Buying Real Estate on Folly Beach, SC

Folly Beach is located just southeast of Charleston, SC and about a 15 minute drive from downtown. It is a barrier island with 19 total square miles, with 6 of it being water. Folly Beach has an eclectic mixture of older beach bungalows and the obvious newly constructed larger homes. As you drive over the Folly River to get to the beach, you will find a colorful blend of surf shops, restaurants, pubs, and beach stores- all heavily visited in the summer months by tourists and locals alike. Many of the locals here refer to Folly Beach as the "Edge of America". It has the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Folly River on the backside of the island, with many tidal creeks and marsh that extend for miles. This allows for great views and ocean breezes whether living on the "marsh side" of the island, or on the beach.

Folly Beach real estate is ever changing. We're seeing the transition from older single story beach homes to new, larger homes with all the upgrades and features any discreet buyer might want. Here on Folly, you can choose a Key West style, small 1,000 square foot older beach house with character, or you can choose a large 4,000+ square foot oceanfront estate, with a walk to the beach from your backyard. Historically, property values have climbed over 250% in the last 15 years, making real estate on Folly Beach a superb investment.

Affordability is a great advantage for Folly Beach. Folly Beach enjoys some of the least expensive beach-living prices around Charleston. Folly Beach homes for sale typically start in the low 400's, with oceanfront homes starting just over 1 million. Many find this to be an affordable spot to live, with close proximity to town, while still living at the beach. The other islands that are in close proximity to downtown Charleston hold much higher prices than Folly Beach, making it an easy choice for some.

Another option that many are looking into is Folly Beach condos. This affords a less expensive price tag, while still living the island lifestyle. Condos are a great option for those that are planning on being at Folly Beach for only a certain amount of time during the year, or for those that don't want to bother with the upkeep that a single family home requires. Options for condos include condos on Folly Beach outside of the Folly River, condos on the Folly River, and condos with ocean views and/or beachfront condos. Condos in general outside of the Folly River start in the 200's. These are all within biking distance to the ocean, but on the other side of the Folly River from the beach. Examples of these would be Pelican Pointe Villas, Palmettos at Folly, and those on Little Oak Island. Condos on the Folly River start in the 300's. These are within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, and the beach. Mariners Cay, Marsh Winds, and Turn of River are fine examples of those on the Folly River. Condos at the beach typically start in the 4 to 500's. There are the condos with an ocean view, and being within a couple hundred yards from the beach or closer. These are Pavilion Watch, Ocean Pointe Villas, and Pier Pointe. Oceanfront condos typically start in the 500-700's, and can go into the millions. These provide unobstructed views of the Atlantic.

Retirement at Folly Beach is an excellent option. Since ocean property values are still significantly lower in comparison to the rest of the coastal country, many people from out of state are finding it an affordable opportunity to live at the beach. We have historic, downtown Charleston only minutes away. Make a quick excursion into town for the afternoon exploring all of the history that this wonderful city has to offer. There are several (if not dozens) of award-winning restaurants that have a lowcountry flair, available to satisfy any palate. Charleston has great shopping, parks, carriage tours, theaters, art exhibits, and a great nightlife. Enjoy the outdoors? Folly Beach has chartered inshore and offshore fishing tours, an avid kayak and surfing community, and plenty of shells for the beachcombing enthusiast. All in all, Folly Beach is a great place to live. Long walks at the beach in the evenings with your toes in the sand seem to be about as relaxing as one can get. Come see why so many call Folly Beach, home!

Looking for Folly Beach SC real estate? Search the MLS for Folly Beach condos