Treasure Island, Sunset Beach & The Finger Islands

This is one of the most nuanced coastal markets I work in—where lifestyle, zoning, and property value can change dramatically from one street to the next. It includes the deep-water boating communities of Paradise Island, Isle of Palms, and Isle of Capri (the “Finger Islands”), as well as Sunset Beach, a quiet peninsula with no thru-traffic where you can keep a boat in your backyard and walk to the beach across a two-lane road.

I don’t just know the history here—I lived it. My grandfather was a homebuilder during the original dredge-and-fill operations that created these waterways, so I understand exactly how these neighborhoods were engineered.

What most buyers don’t realize is:

• The FEMA 50% rule can determine whether a beach area property is a renovation—or a teardown

• Not all condos allow short-term rentals—there’s a major difference between traditional condos and Condo-Tels

• Small location differences impact boating access, traffic, and overall lifestyle

This is a patchwork market of mid-century homes, new builds, waterfront estates, and complex condo communities—where the details matter.