Located within the heart of the beautiful Beaufort County is the charming town of Bluffton, South Carolina. With a population of approximately 20,799, Bluffton has a real small-town charm and is one of the friendliest places to live in the state, consistently rated as one of the top towns in the Lowcountry area. Perfectly situated between historic Hilton Head beaches and the trendy city of Savannah, Georgia, residents of Bluffton have ample opportunity to explore all the wonderful rural and urban destinations in the surrounding area.
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The History of Bluffton
In the early to mid 1700s, Bluffton and the surrounding area were made up of mostly large plantation lands near the Victoria Bluff and Foot Point regions. Several prominent, wealthy families owned the majority of the land and ran the farms there. By the late 1700s, under the British general Prevost, many of these plantations were destroyed. The land was converted to rice fields during the 18th century, taking up most of the land south of the May River, which is known today as Palmetto Bluff. These rice fields became the main contributor to the region’s economy and the most identifying characteristic of the Lowcountry’s culture. This thriving industry lasted into the 20th century, when most of the fields were taken out by a series of destructive storms.
Bluffton was officially settled in 1825 and was originally intended to be a retreat for the surrounding rice and cotton planters. The growing community settled among the high bluffs of the May River became a welcoming destination to get away from the heat, the bugs, and the disease that flooded the Lowcountry fields. The main source of transportation for the locals of Bluffton and the nearby towns was via water. Many of these travellers came to and from the surrounding towns of Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston. Bluffton soon gained a reputation as a hub of commerce to distribute crops all around the world and to take in goods for the local general stores. By 1852, the growing businesses catered not only to the seasonal vacationers but to year-round residents as the town became incorporated.
In the early 1840s, the town of Bluffton went through a bit of a hardship. The residents became frustrated by the Federal tariffs on the imported goods and merchandise that was to be brought in for local businesses. This added significant expenses to what would be considered essential goods, making the costs skyrocket. This frustration brought on the “Bluffton Movement” which protested these tariffs. Protesters set up under an old oak tree in the center of town, which later became known as “Secession Oak.” Eventually, the protesters were able to call for secession from the local Union and South Carolina was among the first states to secede in 1860.
Bluffton took another hit during the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865. Known as a high-profile headquarters to the Confederate rebels, the town was targeted by Union forces in 1863. There were few homes and buildings, including the Church of the Cross and the Campbell Chapel AME Church, that survived the bombardment. It took the town nearly one hundred years to recover from this devastation.
Over the last few decades, the town has grown and continued to thrive as a residential and commercial district. Bluffton has grown from a small and simple farming community to a vibrant and successful suburban neighborhood. As the town has grown, so has its popularity as a vacation destination, bringing in plenty of visitors to the nearby Hilton Head Island and keeping a consistent flow in the region’s economy.
Bluffton Real Estate
The beautiful homes for sale in Bluffton, South Carolina, range from charming townhomes to quaint bungalows to grand, country estates. With such a diverse selection of housing and developments to choose from, there is a little something for everyone in this friendly and welcoming town. The average cost of real estate in Bluffton is about $345,000, though the prices found among the listings range greatly from $97,000 to well over $6 million.
Condos found in Bluffton typically range between $97,000 and $465,999. These humble homes feature one to two bedrooms and can be from 672-1,895 square feet. Townhomes in Bluffton cost anywhere from $170,000 for a charming two-bedroom, 1,056 square foot home to approximately $1,395,000 for a more spacious four-bedroom, 3,184 square foot abode. Either of these fabulous options are excellent selections for starter homes or working professionals.
Free-standing, single-family homes in Bluffton come in all shapes and sizes. Quaint two-bedroom homes start in the low $200,000s, and grand country estates can be found among the Bluffton listings for approximately $6,500,000. Whether you’re in need of a smaller, 1,300 square foot home or a luxurious property featuring more than 11,000 square feet, Bluffton homes can provide exactly what you’re looking for.
Another excellent option for potential Bluffton residents is to purchase an open lot and customize and design the perfect dream home. Empty plots of land in Bluffton start around $15,000 for a quaint selection of ground. There are also options to purchase vast expanses of land, over 540 acres, for approximately $10,000,000. The opportunities are endless in this gorgeous section of South Carolina.
Popular Neighborhoods
Residents and potential residents are treated to a wonderful selection of beautiful neighborhoods. Among these are charming gated communities, tight-knit subdivisions, family-friendly neighborhoods, and private, secluded homes. Many of the neighborhoods found in Bluffton feature excellent community amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses including fitness centers and athletic fields. The mixture of established, well-known neighborhoods as well as brand new developments offer residents the opportunity to enjoy both the old and the new of Bluffton.
Palmetto Bluff is one of the most well-known neighborhoods of Bluffton. Featuring 20,000 acres of open space, Palmetto Bluff is home to a variety of nature trails, watersport opportunities, and stunning natural views. The streets are lined with century-old oak trees and the area is defined by three historic rivers. The majority of homes in this charming neighborhood are primarily single-family, three- to five-bedroom homes nestled on gorgeous country properties. This rustic and secluded community is considered one of Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets and is the ultimate outdoor oasis.
Hampton Lake is another popular Bluffton neighborhood. Surrounding a 227-acre freshwater lake, this friendly community attracts plenty of families looking for that perfect Lowcountry experience. Hampton Lake is home to an excellent selection of amenities including a spa, water-based activities, a community pool, and a variety of wonderful restaurants. The new homes found within Hampton Lake feature the epitome of modern design.
New Riverside is a perfect balance of historic and contemporary design. The residents of this vibrant neighborhood are privy to a collection of shops and restaurants and features a children’s playground as well as a beautiful town park filled with scenic walking trails and open gathering spaces. The real estate found within the borders of New Riverside is made up of townhomes and multi-family buildings. There are approximately 31,000 people who reside within a five-mile radius of this trendy new neighborhood.
Activities & Excitement
A multitude of activities await those who visit or live within the borders of Bluffton, South Carolina. The beautiful nature surrounding the area allows for outdoor excursions such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and fishing and the May River is perfect for relaxing by the water or spending an afternoon on the water via various water vessels.
Old Town is known for its rich culture and heritage and hosts informative guided tours throughout town. The historic heart of the community is home to dozens of landmarks and heritage buildings to explore. These walking tours take visitors in and around the beautiful buildings and include entrance to the Heyward House Museum.
Bluffton is the host of an exciting selection of festivals and events. Vibrant music from local and national talent, delicious food trucks and venues, and gorgeous artwork shower these events, catering to all interests and tastes. Various holidays are celebrated annually and host exceptional family-friendly events and parades.
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Outdoor Excursions
One of the many highlights of living in Bluffton is the access to absolutely stunning natural resources. Beautifully maintained parks and recreational areas offer a plethora of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, picnics, and sports games. Many of the parks consist of community swimming pools, bike lanes, running tracks, splendid children’s playgrounds, skateboard parks, scenic nature trails, and various athletic fields and courts.
Boating is a popular hobby among Bluffton locals. There are several public-access boat launches to encourage this hobby and provide residents with the opportunity to enjoy motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, and other water vessels. Boat rentals are also easily available for those who haven’t yet fully committed to the hobby.
Education in Bluffton
The students of Bluffton, South Carolina, fall under the management of the Beaufort County School District, which provides top-quality education to approximately 22,000 students. BCSD has grown to operate five early childhood centers, seventeen elementary schools, seven middle schools, and five high schools. Within the borders of Bluffton, there are four elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools.
For those seeking alternative education, Bluffton is also home to a fine selection of independent and private schools. This includes a mix of religious-based schools and Montessori schools. The independent schools in Bluffton include:
Cross Schools
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School
Christian Heritage Montessori
May River Montessori School
A Look At The Arts
Bluffton is home to a number of interesting and intriguing historical buildings and landmarks. Locals can indulge in the rich heritage that has grown with the town, soaking up all the exciting and tragic times that have shaped the land over the many years. Opportunities to take in all the cultural aspects of the town include:
Heyward House and Historical Center
Church of the Cross
Allen-Lockwood House
Fripp-Lowden House
Carson Cottage
Planters Mercantile
Cordray House
While the cultural needs of locals can be met by one of the various historical landmarks of Bluffton, the artistic needs can be met by the many galleries and art classes offered by the town.
Maye River Gallery is a classic Old Town Bluffton Gallery, displaying original artwork from award-winning regional artists. Along with the beautiful wall art, the gallery also showcases jewelry, textiles, and sculpture. The exhibits change every couple of months to keep the shop fresh and exciting.
Pluff Mudd Art is another wonderful example of the local art that Bluffton residents can enjoy. This unique establishment features a variety of pottery, wood carvings, and hand-made jewelry. Pluff Mudd Art is the perfect destination to find wedding gifts, house-warming gifts, or decor for your own home.
Restaurant and Shopping Variety
Bluffton locals have a variety of options when it comes to their shopping needs. Both essential items and luxury buys are readily available to the residents. The region is filled with unique boutiques run by interesting locals, trendy designer names, and familiar big box stores for all to peruse.
Tanger Outlets of Hilton Head is the perfect place for Bluffton residents to find all their favorite name-brands while saving big on merchandise. This excellent plaza features stores such as Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Coach, Talbots, Vera Bradley, and so many more.
One of the staples of the Bluffton commercial district is the Bluffton Farmers Market. Every Thursday, the town hosts this local event featuring produce, fruits, and honey from local farmers, samples from nearby restaurants, and more. Set in Old Town Bluffton, surrounded by turn-of-the-century homes, the Bluffton Farmers Market provides a taste of old-time charm and a reminder of simpler times.
Along with the many unique and exciting shops, Bluffton is also home to a plethora of delicious dining establishments. Everything from local eateries, fine dining, quaint cafes and coffee shops, casual pubs and pizza joints, and unique craft breweries and distilleries offer a variety of fantastic opportunities for locals to explore and enjoy.
Bluffton has consistently been rated as one of the top places to live in South Carolina. Between the top-rated schools, the friendly and welcoming neighborhoods, and the amount of scenic and entertaining indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, it’s no mystery as to why Bluffton residents boast of being the heart of the Lowlands.
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