Folly Beach, SC

Folly Beach sits on a barrier island about eleven miles south of downtown Charleston, making it a great fit for anyone looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle close to the city. Known to locals as the Edge of America, this small town of around 2,000 full-time residents is bordered by the open Atlantic on one side and winding tidal creeks on the other. Daily life naturally revolves around Center Street, the walkable main strip packed with neighborhood seafood spots, casual taco joints, surf shops, and open-air bars.

ATTRBrian Stansberry at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

For day-to-day living, Folly Road provides a direct connection to neighboring James Island and Charleston. Families in the community send their kids to Charleston County public schools located just off the island on James Island. Outdoor recreation is built into everyday life here, from surfing at the Washout and fishing off the iconic pier to paddleboarding along the Folly River. It is an easygoing, tight-knit beach town where neighbors get around by golf cart and head to the water at the end of the day.