Sustainable communities create an environment where humans and nature can mutually thrive for generations to come. They emphasize walkability, energy efficiency, and open spaces. If you’re looking to settle in the Palmetto State, this page highlights 13 awesome communities with Green Homes for sale.
What is a sustainable community?
Green communities are neighborhoods that increase resource efficiency, protect the environment, and yield long term reduction in operating expenses. Benefits to community members include improved comfort and energy efficiency, a healthier indoor and outdoor environment, easier maintenance requirements and increased durability. Sustainable communities have an innovative approach to enhancing the quality of life for their residents.
Green Community Checklist/Infographic
13 prime green communities in South Carolina
Looking to live and thrive in a Palmetto Stage sustainable community? Start your search for a green home in these South Carolina communities.
1. Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina
Hartness is a new home green community located in one of Greenville’s most pristine natural environments. It is characterized by natural beauty, vastness and a rich landscape. Residents get to enjoy miles of existing trails and over 180 acres of nature preserves surrounded by lakes and streams. Community members can bike, hike or walk in a serene natural environment right within the neighborhood.
There’s a village center where residents can enjoy dinner at the rooftop restaurant, catch some ice cream for the kids, or get dry cleaner services.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices in Hartness range from $400,000 to $1 million.
2. Greenville City Area
The Greenville City area offers multiple opportunities for residents who are looking for a green home. Years of strategic planning and supportive city policies have helped make Greenville one of the Greenest cities in the nation. More so, authorities actively encourage real estate builders to build homes that meet rigorous ‘green’ standards.
In 2011, the Greenville City Council did establish the Green Ribbon Advisory Committee. This body advises city staff on the development of sustainable programs and initiatives. Their main goal is to reduce Greenville’s environmental impact and distinguish it as a national leader in sustainability. To encourage use of low-emission vehicles, Greenville is installing no-charge electric vehicle charging stations in many parking facilities. The city emphasizes green transportation, bike lanes, and other features that have help make it one of the most livable destinations countrywide. Thanks – in part – to these municipal led efforts, there are many green homes cropping up within and around the city of Greenville, SC.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”phone” wrap=”i”] Contact Palmetto Park Realty on 1-844-414-2000 for Green Home Inquiries in Greenville
3. The Cliffs Communities
The Cliffs are a collective of seven self-sustaining communities located on the foothills South Carolina and North Carolina – with over 2,800 residences. Located minutes away from the charming southern cities of Greenville SC, Asheville, and Clemson, The Cliffs offer residents endless ways to explore the great outdoors and enjoy a great quality of life.
Known to be some of the most sustainable and successful communities in the Carolinas, The Cliffs have managed to conserve an idyllic, breathtaking scenery! Residents have the opportunity to enjoy amenities in all 7 communities. There are ample outdoor and recreational activities in the area. In 2015, the “The Cliffs Organic Farm” was launched. This is a community based organic farm that is dedicated to growing farm produce for residents. Community members can savor the bounty at any of the chef run restaurants in the area. Part of what makes The Cliffs such as successful case of green living is a collective culture of environmental responsibility.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices in The Cliffs range from $500,000 to $4 million.
4. Baxter Village, Fort Mill
Baxter Village is a planned community with quaint homes and a family-friendly atmosphere. Over the last 15 years, the area has grown to become a sustainable green community surrounded by acres of open space, as well as miles of sidewalks and trails. One of Fort Mill’s most established communities, Baxter Village has more than 1,500 homes. About 450,000 square feet in the community is space dedicated to shopping, dining, and working. Residents get to enjoy the small town feel, easy access to the Charlotte metropolitan area, and ample outdoor recreational activities. For parents who have school going children, it helps that the Fort Mill School District was ranked #2 Best School District in South Carolina in 2018.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices here range between $300,000 to $700,000.
5. North Charleston
Thanks to ongoing sustainability efforts, North Charleston is arguably the lowcountry’s greenest city. After it’s experience with runaway development, the community has been working to put its house in order. Green businesses, event spaces, and new parks are becoming the order of day. In the town’s Oak Terrace Preserve, bioswales are used to naturally clean stormwater. The town’s historic city hall is now heated and cooled by a geothermal system. More than two thirds of all solar power in South Carolina is now generated in North Charleston. These green credentials have helped North Charleston attract new businesses to the region, and make sustainable living an achievable goal for residents.
Charleston was ranked #1 by National Geographic on the list of small cities with good green spaces.
Members get to enjoy the ample amenities available here, as well as the truly breathtaking Riverfront Park. The farm to table trend is also catching steam in this part of South Carolina, bringing fresh produce closer to residents’ doorstep.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices in North Charleston range from $85, 000 to $250,000.
6. Carnes Crossroads, Charleston
This is a master-planned community located near Charleston and the downtown Summerville area. Community residents enjoy sightly parks, lakes, open green spaces, tree-lined streets. The vibrant downtown area offers all types of modern amenities for residents. The Green Barn is a historic open air space that is used by residents for everything from special events to seasonal farmers’ market, wine tasting and fitness training. Homes here feature traditional southern-style architecture and tend to be very popular with families and retirees who want to be closer to the coast.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices here range from $200, 000 to $500,000.
7. Southbury, Myrtle Beach
Located close to Myrtle Beach, the small sustainable development of Southbury is known for its green homes. All homes here are LEED and Energy Star Certified, which essentially means that they are extremely energy efficient. Residents can enjoy the blend of southern charm, sprawling greenery, and efficient modern amenities. Trees are a common feature in this neighborhood, and open spaces leave a lot of space for nature and outdoor activities.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices in Southbury average $200,000 – $250,000.
8. Myrtle Beach SC
One of the most popular tourist destinations in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is also an eco-friendly community that’s showing potential for smart growth. Myrtle Beach was ranked as the second best beach in America by Travel Channel. Still, the beach is not the only thing this area has to offer. The city’s planning division is working on bringing together neighborhoods and connecting them with pedestrian and bike friendly transportation. The Myrtle beach community offers residents lots of opportunities for fine dining, leisurely strolls, and beach attractions. The city’s business community also works to ensure that the coast is well taken care of so it remains healthy and lucrative.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices in Myrtle Beach range $100,000 – $190, 000.
9. Celadon in Beaufort, SC
Located on one of the most picturesque Sea Islands in Beaufort, Celadon is a wellness-centered sustainable living community. Walking trails, community parks, ponds and picnic areas characterize life at Celadon. The community boasts a serene setting, moss-draped live oaks, and modern amenities that emphasize wellness for mind, body, and soul. The environment encourages families to go out and interact with neighbors, as well as pursue healthy living.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices range between $300, 000 and $600, 000.
10. Coosaw Point in Beaufort, SC
This is a sustainable living community in Beaufort that is set in 400 acres of lowcountry woodlands and wetlands. Coosaw Point is characterized by a great location just 10 minutes from Beaufort and about an hour from Hilton Head. Lowcountry cottage homes overlook vast green lawns and live oak trees. About 130 acres of its space remains open for nature. The riverfront, wetlands, and abundance of lowcountry wildlife provides ample opportunities for nature lovers. Amenities available for residents here include crab docks, a community dock, tennis courts, walking trails, open nature areas, a pool complex and clubhouse. Known to be one of the most peaceful retirement communities on Lady’s Island, Coosaw Points offers an incredible environment for both retirees and family residents.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices range between $475,000 and $1.5 million.
11. Hilton Head Plantation
This master-planned sustainable living community is located on the northern tip of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Many property owners are attracted to this neighborhood due to its immense natural beauty. Hilton Head Plantation is characterized by manicured areas, golf courses, and open spaces. The community boasts more than 10 miles of leisure paths where residents can walk or bike. There’s also a very active farm club here, where residents can grow crops for own personal consumption. Farmers often collaborate to grow blueberries and other fruits, and there’s a beekeeper to help with pollination and honey harvesting.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices range from $200,000 to $500,000
12. Hampton Lake in Bluffton, SC
This is a South Carolina lakefront community located close to Hilton Head Island. Residents get to enjoy a relaxed way of life that is centered around the 165-acre fresh water lake that was created to promote a sustainable population of aquatic life. Popular outdoor activities include swimming, boating, and fishing. There’s also an award-winning amenity village at Hampton Lake that includes a boat house, a lake house, a large outdoor pool, a restaurant, children’s playground area, tennis courts, a fitness facility, spa, and many other offerings.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home prices range from $300,000 all the way to $1.8 million.
13. I’on Village, Mount Pleasant
I’on Village is a 243 acre Mount Pleasant community that is centered around sustainability, walkability, and efficiency. Located about 10 minutes (by car) away from Charleston and the beaches, this community features traditional Charleston-style homes with double chimneys, copper roof accents and triple porches. Ample green spaces and unbeatable amenities make I’on village the go-to community for people who are looking to settle in a relaxing sustainable community. Amenities available here include an Olympic size swimming pool, club houses, tennis courts, fitness facilities, boat ramps, dock facilities, and children’s play area.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”home-2″ wrap=”i”] Home values here range from $270, 000 up to $2 million.