Waterfront home beside a tidal marsh, with private docks, viewed from above at sunset.

Explore Homes for Sale in James Island, SC

A fantastic historic community with homes, perfect for any lifestyle!

Welcome to James Island

One of South Carolina's most historic and urban sea islands, James Island offers residents the chance to live in a charming oceanside town without feeling too far removed from big city life. Separated from Charleston by the Ashley River, James Island is only a 10-minute drive from the heart of Charleston's center. As a fantastic historic community filled with a wealth of amenities, James Island homes are perfect for any lifestyle!
 

James Island Real Estate

Referred to as one of South Carolina's best-kept secrets, it's no wonder that those who visit James Island tend to stay for good. Houses on James Island are made up mostly of spacious traditional lots developed within the past decade, while prospective buyers will find a number of charming ranch-style homes dating back to the 1950s throughout the area.
 

History of James Island, SC

Though James Island is a more urbanized community, it definitely does not lack historic value. Long before developers started building the large James Island real estate properties you see standing today, the island was home to a number of important forts.
 
Fort Sumter, one of the forts just off the eastern tip of the island, was the site of the first engagement of the Civil War. The fort still exists today, as a monument to the conflict that started there and a memorial to those who served. Fort Sumter can be accessed via ferry from the Charleston Aquarium.
 
James Island was also the location of the Battle of Secessionville, which occurred during the Civil War. Fort Johnson, now home to several maritime research agencies, was the site where cadets from The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina, fired the first shots of the Civil War on January 9th, 1861. Fort Johnson also has public hiking trails and fishing access, and houses the Hollings Marine Laboratory.
 

Amenities Near James Island, SC

The community has received recognition as being one of South Carolina's most urban island markets, and it isn't difficult to understand why. Many homes for sale in James Island are in areas that could be labelled as suburbs, thanks to a number of excellent amenities located within the immediate vicinity.
 
For those interested in shopping, James Island boasts a number of markets, such as Harbour View and Cross Creek shopping centers, as well as the smaller Merchant's Village strip mall. Many farmers' markets are in the area as well.
 
With such close proximity to the ocean, residents of James Island are treated to miles of stunning beaches, just 10 minutes away from Folly Beach, and the activities that come along with waterfront living. Explore the many paved hiking trails of James Island County Park, where visitors are encouraged to take part in fantastic saltwater fishing, hiking the rolling meadows, waterparks for the kids, and much more! Or, relax on Folly Beach, referred to fondly by locals as "The Edge of America".
 
Here, residents of James Island can enjoy the town's best golfing, surfing, and camping. You'll also find a quaint seaside boardwalk, lined with small local restaurants and boutique storefronts, adding to the area's unique character.
 
While there is a wide selection of James Island homes that live up to their urban designation, the community still maintains much of its natural setting. With old-growth trees lining the streets, and picturesque sunsets painted onto the Ocean's pristine skyline, it won't take long for you to realize that James Island truly is one of the Charleston area's hidden gems.

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Overview for James Island, SC

39,256 people live in James Island, where the median age is 40.7 and the average individual income is $61,854. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

39,256

Total Population

40.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$61,854

Average individual Income

Around James Island, SC

There's plenty to do around James Island, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

7
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
28
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score
21
Minimal Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Doscher Family Seafood, Tamashii, and Synergy.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 0.14 miles 1 review 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 0.24 miles 32 reviews 4/5 stars
Dining 0.93 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 0.98 miles 13 reviews 4.8/5 stars
Dining 1.04 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Dining 1.54 miles 1 review 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for James Island, SC

James Island has 16,758 households, with an average household size of 2.33. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in James Island do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 39,256 people call James Island home. The population density is 1,001 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

39,256

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

40.7 years

Median Age

47 / 53%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
16,758

Total Households

2.33

Average Household Size

$61,854

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in James Island, SC

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby James Island. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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