Good Neighbor Initiative 101

and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the Isle of Palms today, it's hard to imagine the island's humble beginnings and transformation into a highly sought-after tourist destination. The story of tourism on Isle of Palms begins in the late 19th century when the island's captivating natural beauty attracted visitors seeking respite from the city of Charleston. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes (most specifically the local Seewee tribes), the island remained largely undeveloped until the early 20th century. Accessible only by boat, it offered a secluded retreat for those in search of a serene escape.

In 1906, a 50-room hotel occupied the shores of Isle of Palms and made its pristine beaches a highly sought-after vacation destination. Since then, ferries, trams, and eventually the Grace Memorial Bridge helped make the island more accessible, thus turning it into the charming beach town we know and love today! While Isle of Palms may be well known for its magnificent beach houses and glamorous resort, it is also a permanent slice of paradise for thousands of locals. With a close-knit community full of local shops and restaurants, it's not hard to imagine why so many people dream of calling Isle of Palms home.

In recent decades, Isle of Palms has turned its focus to sustainable tourism practices in order to preserve its natural beauty and unique character. Efforts have been made to protect the island's wildlife, dunes, and marshlands through environmental conservation initiatives. The community actively promotes responsible tourism and encourages visitors to engage in eco-friendly activities such as beach cleanups and educational programs on marine conservation.

In early 2023, the Isle of Palms City Council introduced an initiative to enforce livability rules more strictly. The goal is to encourage community etiquette among vacationers so that tourists and locals can enjoy the island together. While our community strives to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, we request that vacationers keep in mind that their next-door neighbors may be permanent residents who have a new neighbor each week. Livability officers will help maintain positive relationships by enforcing regulations related to parking violations, noise complaints, unlawful parties, etc. Island Realty guests must be especially mindful, as multiple violations occurring at the same property (even from different guests) may lead to fines and potentially, the loss of rental licenses for our homeowners.

As we move forward, keeping these updates in mind, we encourage you to 'live like a local' and make the most of your time on our beautiful Isle of Palms while showing respect to those around you. If you have any questions or would like assistance finding fun activities on and around the island, please feel free to reach out to our team for more information.