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Know Your Charleston Area Neighborhoods: Johns Island

Charleston, South Carolina, is a unique city in more ways than one. One distinctive characteristic? When you’re talking about Charleston area neighborhoods, you could be describing Johns lsland, the largest island in the state, and only 11 miles from the Holy City’s downtown.

Johns Island, also spelled John’s Island, is a beautiful barrier island for those who want an easy drive to the city’s culinary and cultural scene. There are about 22,000 residents currently – and they’d surely welcome you to the fold!

Named after the Saint John parish in Barbados by the original settlers, Johns Island is bordered by the Wadmalaw, Seabrook, Kiawah, Edisto, Folly and James islands. Kept separate from its border islands by the Stono and Kiawah rivers, Johns Island is the fourth-largest island on the East Coast. Roughly one-third of its 84 square miles sit within Charleston’s city limits. Hence, it’s falling within the many appealing Charleston area neighborhoods you can choose from.

Families will appreciate the five public Charleston County School District schools on Johns Island. For one, Haut Gap Middle School teaches students about agriculture in an outdoor classroom. Or there are highly regarded private schools on Johns Island. Plus, Charleston County’s largest branch library is just off the island’s Main Road.

What to do on Johns Island

Johns Island is best known by tourists for its Angel Oak. This world-famous Southern live oak is estimated to be 400 to 500 years old. Providing foliage shade for 17,000 square feet this glorious tree is surrounded by a park too. Nevertheless, residents of Johns Island know this Charleston neighborhood has a lot more going for it.

Johns Island draws people who want to enjoy beautiful beaches and sweeping golf courses. Those who don’t want to spend their day chasing a little ball around 18 well-manicured greens, can enjoy other outdoor activities. Those who love water activities such as boating and fishing are happy to call Johns Island home. Residents enjoy private deep-water access or can take advantage of the many public boat ramps. Or try Trophy Lakes for water ski and wakeboard lessons. Landlubbers can also enjoy the 18-hole disc golf course at Trophy Lakes.

This is one Charleston neighborhood where you can spot hundreds of different bird species. Expect to see bald eagles, wild turkeys, hawks, osprey, owls, egrets, ducks, and herons. Enjoy Johns Island County Park’s walking, running, and horseback riding trails through 738 acres of unspoiled nature. At the water’s edge keep an eye out for oysters, shrimp, many other kinds of shellfish, and dolphins.

The weather’s pretty great in Charleston’s neighborhoods too. Learn more!

Other Fun on Johns Island

Of course, Charleston is well-known for its range of high-quality restaurants. Yet Johns Island also offers some excellent places to get out and enjoy yummy fare and time with friends and family. Island eateries The Fat Hen (for French Huguenot cuisine) and Wild Olive (for Italian) are two of Charleston’s top restaurants. Another local favorite is the duck fat fries at the Tattooed Moose.

Island living doesn’t mean you have to give up retail therapy. Johns Island is a favorite for antique enthusiasts. Plus, Kiawah Island’s Freshfields Village with upscale shops, spa services, and a common area for jazz nights and yoga classes is an easy drive away.

You might also spend a relaxed afternoon or evening at local craft breweries such as the Low Tide Brewing Company or Fat Pig Brewing Co. If you’re more of a wine drinker, the Deep Water Vineyard is nearby on Wadmalaw Island. Or stock up on a different strong brew at the 127-acre Charleston Tea Garden.

On Saturdays in the summer, residents stock up on fresh produce and local eats sold by vendors with farms right there on Johns Island. The local music at this Farmer’s Market adds a festive feel to this weekly event.

Want to know more about moving to South Carolina? Check out our top tips.

Living on Johns Island

Living on Johns Island you can expect to enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle. With several small lakes and lush vegetation, you can enjoy natural serenity and still be a short drive from historic downtown Charleston. They even filmed parts of The Notebook here. Combine Lowcountry comfort with a convenient commute to Charleston and the county’s top employers when you call Johns Island home.

Fall in love with your next home on Johns Island. Saussy Burbank offers homes with quality craftsmanship in this and other Charleston-area neighborhoods. Our 2,000-acre development offers coastal luxury nestled along the Kiawah River waterway. Enjoy a swim and fitness center as well as a community dock and boat launch as well as a 1,778+ square foot cottage-style home.

 

Saussy Burbank

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