This removed Lowcountry land mass impacts traffic on Savannah Highway and Main Road, reaches its southernmost point at Kiawah and Seabrook islands and takes in views across the Stono River from Charleston Municipal Golf Course and James Island County Park.

A tomato-growing belt one generation earlier, Johns Island today sprouts an oversized share of single-family homes, multifamily properties and apartment rental communities. Yet the island, one of the largest on the East Coast and comparable to Martha's Vineyard in size, still manages to cling to its secluded nature -- showcasing a tranquil countryside; narrow dirt roads; and isolated creeks tucked beyond woods, marsh and farms.

At eastern edge, Johns Island works out to a 20-minute round-trip to and from peninsula Charleston.

"The benefit of Fenwick The Preserve, it's the first thing you come to going to Johns Island (on Maybank Highway)," says Stephen Carroll, owner of Landcrafters Inc. real estate land company bankrolling the once-stalled neighborhood overlooking Penny Creek. The company recharged the neighborhood, selling homes including on the water from $775,000 to $925,000. Five houses are under construction, including a spec home under contract and a custom residence being built.

"We've got 34 more lots," he says.

Carroll views Johns Island as a steadily expanding market with no major signs at least now of waning.

"When I do MLS (Multiple Listing Service) research on Johns Island, it's usually in the top five in sales," Carroll says. The island maintains a "20-30 percent growth rate," he says. "Especially with the widening of Maybank Highway under construction now, it would alleviate (traffic)_ pressure," he says.

Figures from Charleston Trident Association of Realtors back up the contention that Johns Island is growing at a faster-than-average pace. The roughly circular shaped island posted 649 closed home sales last year to place ninth of 23 local cities, towns and geographical regions. Homes are staying on the market for 51 days, tied for seventh fastest in sale time in the Lowcountry. Further, median prices on Johns Island reached $275,000, gaining 7.2 percent from 2015 and 39.3 percent in the five-year period since 2012.

New home construction plays a big role in Johns Island's appeal as a place to live. Last year, 45.8 percent of home sales involve just--built houses, the highest rank in metro Charleston. Separately, Johns Island tallies the sixth highest single-family market share in 2015 at 88.2 percent. Most multfamily properties are rentals rather than townhomes and condos.

Johns Island homes run in price to more than $1 million, but there are value deals, agents note.

David Wertan, agent with ReMax Advanced Realty, is listing a 2,100 square foot home in Cedar Springs neighborhood near Maybank Highway and Bohicket Road for $339,900.

The four bedroom custom home is move-in ready and the builder included "tons of upgrades," he says in the listing. Other perks include upgraded floors, cabinets, lighting and trim packages; stainless steel kitchen appliances and a screened-in porch, according to Wertan.

The island on its southern edge benefits from its proximity to Kiawah and Seabrook islands. Homeowners can take advantage of resort amenities either by joining a club or paying a membership fee.

Kiawah River Estates sits three miles from the islands and close to Freshfield Village upscale shopping plaza, Toula DiGiovanni says. The Golden Bear Realty agent lists a lot for sale on Turtle Landing for $109,000.

Located on the eighth hole of Oak Point Golf Course within Kiawah River Estates, the cul-de-sac home site includes fairway and lagoon views, sits 200 yards from Haulover Creek and is a short walk to the community dock and picnic area.

The neighborhood "has seen tremendous growth in the last couple of years as more people are retiring or choosing an easier lifestyle," DiGiovanni says.

Property owners can join the Seabrook Island Club as well as the Kiawah Island Governor's Club, giving them "full access to the amenities on both islands," she says.

The 28 home sites for sale at Kiawah River Estates range price from $77,000 to $429,000, with the higher priced lots on the creek. At least 10 new homes are being built to join 180 houses already constructed, she says.

DiGiovanni also lists a condo at Bohicket Marina Village, typically considered a Seabrook Island property but located on Johns Island.

The property on the market for $599,000 on Marsh Oak Lane in Bohicket Marina Village boasts two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, garage, carport, front and rear decks and stairs leading to the Bohicket Marina boardwalk. It's being sold furnished. Owners have access to Seabrook Island and the island's Lakehouse.

"The condos have beautiful views of the marina and the sunsets are out of this world," DiGiovanni says.

For more information and photos, go to http://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/jim-parker.

Reach Jim Parker at 843-937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.

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Freshly Growing -- Once-rural Johns Island attracting house hunters to new neighborhoods, custom sites - Charleston Post Courier