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Johns Island, located just across the Stono River from downtown Charleston, is a locale of striking rural charm…and explosive property growth. The island’s proximity to the booming Charleston metro area has fueled rapid development pressures in recent years.
Between 2000 and 2020, Johns Island’s population surged by 50% – the largest increase in its history. The aerial photos below highlight this stark transformation, with new housing subdivisions and commercial hubs sprouting up along major corridors like Maybank Highway. What were once rural landscapes dominated by tree canopies and farmland has given way to new homes and businesses.
Despite this growth, many islanders have worked to maintain a balance. Conservation tools like the Urban Growth Boundary aim to concentrate denser development in designated zones while preserving vital rural areas. This has resulted in pockets of dense development and an incoming of new commercial uses to support the increased population.
There are currently 400+ proposed new homes, with 4,800+ homes/apartment units delivered within the past few years or currently under construction. And projects like Maybank Landing, Live Oak Square, and the recently announced Trident Medical Center highlight this momentum from a commercial perspective.
The challenge is thoughtfully managing future growth to retain Johns Island’s beloved rural character. A potential flashpoint is extending Interstate 526 onto the island, which could open the door to even more development.
Not all growth is bad, but residents and city leaders need to be mindful of balance. For now, Johns Island’s rustic farmlands surrounding urbanized enclaves reflect this delicate contrast. Here is an interactive map showing all recent and proposed development on John’s Island:
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