The Hilton Head Homes Blog

Hilton Head Island has earned many accolades over the years. The often sunny island can be found just off the coast of South Carolina, less than an hour north of Savannah. It’s multitude of world-class golf courses have earned it the moniker of “Golf Island”, while the low land island’s rivers and streams, as well as the Atlantic Ocean provide a bounty of fish, earning it a prized position for Angler’s of all stripes.

These highly touted past times, combined with the low country’s unreal natural climate, tall oaks and sweeping magnolias have made it a much sought-after resort and vacation destination. Who wouldn’t want to make a second home here?

Join us on a tour of Hilton Head Island's top 5 communities. Who knows, you might call one of them home one day soon.

The Sea Pines Resort

First developed in 1956 by Charles Fraser, the Sea Pines Resort community is among the first eco-planned resort destination in the country. It has since been held up as a model for similar communities across the United States. As part of this initiative, at least 25 per cent of the area will remain undeveloped, and no building can surpass the height of the tallest magnolia.

Featuring some of the most breathtaking homes and villas anywhere on the east coast, the 5200-acre community is easily Hilton Head Island’s largest, spanning nearly two thirds of the island’s total area. Home prices range quite widely from $400K to upwards of $10 million. The design harmony that homes have with the surrounding landscape is strictly enforced by the Architectural Review Board.

Palmetto Dunes Resort

The 2000-acre resort community can be found mid-island and boasts an incredible 3 miles of unrestricted Atlantic Ocean beachfront. Palmetto Dunes is also well known for its three top-rated golf courses, world-class tennis facilities and a stunning 11-mile system of lagoons.

Shelter Cove is the resort community’s center for yachting. The marina features the largest deep-water basin on the island, making it an ideal jumping off point for both yachters and deep-sea fishermen. Among the community's top features, however, is the nearly 25 miles of paved pathways that meander throughout the impressive selection of homes and villas, great for jogging, biking or a leisurely stroll.

Forest Beach

Located between Sea Pines and Shipyard Plantation, Forest Beach features a beautiful, prime three miles of wonderfully sandy beaches. The majority of homes in the development are within an easy walk of Coligny Plaza, a major meeting point for the island.

Residents and visitors will find fantastic shopping, restaurants, movies and great, free seasonal events and entertainment at Coligny Plaza. The plaza is even home to a miniature golf course and a water park. Many of the island’s first homes were built in this area, creating an impressive variety of cozy bungalows and villas, as well as magnificent estates.

Shipyard Plantation

The 800-acre, gated community enjoys a fantastic central location near North Forest Beach and Coligny Plaza. The homes here are set among  a serene setting of moss-draped oaks and quiet lagoons. Perhaps best known for the Van der Meer Shipyard Tennis Resort, among the top rates tennis resort anywhere in the word, Shipyard Plantation is also home to popular Shipyard Golf Club.

Interested home buyers will soon discover an impressive array of condos of varying size, as well as larger homes on generously sized lots. There are several smaller communities within Shipyard providing a wealth of incredible amenities, such as private pools and fitness clubs.

Port Royal Plantation

Port Royal Plantation can be found along the northeastern curve of Hilton Head Island. Its unique vantage point borders both the quiet waters of Port Royal Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. Noted for its decidedly quiet ambiance when compared to other areas of the island, the Plantation was the second to be developed on the island. The community also encompasses the point where Captain William Hilton (the island’s namesake) first landed in 1663.

Residents love the award-winning tennis facilities at the Port Royal Racquet Club, as well as the incredible three championship golf courses, and, of course, absolutely beautiful beaches. Find stunningly diverse properties, from large estates on wooded lots to exquisite, custom-designed oceanfront homes. Locals are dedicated to preserving the serene natural setting, so homes are restricted to permanent residences and long-term rentals only.

Are you ready to make a home in this one-of-a-kind island paradise? Don't hesitate to contact us online or call 1-843-785-9500 to take advantage of our team's years of Hilton Head Island real estate knowledge & market experience.