Island
Local gems (Wild Olive, Tattooed Moose, Low Tide)
Limited shopping
Fewer gyms, stores, amenities
Johns Island has amazing local restaurants but fewer options overall.
🏫 5. Schools
Mount Pleasant
Highest-ranked public schools in Charleston
Big driver of relocation demand
Johns Island
Improving schools
St. Johns High + new developments
More variance in performance
Mount Pleasant is the clear school winner.
🏁 Final Verdict
Choose Mount Pleasant if you want:
Top schools
Proximity to beaches
Master-planned neighborhoods
Shorter commute
Higher resale value
Choose Johns Island if you want:
More land
Lower prices
Nature, space, privacy
Local vibe
Room to grow
📞 Want help deciding between Mount Pleasant and Johns Island?
I can give you a tailored breakdown based on your budget and lifestyle.
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.
