James Island is a large triangular sea island that is framed by Wappoo Creek and Charleston Harbor on the north, Morris Island and Folly Beach on the east, and the Stono River and Johns Island on the west. Affectionately nicknamed "Jim Isle," it is laced with creeks and sounds ... and well known for its farming, fishing and shrimping, ancient live oaks, and more recently, its Holiday Festival of Lights.

James Island remained predominantly rural until the 1960s. It has since become a residential suburb, and much of its beauty and quality of life is being destroyed by the City of Charleston's policy of annexing undeveloped island lands and allowing real estate developers to exploit these properties in ways that would never even be considered in peninsula Charleston.

Housing Cost

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $277,396

Demographics

Population in July 2007: 37,363. James Island covers 42.1 square miles.

Area code commonly used in this area: 843

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com