I'On

About I'On

I'On is a nationally recognized new urbanist community in Mount Pleasant that has been compared to Seaside, Florida, and featured in publications from Southern Living to the New York Times. Developed beginning in 1995 by Vince Graham, I'On was designed as a walkable village where homes sit close to the street behind picket fences, narrow lanes encourage slow driving, and community gathering spaces — including a central amphitheater, community dock, and village green — bring neighbors together organically. The architecture is deliberately varied, drawing on Lowcountry vernacular styles with raised foundations, deep porches, and tin roofs, all governed by strict design guidelines that ensure visual harmony without uniformity. Home prices typically range from $800,000 to well over $3 million.

Living in I'On is a lifestyle choice as much as a real estate decision. The community has been called the "Meg Ryan factor" neighborhood — the kind of place where you know your neighbors, walk to the community dock for sunset, and run into friends at the annual oyster roast or one of the neighborhood's many social events. The I'On Club, housed in a historic-style clubhouse, offers a pool, fitness center, and social programming. Community docks on Hobcaw Creek provide kayak and paddleboard access to the marsh and creeks. The village includes a small commercial area with a few shops and services, and weekly events like the I'On Trust farmers market add to the walkable village atmosphere.

I'On is compact — roughly 244 acres with about 760 homes — which contributes to its intimate character but also means inventory is limited and homes are tightly spaced compared to conventional subdivisions. The community is located off Mathis Ferry Road, providing convenient access to both the Old Village area of Mount Pleasant and the commercial districts along Highway 17. Schools include nearby Jennie Moore Elementary, Moultrie Middle, and Wando High School. For buyers who value community, walkability, and architectural character over yard size and garage space, I'On is one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in the Southeast.