Primarily rural in character until after World War II, James Island is just across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston and popular among homebuyers who work at the Medical University of South Carolina and numerous other downtown locations.
Noted as the place from which the Civil War’s first shots were fired on Fort Sumter, the island is also the boyhood home of well-known political satirist and soon-to-be late night talk show host Stephen Colbert.
Separated from the mainland by Wappoo Creek and Wappoo Cut, the island is separated from Johns Island by Stono Creek. An ideal location for outdoors enthusiasts, the island offers a wide array of boating, fishing, crabbing, shrimping, kayaking and other water sports. James Island County Park is one of Charleston’s favorite places to play and home to the annual Holiday Festival of Lights that features a three-mile tour through dazzling lights and displays.
The site of numerous plantations beginning in Colonial times, the island is now home to about 40,000 residents with about half of them living within Charleston city limits and the other half being residents of the Town of James Island. Incorporated in 2006, the town charges no property tax but operates from business license fees and sales tax revenue instead.
Practically every type of home and price point is represented on the island, including many marsh front and waterfront homes. While the island itself has no oceanfront property, Folly Beach is just minutes away. James Island is perfect for those who want a quiet, private, and laid back community away from the mainland but close enough to work or shop.
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