Hilton Head Island Is Ranked #1 Island in the Country
When you think about the best islands in the country, most of us immediately think of Hawaii – but what if we told you that you don’t have to travel off the continent to find your oasis?
It’s true! Hilton Head Island, SC, was recently ranked #1 Island in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler, beating out Oahu and Maui by a landslide!
Hilton Head is considered one of the best places to retire in South Carolina. With 12 miles of pristine sandy beaches, temperate climate, tons of protected greenspace, and two dozen world-class golf courses (it isn’t called golf island for nothing), it brings vacationers from all over the country, many of whom have chosen to make Hilton Head their home.
The Lifestyle in Hilton Head, SC
There’s never a lack of things to do in Hilton Head – even if you’re not an avid golfer. Despite all the picturesque vacation spots, the area is rich in civil war history and was once home to four military forts. Though there isn’t much left of Fort Mitchel, the site has been turned into a scenic destination with plenty of fascinating features to discover.
And while the population of Hilton Head doubles during the summer months, year-round residents enjoy having the island pretty much to themselves the rest of the year. Popular activities include cycling the scenic byways, sport fishing, and enjoying the many parks and wetlands that are home to an abundance of wildlife.
For conservation enthusiasts, Hilton Head, SC, is also home to the Coastal Discovery Museum, arguably the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in the discovery of nature. Where else on earth can you adopt a loggerhead sea turtle nest?
Shopping and dining are nothing less than world-class in Hilton Head, SC. It’s an epicurean mecca where you can sample everything from local low-country specialties like shrimp and grits to fresh-caught seafood at Hudson’s or fine French cuisine at Charlie’s L’Étoile Vert.
And did we mention golf? Hilton Head, SC, features no less than 24 championship golf courses and is a PGA Tour destination.
Communities in Hilton Head
The neighborhoods in Hilton Head are beautifully planned, meticulously maintained, and often gated, emphasizing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and providing residents with a superior quality of life.
Here are some of the most popular communities for anyone looking at Hilton Head real estate:
Sea Pines Resort was established in the 1950s and is sprawled over 5,000 acres of oceanfront. A top destination for vacationers, it also houses the area’s leading hotel, a championship golf course, tennis, and more.
Latitude Margaritaville is a popular 55+ community in Hilton Head. It’s a totally self-contained resort, complete with a bandshell, theater, restaurants, pickleball courts, and its own town square. Inspired by the singer Jimmy Buffett and all the things he holds dear, it’s an active and social community that will engage all your senses.
Just over the bridge in Bluffton, SC, you’ll find communities like Hampton Lake and Palmetto Bluff, considered some of the finest master-planned communities in the area. No matter what your priorities are, whether you’re into water or equestrian sports, tennis, golf, or just want to live the best life in a beautiful place, you can have it all in Bluffton.
Both Hilton Head and Bluffton are incredible places to live, and each has its share of coastal charm. The demographic is a bit younger, and the real estate in Bluffton is a little more affordable, but Hilton Head has the beaches and is considered among the best places to retire in South Carolina.
