Walking along the undisturbed beaches of any of these island communities, residents and visitors alike find it hard to believe that the city of Charleston is only 21 miles away. Each island abounds in natural beauty, from endless acres of marsh to thick forest of pines, magnolias and live oaks, South Carolina’s “Lowcountry” islands make for the perfect place to live, work and play. Whether one is vacationing at a Kiawah Island resort or living in a privately-owned home, villa, or beach cottage, you will find yourself only a short distance from the challenge of championship golf, award-winning tennis, an assortment of specialty shops and one of the finest stretches of white sand beach on the east coast.

While Kiawah Island is the main attraction for tourists and beachgoers, Seabrook, Johns and Wadmalaw Islands are more distinct in that they are all more private and less busy by choice and are completely owned by property owners. In Seabrook, entry to the island is controlled by a security gate that insures privacy for stay and play resort guests and residents. Seabrook Island resort guests staying in member owned villas have full member privileges and access to all facilities. The natural beauty of Seabrook is immediately apparent as you enter under a canopy of great oaks and a myriad of trees and flora native to the sea island region. There is three miles of pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Edisto River. Marshes teeming with wildlife and vistas changing with the tides captivate residents who enjoy this idyllic setting.

For residents seeking big city excitement, commutes into Charleston are simple. Charleston is a city of celebration. No matter what time of year it is there is sure to be a festival or special event going on. Some of the most wildly known include the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, Spoleto Festival USA, the Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes, the MOJA Festival and Christmas in Charleston. Numerous other events highlighting the arts and Charleston’s diverse cultural heritage are held throughout the year. Visitors to Charleston are constantly amazed at the quality and variety of restaurants in the city, which range from southern-style to five star French establishments. Shopping in Charleston is just as diverse and exciting with quant antique shops lining the equally famous King Street and Old City Market in the city’s Historic District. Additionally, specialty shops intermix between recognizable stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci to provide residents with a vast array of shopping places from which to choose. Charleston is most definitely a walking city, as is the island communities of Kiawah, Seabrook, Johns, and Wadmalaw.

Kiawah and Seabrook islands are natural wonders. Both feature miles of marshes, lagoons, fresh water estuaries and the Kiawah River, which connect with the Stono River and the Intra-coastal Waterway. The maritime forest is dominated by oaks, palmetto and pines, hickories, sweetgum and magnolia in the sub-canopy, redbay, sassafras, wax myrtle and yaupon holly in the lower understory, and sea oats along the dune areas. There are 18 species of mammals, more than 30 species of reptiles and amphibians and over 190 species of birds which call the islands home.

All in all, each of these islands is filled with beautiful homes, churches and public buildings. Magnificent gardens grace many of the open areas which enhance the beauty of the colonial, antebellum and Victorian architecture. When considering a move to the greater Charleston area and the “Lowcountry” islands you are sure to discover a destination unlike any other.