Over the past two years, Johns Island SC has transformed from Charleston’s quiet rural neighbor into one of the Lowcountry’s most dynamic areas for hospitality, dining, and real estate growth. Long known for its moss-draped oaks and farmland charm, the island is now seeing a new wave of boutique hotels, chef-driven restaurants, and luxury housing that are redefining its identity.
A New Era of Hospitality
The island’s most talked-about opening was The Dunlin, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, located at Kiawah River on Johns Island. The resort opened in mid-2024 with 72 cottage-style rooms and suites designed by Amanda Lindroth. Guests enjoy Southern coastal cuisine, riverfront views, and access to nature-based activities like paddleboarding and marshside yoga. The Dunlin’s relaxed elegance quickly earned national recognition and a spot among Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards.
Another major project shaping the island’s future is Jubilee, a mixed-use village by New Leaf Builders. Located along Maybank Highway, the development spans 13.3 acres and will feature a 75-room boutique hotel, 65 cottages, and over 13,000 square feet of restaurant, retail, and co-working space. The vision for Jubilee is a pedestrian-friendly community that blends wellness hospitality with curated dining and shopping. Charleston City Council approved the project in mid-2024, though residents continue to voice concerns about traffic and infrastructure.
Smaller hotel and mixed-use proposals, like the rezoning request along Cane Slash Road, highlight the growing tension between preservation and progress. Many residents welcome the investment but want to ensure the island’s infrastructure can support it.
The Airport and Infrastructure Debate
At the center of Johns Island sits Charleston Executive Airport (JZI). In 2025, the City’s Technical Review Committee evaluated a new stormwater master plan for the 699-acre site, laying groundwork for future infrastructure improvements. Around the same time, a 90-acre parcel adjacent to the airport was permanently protected through a conservation easement, preserving green space and limiting residential development near the airfield.
Even so, residents have been vocal about growth. At county meetings, locals expressed concern that rezoning and road expansion projects could threaten the island’s natural character. Most agree that infrastructure needs to improve before major new developments move forward.
The Restaurant Renaissance
Johns Island’s restaurant scene has entered a golden era. Over the past two years, local chefs have opened award-winning concepts that rival Charleston’s downtown dining.
- Lost Isle earned Southern Living’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year for its open-air, live-fire cooking and relaxed backyard setting. The restaurant has become a national sensation for its blend of artistry and hospitality.
- The Heyday, part of Hayes Park, serves as an all-day café and bar with a focus on local produce and craft beverages.
- High Steaks Butcher Shop and SOMM Wine Bar, located next to each other in Hayes Park, have become community favorites for fine meats, cheeses, and wine flights.
- Snow Monkeys offers a creative fusion of French and Japanese cuisine, drawing food lovers from across Charleston.
- El Molino La Taqueria, opened in August 2025, delivers authentic Mexican street food with handmade tortillas and flavorful tacos.
Together, these new establishments have elevated Johns Island’s culinary reputation while maintaining its community-driven charm.
Real Estate Growth and Local Expertise
As Johns Island’s development accelerates, real estate has become one of the most active sectors on the island. From luxury homes in Kiawah River to new cottages near Maybank Highway, the area’s property values are rising alongside its cultural appeal. For anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest, finding the right guide through this evolving landscape is essential.
That’s where Heather Gregory, a Real Estate Agent Johns Island SC, makes a difference. Heather has built her reputation on deep local insight, community involvement, and a hands-on approach to every transaction. Whether you are exploring new construction opportunities, looking for a home close to the island’s new restaurants, or seeking investment properties near the upcoming Jubilee development, Heather Gregory serves as your trusted resource for everything Johns Island. Her local expertise ensures that clients stay informed about market trends, zoning updates, and the island’s ongoing transformation.
To learn more, visit HeatherGregoryRealtor.com for current listings, relocation tips, and personalized real estate guidance throughout Johns Island SC.
Looking Ahead
Johns Island’s mix of rural character and modern investment continues to attract attention from both locals and newcomers. With hospitality landmarks like The Dunlin, lifestyle destinations like Jubilee, and acclaimed restaurants shaping its social landscape, the island is becoming one of South Carolina’s most desirable places to live, visit, and invest.
As the island grows, the key will be balance: preserving its natural beauty while embracing thoughtful development. For those watching the transformation unfold, one thing is clear, Johns Island’s next chapter is already being written, and it’s one full of opportunity.