St. Simons Island real estate guide
History, neighborhoods and market numbers for the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles.
A short history
General James Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica on the island’s west side in 1736. In 1742, British forces turned back a Spanish invasion at the Battle of Bloody Marsh, a turning point that kept Georgia British. Christ Church, chartered in 1808 near the old fort, was rebuilt in 1884 and still stands under the live oaks. The St. Simons Lighthouse, completed in 1872, watches over the Pier Village. In the 1950s the F.J. Torras Causeway opened, linking the island to Brunswick and launching its growth as a year-round community.
Neighborhoods and home styles
The island offers everything from beach cottages and condos near the Pier Village and East Beach to golf homes in the St. Simons Island Club and Sea Palms, established neighborhoods like Shaw’s Bounty on land first granted to a Frederica settler, and larger homes on the north end around Hamilton Plantation. Price, flood zone and HOA rules can change from one street to the next, so I review each of those with you for any home you’re considering.
What buyers should check
- Flood zone and elevation. Ask for the elevation certificate and get a flood insurance quote early.
- Wind and homeowners insurance. Coastal premiums vary widely with roof age and construction.
- HOA and short-term rental rules. Some neighborhoods allow vacation rentals and some don’t.
- School zones. Glynn County Schools has proposed new attendance zones for fall 2027; check the district’s map for any address.
St. Simons Island at a glance
| County | Glynn County, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Getting there | F.J. Torras Causeway from Brunswick |
| Typical median sale price | $719,875 (monthly medians ranged $635,000–$785,000, Oct. 2025–Sept. 2026) |
| Average days on market | About 105 days |
| Active listings (Sept. 2026) | 367 |
| Months of inventory | About 7.0 months |
| Landmarks | St. Simons Lighthouse (1872), Fort Frederica National Monument, Christ Church, the Pier Village |
Source: Golden Isles MLS data via Flexmls, residential property, October 2025 through September 2026. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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Is St. Simons Island a good place to buy a second home?
Many buyers choose St. Simons Island for second homes because of its beaches, golf, dining and easy drive from Atlanta, Jacksonville and Savannah. Check flood insurance costs, HOA rental rules and the home’s elevation before you buy.
How much are homes on St. Simons Island?
Over the past 12 months, monthly median residential sale prices on St. Simons Island ranged from about $635,000 to $785,000, with a typical month near $719,875. Prices range from condos well below that to estate homes in the millions.
Is St. Simons Island in a flood zone?
Some parts of St. Simons Island are in FEMA flood zones and others are not. Flood risk depends on the specific lot and elevation, so check the FEMA flood map and the home’s elevation certificate for each property.
Do you need a car on St. Simons Island?
Most residents drive, but many neighborhoods near the Pier Village and East Beach are walkable or bike-friendly, and the island has an extensive network of bike paths.
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