The "orange rays [that] steal across the glassy bay" of Beaufort may steal your heart when you move to this metropolitan sea island city.
South Carolina's Beaufort offers unparalleled seaside beauty and lovingly preserved antebellum architecture. It's easy to see why Beaufort's entire downtown was declared an historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. But Beaufort isn't just for history buffs. It offers mouth-watering local seafood, gorgeous parks, sandy beaches and nationally recognized art galleries.
When to Move
Really, pick any time. Because Beaufort has only one season: 65 degrees and sunny with a slight chance of light rain in the evenings. When the sun starts to dip and evening sets in, a chill can creep into the air. So make sure you pack light anoraks and sweaters. What you'll really need, though, are some boat shoes. And maybe a boat to go with them.
The Tools to Use
Beaufort is growing. Not only does it have dreams of eliminating the need for cars within the city, it's also embraced the information age of the Internet. So make sure to visit the city's website. They have an entire section dedicated to "Moving to Beaufort" complete with links to real estate web sites.
The Communities to Watch
There's not a bad neighborhood in Beaufort, but real estate does tend to segregate. So don't expect to find an apartment in Beaufort right next to condo rentals or a single-family home. Watch your neighborhoods and decide what kind of property is right for you.
There are a ridiculous amount of neighborhoods in Beaufort, so it's impossible for you to not find a place to call home. If you can't, you're just not looking hard enough.
Battery Point: Overlooking the marshes of Battery Creek, the rental properties available here tend to be single-family homes. This neighborhood offers a variety of amenities including a gated pool, community clubhouse and space to store your boat. Boat shoes not included.
Battery Shores: Not surprisingly, Battery Shores is only a stones throw away from residential twin Battery Point. Both overlook Battery Creek and boast close proximity to historic downtown Beaufort. But Battery Shores is a little less elite and a bit more down home, though the lot sizes might lead you to believe otherwise.
Beaufort Town: Beaufort Town Center is the gateway into Beaufort, sitting just outside the historic downtown and civic offices. If you're looking for a loft or a one-bedroom apartment to rent in a metropolitan neighborhood, make sure to check out Beaufort Town.
Cat Island: Home of the Sanctuary Golf Club, Cat Island will put the natural beauty of the South back into your golf game. Once you move in, make sure to try the British Open Pub. The locals rave about its fish and chips.
Celadon Village: Located on Lady's Island, the Celadon Village neighborhood offers newer home renovations and large properties for sale and rent.
Coosaw Point: Once a private hunting preserve for its wealthy owner, Coosaw Point is now a residential area offering residents access to a private clubhouse, pool, crab shack and crab docks.
Cottage Farm: A newer residential neighborhood constructed in 1990, Cottage Farm offers access to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Residents enjoy private grounds and scenic views of the ocean.
Distant Island: The neighborhood of Distant Island offers a plethora of access to fishing, boating and all manner of water sports because this neighborhood is quite literally an island unto itself.
Fripp Island: Three and a half miles long and less than half as wide, Fripp Island is a nature sanctuary doubling as a vacation destination. You won't find much rental property on this barrier island, but may want to plan your next stay-cation here.
Harbor Island: Featuring luxury vacation rentals, this 1400-acre barrier reef island has a similar sensibility to neighboring Fripp. More secluded than Fripp and boasting miles of sandy beaches, Harbor Island is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Islands of Beaufort: If you're looking for classic southern architecture complete with sweeping palmettos and fragrant magnolias, look no further than the predominantly single-family homes comprising this close-knit neighborhood.
Mink Point: Located near the residential neighborhoods of Battery Shores and the Islands of Beaufort, Mink Point offers picturesque views of Battery Creek and plenty of Southern charm.
Mossy Oaks: If you're looking for condos or apartment rentals, make sure to check out this neighborhood. It offers a hybrid of residential and metropolitan life that can be hard to find in Beaufort.
Northwest Quadrant: Located between Charles and Prince Streets, the Northwest Quadrant is close enough to the historic district for easy access to eateries but far enough away to create a sanctuary from all those tourist attractions.
Old Commons: Once the backbone of historic Beaufort's graveyard scene, this historic district neighborhood has recently experienced a series of renovations and redevelopments. But don't worry, it still offers that classic Southern architecture.
Pigeon Point: Pigeon Point began as a quiet neighborhood of single-story early 20th century houses, but in recent decades it has experienced a renaissance of home renovations. If you're looking for homes to rent, make sure you check out Pigeon Point.
Riverside: Near Mossy Oaks, Riverside is offers single family homes but in a less gentrified and golf-centric style.
Spanish Point: For a posh residential atmosphere, look no further than Spanish Point. Clustered around the historic Beaufort Memorial Hospital, it offers historic beauty with modern eateries, like the beloved Mexican restaurant, La Nopalera.
The Point: Housing here tends to run on the old, grand, and sprawling end of the single-family home spectrum. But even if that isn't what you're looking for, this neighborhood is worth a visit for its restored plantation homes and famed live oak canopy.
Waddell Garden: One of the larger neighborhoods in Beaufort, Waddell Garden is home to a thriving renters' hub and hip urban scene.
Beachside Living
Locals love to take advantage of both their location and the weather. Watersports, sunbathing and all around beach living are huge in Beaufort. So make sure to pack your beach towel.
Crab Shacks
Thanks to its location, Beaufort offers some of the best seafood of the South. Crabbing is a popular pastime and many residential areas offer both public and private crabbing beaches.
Bring your Bicycle
While you'll still need your car to get around outside Beaufort, the city is making great strides to expand its walking and bike paths. Their goal is to empower citizens to live and shop locally. So dust off your bike basket and start pedaling!
