What was once a rural island suburb of Charleston has, over the last 10 years, developed into a nice balance of civility and nature.  Strict development codes lead Johns Island to maintain quality control on all new construction during it’s development.

 
Most lots are fairly large and most of the houses are of good quality.  Hardi Plank siding (or generic versions of it) accounts for most of the exterior finishes.  There is plenty of rural left in the area but it’s not as desolate as it once was.  Today you’ll find modern subdivisions like Kiawah River Estates and Barberry Woods mixed in among horse farms and massive family estates.  

What really helped Johns Island get into the Charleston expansion scene a few years ago was the implementation of the new Limehouse bridge, connecting Johns Island with James Island in a modern way.  Before that bridge was built, Johns Island was only accessible from James Island via a rickety old and narrow bridge.  

There is constant talk about one day, extending Interstate 526 to connect Johns Island to James Island and West Ashley in a high-speed and modern way.  This would be instrumental in reducing the time it takes to get to and from, not only Johns Island, but also Kiawah Island.  There is fierce lobbying from both sides of this argument.  Those that oppose it feel that it would make Johns Island too accessible and thus less secluded.  They also worry about the effects of the traffic noise having an interstate so close to so many communities.  

There seems to be no easy solution in sight and most likely, Johns Island will remain just the way it is for many years to come.