Sunset Park Neighborhood Market Intelligence
Overview
Sunset Park is a serene and private residential community located on the southwestern tip of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. This exclusive neighborhood is characterized by its breathtaking vistas over the Calibogue Sound, with direct views of Hilton Head Island's iconic Harbour Town lighthouse. Unlike the more developed northern end of Daufuskie, Sunset Park embodies a quiet, low-density lifestyle deeply connected to the island's natural beauty and slow pace. The community is accessed via a network of sandy, unpaved roads, reinforcing its secluded and rustic charm.
The history of Sunset Park is intertwined with the modern development of Daufuskie as a residential and resort destination. Primarily developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the neighborhood was designed to maximize privacy and preserve the maritime forest environment. Its location is both remote and strategic, offering residents a profound sense of escape while still being within a short golf cart or boat ride to the island's few amenities, such as the Melrose Landing marina. The community's name is a direct tribute to the spectacular, unobstructed sunsets that paint the sky over the sound each evening.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Sunset Park consists primarily of custom-built, single-family homes on generously sized lots, often an acre or more. Architectural styles tend toward Lowcountry designs—elevated structures with wide porches, metal roofs, and natural wood or hardy board-and-batten siding to withstand the coastal climate. Many homes are designed as elevated cottages or modern interpretations of the classic Daufuskie island home, with a strong emphasis on capturing water views and maximizing outdoor living space.
Real estate in Sunset Park is almost exclusively ownership-based, with very few rental properties available. Price ranges are significant, typically starting well over $1 million for a homesite or a modest cottage and reaching several million for larger, direct-waterfront estates with private docks. The market is niche and values are heavily influenced by lot location (waterfront, water view, or interior) and the quality of the home. Recent trends show sustained demand from buyers seeking ultimate privacy and a genuine, off-the-grid coastal lifestyle, making property here a stable and coveted long-term investment.
Schools & Education
As an unincorporated island with a tiny full-time population, Daufuskie Island does not have its own public schools. For families with school-age children residing full-time in Sunset Park, education requires a daily commute via passenger ferry to Hilton Head Island, where students attend Beaufort County School District schools based on their Hilton Head address. This arrangement necessitates careful logistical planning and represents a significant commitment for families.
The island itself is home to the Mary Field School Museum, a historic one-room schoolhouse that served the island's African American Gullah community during segregation; it is now a cultural site, not an operating school. For younger children, there are no local preschools or daycares on Daufuskie. Consequently, the neighborhood's demographic leans heavily toward retirees, second-home owners, and working professionals for whom remote work or seasonal residence mitigates the challenges of the island's educational logistics.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation in Sunset Park is intrinsically tied to its natural surroundings. The neighborhood itself is a park, with homes nestled under a canopy of live oaks, palmettos, and pine trees. While there are no formal public parks or playgrounds within the subdivision, residents have direct or nearby access to some of Daufuskie's finest amenities. The community's greatest asset is its proximity to the water, with several shared beach access points leading to the quiet, shell-strewn shores of the Calibogue Sound.
Outdoor activities dominate daily life. Residents enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing from private or community docks. The Daufuskie Island Trail System, a network of sandy paths, is ideal for walking, jogging, and biking via golf cart, bicycle, or horseback. While the private Melrose Beach Club is nearby, Sunset Park residents more commonly engage in the informal recreation of beachcombing, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the profound tranquility of their environment. The famed Bloody Point Golf Course, though currently inactive, is also a part of the island's recreational history.
Local Dining & Shopping
Dining and shopping on Daufuskie Island are charmingly limited, reflecting its remote nature. Sunset Park residents typically dine at a handful of beloved local spots accessible by golf cart. The Old Daufuskie Crab Company at the Freeport Marina is a casual waterfront staple for fresh seafood and burgers. The School Grounds Coffee Cafe, located in the historic Mary Field School, offers coffee, light lunches, and baked goods. For a more upscale experience, residents may take a short boat ride to Hilton Head Island.
For groceries and essentials, the island's primary option is the Daufuskie Island Community Farm and Market, which offers produce, basic staples, and locally made goods. The Freeport General Store provides additional sundries. Serious grocery shopping, however, requires a ferry trip to Hilton Head. Local shopping is focused on art and crafts; the island is home to several acclaimed studios, like the Iron Fish Gallery and Daufuskie Blues, where residents can find unique, handmade souvenirs and fine art, supporting the island's vibrant artisan community.
Who Lives Here
The population of Sunset Park is a blend of affluent retirees, successful professionals (many of whom work remotely or commute periodically), and families using the homes as seasonal retreats. Residents are universally drawn by a shared desire for privacy, a deep
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $168,400 |
| Median Rent | $1,163/mo |
| Median Household Income | $45,872 |
| Average Home Size | 1,350 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 46.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.4% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 35.7% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 5.8% |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Market Tier | Affordable |
| Primary ZIP | 31404 |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (15)
South Carolina has over 40,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 15 agents serving Sunset Park who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 15 Agents
- Angele Nalbandian (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Angelina Ueng Shih (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Anahi Beranek (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Ashley Marie Chiara (4.9 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Adam Brawer (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Alessandra R Castrogiovanni (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Anita M Sever (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Adam Jaret (4.9 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Alice G Plato (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Angela H Forgo (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Hannah Elise Pilkington (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Amy Lepore Johns (4.8 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Amy Lynn Wilkes (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Alyssa Marie Vanzyl (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Hannah Jane Park (4.8 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2045915[1]
Remax One
Contact
Phone: (818) 665-5283
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.roupina.net/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Roupina%20Nalbandian
30+ years experience[1]
140+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $450K to $2.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her strong community ties and leadership in local organizations, as featured in regional publications. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating from 67 reviews and over 30 years of dedicated client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #829142[1]
Engel & Volkers Santa Monica
Contact
Phone: (310) 460-2525
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://santamonica.evusa.com/en/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/EngelVolkersSaMo
17+ years experience[1]
490+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $535K to $4.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active commitment to community development initiatives and charitable programs. She maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 62 reviews and has earned multiple company awards over 16 years.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #958305[1]
Beranek Realty Group
Contact
Phone: (424) 343-4213
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.beranekrealtygroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BeranekRealtyGroup
12+ years experience[1]
110+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $380K to $4.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her community leadership as co-founder of International Real Estate Concierge, combined with a 5-star rating across 43 reviews and ranking among fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2019254[1]
Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact
Phone: (310) 395-1133
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.santamonicalistings.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Kate16270770
36+ years experience[1]
440+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $699K to $5.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her national recognition as a Top 1,000 Sales Associate, ranking in the top half among over 50,000 agents. She demonstrates this elite performance with a 4.9-star rating from 41 reviews and over 35 years of market experience.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2107201[1]
Compass / Adam Brawer Estates
Contact
Phone: (310) 279-8259
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.adambrawerestates.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/adamdbrawer
20+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $640K to $4.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community commitment as President and Founder of his firm, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 40 reviews. His unique entertainment background provides clients with innovative, high-level marketing and deal-making.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1924066[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (310) 529-2929
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/alessandra-castrogiovanni/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/athomela
12+ years experience[1]
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $1.0M to $2.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots and family real estate heritage, combined with strong performance including 39 five-star reviews since 2013. Her unique art and design background provides a distinct aesthetic perspective for clients.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2054453[1]
1% Broker, Realtors®
Contact
Phone: (310) 570-2910
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.onepercentbroker.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/One%20Percent%20Broker
28+ years experience[1]
120+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for her 27 years of dedicated community service and leadership roles. She maintains perfect 5-star ratings across 35 reviews and provides significant client savings through her innovative brokerage model.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1786090[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (310) 562-4072
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/la/jaret-group/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jaret%20Group
26+ years experience[1]
90+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $1.3M to $4.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 25 years of community-focused service and leadership roles. He combines a 4.9-star rating across 35 reviews with deep market expertise to deliver exceptional client results.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1216340[1]
Coldwell Banker
Contact
Phone: (310) 704-4188
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.aliceplato.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alice%20Plato
31+ years experience[1]
150+ career transactions[2]
Range: $729K to $2.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement and leadership roles, including NAWBO Peak Leadership Academy. She combines 31 years of experience, a perfect 5-star rating across 30 reviews, and 164 transactions with elite credentials like a UCLA Anderson MBA.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1324702[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (310) 614-3757
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.housesforsaleinsantamonica.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Angela%20Forgo
24+ years experience[1]
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $1.1M to $7.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her extensive community leadership and charitable work, which is paramount to our ranking. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating across 28 reviews and over 23 years of multilingual, international expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2066257[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (704) 467-1793
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.instagram.com/hannahguidesyouhome/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Hannah%20Pilkington
0+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $365K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her strong community engagement and leadership, evidenced by her market analysis being cited in academic and policy publications. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating across 24 reviews and 19 total transactions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.8 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2055816[1]
Keller Williams Santa Monica
Contact
Phone: (310) 347-5805
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.amyjohnsla.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/amyjohnsla
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $670K to $4.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement as a native regional expert, combined with a strong 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews and a strategic, client-focused methodology.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2043267[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (310) 980-4406
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/amy%20wilkes2
20+ years experience[1]
10+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $1.2M to $5.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement as a California native and active local engagement. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating from 21 reviews and nearly 20 years of professional expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2022534[1]
Keller Williams Santa Monica
Contact
Phone: (310) 487-2139
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://richardschulman.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alyssa%20VanZyl
11+ years experience[1]
60+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $550K to $11.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active role in the professional community and consistent excellence, evidenced by a perfect 5-star rating across 21 reviews since 2014. Her dedicated performance has earned her Top Rated Agent recognition year after year.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.8 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1958070[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (949) 656-0070
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.westsidelisting.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/hannahparkrealestate
7+ years experience[1]
10+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $499K to $1.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a strong 4.5-star rating from 10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months and 21 total sales. Her specialized expertise in staging and vacation rental investments further distinguishes her practice.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.