Your Beaufort, SC Real Estate Questions Answered

Located on the southern edge of South Carolina between Charleston and Savannah, Georgia, the small waterfront resort town of Beaufort attracts tourists and new residents with its historic landmarks and genuine southern charm. 

If you’re thinking of relocating to Beaufort, it’s important to research the real estate market before making your decision to ensure the area is right for you and your family. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Beaufort, South Carolina. 

What is the average price of a home in Beaufort, SC?

There were 360 properties listed on the market in Beaufort during July 2022. Options ranged from homes located within the historic heart of downtown Beaufort to more rural properties bordering a private golf course on Lady’s Island. 

With an average price of $235.66 per sq feet, the median list price for homes in Beaufort was $382,920. Prices ranged from $114,900 for a 940 sq ft condo up to $2.73 million for a custom home with over 6,000 sq ft on the waterfront. 

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Beaufort, SC? 

Several complexes featuring condos and townhomes are available within Beaufort. Some have water views and boat storage options. 

July 2022 prices ranged from $114,900 to $1.95 million with 50 options on the market.

If you’re interested in a townhome or condo, you can start your search in the communities of Azalea Square, Jericho Woods, Habersham, Marsh Harbor Villas, The Bluff on Bay Street, and The Village at Battery Creek.

You should also consider reaching out to a local real estate agent for help finding a condo or townhome in a location that’s perfect for you and your family.

What is the property tax rate for Beaufort, SC?

South Carolina assesses property taxes on 4% of property value for primary residences. Secondary residences are assessed at 6% of property value. The current millage rate in Beaufort for city residents as of 2021-2022 is 179.3 per $100 of property evaluation.  

What is the cost of living in Beaufort, SC?

The state of South Carolina currently has a lower overall cost of living compared to the rest of the United States. This is true of Beaufort, although the cost of living in Beaufort is slightly higher than in the rest of South Carolina.

In Beaufort, utilities and grocery spending are higher than the US average–0.1% and 8.2%, respectively. However, spending on health is 3.2% lower than the national average, and spending on housing is 3.7% lower. 

The overall cost of living in Beaufort is 5.9% lower than in the rest of the USA. 

What county is Beaufort, SC in?

The city is the county seat of Beaufort County in southernmost South Carolina. This county also includes the towns of Bluffton, Hilton Head, Port Royal, Yemassee, and Hardeeville.

Beaufort County is known for a few things, but primarily for its waterfront access and history. Around 25% of the US marshlands are located in Beaufort. The Sea Islands are major tourism and visitor draws. Many famous movies have been filmed in and around its Lowcountry settings, such as Forrest Gump. 

Is Beaufort, SC growing?

Beaufort has grown between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, but only slightly. The 2010 US census found a total of 12,361 people living in the city. The most recent 2020 Census data shows that there are now 13,607 people, 4,839 households, and 3,317 families in Beaufort. 

It is estimated the county is growing at 2.5% per year. It is the 10th most populated county in South Carolina.

What neighborhoods are in Beaufort, SC?

The town of Beaufort is spread across the island of Port Royal. As such, it is split into several different districts, each with various housing options and their unique charm.

Beaufort’s Historic District sits on the island’s east side, across the water from Lady’s Island and directly to the north of the town of Port Royal. It is further divided into five smaller districts. 

The first is downtown, where many of the city’s historical landmarks and tourist attractions are located. There are a few vacant residential lots located here, ranging in price from $65,000 to $274,900 in July 2022. Homes here ranged from $350,000 for a four-bed, two-bath property of 1,383 sq feet to $1.95m townhomes featuring up to three beds and 2.5 bathrooms.

The appropriately named district Old Point juts out on the easternmost side of downtown, on the opposite side of Carteret Street. Homes on The Old Point range from a three-bed, three-bath cottage listed at $995,000 to a beautiful 3-bed, 3-bath property with a list price of $1.32M. 

On the opposite side, from the historic downtown to the west, is the small neighborhood known as The Bluff. Bordered by Bay, North, and Charles Streets, here you’ll find several hotels and inns frequented by visitors to the area. There are currently only two townhomes listed for sale in this district, both within The Bluff on Bay Street complex. They were listed at $1.85M in July 2022. 

The northern downtown district is called The Old Commons, where you’ll find several local businesses and eateries. No properties were listed for sale within The Old Commons in July 2022.

The last downtown district is the Northwest Quadrant, where several residential properties are for sale. These range from a two-bed, two-bath home listed at $399,900 to a 3-bed, 2-bath cottage with a list price of $405,000.

To the north of the historic downtown district, separated by Boundary Street, is the community of Pigeon Point. Homes here ranged from $299,000 for a two-bed, one-bath cottage to a four-bed, three-bath property listed at $989,000 in July 2022. Adjacent to the Beaufort National Cemetery, this area also contains a community park, recreation complex, and several local small businesses.

To the west and adjacent to Pigeon Point is Higginsonville, built up around the National Cemetery. Home prices range from $395,000 for a 4-bed, 2-bath property to a beautiful new construction home listed at $1.35M in July 2022.

The West End is named so because it sits at the westernmost border of the downtown area, directly adjacent to the nearby town of Burton. Holy Trinity Classical School and Cross Community Church are located here, and the neighborhood is otherwise residential. There are several housing options, starting at $278,900 for a two-bed, one-bath property to a three-bed, two-bath home listed at $625,000 in July 2022.

Directly below The West End is the small district of Depot, named after the road of the same name bordering it. Properties here range from $268,500 for a vacant lot to $589,000 for a four-bed, 2.5-bath home.

On the opposite side of Ribaut road from The West End is the community of Spanish Point. Homes here ranged from $235,000 for a 3-bed, 2-bath home to a three-bed, 2.5-bath waterfront property listed at $675,000 in July 2022.

To the south of Spanish Point is the neighborhood of Mossy Oaks, home to Beaufort Middle School. Homes here ranged from a 2-bed, 1.5-bath cottage listed at $225,000 to a three-bed, two-bath new construction home listed at $399,000 in July 2022.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Beaufort, SC?

Several waterfront opportunities are available in Beaufort—including vacant lots and developed properties. The Pleasant Point subdivision has waterfront properties available. There is also the Islands of Beaufort, a gated community also featuring vacant and developed waterfront lots.

Other private communities with waterfront properties available include Wrights Point, Battery Point, Pinckney Retreat, Blue Gray Estates, Distant Island, Cottage Farm, and Barnwell Bluff, among many others. Several waterfront properties are available outside of private or gated communities.

We recommend contacting a local real estate agent to help locate more waterfront properties and determine which one is right for you and your family. 

How is golf in Beaufort, SC?

There are plenty of opportunities for a game of golf around Beaufort, from driving ranges to complete courses and even mini golf! 

Across from the historic downtown district, on Lady’s Island, is the Olde Beaufort Country Club. Formerly known as the Lady’s Island Country Club, this public golf course also offers membership benefits, features 18 holes, and provides five sets of tees, from 5400 to 7200 yards. Olde Beaufort Country Club also offers families dining options and an 18-hole mini golf course. 

To the south of Olde Beaufort is the Secession Golf Club, which sits opposite Lady’s Island. This private, 18-hole golf course was designed by Pete and P.B. Dye in addition to Bruce Delvin. It features tees up to 7,053 yards, although you will have to become a member to utilize this course.

A trip to Fripp Island just outside of Beaufort will take visitors to Ocean Creek Golf Course and Ocean Point Golf Links. To the south of Beaufort, on Parris Island, lies The Legends Golf Resort.

Finally, the western side of Lady’s Island is home to Pleasant Point, a community surrounding The Landing Golf Course. Designed by Russell F. Breedon, this 18-hole course features 6,642 yards and a total par of 72.

Are there golf course communities in Beaufort, SC? 

Looking for communities built around a golf course in Beaufort? You’re in luck—there are two major golf course communities nearby. 

While the Cat Island Golf Course closed in 2019, it is now being re-established under new management. Several homes are for sale overlooking the property.

More significant, however, is the community of Pleasant Point, which has many vacant and developed lots up for sale. Small undeveloped lots started as low as $29,000, while homes ranged from $437,000 to $510,000 in July 2022.

What areas are near Beaufort, SC?

Beaufort is a significant tourist destination, not only for its numerous attractions but also because it is surrounded by other popular travel spots.

Inside Beaufort are the National Cemetery and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. To the east lies Hunting Island, home of the Hunting Island State Park—which also includes a lighthouse, state beach, and hiking trails with spectacular ocean views. To the southwest of Hunting Island is Fripp Island, which features a resort and activity center.

Hilton Head Island is another popular tourist destination on the opposite side of Beaufort, to the southwest. It is home to four beaches and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. Of course, we can’t forget its world-class golfing resorts and famous dining options.

What to know about living in Beaufort, SC

Considering calling this iconic waterfront resort town your home? You’ve made a great choice. With a wide variety of vacant and developed lots to choose from and plenty of attractions, amenities, and activities, Beaufort is the perfect place for a growing family or young professional.

Does Beaufort sound appealing to you? Learn more about moving to Beaufort and what you can expect from living in the South Carolina lowcountry. If you’re looking at living in Beaufort, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood for you.