25 Neighborhoods with Waterfront Homes in Charleston

If you’re looking for a waterfront home in Charleston, you’re in luck. With numerous neighborhoods offering access to the water, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to call home. From historic neighborhoods like The Battery to the upscale living on Kiawah Island, there’s something for everyone.

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides an overview of some of the neighborhoods with waterfront homes in the Charleston area. Whether you’re interested in fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the stunning views, you’ll find plenty of recreational opportunities here. Keep reading to discover some of the best neighborhoods with waterfront homes in Charleston.

Downtown Charleston

While downtown Charleston is located on a peninsula, it has relatively few waterfront homes. Much of the peninsula’s coastline is occupied by marinas, ports, and public spaces. However, there are still some neighborhoods in downtown Charleston that offer unobstructed water views. Here are five neighborhoods that you might want to consider:

1. Eastside

The historic Eastside neighborhood of downtown Charleston has homes with views of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston harbor. Although Eastside residents do not technically live on the waterfront, their view over the Port of Charleston and easy access to Liberty Square more than make up for being just across the road.

2. Harleston Village

Harleston Village is located on the west side of the peninsula, just about South of Broad. While only a select few homes in the neighborhood have unobstructed views of the Ashley River, there are homes around Colonial Lake as well. Harleston Village is also home to the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina.

3. South of Broad

South of Broad is downtown Charleston’s most famous neighborhood, and the homes along Murray Boulevard have some of the best views in all of Charleston. Home prices here are in the millions of dollars, but for those who can afford it, living here is one of the most unique experiences that Charleston has to offer. South of Broad is also home to Fleet Landing, a popular seafood restaurant, and White Point Garden, a public park with views of Charleston Harbor.

4. Wagener Terrace

Wagener Terrace is one of the few neighborhoods in downtown Charleston that truly offers waterfront living. The most famous waterfront home in the neighborhood is Lowndes Grove, which is now an event venue and a recurring set on Netflix’s Outer Banks. But, there are many smaller and more affordable waterfront homes in Wagener Terrace as well. Neighborhood residents who don’t have waterfront homes can still put their kayaks in at the neighborhood’s public access point that provides access to the Ashley River.

5. Westside

The condominiums and apartments in downtown Charleston’s Westside neighborhood have unobstructed views of the Ashley River. The Bristol Condominiums on Westedge Street offer one of the few true waterfront living opportunities on the peninsula. The Westside is also home to The Citadel, a military college, and the Charleston Harbor Fish House, a popular seafood restaurant.

James Island

James Island is a beautiful island in Charleston, South Carolina, that offers a variety of waterfront neighborhoods. The island is surrounded by the Charleston harbor, the Stono River, and the marshes behind Morris Island. Here are five of the most desirable neighborhoods on James Island that offer waterfront access.

6. Clearview

Clearview is located on the east side of James Island along the banks of the Charleston harbor. This neighborhood is highly sought-after due to its easy access to the public dock at Melton Peter Demetre Park. Additionally, twenty or so homes in the neighborhood have private docks on the harbor. A handful of Clearview homes also have docks on a small creek that feeds into the harbor next to the James Island Yacht Club. Clearview is home to popular restaurants like Ellis Creek Fish Camp and Saltwater Cowboys.

7. Fort Lamar

Fort Lamar is situated on James Island’s southern edge and is a peaceful neighborhood with several homes that have private docks on the creeks behind Morris Island. These creeks feed into the Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Lamar is home to the popular Bowens Island Restaurant, which is known for its delicious seafood and beautiful sunset views.

8. Lighthouse Point

Lighthouse Point is located just northeast of Fort Lamar and offers similar waterfront access and views. On clear Charleston summer days, some Lighthouse Point residents can see the Morris Island Lighthouse, which is located less than three miles off of the neighborhood’s south shore. Lighthouse Point is home to the James Island County Park, which offers a waterpark, campground, and hiking trails.

9. Riverland Terrace

Riverland Terrace is one of the Charleston area’s largest concentrations of waterfront homes. The neighborhood stretches from the Stono River to Folly River Boulevard along the Wappoo Creek. The waterfront homes in Riverland Terrace are among the most desirable homes in Charleston. Homes along the Stono River have pristine Lowcountry views, while those on Wappoo Creek have easy access (by boat) to the Charleston harbor and incredible sunsets over the water. Riverland Terrace is home to the Charleston Municipal Golf Course, which is a popular spot for golfers.

10. White Point

White Point is located just north of Clearview and is a small, exclusive neighborhood. A select few homes on White Point Boulevard and Paul Revere Drive have docks on the Charleston harbor, while there are additional creekfront homes with docks and sunset views along Mill Creek. White Point is home to the historic Battery White, which was built in 1898 and served as a coastal artillery battery during the Spanish-American War.

In conclusion, James Island offers a variety of waterfront neighborhoods that provide easy access to the Charleston harbor, the Stono River, and the marshes behind Morris Island. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively community with access to popular restaurants and attractions, James Island has something to offer.

Johns Island

If you’re looking for waterfront homes on Johns Island, you’ll find that most of them are located along Bohicket Road and River Road. However, there are a few neighborhoods on the island that offer waterfront living as well. Here are some of the top waterfront neighborhoods to consider:

11. Bohicket Road and River Road

Bohicket Road and River Road are two scenic drives that offer stunning views of the water. Along these roads, you’ll find numerous waterfront homes with private docks and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Many of these homes are situated on large lots with plenty of privacy.

12. Grimbal Gates

Grimbal Gates is a private neighborhood located on the north end of Johns Island. This gated community features several waterfront homes with private docks on creeks that connect to the Stono River. Residents of Grimbal Gates also enjoy easy access to downtown Charleston and other nearby attractions.

13. Kiawah River

Kiawah River is a newer waterfront neighborhood on Johns Island that offers residents stunning views of the Kiawah River. Many of the homes in this community are situated on large lots with plenty of privacy. Kiawah River also features several ponds and waterways that are perfect for fishing and boating.

14. Kiawah River Estates

Kiawah River Estates is another private neighborhood on Johns Island that offers waterfront living. This community is located just past Kiawah River on Bohicket Road and is just a short drive from Freshfields Village. Many of the homes in Kiawah River Estates feature private docks and stunning views of the Kiawah River.

15. Headquarters Plantation

Headquarters Plantation is a private gated community located off of River Road. This community features several large, luxury waterfront homes on the Stono River. Residents of Headquarters Plantation also enjoy easy access to St. Johns Yacht Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, which is just a short boat ride away.

Overall, if you’re looking for waterfront living on Johns Island, you have several great options to choose from. Whether you prefer a private gated community or a scenic drive with stunning water views, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.

Mount Pleasant

If you are looking for a waterfront community in the Charleston area, Mount Pleasant is a great place to start. With neighborhoods on the Charleston Harbor, the Wando River, Horlbeck Creek, Shem Creek, Wagner Creek, and the ICW, Mount Pleasant has plenty of options for those who love the water. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods with deepwater access:

16. Dunes West

Dunes West is a gated community on Wagner Creek, which leads to the Wando River. Many of the homes in this neighborhood have private deepwater docks, and some even offer golf course views. If you enjoy boating or fishing, Dunes West is an excellent choice.

17. Hobcaw Point

Located on the Wando River between the Ravenel Bridge and the Charleston Port’s Wando Welch Terminal, Hobcaw Point is a neighborhood with stunning views and deepwater docks. Even if you don’t live on the water, you can still enjoy easy access to the Hobcaw Yacht Club, Hobcaw Creek Docks Marina, Remleys Point Public Boat Landing, and David Simmons Jr. Community Dock.

18. Horlbeck Creek

The Horlbeck Creek neighborhood is situated near Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, and the waterway provides quick access to the Wando River. If you love kayaking or paddleboarding, Horlbeck Creek is a great place to call home.

19. Old Village

Old Village is one of the oldest waterfront neighborhoods in Mount Pleasant, located on the Charleston harbor between Shem Creek and the Pitt Street Bridge. With unobstructed views of the downtown Charleston skyline, Old Village is a highly sought-after neighborhood. Plus, residents have easy access to the ICW and the Atlantic Ocean.

20. RiverTowne

RiverTowne is a country club neighborhood in Mount Pleasant that also provides residents with access to the deepwater Horlbeck Creek. Many homes in the neighborhood have private docks with long piers overlooking the marsh, making it a perfect place for those who love to boat or fish.

Whether you prefer to be on the river or the ocean, Mount Pleasant has a neighborhood that will suit your needs. From the stunning views of Old Village to the deepwater docks of Hobcaw Point, there is something for everyone in this charming community.

West Ashley

West Ashley is a district of Charleston, South Carolina that is bordered by the Ashley and Stono Rivers. While it is not widely known for its waterfront homes, there are several neighborhoods in West Ashley that offer water views and access to private and community docks.

21. Ashleyville

Ashleyville is located on the Ashley River, just off of St. Andrews Boulevard and is one of the more affordable neighborhoods on this list. Residents of Ashleyville enjoy expansive views of the Ashley River with downtown Charleston in the background. Furthermore, all residents have access to the Higgins Pier via the West Ashley Bikeway.

22. Croghan Landing

Croghan Landing is a small, quiet neighborhood located on Savannah Highway, just across from the entrance to Carolina Bay. Several homes in the neighborhood have private docks on a creek that connects to the Stono River. Residents of Croghan Landing can enjoy the peacefulness of the neighborhood while still having access to the water.

23. Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park is located at the end of Wappoo Road in West Ashley, across the Stono River from Riverland Terrace on James Island. Homes on S. Edgewater Drive have docks on the Stono River, while homes on the north side of this small waterfront neighborhood have docks on the Wappoo Creek. Edgewater Park is a great option for those who want to live near the water but still have the convenience of being close to the city.

24. The Preserve at Poplar Grove

The Preserve at Poplar Grove is located off of Davison Road, just a short drive down Savannah Highway from Croghan Landing. Several homes in the neighborhood back to Rantowles Creek, and their private deepwater docks provide access to the Stono River under the Savannah Highway bridge. The neighborhood also has a private community dock with kayak outposts where residents can store their kayaks just steps from the water.

25. The Settlement at Ashley Hall

The Settlement at Ashley Hall is one of the newer neighborhoods in the Charleston area with waterfront homes. Located at the end of Ashley Hall Plantation Road off of Ashley River Road, the neighborhood has several deepwater lots as well as a long private community pier. The Settlement at Ashley Hall is a great option for those who want to live in a newer neighborhood with access to the water.

In conclusion, while West Ashley may not be widely known for its waterfront homes, there are still several neighborhoods that offer water views and access to private and community docks. Whether you want to live on the Ashley River, Stono River, or a creek that connects to the rivers, there is a neighborhood in West Ashley that can meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated waterfront neighborhoods in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC has several top-rated waterfront neighborhoods that offer stunning views of the harbor and access to a variety of amenities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, and Daniel Island. Each of these neighborhoods has its unique charm and appeal, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle preferences and budget.

How do waterfront property prices vary across different neighborhoods in Charleston?

Waterfront property prices in Charleston vary widely depending on the neighborhood, property type, and location. Generally, neighborhoods closer to the city center and with more amenities tend to have higher property prices. For example, properties in downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant can be more expensive compared to those in West Ashley or James Island. Additionally, properties with direct water access or a deepwater dock tend to command a premium price.

Can you find affordable waterfront housing in Charleston, and if so, in which areas?

Yes, it is possible to find affordable waterfront housing in Charleston, although it may require some research and patience. Some of the more affordable waterfront neighborhoods in Charleston include James Island, West Ashley, and North Charleston. However, keep in mind that affordability is relative, and what may be affordable to one person may not be to another.

Which Charleston neighborhoods offer the best waterfront views?

Charleston has several neighborhoods that offer breathtaking waterfront views. Some of the best neighborhoods for waterfront views include Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, and Daniel Island. These neighborhoods offer unobstructed views of the harbor, and some properties even have private docks or direct water access.

What amenities are typically available in Charleston’s waterfront communities?

Charleston’s waterfront communities offer a variety of amenities, including private docks, boat ramps, marinas, parks, and walking trails. Additionally, many waterfront communities have access to top-rated schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Are there any hidden gems among Charleston’s waterfront neighborhoods?

Yes, there are several hidden gems among Charleston’s waterfront neighborhoods. One such neighborhood is Folly Beach, which is located just a short drive from downtown Charleston. Folly Beach offers a laid-back, beachy vibe and has a variety of waterfront properties, including oceanfront homes, marshfront cottages, and riverfront estates. Another hidden gem is the Stono Ferry neighborhood, which is located on the Stono River and offers stunning views of the marsh and river.