While the island has been inhabited for thousands of years, it’s development as a modern resort town only began when the first plot was sold in 1958. Preserving nature and developing communities has been at the heart of all planning since then and today this South Carolina hot-spot boasts several thriving communities.
OUR GUIDE TO THE COMMUNITIES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Diverse and Inclusive Living
The island itself boasts a patchwork of lagoons and salt marshes, interspersed with winding creeks and age-old forests. Of course, there’s also the championship golf courses and long stretches of pristine sandy beaches which have made this island regarded across America as the “Hamptons of the South.”
With pockets of housing scattered across the island, there are over 20 separate communities on Hilton Head. These neighborhoods vary in size and expense while offering a wide range of real estate options. From condominiums and townhouses to standalone villas and oceanfront mansions, there’s something to suit everyone in terms of taste, budget, and lifestyle.
Finding a Social Identity
The most popular reason people choose to live on Hilton Head Island is for the lifestyle that living here provides. Many modern cities suffer from transient societies but the laid-back atmosphere of island life serves to bring people together.
Each of the neighborhoods within Hilton Head possesses their own social hubs. In addition to sports clubs and organized social events, there’s a range of member-run clubs and groups encompassing everything from morning yoga to discussion groups. With communal facilities and activity centers easily accessible to every home in every district, there are active and welcoming social scenes for families, working professionals, and retirees alike.
At Peace with Nature
As the very first eco-development in America, sustainability, and the environment lie at the heart of Hilton Head’s communities. Built in harmony with the natural surroundings, the houses and communities on Hilton Head Island are integrated into their environment.
While this provides a different feel to the communities particular to their location, all communities benefit from a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. With jaw-dropping landscapes and favorable weather all year-round, it’s of little surprise that tourists flock to this destination in their millions. However, the permanent communities settled on the island can enjoy this wonderment with a sense of sanctuary and isolation from the masses.
Gated Communities
For those who place a high value on their privacy, 70% of the landmass on the island is secured within gated communities. Beyond the reach of tourists, these areas also offer exclusive access to some of the most scenic spots on the island.
Many of these communities also provide free access to some of the local sporting facilities in nearby locations. Providing safer and family-friendly environments, these private estates include:
Hilton Head Plantation
One of the largest communities in Hilton Head, this is also one of the original developments on the island and now boasts well in excess of 4,000 homes. As the name suggests, this community lies at the North tip of the island. With over 2 miles of untouched beaches, four prestigious golf courses, and lengthy nature trails leading from Skull Creek marina through a variety of natural environments, there’s literally something for everyone within this plantation.
Indigo Run
Tucked just below Hilton Head Plantation is a relatively new development which stretches over 1,700 acres and boasts over 850 modern properties. Split into 6 distinctive communities, this plantation sits at the top of Broad Creek and makes use of the marshes and network of waterways to provide pockets of secluded properties.
Long Cove Club
On the Southern edge of Broad Creek marshes is one of several gated golfing communities which occupy the central region of the island. Built around the fringes of picturesque oak and pine forests, many of these homes offer seclusion through the natural environment that’s wrapped around them.
Wexford Plantation
The center of the island is dominated by Broad Creek, a large waterway which almost cuts the island in two. Along the South-central bank of this creek lies Wexford, a community which benefits from a peaceful location tucked away in an exclusive region of this resort. The close proximity to Broad Creek also provides almost 150 of the houses within this community a place to moor their boats next to their home.
Port Royal
Many folks choose this location as they do not allow short-term rentals and are yet still on the ocean. The lots are huge – many over 1-acre in size and the prices are generally less than some of the other more commercial communities that have beach properties. There are two golf course, a beach club, an arboretum, and tennis courts for residents to enjoy.
Windmill Harbour
While everyone is aware of the Harbour Town marina at the Southern tip of the island, people seeking a heavier nautical influence in their lifestyle can also choose between the two main harbours in the North. With all three locations offering varying levels of tourist activity, you can find the perfect balance to match your needs.
Forest Beach
Coligny Circle is the centerpiece dividing largely-residential North Forest Beach from South Forest Beach, which is more heavily-weighted with both oceanfront and ocean-row condominium properties. Although no gates exist for access this is the biggest tourist mecca on the island and many people enjoy its proximity to Coligny Plaza with over 60 shops and restaurants for visitors of all ages.
Mid-Island Beaches
Along the 12-mile stretch of beach bordering the East coast and the Atlantic ocean, there are plenty of options for those who prefer the beach life. These oceanfront properties can be priced at a premium, however, there’s a greater range of housing types available than people often imagine.
Sea Pines Resort
Not all gated communities have restricted access to tourists and Sea Pines is one such community. At the very Southern edge of Hilton Head, this is both the largest and oldest development on the island. It also serves as the main destination for most people who visit Hilton Head and as such, has a wide range of attractions and amenities.
Palmetto Dunes
If you want both tourist convenience and immaculately manicured beaches thrown together, the Palmetto resort in the North may be exactly what you’re looking for. This eco-friendly development also boasts a large system of connected lagoons which provide a rich mixture of activities, wildlife, and magical scenery, making it a diverse community in its own right.
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Whatever lifestyle you wish to indulge in, the many plantation developments across Hilton Head Island offer an unbeatable quality of life. Unlike most real estate options in the modern world, these homes provide luxurious, contemporary living with a strong sense of social community to knit it all together. It’s this community which is the difference between a house and a home and for those who want the best of everything, Hilton Head is waiting for you now.
Contact us now for further details regarding these, or any other of the island’s resplendent communities to discover more of the riches held within this unique destination.
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