Living in Kiawah Island, SC — A Luxurious Outdoor Oasis

Living in Kiawah Island, SC, is like living in the lap of luxury — complete with beautiful outdoor views and top-notch golf resorts and villas. In fact, this Charleston-area island is often referred to as the “Hamptons of the South.” The picturesque outdoor beauty, rich culture, relaxed lifestyle, and opportunities for outdoor recreation make this community one of the most popular places to live in the state.

Where is Kiawah Island?

As the name suggests, Kiawah Island — and its 10 miles of gorgeous Atlantic Ocean beaches — is located on a barrier island. You can travel from Charleston to Kiawah Island in just over 40 minutes, and visitors from other nearby major cities such as Atlanta and Orlando can travel to the area in around 6 hours. 

Speaking of the island’s name, it’s derived from the Kiawah Indians, who inhabited the area until the 1600s. After originally being deeded to George Raynor in the late 1600s, the land changed hands many times between the likes of the Vanderhost Family and a Charles Clance Royal of Aiken who eventually sold it to The Kiawah Island Company. It was this company that developed the land into the world-class resort it is today. 

What Makes Kiawah Island So Special? 

If luxury is your thing, then living in Kiawah Island, SC, may be right up your alley. With an average home value of approximately $1.93 million, you can expect to find plenty of luxurious real estate options when you’re on the hunt for a home — from beautiful cottages and villas to modern homes. 

Sending your kids to public school? You can feel confident that they will receive a quality education at schools in the area, such as the Academic Magnet High School and Charleston School of the Arts. 

And Kiawah Island’s prime location can’t be beat. South Carolina towns like Mount Pleasant and Goose Creek are only an hour away, and other major cities within the U.S. such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh are less than six hours away. 

Cassique offers various world-class amenities and magnificent homes that overlook the tidal creeks and marshes of the river nearby.
(Source: Kiawah Island Real Estate via Facebook)

Guide to Kiawah Island Neighborhoods 

The island is made up of 10,000 acres with five main neighborhoods and private club communities, each offering its own unique views and amenities. No matter which neighborhood you choose when it comes to living in Kiawah Island, SC, you’ll have access to plenty of biking trails and boardwalks to get you around. Here are a few of our favorite areas.

Vanderhorst Plantation

The Vanderhorst Plantation is situated on Kiawah Island's northeastern section and is an exclusive community that features some of the island's finest homes — all with exceptional architectural flair. Its residents enjoy unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the magnificent Ocean Course is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys playing golf. 

Cassique 

Cassique is an upscale community situated on the southwestern part of Kiawah Island. The area offers various world-class amenities and magnificent homes that overlook the tidal creeks and marshes of the river nearby. The elegant Cassique clubhouse is ideal for residents when they need some relaxation time. It features a unique Tom Watson designed golf course and places to eat and drink with exceptional views of the water. 

Ocean Park 

If you're looking for a place where you can enjoy the beach and live the beautiful island dream, then Ocean Park is the neighborhood for you. This community is situated on Kiawah Island's eastern side, and it offers direct access to the area's pristine coastline.

Ocean Park features a variety of architectural styles that combine coastal charm and luxury. Residents have close access to the beach and the many activities that the area has to offer, such as swimming, walking, and sunbathing. Be sure to grab a bite at The Atlantic Room or the Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House when you're out and about!

The Preserve 

The Preserve is a more tranquil neighborhood within Kiawah Island that’s situated near marshlands and maritime forests — and surrounded by plenty of wildlife. This area's luxury homes fit in perfectly with the peaceful surrounding environment! 

Impressive attractions within this neighborhood include the observation tower that overlooks the Blue Heron Pond, as well as plenty of boardwalks for beach access and the Osprey Point Golf Course.

Home to close to 80 residences, the Cape on Kiawah is situated within the island’s West Beach community and features some of the best waterfront views

What About Condos in Kiawah Island?

Featuring fabulous amenities ranging from pools to clubhouses to sundecks, the condos of Kiawah Island offer top-notch living experiences for those who are interested in the area. Take a look at Kiawah Island's most popular condos.

The Cape on Kiawah 

Home to close to 80 residences, the Cape on Kiawah is situated within the island’s West Beach community and features some of the best river, marsh, and ocean views. Along with a fitness center ideal for staying active, residents can also enjoy an infinity pool, sundeck, and various food and drink options. 

Turtle Point Villas 

Residents of the Turtle Point Villas reside in a quiet retreat, with the Turtle Point Golf Course and fantastic views of the lagoon nearby. There are 2- and 3-bedroom spaces available, and residents can enjoy 10 miles of beach access along with approximately 30 miles of paved trails that are perfect for walking and biking. 

East Beach Village

Those who enjoy staying active will love what the East Beach Village community has to offer. Night Heron Park is close by, but residents of East Beach can also enjoy tennis courts, pools, and beautiful residential offerings all across the community.

What About the Schools in Kiawah Island?

Whether you’re looking for public or private, art schools to Montessori schools, there are plenty of impressive institutions to choose from. 

The best public schools that serve the area include:

• Academic Magnet High School
• Charleston School of the Arts
• Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School
• Buist Academy for Advanced Studies
• East Cooper Montessori Charter School
• Montessori Community School
• Orange Grove Elementary Charter School

There are plenty of championship golf courses on the island, including the Ocean course (pictured), the Turtle Point course, the Osprey Point course, the Oak Point course, and the Cougar Point course.
(Source: Kiawah Island Golf Resort via Facebook)

Top Things To Do in Kiawah Island 

Looking for what to do in Kiawah Island? Whether you’re in the mood for a fun outdoor activity or looking to relax and grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of Kiawah Island activities to keep you entertained when living in Kiawah Island, SC. Here are a few of our favorites. 

1. Live It Up in a Golfer’s Paradise

Kiawah Island is known for being a popular golf resort. In fact, the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships were even hosted there. So it’s no surprise that there are plenty of championship golf courses on the island, including the Ocean course, the Turtle Point course, the Osprey Point course, the Oak Point course, and the Cougar Point course. Not as confident as you’d like to be on the green? Tommy Cuthbert's Golf Learning Center is also located on the Turtle Point course.

2. Enjoy the Prime Locations Available for Fishing

There are plenty of places on Kiawah Island for fishing, including Bass Pond, a popular fishing area near Rhett's Bluff. Those who want to try something a little more adventurous can charter a boat out of Bohicket Marina. And you can fish in Kiawah's creeks and wetlands on a guided tour, where you’ll likely find spotted trout, redfish, and flounder.

3. Never Have Trouble Finding a Beach To Explore

There are ten miles of beaches on Kiawah Island — plenty to keep you occupied. The Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a popular spot on the west side of the island, in particular. It’s family-friendly, has lifeguards on duty, and offers restrooms, picnic areas, beach chair rentals, and dressing rooms.

4. Shop the Day Away

The selection of shops and boutiques in Freshfields Village has something to offer for everyone, including home décor and fashion stores. The location also offers a variety of unique gifts and experiences. Some of the most popular shops include J. Mclaughlin, Jayne, and Lululemon, and you can end the day with dinner at the FortyEight Wine Bar, where there's a rotating selection of 48 wines offered for tasting, as well as delicious seafood.

5. Get Inspired by the Local Nature

The Heron Park Wildlife Center is one of the best things to do in Kiawah Island, if you’re interested in getting up close and personal with a variety of animals that call this region home. You can also check out the Junior Naturalist Program, a great way for kids to learn about nature with events all throughout the summer.  

With more than 200 sunny days each year, Kiawah Islanders have plenty of time to explore the gorgeous outdoor landscapes that make up the area.
(Source: The Cape on Kiawah via Facebook)

Living on Kiawah Island Year-Round

A main reason why Kiawah Island is so attractive is its year-round beautiful weather — with warm summers, in particular. Those moving from regions on the East Coast, for example, such as Pittsburgh and New York, will find the weather here to be much more manageable overall. 

With more than 200 sunny days each year, Kiawah Islanders have plenty of time to explore the gorgeous outdoor landscapes that make up the area — not to mention the area’s fun festivities in the summer at Freshfields Village. Events here range from outdoor concerts and “Sip & Strolls” to family-friendly festivals and movies. 

And because of all the exceptional year-round outdoor activities available in Kiawah Island — including the beach, golfing, and fishing — winter is when you can expect the area to become the most populated. Traffic can become rather hectic during this time, but due to all of the trails within the area, you can easily travel by bike instead of car. You can even make online bike reservations to get ahead of the game! 

Moving to Kiawah Island 

Once you’ve found your ideal spot to settle down within Kiawah Island, it’s time to enlist PODS to help you move there with ease. Get a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load your belongings on your own time. 

Want more information on Charleston and the Lowcountry area? Check out our other blogs on everything you need to know about living in Charleston, retiring in South Carolina, and some of the best neighborhoods in close proximity to both Charleston and Kiawah Island! 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.