As beautiful as its name, this secluded Charleston island attracts beachcombers and avid golfers alike and is affectionally nicknamed the Hamptons of the South. Pristine beaches, wonderful weather and lowcountry charm are like a magnet drawing retirees and young families to one of the top places to live in South Carolina. On the list of best South Carolina golf communities in the U.S. located, Kiawah Island temperatures are wonderful; 10 degrees cooler than inland during the summer months and 10 degrees warmer during the winter permitting year round play. The Kiawah Island Club offers plenty of seaside fun. Explore 10 miles of hard sandy beaches on your bike and feel like a kid again at one of the finest resorts in the south.

In 2010, Kiawah Island was named the 2nd Best Place For Second Homes in the United States by Barron's. But Baby Boomer's are catching the wave buying up homes in one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston SC. Kiawah Island is a 10,000 acre established gated community boasting a long list of awards. To name a few,

  • Best Golf Community in the U.S.
  • Top Five U.S. Tennis Resorts
  • Top 10 America Best Beach Towns

Kiawah Island built a its own market place called Freshfields Village. To us, Freshfields Village is a retro 'Disney' version of a small town square with restaurants, a farmer's market, bank, pharmacy, dry cleaners and outdoor entertainment lawn. Day adventures to downtown Charleston add more extraordinary dining experiences along with chic shopping and quality medical care. Kiawah Island takes pride in its track record of preserving the natural habitats on the island adding to the quality of life on Kiawah Island.

KIAWAH ISLAND AMENITIES

  • 24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance
  • Seven 18 Hole Championship Golf Courses
  • Two Tennis Centers with 23 Tennis Courts
  • The Sanctuary Hotel & Spa
  • Five Clubhouses
  • Eight Restaurants
  • Village Market
  • 10 Miles of Private Beach
  • 30 Miles of Bicycle Paths

Kiawah Island is known for spectacular oceanfront golf and luxury beach homes. The 2012 PGA Championship event was played on The Ocean Golf Course, one of the toughest golf courses in America. There are seven championship golf courses on Kiawah Island. The Ocean Course and The River Course are Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary's. The Kiawah Island Club offers members access to The Beach Club, The River Course and Clubhouse, The Cassique Course and Clubhouse, the Sports Pavilion and the Sansanqua Spa designed by Clodagh. Residents can also choose to be a member of The Governor's Club where membership dues are more affordable, providing limited access to five of the golf courses and Kiawah Island's top tennis resort.

Thirty miles of bicycle and walking trails wind through the community canopied by mature live oak trees. Kayak or canoe on the Kiawah River to see exotic birds, turtles and wildlife. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a five star resort on property with more delicious restaurants, relaxing lounges and places for residents to enjoy. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort Guide which comes out quarterly, has about 80 pages of activities and social clubs at Kiawah Island Club for all age levels. How could you be bored at Kiawah Island, one of the finest resorts in the south?

A statement of financial strength, Kiawah Island amenities are debt free making it one of the best places to live in Charleston SC. Approximately 3,000 homes have been built to date of the 5,000 planned at the luxury beach homes development. From oceanfront views to sunsets views overlooking the marsh, or maybe you'd prefer a home with a golf course view. There are plenty of architectural styles to choose from. Single family Kiawah homes and cottages start in the mid $500K's, villas for sale can be found in the mid $200K's and lots for sale are still available beginning in the $200K's. Kiawah Island approved builders include Buffington Homes, Koenig Construction, Kiawah Island Builders and Cinder Creek Construction. Kiawah Island could be considered a pure luxury home community, however affordable homes may be found under $500K. Property owner's are not required to join the Kiawah Island Club at one of the finest South Carolina destinations.

Rumors be told, a number of celebrities own or have called Kiawah Island home: Dan Marino, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, George Clooney, Bruce Willis and more. Are you surprised? Not us. Kiawah Island is quite a place and has become the benchmark us of best master planned communities.

Amenities

Gated
Golf
Boating
Direct Beach Access
Clubhouse
Tennis
Community Pool
Fitness Center
Walking/Hiking/Biking Trails
On-site Dining
Social Event Calendar / Activities Director
Spa
Community Parks
Fishing

Kiawah Island Reviews

4 / 5 (11 reviews)
"This paradise island is nature's heaven that offers peace, tranquility & harmony, and brings out each person's special and unique strengths and talents."
-- marianna, Resident
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5 / 5
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-- Anonymous, Resident
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5 / 5
"Too much planned development in the works"
-- Anonymous, Resident
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3.1 / 5
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-- Anonymous, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
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4.7 / 5
"Kiawah is a wonderful place to live - a great mix of excellent amenities and pristine nature. One drawback - 45 minutes to Charleston and airport."
-- Anonymous, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
Developer Credibility
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Quality of Community Amenities
Social Clubs
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Resident Score
4.1 / 5