Your Hilton Head, SC Real Estate Questions Answered

Are you thinking about buying real estate in Hilton Head, South Carolina? It is truly a great place to live or vacation. Residents enjoy a laid-back island lifestyle, miles of white sandy beaches, and all the resort amenities that visitors enjoy. Imagine a day where you walk the beach at sunrise, play a round of championship golf in the morning, tennis in the afternoon, sup on fresh-caught seafood at a world-class restaurant, and relax in the evening sea breeze on your porch. It’s completely possible in Hilton Head.

As your resource for South Carolina real estate, we strive to answer your questions about living in some of the state’s most desirable communities. Here are some common questions we receive about living in Hilton Head. 

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

Home prices will fluctuate over time. Based on information available in September 2021, the median list price for a Hilton Head residence was $949,450. There were 342 listings, and they had an average price per square foot of $435.32. The least expensive listing was a villa for $100,000. The top end of the luxury market had two listings for $7.9 million. Homes range from marsh views on the backside to beachfront homes on the Atlantic.

For the most recent information on Hilton Head’s average prices, refer to EZ Home Search. Our database updates every 15 minutes with the most recent market information. Use the filters to sort for properties by price, features, and location.

How much is a condo and oceanfront condo in Hilton Head, SC? 

A condominium is an excellent option if you are looking for a second home, vacation property, or rental investment property on Hilton Head Island. Condominiums also make great primary residences, as they are a more affordable option and come with less maintenance required by the owner compared to single-family homes. Many Hilton Head condominiums include extra amenities, such as a pool, dog park, and walking trails.

Based on data from September 2021, just 27 oceanfront condos were listed on Hilton Head with a median list price of $765,000. Their average price per square foot was $724.38. The least expensive unit was a one-bedroom, one-bath condo for $299,000. The market topped out with a five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom penthouse condo priced at $2.1 million. 

Real estate market prices can change based on what’s available in buyer demand. See the most recent information on oceanfront condos available in Hilton Head. 

What county is Hilton Head, SC in?

Hilton Head is located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Known for its sea islands, the county offers miles of coastline. It is primarily made up of over 200 seaward islands, plus tidal inlets and rivers. Hilton Head is just one of the islands inside Beaufort County borders and perhaps is the most famous. 

Why are so many people moving to Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island is known as a vacation destination. It draws people for its 12 miles of Atlantic shoreline as well as its world-class golfing resorts. People come here and fall in love with the southern hospitality and resort lifestyle. Why simply visit paradise from time to time when you can live in paradise?

The weather here is pretty great all year round. While others are hunkered down for the winter, the temperate climate enables outdoor recreation for most of the year. Be strolling along the beach in January wearing just a light jacket. The average temperatures range from 38 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Yes, the summer can be muggy and lead to afternoon thunderstorms, but those are over quickly, and the waterways are nearby if you’d like to cool off.

While a car helps get on and off the island, many residents get around using bicycles or golf carts. Over 60 miles of interconnected paved trails and protected public pathways run along Hilton Head Island, making pedal-powered transport easy and convenient. The executive Hilton Head Airport is just five miles from all of the island’s resorts for those who want to get away. The Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport is about 45 miles south of Hilton Head, with flights connecting to major cities in the eastern United States. 

One of the drawbacks for most people living on an island is the access to dining options. That’s not the case on Hilton Head Island, home to over 250 restaurants that serve all kinds of local and ethnic-inspired cuisine. Some of these restaurants are renowned food destinations that have award-winning chefs.

Besides its miles of beaches, golfing is a big attraction on Hilton Head Island. The best golfers in the world stop here for the PGA Tour every spring. Several world-famous courses are located on the island, like the Sea Pines Resort. 

What are Hilton Head Island property tax rates?

All South Carolina residents pay a 4% primary residence property tax. If you do not apply for this tax through the Beaufort County Tax Assessor, you’ll pay a higher rate of 6%. All second home properties also pay a 6% property tax.

As of 2021, the town of Hilton Head Island charges 17.2 mills for operations, 5.9 mills for debt service, and five mills for recreation. School operations have a 114 millage rate and a charge of 36.3 mills for school debt. Police and service operations levy a total of 7.2 mills, Some residents may live inside the Bluffton Fire Service District, which levies a total of 25.7 mills. 

Use the Beaufort County Tax Calculator to help to determine the taxes due for your property. Beaufort County collects all property taxes for Hilton Head Island residents. 

Is Hilton Head Island, SC growing?

According to the US Census, Hilton Head Island had 37,661 residents in April 2020. That was only marginally more than the 37,099 residents counted in April 2010. The lack of land available for new development constrains population growth. The population is growing at a rate of 0.06% annually. 

Hilton Head Island is a great place to retire, and 37% of residents are 65 and over. It’s also attractive for families who enjoy the amenities of island living. Around 14% of island residents are 18 or younger.

What type of waterfront properties are found in Hilton Head Island, SC?

You can find different kinds of waterfront properties on Hilton Head Island. Some will be condominiums with a water view, and others will be single-family homes along the oceanfront. The architecture varies from a Key West-inspired beachfront look to more modern styling.

What communities are on Hilton Head Island?

Community developments on Hilton Head Island work to preserve the beauty of the landscape. Some have nature preserves inside their borders for residents to enjoy hiking and bird-watching. Choose from resort living to a low-key, casual community lifestyle. A few examples of the communities available on the island:

• Port Royal Plantation is a completely private oceanfront residential community near the heel of the island with about one mile of beach. 
• Palmetto Dunes is a resort and residential neighborhood of 1,800 acres with a swim club and a boat ramp. It has some sub-communities inside of it, such as Leamington.
• Long Cove Club is a plantation near the island’s south end with 569 homes. It offers a well-regarded golf course.
• Wexford Plantation is a residential community with 450 homes, a championship golf course, a clubhouse, and a private harbor with a lock system.
• Indigo Run is at the north end. It has a private golf club and waterfront River Club.
• Hilton Head Plantation comprises 4,000 acres between the Intercoastal Waterway and Port Royal Sound. It has a semi-private golf course, two miles of beach access, a community recreation center, community swimming pools, tennis courts, and a marina.
• Sea Pines Resort is probably the most well-known private plantation community on the island. It spans over 5,000 acres and has three championship golf courses, including the Harbor Town Golf Links, home to the PGA Tour RBC Heritage. 

What areas are near Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island is part of Beaufort County. The nearest mainland town is Bluffton, a small southern town. The county seat of Beaufort is a 50-minute drive away. The Marine Corps Parris Island training center is across the Broad River; some residents in Hilton Head Plantation can see the island from their waterfront homes. 

Savannah, Georgia, and its urban amenities are approximately a 50-minute drive away. Residents can enjoy shopping here or access its airport to reach further-flung destinations. To the north, Charleston is about a two-hour drive from Hilton Head Island, and state capital Columbia is approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes by car. 

How is golf in Hilton Head Island?

Golf is excellent on Hilton Head Island. The Sea Pines Resort hosts the RBC Heritage of the PGA Tour each spring. There are 23 Championship courses, both public and private, available on Hilton Head Island. These courses have been designed by some of the best golf architects at work, including Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones, Pete Dye, and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. While Hilton Head Island has a reputation for Championship golf, there are courses for players of all skill levels. Golf Digest readers have ranked Hilton Head Island the number 10 golf destination in the world. 

A few of the top golf courses on the island:

• Harbour Town Golf Links is the host of the RBC Heritage tournament. The course demands extreme accuracy and has the Harbor Town Lighthouse as a backdrop. 
• The Robert Jones course on the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort was named after its designer. The greens have panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Atlantic Dunes at the Sea Pines Resort was designed by Davis Love, III. It was reconstructed in 2016 and incorporated more natural dunes and indigenous plants.
• Arthur Hills at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has a unique layout. It has been called one of the best courses in South Carolina.
• Hilton Head National Golf Club is close to the bridge and was designed by Gary Player and Bobby Weed.

Living on Hilton Head Island

Life on Hilton Head Island is rewarding. The people that come here find everything they need to live a satisfying lifestyle on the island. People stay active, with the miles of beaches, golfing, and bicycling all waiting right out the door. Learn more about moving to Hilton Head Island. If you have any other Hilton Head Island, SC questions, let us know, and we will answer them!