EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Beaufort County, SC

Welcome to the pristine islands of Beaufort County, South Carolina. This is the place you envision when you think of the South Carolina Lowcountry or see in the movies. In fact, several big blockbusters have been filmed here, such as Forrest Gump and Forces of Nature. Here is a land of moss-draped oaks, the sunlight gleaming off of bays and harbors, and over 200 sea islands. The result is hundreds of miles of coastline, colorful history, and lots of southern charm.

Southern Living has called Beaufort, the eponymous county seat, the “South’s best small town.” Garden and Gun named the area a “Southern Dream Town.” CNNMoney and Forbes ranked it as one of the country’s best places to retire. 

Modern Beaufort County is one of the South’s fastest-growing counties thanks to development along the Broad River and the US Highway 278 corridor. The strong military presence in and around the city helps bring people into the area. Plus, it’s close to the resort town of Hilton Head Island without the crowds.

See why Beaufort County’s Lowcountry charm makes it a great place to live for people of all ages. 

About Beaufort County

Much of Beaufort County is situated on and around the water, making it an ideal place to be if you’re looking for waterfront living. Inside its borders are over 200 sea islands, some of which are undeveloped and pristine. These islands are cut through by rivers, bays, creeks, and wetlands. The Broad River empties in Port Royal Sound, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. The Combahee River forms its northern border, while the Coosaw River also flows through the county and empties into St Helena Sound.

Its neighbors include Colleton County to the north, Jasper County to the west, and Hampton County to the northwest. 

Beaufort County History

Native Americans called this region and its islands home. The area was rich with resources, and various European explorers struggled to colonize the coastal islands defended by its native peoples.

When French explorer Jean Ribault sailed into Port Royal Sound, he found the second-deepest natural harbor on the east coast. He claimed the harbor and established a short-lived settlement on what is today Parris Island. Later, the Spanish returned and built Fort San Felipe and Santa Elena settlements, also on Parris Island. They were driven out by the British in the late 1500s.

The English formally chartered Beaufort in the early 1700s. By that time, the area was a shipbuilding hub. The British built Fort Frederick in 1735 to protect its interests from growing Native American hostilities towards the foreign invaders.

Beaufort and the surrounding sea islands became a center for indigo, cotton, and rice. The wealthy began building mansions in downtown Beaufort, many of which still stand in The Point, the area’s historic residential enclave.

Union soldiers capture Beaufort during the Civil War. The Union camp set up headquarters at the John Mark Verdier House, home to a successful merchant and plantation owner.

After the Civil War, the area struggled economically. Recovery began thanks to a sizeable military investment. The US Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, the Marine Corps Air Station- Beaufort, and the Beaufort Naval Hospital spurred revitalization and development in Beaufort County.

Beaufort County Cities and Areas

Beaufort County has several cities and areas that attract residents.

Beaufort is also the name of the county seat. It is the epicenter of the county and is home to a historic district that preserves the essence of the Lowcountry plantation era. 

Parris Island is the most notable of the area’s islands. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot graduates nearly 20,000 Marine Corps recruits each year. Graduation ceremonies are held weekly on Fridays, and the public is welcome.

Hilton Head Island is a popular vacation destination located inside Beaufort County. It is famous for its 12 miles of white sand beach and its numerous golfing resorts. The PGA tour stops here every spring. 

Port Royal lies south of the county seat, just above Parris Island. It is a small bayside town that preserves its natural beauty and connections to the sea. The nearby observation tower is perfect for spotting wildlife in the tidal creeks and wetlands.

St Helena Island is considered the heart of the Gullah community. Here you’ll find a tight-knit community proud of its traditions. Many homespun restaurants serve authentic Gullah cuisine, and you can find local folk art in stores and stands around the area.

Lady’s Island is known for its Lady’s Island Country Club, a densely wooded course. Its location also makes living here an ideal jumping-off point for boaters seeking to explore the abundant inlets, creeks, and sea.

Harbor Island has two and a half miles of unspoiled beachfront. This is a private, gated island with vacation homes and condominiums. Residents enjoy three outdoor pools, tennis courts, and all the miles of sand.

Fripp Island is literally at the end of the road. It is considered the most seaward of all South Carolina’s islands, and it has the feeling of a private, gated community. Residents have three miles of Atlantic Beach and a full-service marina. A golf and beach resort is located on the Island.

Habersham is a town along the Broad River. It’s a master-planned community that has been called by Coastal Living one of the “Best Places to Live Along the Coast.” It has a walkable village-style area with over 20 shops, services, and eateries. The National Home Builders Association awarded it a “Best Neighborhood Design.”

Dataw Island is a gated living community with a full-service marina, golf, tennis, and casual homes. 

Beaufort County Job Market

With so many shorelines and famous islands, tourism is a major industry in greater Beaufort County. Some of the top employing industries are hospitality and food services, retail trades, and health care and social assistance work. In June 2021, the greatest number of job openings were in retail sales, registered nurses, and restaurant wait staff. Hilton Head Island alone has over 250 restaurants and dining venues.

Some of the largest employers inside Beaufort County include Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the Beaufort County School District, the Department of Defense, the Marine Corps Community Services, Marriott Resorts, Sea Pines Resort, and associated large chain retailers and groceries such as Lowe’s, Walmart, and Publix.

Even after the pandemic-era unemployment spike, unemployment rates in the greater Beaufort County metropolitan area have generally been trending down. In June 2021, the unemployment rate was 3.7%, below the United States and South Carolina average. 

The industries with the most projected growth by 2026 are health care and social services, food service, real estate and leasing, and administrative and support roles. 

Beaufort County Real Estate Market

The combined Beaufort County and Jasper County Market generally trend toward declining days on market and rising median sales prices. Like many markets around the nation, inventory has been on the decline and is near historic lows. In May 2021, new listings were up year-over-year by 2.4%, while closed sales were up 58.5%. The days on the market was 45, a 36.6% decrease from 2020. The median sales price for area homes was $316,510, a 29.2% rise over 2020 and greater than 2019. 

Looking closer at recent market reports for the various islands, we see:

• The Saint Helena Island and Pritchards Island market had 25% fewer listings year-over-year in May 2021, but total listings were actually up year-to-date by 18%. The median sales price of $415,000 was 63% more than the same time last year. Median sales prices have been steadily trending up since 2015. 
• In Parris Island and Beaufort, new listings in May 2021 were down 8.6% year-over-year. Overall, new listings were down year-to-date by 3.2%. The median sales price was up almost 14% to $307,500 in May 2021, while prices were up 25% year-to-date. The days on market were down to 21 days in May 2021, a 67% decline. 
• In Port Royal, available new listings were up 33% year-over-year in May 2021. The median sales price was $285,000. The days on the market until sale increased to 49 days, a 66.6% jump. 

Beaufort County Population Growth

Beaufort County has been identified as one of the South’s fastest-growing counties. In 2020, the South Carolina Community profile estimated 185,220 people lived in the county. That’s nearly 30,000 more than the 156,070 identified in 2010. By 2030, an estimated 215,270 people will live in the county.

Most of the area’s residents are in the 60-to-69 age bracket. The median age of a Beaufort County resident was 44.9 years old. Around 65% of the area’s residents have some college or higher. At least 37% hold a BA or higher.

The median household income was $50,078. US Census data had 69% identifying as white and 18% identifying as black or African American. Another 11% identified as Hispanic.

Beaufort County Education

The Beaufort County School District provides area youth with public education. The school district has 21 elementary schools, six middle schools, three K-8 schools, six high schools, and three special programs. 

In 2019, 87% of the area’s high school seniors graduated on time. Around 88% of the district’s schools were rated excellent, good, or average, as per the South Carolina annual school report cards. Around 50% of high school students taking advanced placement courses scored high enough to qualify for college credit. 

Beaufort County also has 15 private schools in the area. The top-ranked private schools in 2021 were Saint Peter’s Catholic School, Holy Trinity Classical Christian School, and Heritage Academy. Around 73% of the private schools were religiously affiliated. 

For higher education and training opportunities, the University of South Carolina-Beaufort offers 50 undergraduate academic programs. It recently added two graduate programs, an MS in Computational Science and M.Ed. in Literacy.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry is a two-year school that helps students gain skills for fields such as nursing and multimedia design. It has over 80 degree, certificate, and diploma pathways.

Beaufort County Health Care

Beaufort Memorial Hospital has served the region for over 75 years. This is a not-for-profit hospital with 197 beds. As the largest medical facility between Savannah and Charleston, it is an acute care hospital and a regional referral center. A range of specialists are associated with Beaufort Medical, and the hospital has rehabilitation and mental health facilities. 

The Beaufort County Public Health Department offers affordable preventative health care to residents of all ages and income levels. These services include family planning, immunizations, home visits, screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, and services to children with special health care needs.

The Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services also provides health care in the area. It is on a mission to provide accessible and comprehensive health care services to the South Carolina Lowcountry. 

Beaufort County Things to Do 

Beaufort County is a historical area rich in culture and outdoor recreation. 

The town of Beaufort is the center of the city’s cultural and historical sites. Residents enjoy access to historical sites from the Revolutionary and Civil War periods. The Point is a historic residential quarter full of stately antebellum mansions. Tour the area by car, foot, or horse-drawn carriage.

The miles of waterfront provide pathways to some excellent fishing. Around 25% of the east coast marshland waters are in Beaufort County. The intricate network of waterways feeds the surrounding islands to create a boater’s paradise. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats from the various marinas and outfitters. Public boat ramps and marinas make it easy to get out on the water. Fishermen can catch redfish, spotted sea trout, Spanish mackerel, black sea bass, southern flounder, and much more. 

Approximately 2.5 million people visit the southern vacation destination of Hilton Head Island. Besides miles of Atlantic oceanfront, the Island is a major golfing area, with 33 courses, including its famous Sea Pines Resort. 

Beaufort County Local Attractions

Huntington Island State Park and lighthouse is a 5,000-acre park with 8 miles of trails. It also has five miles of pristine beach. Visit the Nature Center for its exhibits and daily programs that help you interpret the area’s biology. Climb the Huntington Island lighthouse, built circa 1859. It’s the only South Carolina lighthouse available for climbing. The views at the top of its 132 ft tower are unparalleled.

Cypress Wetlands Park in Port Royal has boardwalks, pathways, an observation deck, and views of the oceanfront wetlands. 

Parris Island Marine Corps Depot includes a Marine Corps Museum and the Parris Island Legends golf course. This course, lined by pines and salt marshes, is ranked among the world’s top 10 military golf courses. It is open to the public.

The Beaufort National Cemetery is a place for reflection and history. Beaufort was one of the first communities captured by the Union when the Civil War began. The cemetery is one of the only places where Confederate soldiers were buried.

Horse-drawn carriages transport riders through The Point, Beaufort’s antebellum neighborhood bedecked in moss-strewn live oaks.

The Penn Center preserves and exhibits the sea islands’ Gullah culture. This community of African-Americans descended from slaves. Thanks to the sea islands’ isolation, they preserved many of their West African traditions while mixing them with the new to form a distinct identity.

Beaufort County Dining

On Hilton Head Island, you will find over 250 restaurants. If you live here, you will find a menu to fit all cravings. The options range from traditional Southern to French to Mediterranean and beyond. Enjoy world-class fine dining or relax to music at a beachfront casual venue.

On Saint Helena Island, try Gullah Grub for authentic Gullah cuisine. This restaurant was featured on Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Another Saint Helena Island dining destination is the Foolish Frog. 

Lowcountry Produce is in the city’s former city hall. In addition to produce and grocery products, it has southern staples available such as gumbos and preserves.

In downtown Beaufort, try the Saltus River Grill or Q on Bay. Other popular destinations include the Plums Restaurant, Luther’s Rare & Well Done, and Bricks on Boundary. 

Beaufort County Shopping

Downtown Beaufort has a small-town charm with one-of-a-kind shops and galleries along historic Bay Street. You also find upscale and casual restaurants in the same area, making it perfect for a day out shopping and exploring.

Beaufort is also known for its extensive art galleries. A range of local artists with different styles and various disciplines sell their pieces in studios along Bay Street. In addition to the art galleries, Beaufort hosts festivals and special events throughout the year to showcase the area’s creative talent.

On Hilton Head Island, find more retailers selling everything from one-of-a-kind treasures to unique gifts with Lowcountry flair. There are local antique shops as well as fashionable boutiques.

On Harbor Island, have fun browsing at Barefoot Bubba’s, a collection of brightly painted shacks with funky beach-themed souvenirs.

The Gullah culture and its traditions heavily influence Saint Helena Island. Find folk artists on Saint Helena Island, such as the internationally acclaimed painter Jonathan Green. The Gullah Festival takes place every May and is another place to experience these traditions and find unique artwork. 

Beaufort County Local Favorites

Once you move into your new home in Beaufort County, try these local secrets. 

For the best views of the swing bridge connecting Beaufort and Lady’s Island, go to the end of Bay Street. Visit historic Port Royal around sunset to watch the sun sink behind shrimp boats. 

Roadside stands are spread across Beaufort County, such as Barefoot Farms and Dempsey Farms. Load up on all kinds of treats and fresh produce at these roadside stands. 

Urban Brew in Beaufort is popular for its coffee, served with cafe staples, a brunch, and artisanal eats. Or, have breakfast on the waterfront from the front porches at Common Ground Coffeehouse.

The Sands Beach in Port Royal is considered the local’s beach. You can drive your truck or 4×4 onto the beach for an out-of-the-way place. Hunt between the sand and pebbles for shark’s teeth. The boardwalk is also popular for fishing and crabbing.

Making Beaufort County Your Next Home

For anyone seeking a lifestyle around the water, this is the place to be in South Carolina. You can’t go anywhere without crossing over waterways or being close to a river or the ocean. Make your lifestyle on one of the famous sea islands or along one of the rivers. You’ll enjoy spectacular sunsets, friendly people, and an enriching lifestyle. Beaufort County will provide all you need: arts, culture, world-class dining, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.