The 5 Reasons Why Kiawah Island is the Best Southern Beach Town

Where the Lowcountry meets luxury, you will find a charming Southern beach town unlike the rest. Affectionately referred to as The Hamptons of The South, Kiawah Island is incomparable when it comes to seaside living. 

Quietly tucked away and a mere 40 minutes south of Charleston, this Island is tranquil yet opulent, a rare combination you won’t find elsewhere. Desirable to both visitors and residents alike, take a peek at what makes this Island so special and why it is considered to be the most beloved and best Southern beach town!

Endless Things To Do

Although you may think all beach destinations are the same — with the same activities offered like swimming, surfing, kayaking, and so on — that is not the case here! Most of the recreational opportunities on Kiawah are unique to the Island and not available anywhere else, one of the many reasons why locals cherish their time here. 

As a barrier Island, Kiawah has one of the only south-facing shorelines on the entire East Coast. Rivers, ponds, inlets, and natural lagoons cover the area as a result of the unusual geography of the Island’s layout. Compared to beach destinations that only offer water access to the ocean, on Kiawah you get to enjoy a variety of rare wildlife sightings and unforgettable outdoor activities thanks to the differing types of natural landscape. Other beach destinations most likely don’t offer marsh kayaking tours or alligator excursions. However, if you are specifically interested in living near the ocean, Kiawah also happens to have the best beach in the entire Charleston area — another factor that contributes to the title of Best Southern Beach Town. 

Additionally, the seven professional-level golf courses — two of which are only available to Kiawah Island Club Members — makes this Island every golfer’s dream. Be on the lookout for more updates regarding the 2021 PGA Championship that will be hosted at the Ocean Course for a second time in history!  

Luxury Real Estate

The homes here are also one of a kind, thanks to the community’s unique stance on blending man-made structures with the Island’s natural beauty. Each home, whether custom built or built-for-sale, is designed according to this philosophy. Therefore giving every homeowner the chance to have their own private views of the Atlantic ocean, marsh land, or golf course of their choosing. 

Note that all homes are designed to maximize the picturesque views and place importance on outdoor living. When looking for real estate in this best Southern beach town, expect stunning beach homes with multi-story outdoor spaces made for entertaining and hosting, among other popular design trends. You will also notice the coastal-inspired design elements that are used to elevate interior spaces and pay homage to the natural beauty waiting right outside. 

Certain qualifying single-family homes and homesites come with a Membership to the coveted Kiawah Island Club. Entrance to this Club provides an even more refined living experience than you will ever think possible. As a Member, you gain access to private social events, member-only golf courses, a world-class spa, exclusive dining options, and so much more. 

If you are interested in purchasing a waterfront property on Kiawah Island, view our available listings to find your perfect home. 

The Lowcountry Influence

The Island’s Lowcountry background is yet another reason why Kiawah stands out amongst the crowd. Unlike other popular beach destinations, the unique culture, architecture, and cuisine plays a significant role within the community. 

You will quickly learn that oyster roasts and local seafood created by award-winning chefs are a staple around here. Likewise, fine dining and family-friendly options are also available, with several restaurants to choose from depending on your tastes. 

But most importantly, you will begin to embrace the Lowcountry lifestyle as you spend more time here. Equal parts Southern and coastal, this laid-back approach to life is truly rejuvenating and what makes Kiawah so special and undoubtedly the best Southern beach town. 

Privacy

As you can imagine, living on a private island has its advantages. Privacy is very appealing to many of our community members who own other homes in bustling urban areas. Most move here because they are looking for somewhere to get away. Local residents might decide to live here full or part-time, enjoying the serenity of the Island whenever and however they choose. 

All of the communities throughout Kiawah are gated, offering residents not only privacy, but exclusive amenities and perks that are not available to the general public. Ultimately, this privacy is what maintains the fine balance between residential and commercial development while still permitting maximum preservation of the Island’s awe-inspiring landscape. 

Proximity to Charleston

Kiawah residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds being so close in proximity to the Holy City. With fine art galleries, endless events, and great shopping, Charleston is the perfect match to what Kiawah offers. 

Another perk of owning a home on Kiawah is the free shuttle service to and from Charleston that is available to all Island residents. Plus, Charleston’s international airport recently added direct flights to London, making domestic and international travel easier than ever. 

Explore the Best Southern Beach Town

Between the high-end resort amenities and the vast landscape, an entire novel could be written about why Kiawah Island is the best Southern beach town! 

If you are considering purchasing a home on Kiawah Island, view our listings to see the types of luxury homes that are currently available. Better yet, reach out to our team of Sales Experts to book a discovery weekend and experience Kiawah Island for yourself.