"You can leave the island but you can't leave my heart / 'cause this memory remains / Of the moonlit nights / When the stars were high / We could see Savannah shine across the waves / We could dance along the shore / And take our time for more." (Edwin McCain, “Island Song”)
A lot happens in the small space (just over 40 square miles) that makes up Hilton Head Island. Located 20 miles north of Savannah, GA, and 95 miles south of Charleston, SC, Hilton Head is a perfect example of a low country resort town, where the best kind of money is old money, and you better bring plenty with you if you plan on coming. People live to play here -- whether it's a round of golf, a game of tennis, or any number of the water activities available. The Southern drawl here is as thick as the air in August. It's a popular vacation spot, and the population can swell from an off-season 38,000 to more than 275,000 during the summer months.
Most of the town -- 70% -- is made up of gated (some million dollar) communities, known locally as plantations, as well as resorts
"You can leave the island but you can't leave my heart / 'cause this memory remains / Of the moonlit nights / When the stars were high / We could see Savannah shine across the waves / We could dance along the shore / And take our time for more." (Edwin McCain, “Island Song”)
A lot happens in the small space (just over 40 square miles) that makes up Hilton Head Island. Located 20 miles north of Savannah, GA, and 95 miles south of Charleston, SC, Hilton Head is a perfect example of a low country resort town, where the best kind of money is old money, and you better bring plenty with you if you plan on coming. People live to play here -- whether it's a round of golf, a game of tennis, or any number of the water activities available. The Southern drawl here is as thick as the air in August. It's a popular vacation spot, and the population can swell from an off-season 38,000 to more than 275,000 during the summer months.
Most of the town -- 70% -- is made up of gated (some million dollar) communities, known locally as plantations, as well as resorts. While there are some apartments on the island, they're not as plentiful as in other towns of comparable size. Very few rentals will be all utilities included so you'll want to factor in monthly utilities when calculating your costs. Apartment rentals fill up quickly in the summer, so the off season (October through March) is the best time to search for a place. Take along proof of income and be prepared to pay at least two months' rent up front.
Forest Beach: Located on the southern end of the island, this is the place to be if you want to be as close to the beach as possible. You’ll be able to lull yourself to sleep listening to nothing more than the waves crashing. The area is dominated by apartment complexes (studio-3 bedrooms mostly), so finding a rental shouldn’t be difficult.
Folly Field: More renters than homeowners gives this coastal hood an eclectic feel. Apartments tend to be on the smaller side, but with the modest rent you should be able to make do without a roommate. If you bartend at night so you can be up in the morning to ride the waves on your longboard, you’ll be in good company in this neighborhood.
Spanish Wells: Most of the residences here are owner-occupied homes, but you may be able to find a few apartments if you look super hard and are willing to pay a steep rent. What will you get for your money? Ocean views, a walkable neighborhood and plenty of seniors -- it’s a popular spot for retirees.
Beach City Rd/Mitchellville Rd.: Renters rule in this strip on the northern end of the island. It’s also one of the oldest parts of the island with some buildings dating back to the 1940s. It’s notable for its diverse population.
Town Center: Eclectic doesn’t even begin to describe this neighborhood just off the bridge from the mainland.. Homes, apartments and even mobile homes can be found in this area. Traffic (and its accompanying noise) should be considered before a move here.
There's no doubt that Hilton Head is a resort town, and recreation and luxury reign here. However, it's also a lovely place to call home year-round, particularly if you love the ocean or the charm of the Old South. There's a huge influx of tourists every summer, but the permanent community of Hilton Head residents is known for its welcoming hospitality and warmth. You'll find outstanding healthcare, arts organizations, as well as a flourishing restaurant and art scene. It's also a haven for sports lovers -- particularly golf, boasting several of the best golf courses in the world. If you're an active type, you'll find things to keep you busy on the island year-round. Additionally, it's proximity to bigger southern towns allows you to escape for a more exciting getaway when you need it.
Hilton Head is so small that you don't have to have a car to live there, but residents do say they benefit from having bikes. There is basically no public transportation so if you're not a car owner and you're not a fan of getting around on two wheels, you'll need to use a taxi service or rent a car if you want to go anywhere far.
