The Hilton Head Area, SC

The Lowcountry is a region along the coast of South Carolina known for its uniquely beautiful geography, mild subtropical climate, and rich cultural history. The term “lowcountry” describes the area of South Carolina that includes Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and surrounding areas.

Hilton Head Island:

Hilton Head Island is a great place to live. Many move here because of its perfect balmy weather, mild winters and twelve miles of gorgeous, sprawling beaches. Hilton Head boasts a prime location that is only forty-five miles north of Savannah, Georgia, and about an hour and a half drive to Charleston, South Carolina. What was once a retirement or vacation hideaway has matured into a 42 square mile active, bustling destination for wide variety of visitors and residents alike.

For those who want a particular way of life, Hilton Head Island offers a myriad of different options. One need only pick the neighborhood suited to their likings. As a result, those looking to purchase property on Hilton Head often approach it by first browsing the lifestyle offerings of each area and then pick a home within their chosen neighborhoods.

These neighborhoods, mostly private with limited access to residents and their visitors, are often referred to as “Plantations,” and include Hilton Head Plantation, Sea Pines Resort, Indigo Run, Long Cove Club, Palmetto Dunes, Palmetto Hall, Port Royal Planta-tion, Shipyard Plantation, Spanish Wells, Windmill Harbour, and Wexford Plantation. One need only ask for a Plantation by name to discover its lifestyle, privacy and amenities. Hilton Head also has several neighborhoods open to the public including Forest Beach, Folly Field and Singleton Beach.

There are many public access points to the beach, along with public golf courses, tennis centers, fitness and recreational facilities, nature preserves and marinas. Restaurants, boating, shopping, social clubs and events, bike paths and no less than twenty public parks for recreation are readily available to the public. With a growing population comes a diverse community and culture. Hilton Head boasts a growing variety of activities and public facilities while at the same time keeps a close watch on the manner in which the area is developed so as not to lose the quaint and quiet feel it has enjoyed for so many years.

Hilton Head Island and surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry are rich with history dating back to Native American occupation, European exploration, and the Sea Island cotton trade. Residents and visitors can learn all about the area’s history at historic landmarks, museums and historical societies throughout the area. With an Arts Center and Coastal Discovery Museum, a Choral Society and Symphony Orchestra, Main Street Youth Theater, as well as countless festivals and community happenings throughout the year, Hilton Head has established itself as an inviting choice for full and part time residents, and real estate investors.

Bluffton:

Bluffton originally only encompassed one square mile and received its name from the town’s location which was perched up on a bluff overlooking the May River. Today, Bluffton is a burgeoning and expanding town that has much to offer residents and visitors alike. The fastest growing town in Beaufort County, this quaint Lowcountry town is quickly becoming one of the most desirable areas to live in the southeast.

Despite annexing four large tracts of land, adding 32,000 acres to accommodate new residential and commercial development, Bluffton retains its quaint small-town charm. The town boasts a one-square mile National Historic District containing eight antebellum buildings (constructed prior to the Civil War), including the renovated Heyward House, which now serves as a welcoming center for the town.

With careful planning, there is a rich community of neighborhood developments including Sun CIty, Belfair, Berkley Hall, Colleton River, Hampton Hall and Hampton Lake, Moss Creek, Rose Hill, The Crescent, Eagle’s Point, Pine Crest, and Palmetto Bluff. Each unique in their style, amenities and natural beauty, the communities of Bluffton can accommodate the tastes of almost any newcomer. These new and wonderful developments hold fast to preserving the sense that Bluffton is.

Golf is as much a part of Bluffton as it is on Hilton Head. With both public and private venues, the avid golfer stands an excellent likelihood of getting choice tee-time at one of the many courses available in Bluffton. In addition to golf, Bluffton communities offer in-credible amenities including tennis clubs, equestrian centers, walking and biking trails, and waterfront river access for boating and fishing.

Shopping opportunities are plentiful with outlet, boutique, and antique shops from which to choose. Dining is also a treat as Bluffton not only has a variety of restaurants of its own but also because of its close proximity to Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Savannah, and Charleston. There are quite a few events throughout the year, such as festivals, parades, concerts, and farmers’ markets, all of which continue to support building a sense of community among Bluffton residents.