Hilton Head Island is a popular and scenic resort town which is part of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. The stunning coastal town is home to nearly 40,000 residents permanently, however welcomes approximately 2.6 million visitors annually. It doesn’t take long to see why Hilton Head Island has routinely made its way on the best resort destinations list.
Though it may seem as if the town is geared mainly towards visitors, Hilton Head Island offers its full time residences plenty of exceptional amenities, and necessary services throughout the entire year. Homeowners enjoy the tight knit comradery found between residents who call Hilton Head Island home permanently.
This guide serves as a glimpse into what makes Hilton Head Island an amazing location to live, whether it be a secondary home, vacation property or your next forever home. From its deep rooted history to its ample recreation opportunities, Hilton Head is thriving and exciting community that ideally blends breathtaking scenery, world class golf, well appointed homes and much more!
What is the History of Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island has a long and interesting history. From the beginning on record keeping, there has been mention of Hilton Head Island and the significance the area had from Native Americans to english settlers, the Civil War to what is seen today.
The Island was named after William Hilton, an explorer who surveyed the land and claimed it for the crown in 1663. Before that time, the island was named and renamed a number of times for various people and residents of the area who landed on the island or took it over.
As far as being a resort town, Hilton Head began its development in the mid 1950’s with the construction of the Sea Pines Resort by Charles E. Fraser. Soon after, many other resort communities began popping up on the island including Shipyard Plantation, Port Royal Plantation, Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head Plantation.
Popularity of the area grew, especially as a prime golfing location after The Heritage Golf Classic was played at the Sea Pines Resort in 1969. Since that time, Hilton Head and more specifically the Harbor Town Golf Links has been a regular stop on the PGA Tour.
Overtime, Hilton Head has grown to become one of the most popular vacation and resort towns along the eastern coast of the United States. Visitors from all over the world flock to the island to enjoy the beautiful coastline, white sandy beaches, and exceptional golf.
What is Real Estate like in Hilton Head?
Hilton Head’s real estate market is about as diverse as one town can get. There is an extremely wide variety of housing styles available throughout the communities ranging from studio condos to sprawling multi million dollar oceanfront estates.
There is a healthy variety of real estate available, primarily condos and townhomes, however there are also a wide number of luxury single family properties throughout the Island. Varied views accompany the many properties from stunning waterfront to peaceful lagoon, golf course to scenic wooded, each home throughout the island enjoys a unique outlook.
There are many communities and neighborhoods that make up Hilton Head Island. Many of the locations are golf or tennis resorts which feature exceptional amenities for its residents and their guests to have exclusive use of. From sprawling, award winning master planned communities to cozy and tight knit neighborhoods, Hilton Head Island offers an atmosphere to suit any want or need.
Communities in Hilton Head Island
There are a number of resorts and communities found dotted throughout the island that feature a number of different amenities and benefits for those who call it home. Here is just a quick snap-shot of some of the most popular neighborhoods found in Hilton Head.
Sea Pines
Sea Pines Resort is one of the largest residential communities found on Hilton Head Island spanning 5,200 acres. There are nearly 4,000 residences found in Sea Pines Resort which range in style and size from spacious single family homes, cozy villas and stylish condominiums.
The spacious resort is home to some of the best golf found on Hilton Head Island. The highly sought after community is home to 4 championship golf courses which include Harbour Town Golf Link, home of the PGA’s annual RBC Heritage. Other courses include the private Sea Pines Country Club, Ocean Course and Heron Point.
Many residents also enjoy the game of tennis and Sea Pines is home to an amazing facility. Named as “One of America’s Top Tennis Resorts” by TENNIS Magazine, residents of Sea Pines are able to take part in professional lessons, competitions or friendly games with neighbors and friends.
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Port Royal
Set along 12 miles of sandy beaches, Port Royal is a stunning resort community which offers stunning water views and equally as beautiful homesites. Port Royal is Hilton Head Islands only completely private residential community and has approximately 900 homes located within the resort.
Homes throughout Port Royal are a collection of single family homes which range from cozy bungalows to sprawling estates. Well appointed finishes and designer upgrades can be found throughout the many homes in Port Royal.
The community features a plethora of amenities to be taken advantage of by its homeowners. Top notch golf courses such as Barony, Planters Row and Robbers Row await avid golfers. For those who prefer other recreational activities there are winding trail networks, a large oceanfront beach house with sparkling pool, private beach access paths, 8 DecoTurf II Tennis Courts - 2 of which are lit - and both a saltwater and freshwater fishing lagoon.
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Indigo Run
Indigo Run is Hilton Head's newest private community that encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of the island. Located along the northern shores, Indigo Run is made up of two gated neighborhoods, Broad Pointe and River Club. These communities offer exceptional single family detached homes which sit atop ½ an acre to an acre of land. Well appointed homes feature many desirable upgrades and designer finishes.
There is plenty for residents to see and do within the community such as premier golf, world class tennis, winding trails and sandy beaches. There are two Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses within Indigo Run, The Golden Bear and The Golf Club.
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What is there to do in Hilton Head?
It is probably easier to ask what’s not to do in Hilton Head. The island is jammed packed full of amazing recreation opportunities, some of the best golf courses in the country, stunning sandy beaches and plenty of family fun activities.
It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island is known for the premier golf courses that wind throughout the many communities. Some of the world’s highest ranked courses can be found on the Island and provide residents, vacationers and visitors the chance to play among the lush greenery. There are a total of 24 championship courses, both public and private, located on Hilton Head. Some of the world’s most renowned course designers have left their mark including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Pete Dye.
Tennis is also a popular pastime for those living in Hilton Head. The island is a tennis players dream with many of the communities and neighborhoods offering facilities, courts and professional instructors. Whether you enjoy a friendly game with friends or are truly invested in improving your skills, there is no better place to play.
Hilton Head has some of the most spectacular shorelines along the eastern coast. Visitors from all over the world flock to the island yearly to enjoy the sun drenched beaches and sandy shores. Many resort communities are nestled along the coast and offer homeowners and their visitors private beach access. There are also a handful of public beaches which provide equally beautiful views. Coligny Beach is the island’s most popular beach and features ample parking, a public boardwalk, outdoor showers and plenty of shaded areas.
Excellent Education
For people with school aged children considering a move to Hilton Head Island, education is an important factor in their decision making process. Luckily, Hilton Head Island offers exceptional education options for families to consider both public and private.
Hilton Head Island falls under the jurisdiction of the highly rated Beaufort School District for public school education. There are three public schools that are located on Hilton Head and provide excellent education for children from pre kindergarten through senior year in High School. '
Hilton Head Elementary School is located at 30 School Road and provides the first leg of public school education from pre kindergarten through grade 5. Students attending the highly rated school enjoy its low teacher to student ratio along with its welcoming and caring learning environment.
Hilton Head Middle School is set along Willborn Road and welcomes students from Grade 6 through Grade 8. Nearly 1,200 students attend the well rated school where they enjoy a number of extracurricular programs and enrichment activities.
Finally, Hilton Head High School provides classes for students from Grade 9 through Grade 12. Hilton Head High offers a number of courses, classes, and Advanced Placement Courses for students to choose from.
There are three private school options available for interested families on Hilton Head. Hilton Head Christian Academy, Hilton Head Heritage Academy and St. Francis Catholic School all offers great education for students throughout the town.
Shopping and Restaurants Galore
Hilton Head is not just a place for those who enjoy golf or tennis. The town is filled with delicious dining options, upscale shopping locations and a variety of entertainment venues. On one of the few rainy days that Hilton Head experiences, homeowners and visitors will still have plenty of things to see and do.
For those who enjoy a little retail therapy, Hilton Head is the place to go! There are a number of shopping malls, plazas, boutiques and more which can be quickly accessed from any point of the island. Some of the most popular locations include:
Shelter Cove Towne Center
The island’s newest and most popular shopping district, Shelter Cove Towne Center has something for everyone. A family friendly location, there is a children’s playground, plenty of dining and of course amazing stores. Some favorite shops include Coastal Bliss, Island Trading Co., Belk, Talbots and Heritage Fine Jewelry.
Harbor Town
Famous for its lighthouse, Harbor Town is also known for its high end shopping and dining options. Everything from souvenirs to home decor, gifts and one of a kind finds is available in Harbor Town. Wanting to take a break from shopping? Enjoy a scenic stroll around the iconic area!
Coligny Plaza Shopping Center
A shoppers go-to since 1955, Coligny Plaza Shopping Center is home to over 60 stores and services. Along with the perfect proximity to the islands most popular beach, Coligny Plaza features amazing stores such as Sweet Carolina Cupcakes, The Bird’s Nest, Black Market Minerals and The Shell Shop.
Foodies will have a hay-day in Hilton Head as the Island is home to an abundant amount of restaurants, cafes, bistros, diners and more. Everything from seafood to ethnic eats is available with options sure to please any pallet. Some of Hilton Head’s most raved about restaurants include:
Michael Anthony’s
Michael Anthony’s has been a staple in Hilton Head’s dining scene for over 15 years and one visit is all one needs to know why. Offering gourmet and authentic Italian meals, Michael Anothy’s boasts a diverse menu, exceptional ingredients and handcrafted plates.
The Jazz Corner
Being a coastal town, seafood is plentiful, however if you want it cooked right, The Jazz Corner is the place to go. Only the freshest ingredients are used to put together meals that are sure to wow any patron, ensuring they will be repeat visitors for years to come.
The Old Oyster Factory
Set atop the site of an old oyster factory, the popular restaurant has drawn in full time residents and visitors time and time again. Along with the mouth watering menu and exceptional bar list, patrons love the Old Oyster Factory for its beautiful ambiance and breathtaking views.
A Place to Call Home
This guide touches briefly on the many amazing aspects of the Hilton Head Island community. There is so much beyond the golf, resorts and dining found, Hilton Head is also a tight knit town which boasts a welcoming and friendly atmosphere - whether you come for a vacation or stay for life.
Interested in a beautiful gated community atmosphere in Hilton Head? Check out Hampton Hall