Breathtaking coastal beauty and unique history await in Charleston's East of the River communities, which offer the best of lowcountry living with a slower-paced lifestyle. Here, you'll discover unmatched suburban charm, in addition to a variety of stunning homes in resort-like communities. And to top it all off, you'll never be more than a few minutes away from the excitement of Charleston...but you won't have to deal with the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ready to take a closer look at Awendaw, the Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island? Let's explore.
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Quick Facts
East of the River Communities
Awendaw
Located around 30 miles northeast of Charleston, Awendaw is a historic fishing town that traces its roots back to the Sewee tribe. Today, it has transformed into small but growing suburb with a plethora of small businesses, and residents love the town's exciting year-round events.
If you want to live like a local, try attending the annual Blue Crab Festival or Oyster Roast and spend some time checking out live music at the Awendaw Green.
Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is a famous barrier island that's separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. Awe-inspiring ocean views and outdoor excitement await at every corner in this small but growing resort town, but it isn't just a place for tourists.
Be sure to check out the annual Lowcountry Blues Bash and Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest, or just spend some time biking along the shores of the Cooper River for a relaxing experience.
Sullivan's Island
Named for a lighthouse keeper in the late 17th century, Sullivan’s Island is a small community adjacent to Mt. Pleasant and Isle of Palms. And although this town has fewer than 2,000 residents, it's still big on Southern charm!
You'll never run out of things to do on Sullivan's Island, especially if you love the beach or want to learn a bit more about South Carolina's history. And as if that isn't enough, the island is just 20 minutes away from Charleston.
Wondering What's Around?
More Local Highlights
Shopping & Dining
The East of the River communities have plenty of shopping and dining destinations of their own, which means you won't have to drive into Charleston to find just what you need (unless you want to!).
You'll find plenty of larger retailers at the Shoppes of Seaside Farms, and Sullivan's Island has a bustling downtown district that's filled with locally owned shops and boutiques. And if you're feeling hungry, you can't go wrong with favorites like Poe's Tavern, The Obstinate Daughter, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, or Seewee Restaurant.
Education
Even if you don't have children, you may want to consider public schools when searching for a home. Awendaw, the Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island are all served by the Charleston County School District, which educates around 50,000 students and employs 6,500 teachers and staff.
In addition to the district's traditional schools, CCSD also operates a variety of magnet, charter, and specialty schools geared towards helping students discover their passions.
Employment
When you live in Awendaw, the Isle of Palms, or Sullivan's Island, you'll gain access to a wide variety of employment opportunities that will help you further your career or transition into a new field. Tourism is one of the area's prime industries, but there are also plenty of position available in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and local government.
The area is also home to Joint Base Charleston, a major Air Force outpost, and the Citadel, one of the nation's largest military colleges.
Uncover a Lowcountry Lifestyle
Searching for a home for sale in one of the East of the River communities or want to learn more about what it’s like to live in the lowcountry? We’ve got the resources you need to get started! Contact us today for more information and let us know if you have any questions.
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