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Callawassie Island

Callawassie Island

Neighborhood in Bluffton, South Carolina

Beaufort County 29909

$951,604 Average Value
$360 Average Price per Sq Ft
28 Homes For Sale

A Community Wildlife Habitat surrounded my marshes and creeks

Bounded by grassy salt marshes and ever-changing tidal creeks, Callawassie Island's natural setting helps it stand out among the hundreds of sea islands along the Atlantic coast. The Island was the first community in South Carolina to be recognized as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation due to the community's steadfast mission to preserve the area. Live oaks with dangling Spanish moss fill the Island, where little blue herons and alligators patrol the streets while locals on golf carts drive to the next hole. From the water, kayakers watch for bald eagles and follow dolphin pods as anglers cast a line or throw out a basket for crabs. Nature is sacred on the Island, and folks safeguard their environment. "Callawassie Island is a private island community with 880 acres of preserved land, and nature is very important to us here," says Realtor and Island resident Emily Kearney of Coastal Real Estate Solutions II. "Everyone is big on being stewards of the island, taking into account that we're a Wildlife Habitat by preserving the land and its animals." Kearney has sold homes on Callawassie for over 10 years. Connected only by the Callawassie Drive and surrounded by water, the Island is a world of its own. "It's absolutely gorgeous."

The Causeway to Callawassie  Island is narrow and crosses over beautiful marshland.
The Causeway to Callawassie Island is narrow and crosses over beautiful marshland.
The golf cart is an essential mode of transportation on Callawassie Island.
The golf cart is an essential mode of transportation on Callawassie Island.
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Custom, Lowcountry homes on leafy lots

Before the entire community was certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat, locals submitted their properties to the National Wildlife Federation because of each lot's native trees and abundant wildlife. Residents often see animals from their decks or kitchen windows. And the houses are unique to the original owner. "All the homes here are custom, so there's not really one consistent look," Kearney says. "There's no new sections, so it has an organic, custom feel." Styles vary, but the Lowcountry style is popular, with lofty ceilings, front porches and large windows. Prices are generally dependent on proximity to the marshes. Homes on the water often cost anywhere between $1 and $2 million, featuring private boating docks and piers. Homes closer inland can cost between $750,000 and $1 million. According to Kearney, the Island has a low density of homes, and most properties feature between a half and full acre of land.

Birds hunt at low tide for crabs and small fish.
Birds hunt at low tide for crabs and small fish.
Custom Build homes are found all throughout the Island.
Custom Build homes are found all throughout the Island.
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The Clubhouse is the hub of all things recreation

"The whole community is very active," Kearney says. "There's always so many activities going on, which is nice for those who live here full time." Three nine-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf courses sprawl across the Island and were designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2017. The Magnolia Course is the largest of the three, covering over 3,500 yards. The Palmetto Course and the Dogwood Course offer views of marsh vistas and small ponds. Plus, the golf courses are undergoing a few renovations. "We are in phase three of a major renovation project," Kearney says. "And we're excited about reinvesting in these golf courses." The Callawassie Island Clubhouse is a popular gathering spot for on-island clubs, like the ecology club, which had a helping hand in the Island earning the Community Wildlife Habitat distinction. Visitors enjoy the Clubhouse's pool and six tennis courts. It's also host to trivia nights, wine tastings and presentations. Locals also head to the pool at the recently renovated Callawassie Island River Club, which features a sundeck and an outdoor fire pit. Four community docks provide jumping-off points for kayakers and electric boaters. The Sugar Mill Dock, specifically, is an ideal spot for crabbing. Local anglers join the Island's fishing club, while kayakers can meet their neighbors in the paddlers club.

The Pool at the river club is  a nice way to cool off in the summer heat.
The Pool at the river club is a nice way to cool off in the summer heat.
The Pool at The Callawassie Club is being enjoyed by residents.
The Pool at The Callawassie Club is being enjoyed by residents.
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Dinner at the Clubhouse and the River Club

There are two dining options on the Island. "There's the main Clubhouse and the River Club; both have dining options," Kearney says. "A lot of people will go sit up at the bar, order a meal to-go or make a reservation to have dinner with some friends," Kearney says. The Clubhouse has a more formal vibe, serving popular items like shrimp and grits. The River Club offers is more casual, with items like pizza and burgers. The same executive chef leads both kitchens. Locals make the trip off the Island to run errands. "It's equal distance to Beaufort and Bluffton, and there's a grocery store 15 minutes in either direction." Food Lion is about 12 miles east, and Publix is about 11 miles west.

The Clubhouse is the main point to gather for residents of Callawassee Island.
The Clubhouse is the main point to gather for residents of Callawassee Island.
The River Club has a  restaurant and a Pool for the residents of Callawassie Island.
The River Club has a restaurant and a Pool for the residents of Callawassie Island.
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Crossing the Causeway

Callawassie Drive is the only road off the Island, known colloquially as the Causeway. While it's a popular travel route, the Causeway also offers some of the best views of the marshes. "We have the most dramatic tidal change," Kearney says. "When you cross the Causeway, the water goes up and down, and you see all sorts of different wildlife. It's beautiful." For inner-Island travel, most residents use golf carts or bikes to get around. The Beaufort Memorial Hospital is about 17 miles away, and the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport is 35 miles southwest.

The Savannah Hilton Head International Airport is about twenty-five miles away.
The Savannah Hilton Head International Airport is about twenty-five miles away.
Birds are part of the landscape on Callawassee Island.
Birds are part of the landscape on Callawassee Island.
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May River High School has a robust list of student clubs

The Beaufort County School District serves nearly 22,000 students and scores an overall A-minus on Niche. Okatie Elementary School earns an overall A-minus on Niche, while Bluffton Middle School has a B-plus. May River High School offers students various extracurricular activities, from the Animal Welfare Club and Chess Club to the eSports Club and Best Buddies. Niche gives the high school an overall A-minus.

May River High School is a highly-rated High school.
May River High School is a highly-rated High school.
Bluffton Middle School strives for excellence in teaching its students.
Bluffton Middle School strives for excellence in teaching its students.
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Weather on a sea island

Callawassie is a sea island at risk of flooding. According to Risk Factor, Callawassie Island has a severe risk of flooding over the next 30 years because of the likelihood of hurricanes.

Brennen Martin
Written By
Brennen Martin
Lori Smith
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Lori Smith
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jared Romero, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Hilton Head

45 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Callawassie Island US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,075,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,067,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$360
Number of Homes for Sale
28
Last 12 months Home Sales
73
Months of Supply
4.60
Median List Price
$1,077,487
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
26%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
389
Median Year Built
1997
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,558
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
29,620

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    83 Osprey Cir, Okatie, SC 29909

    $929,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,722 Sq Ft
    • 83 Osprey Cir

    Enjoy this .83 acre natural wooded/lagoon view of a Bird Rookery in your own backyard! This home is in pristine condition with recent upgrades and renovations throughout. Gourmet Kitchen with all high-end S/S appliances, 6-burner gas stove w/griddle & 2 ovens, S/S stove vent, microwave draw, dishwasher, wine fridge, refrigerator/freezer & cabinets, quartz countertops, soft closing drawers &

    Joseph Kearney Coastal Real Estate Solutions II

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    6 Chechessee Cir, Okatie, SC 29909

    $1,194,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,294 Sq Ft
    • 6 Chechessee Cir

    Enjoy the grandeur w LikeNew Marshfront Property from the Privacy of your Expansive 600sqft Screen-Porch & almost every room! This Lowcountry Designed Custom Home offers comfort, Great Craftsmanship w Flowing Layout, and only steps from Tom Fazio Golf, Main-Clubhouse & World Class Amenities. In addition, this Turnkey Home is Move-in ready & Accommodating to the most discerning buyer, whether it

    Andrew Seivold Coastal R. E. Solutions II

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jared Romero, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,041
Median Age
57
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$114,038
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,411

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
64%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25%
% Population in Labor Force
30.8%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

8 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Callawassie Island
Jared Romero
United Country J Romero Group
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