2008 Hot Retirement Towns

Isle of Palms, South Carolina
THE ISLE OF PALMS HAS Palms Connector opened in 1993. ship golf courses. Both The Links and
attained the near-perfect combina- Today, the trip along the two-mile- The Harbor Course were designed by
tion of preservation and develop- long road that links the island com- renowned architect Tom Fazio.
ment, creating an ideal beach resort munity to bustling Mount Pleasant The island is within minutes of
for visitors and full-time residents is no problem. the Charleston area’s many historical
alike, just a short drive from historic The Isle of Palms Parks and attractions, including the downtown
downtown Charleston. Recreation Department oﬀers district; Fort Sumter, where the Civil
Located north of Charleston Har- numerous activities for residents and War began; and Fort Moultrie on
bor, the upscale barrier island exudes Sullivan’s Island, the scene of one
a feeling of community that most re-
“... the upscale barrier
of the ﬁrst battles of the American
sort islands simply cannot oﬀer. IOP Revolution and where author Edgar
is known for its cool breezes, mild
island exudes a feeling
Allan Poe served during his stint in
winters and pleasant summers, the the Army.
perfect setting for people in search of
of community that most
Isle of Palms residents are a
a year-round, warm-weather home. short drive from the most complete
Throughout the storied history of resort islands simply shopping center in the area. Towne
the area, the island’s beautiful beaches Centre, in Mount Pleasant, was de-
have served as a peaceful getaway for
cannot offer.”
signed to look like a small Southern
Charlestonians and other residents of village and features national depart-
the Carolinas. However, few people tourists, from aerobics and yoga to ment stores and shops as well as
lived there full-time until the late recreational team sports, and there’s locally owned businesses. Also nearby
1800s. Even after the automobile a full-service marina for boaters. is Shem Creek, home to one of the
became the main mode of transpor- On the north end of the island, the area’s last ﬁshing boat ﬂeets, unusual
tation for Americans, travel to the spectacular Wild Dunes Resort is art galleries and several outstanding
island was diﬃcult until the Isle of home to two world-class champion- restaurants.
At A Glance
Isle of Palms, SC
Population: 4,579
Average Temp: 72 F
Average Age: 45
Nearest Hospital: East Cooper
Regional Medical Center
Nearest Major Airport:
Charleston International Airport
Isle of Palms Info:
Charleston Metro Chamber of
Commerce
www.charlestonchamber.net
(843) 577-2510
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www.RetiringToSouthCarolina.com I www.HotRetirementTowns.com I www.CoastalRetirementTowns.com
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