Top Locations for Buying a Vacation Home in South Carolina

Southern hospitality and stunning views included.

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Jillian Dara

With more than 2,800 miles of coastline, and home to pristine beaches, secluded islands, bustling resort-style towns, and pleasant year-round weather, it’s no wonder South Carolina is one of the most popular states to visit on vacation. Similar to Florida, the southern state has seen a notable rise in demand from second-home buyers seeking larger properties outside major metropolitan areas.

“There has been a major uptick in activity among beach, resort, and waterfront homes with the push for more space for family vacations and more outdoor recreational activity,” Ruthie Ravenel, native Charlestonian and top producer with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, told iBestTravel. “The increased demand is driving the inventory crunch, as is the dearth of homes for potential sellers to move to.”

Sullivan’s Island

Home to a little over 2,000 full-time residents, this barrier island near Charleston, South Carolina Harbor is the quintessential coastal small town. Its charming, historic cottages, picture-perfect beaches, and downtown commercial strip lined with popular restaurants have helped Sullivan’s Island see a whopping 103 percent increase in home prices in 2021.

Keep in mind that residents here are not allowed to have short-term rental licenses. According to Ravenel, there are currently less than 40 “grandfathered in” licenses on Sullivan’s Island.

Isle of Palms

As one of the top beachfront destinations in South Carolina, Isle of Palms is only a 12-mile ride away from historic Charleston and offers white-sand beaches, a marina, and world-class golf courses and tennis courts.

Thanks to the town’s relaxed rental rules, it has been recognized as one of the best places to buy an investment property. Wild Dunes, for example, is a gated community with condos, townhouses, and single-family homes offering resort-style amenities, including an excellent golf and beach club.

“With more relaxed rules governing vacation rentals, the income potential for a property well-located to beach access is enormous. There are several great rental management companies that allow for a totally hands-off experience as a homeowner,” explained Ravenel.

Hilton Head Island

Ranked as one of the best golfing destinations in the world, Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise and one of the top emerging high-end real estate markets in the country. It is home to more than 23 private and public golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, the site of South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event. However, even if you’re not into swinging a golf club, Hilton Head Island deserves your attention. With more than 60 miles of biking trails, beautiful sun-drenched beaches, and fascinating cultural heritage, this low country destination is the perfect place to invest in a second home. Be ready to act quickly and offer the asking price or above as homes spend about 56 days on the market.

Folly Beach

This barrier island south of Charleston boasts a distinct shabby-chic vibe and epitomizes the laid-back lifestyle. As one of the best surfing spots in the state (home to the famous Washout surf break), Folly Beach exudes a cool surfer atmosphere. It treats its residents and guests to a vibrant downtown area with an abundance of bars, restaurants, and live music events.

Ravenel notes that its diverse housing market includes oceanfront mansions mixed in with cottages “needing a little TLC.” Thus, if you are searching for a fixer-upper with excellent rental potential, Folly Beach is the place to be.

Kiawah Island

This secluded gated community features 1,600 full-time residents who enjoy pristine beaches, lush greenery, and the expansive Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a sprawling compound of villas and golf courses. The average sale price for properties here exceeds $1.5 million, with some oceanfront homes selling for as much as $12 million.

Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island offers a distinct atmosphere, drawing vacationers seeking tranquility amidst postcard-worthy ocean views, lush maritime forests, and excellent golfing amenities. The island is home to over 35 communities featuring multilevel townhouses, charming cottages, and condo-style villas. The average home spans about 3,000 square feet, but if your dream is to build a custom property, Seabrook has many homesites nestled among its stunning landscape, offering marsh and ocean views.

Dewees Island

As a wildlife preserve and barrier island spanning 1,200 acres, Dewees Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat. The residents are dedicated to preserving its natural habitat, allowing properties to seamlessly blend with the landscape, making this an ideal location to unwind amidst untouched nature.

This peaceful slice of heaven lacks any commercial establishments, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities thanks to its abundant beaches and marshes. Many homesites here are remote deepwater lots, equipped with private docks, delivering an authentic private island experience.