Community Spotlight and Featured Listing: Isle of Palms

As Isle of Palms locals know, you can’t live for long on IOP without hearing two names: J.C. Long and Hurricane Hugo.

Many of today’s luxury-minded homebuyers know the Isle of Palms as a town of high-end homes in a beach resort setting, but back in 1944 IOP got its start as a residential development with post-World War II housing for returning veterans. Those homes were built by J.C. Long, one of Charleston’s most influential figures of the 20th century.

Say “Hugo” to a long-time resident and you’ll learn about the 1989 hurricane that made landfall on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, bringing devastation to all of Charleston County. One of the most powerful hurricanes in South Carolina history, Hurricane Hugo caused a total estimated $8 billion in damages. Winds reaching 140 mph knocked the Ben Sawyer Bridge into the Intracoastal Waterway. At the time, this swing bridge was the only road access to Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.

Now the Isle of Palms Connector and the rebuilt Ben Sawyer Bridge provide access to both islands, and the housing market there offers a variety of different opportunities to property seekers.

Isle of Palm Highlights

Much has changed on the Isle of Palms since 1989, but you can still see J.C. Long homes throughout this barrier island 17 miles from downtown Charleston. In fact, residential development has transformed the island since Long bought all its undeveloped property in 1944. Long and his development company, The Beach Company, paved roads and brought in water and streetlights.

Homes were built for middle-class buyers. Except for a two-story duplex style, original J.C. Long homes were one-story ranches and simple two-bedroom cottages.

Some J.C. Long houses were destroyed by Hurricane Hugo, and others have been torn down to make room for larger, high-end residences sought by luxury buyers. The aftermath of Hugo’s 15-foot storm surge on IOP changed building codes. New construction home are required to be raised to prevent flood damage.

Today on the Isle of Palms, luxury homes and more modest homes share the same blocks. The northern end of the island is the location of Wild Dunes, a resort community developed on land originally owned by Long. All IOP residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle where they are steps away from a beautiful, 7-mile beach in a close-knit community with convenient access to Mount Pleasant.

Isle of Palms Landmarks

Palm Boulevard forms the main thoroughfare on IOP. Palm trees line both sides of the street between 22nd Avenue and 41st Avenue. Wild Dunes Beach Resort begins north of 41st Avenue, which is also the location of the Isle of Palms Marina.

Completed in 1993, the Isle of Palms Connector Bridge crosses the Intracoastal Waterway to connect IOP with the city of Mount Pleasant. Visitors and residents heading to IOP over the Connector are rewarded with a view of the sparkling ocean as they approach the end of the bridge.

The Front Beach Commercial District is the busiest part of IOP with its concentration of restaurants, shops, and boutiques. Here’s where you’ll find beachfront condos and hotels and some of the island’s most popular nightspots.

The Isle of Palms Recreation Center located on 28th Avenue is a gathering place for recreational and team sports as well as programs for adults, seniors, and kids. The IOP Recreation Department runs a summer camp and camps for youth soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and even acting.

Programs and classes for adults range from barre to tennis to tae kwon do. Senior programs include a very active “Keenagers” social group for adults 55 and up, plus clubs for needlework, woodworking, and mah jongg.

Featured Listing: 7 Sand Dune Lane, Isle of Palms

Our featured exclusive Isle of Palms listing is 7 Sand Dune Lane. Situated in the heart of Front Beach in the Beachside neighborhood, this four-bedroom, three-bath home has been meticulously cared for and updated. Enjoy incredible ocean views and private beach access from the highly efficient floor plan with open kitchen and great room for entertaining or relaxing.

A downstairs primary suite also boasts ocean views and porch access. There is one additional bedroom and full bath downstairs, and two additional bedrooms with a full bath upstairs. The Beachside neighborhood is private and prohibits public street parking so you’ll enjoy the benefits of a quiet community.

The location is the most central and convenient on IOP, with dining, shopping, and town amenities nearby. The exterior of the home was completely refurnished in 2020 with all new siding, flashing, and fresh paint. The house is equipped with new storm shutters and new HVAC. This property is offered fully furnished, turn-key and ready to move in or operate as a lucrative rental. See the full listing here.