Beaufort
The heart of the Sea Islands. Historic architecture, waterfront living, and an arts community unlike anywhere else in the Lowcountry.
The heart of the Sea Islands. Historic architecture, waterfront living, and an arts community unlike anywhere else in the Lowcountry.
From a historic downtown that predates the Revolution to barrier island retreats, Beaufort offers the Lowcountry's most authentic living.
The Point is the crown jewel of historic Beaufort, a walkable neighborhood of pre-Civil War mansions, grand live oaks, and direct Beaufort River views. White picket fences, wrap-around porches, and some of the finest antebellum architecture in the South define this intimate enclave just steps from Bay Street.
History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and buyers seeking the most walkable, culturally rich neighborhood in the Lowcountry.
Waterfront Park, Bay Street dining and galleries, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, marina access, and direct walking access to downtown Beaufort's cultural offerings.
Walk to dinner, the farmers market, art galleries, and waterfront sunsets. Annual events include the Water Festival, Film Festival, and Shrimp Festival.
No HOA in most of The Point. Historic preservation guidelines govern renovations. Homes range from $600K for smaller cottages to $3M+ for riverfront mansions.
Beyond The Point, Beaufort's broader Historic District encompasses dozens of blocks of restored homes, B&Bs, art studios, and local restaurants. This is where the film industry discovered the Lowcountry (The Big Chill, Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides). A walkable, bikeable, deeply authentic Southern small town.
Creatives, retirees, remote workers, and anyone who prioritizes walkability, culture, and authenticity over golf or resort amenities.
Bay Street shops and restaurants, Waterfront Park, USCB campus, Pat Conroy Literary Center, galleries, live music venues, farmers market, and marina access.
Artsy, literary, and deeply Southern. A tight-knit community of locals, military families, and transplants. Year-round festivals, gallery walks, and waterfront dining.
Varies widely. No HOA in many areas but historic overlay district guidelines apply. Cottages from $350K, restored Victorians $500K-$1M, waterfront $1M-$2M+.
Designed by renowned firm Duany Plater-Zyberk, Habersham is a textbook new urbanism community with walkable streets, a Main Street Marketplace, and waterfront access on the Broad River. Named one of the first Southern Living Inspired Communities. Approximately 1,000 homes planned with classic Lowcountry architecture.
Families, military personnel (near MCAS Beaufort), and buyers who love walking to the village for coffee, pizza, or the farmers market.
Main Street Marketplace with shops and restaurants, community boat dock and pavilion, swimming pool, 11 community parks, tennis courts, nature trails, and monthly farmers market.
Front-porch living with a village center feel. Kids bike to the pool, neighbors walk to dinner. Monthly First Friday events. Close to MCAS Beaufort for military families.
HOA from $1,100/year. No golf or club dues. Note: proximity to MCAS Beaufort means potential aircraft noise. Ask for the AICUZ disclosure before purchasing.
A boutique gated community on Battery Creek with fewer than 200 homesites. White picket fences, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and classic one and two-story Lowcountry homes with wrap-around porches. One of Beaufort's most picturesque and tightly held neighborhoods.
Buyers seeking a small, intimate gated community with classic Lowcountry charm, waterfront access, and proximity to downtown Beaufort.
Community dock on Battery Creek, swimming pool, parks, nature trails, and a park-like common area under a canopy of live oaks and magnolias.
Quiet, picturesque, and neighborly. Spanish moss, brick pathways, and front-porch conversations. Minutes from downtown and the Spanish Moss Trail.
Gated community with HOA covering common areas, landscaping, and security. Approximately 75% built out. Homes from $400K to $1.2M+.
The Town of Port Royal is Beaufort's neighboring waterfront community, known for its boardwalk, growing restaurant scene, and affordable housing compared to downtown Beaufort. Close to Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, it attracts both military families and civilians drawn to laid-back coastal charm.
Military families, first-time buyers, and anyone wanting waterfront small-town living at a fraction of downtown Beaufort prices.
Port Royal Boardwalk, The Sands beach and waterfront park, growing restaurant row, kayak launches, fishing pier, and close access to Parris Island.
Unpretentious and growing. New restaurants and shops emerging along the waterfront. Strong military community. Less tourist traffic than Beaufort proper.
Most neighborhoods have low or no HOA. Very affordable entry point for Beaufort County waterfront living. Homes from $250K to $800K+.
A predominantly residential Sea Island connected to downtown Beaufort by bridge, Lady's Island offers more land, more privacy, and more affordable prices than the historic core. Multiple neighborhoods including Coosaw Point, Newpoint, Telfair, and Brickyard Point provide options from starter homes to waterfront estates.
Families with school-age children, buyers wanting more space and land, and anyone seeking a quieter alternative to downtown with easy bridge access.
Lady's Island Marina, Lady's Island Country Club, multiple boat landings, schools (elementary through high school), and growing retail along Sea Island Parkway.
Residential and family-oriented. Larger lots, newer construction, and a mix of waterfront and inland options. Gateway to Hunting Island State Park.
Varies by subdivision. Many areas have no or low HOA. Three-bedroom homes available under $400K. Waterfront estates up to $900K+.
Located just off Lady's Island, Cat Island (The Sanctuary at Cat Island) offers a resort-style atmosphere with golf, stunning marsh views, and country club living close to town. A gated community with a George Cobb-designed golf course and sweeping views of surrounding marshland and tidal creeks.
Golfers, marsh-view enthusiasts, and buyers wanting gated club living near downtown Beaufort without the drive to Hilton Head.
George Cobb golf course, clubhouse, tennis, pool, fitness center, and panoramic marsh and tidal creek views throughout the community.
Country club atmosphere with easy access to downtown Beaufort. Quieter than island resort communities.
Club membership available. HOA covers gated security and common areas. Homes from $350K to $1.5M+ depending on golf or marsh frontage.
A private peninsular island community off St. Helena Island, Dataw is anchored by two fully renovated championship golf courses, a 25,000 sq ft clubhouse, and a deep-water marina with 83 wet slips. Repeatedly nominated by Forbes and Reader's Digest as one of the best places to retire in the nation.
Retirees, golfers, boaters, and buyers seeking a private island lifestyle with comprehensive club amenities at a fraction of Hilton Head pricing.
Two championship courses (renovated 2012), 25,000 sq ft clubhouse, deep-water marina (83 slips), tennis, fitness and wellness center, croquet, and nature trails.
Seasonal and full-time residents share a strong club culture. Close to Hunting Island State Park and downtown Beaufort. More intimate than Hilton Head resorts.
Membership required: $15K initiation, ~$275/month dues, $175/month HOA. Full membership with all amenities ~$900/month. Strong value for what you get.
The most seaward of the South Carolina Sea Islands, Fripp is a gated barrier island resort community with private beaches, two golf courses, a deep-water marina, and abundant wildlife. Golf carts outnumber cars. A mix of permanent residents and vacationers creates a lively resort atmosphere year-round.
Beach lovers, vacation home buyers, nature enthusiasts, and families wanting a private island experience with strong rental income potential.
Two golf courses, 5 swimming pools, private beach, 10 dining venues, 10 tennis courts, full-service deep-water marina, nature center, and bike trails.
Golf cart culture on a barrier island. Fishing tournaments, 5K races, nature adventures, and themed events year-round. Wildlife everywhere: deer, turtles, dolphins.
Club membership tiers available. POA covers security, roads, and common areas. Vacation rentals allowed and popular. Condos from $200K, homes $400K-$1.5M+.