Summer in the Lowcountry is a season unto itself. Slower mornings on the harbor, golden evenings on the porch, and the unmistakable hum of a community that knows how to savor every long, sun-drenched day. Charleston in summer invites us to live well and live fully, from sandy afternoons on Sullivan’s Island and Kiawah to sunset sails through the harbor and leisurely dinners under string lights downtown. It is a season that reminds us why so many choose to call this place home. As Charleston steps confidently into the season, we invite you to experience it fully through its homes, its neighborhoods, and its celebrated cultural calendar. Let us guide you toward what comes next.
Charleston Real Estate Market Update. The first five months of the year have been every bit as wild, with a few additional circumstances. Through April, Charleston’s real estate market continues to weather the current environment. The number of sold single-family detached homes in Charleston County is up 1%. The average sales price rose 5.5%. New listings are up 4% over last year, but days on market rose by nearly 14%. Now we head into Charleston’s classic summer slowdown: heat, humidity, vacations, the usual suspects that pull buyers off the market for a few weeks. It will be interesting to see whether the typically slower months occur, given that factors like mortgage rates and the economy are so closely tied to outside forces that could shift quickly. Either way, 2026 hasn’t been and won’t be a quiet year in Charleston real estate. Given all this, William Means Real Estate is having one of our best years ever representing clients.
Amy Edmonds Mathisen Joins William Means. We are pleased to welcome Amy Edmonds Mathisen to the team, bringing a thoughtful, strategic approach shaped by more than 25 years of legal experience and a lifelong connection to Charleston. A native Charlestonian, Amy returned home after earning her undergraduate degree from Wofford College and her law degree from the University of South Carolina, building a distinguished career in law. She represented employers and insurance carriers in complex workers’ compensation cases at both the state and federal levels, handling and negotiating hundreds of matters throughout her career. Her experience later expanded into senior leadership, where she oversaw adjusters and attorneys handling longshore claims and further honed her strengths in problem-solving, communication, and negotiation. Amy’s blend of experience, perspective, and local knowledge aligns seamlessly with William Means's values. We are proud to welcome her to the firm and look forward to the impact she will make on both our clients and our community.
Charleston Restaurants with Sunset Views. With the summer season upon us, locals and tourists alike are spending more time outdoors. There’s something special about enjoying a meal while watching the sun set. Charleston is known for its food scene and these restaurants are sure to impress with their sunset views. Located on King Street above Stars restaurant, Satellite Bar offers the perfect place to grab a sunset drink and enjoy Charleston’s gorgeous skyline. After spending the day on Sullivan’s Island or cruising around the Charleston harbor, end your day on Shem Creek with great food and stellar sunset views.
Charleston Keeps Making the List. There’s a running joke around the Lowcountry that the only thing more dependable than the morning fog over the harbor is Charleston topping another national ranking. The list of accolades has gotten almost comically long, but the past year deserves a real look. Something is happening here. In October, Charleston was named the No. 1 small city in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the fourth consecutive year, and the 14th time in the last 15 years. Travel + Leisure readers have given the city its top U.S. spot for more than a decade running. For those who already live here, it means the city is not coasting on charm. The restaurants you booked on a Tuesday last spring are the same ones being written about in Condé Nast and Michelin this fall. The neighborhoods you walk through are the ones featured in the editor’s letters.
Explore the early Summer edition of the William Means Luxury Insider, here.
