Fort Lamar is a unique James Island neighborhood in that it is relatively spread out and features a lot of waterfront/marsh-front property. The homes in this area are literally separated by marsh and cannot be too close together. The area is also historically significant: it is the home of Fort Lamar where Confederate soldiers defeated Union troops in an 1862 skirmish. The Fort Lamar Preserve is located within the neighborhood.
Fort Lamar real estate is very diverse with a mix of older 1960s brick ranches and newer, elevated waterfront homes many with boat docks. Prices truly run the gambit, starting in the los $100,000s and climbing to $2 million. The area is also home to the Retreat, a gated condominium community.
James Island has many neighborhoods, but Fort Lamar is one of the closest to Folly Beach — it’s only about a five-minute drive! You can really smell the salt in the air. The Piggly-Wiggly grocery store on Folly Road is also close by. Because the area is so near to the beach, it will take you a little longer to get off James Island — something to consider if you work or go to school in downtown Charleston, West Ashley or Mount Pleasant.
