There’s no doubt about: Hilton Head Island is a great place to vacation. From stunning natural beauty to top-notch golf courses and everything in between, the island truly is a Lowcountry gem. But a funny thing happens to a lot of our visitors: they fall in love with the area. That’s why it’s not uncommon for vacationers to decide to make the island home for all or part of the year.
If you’re thinking of moving here, you have no shortage of great Hilton Head communities to choose from. Here, we’ll look at three residential areas that prove the island is more than just a great place to visit. It’s a great place to live.
Long Cove
If you’re looking for natural beauty, comfort, and convenience, you can’t go wrong with Long Cove. This gated community sits at the south end of Hilton Head, where it boasts a gorgeous marina and an award-winning golf course. The marina and Pete Dye golf course are part of the Long Cove Club, a community hub for many residents. The club also features a tennis centre, community garden, dog park, and more.
While it’s only been around since 1981, Long Cove has quickly developed a charm and character all its own. Work on your golf or tennis game, take in the pristine lagoon views, or chat with a friendly neighbor. Also, don’t forget that while the community offers a peaceful retreat, it’s also just a short drive away from the lively restaurants and shops of Hilton Head Island. Definitely one of our favourite Hilton Head communities.
Sea Pines
Also located near the south end of the island is Sea Pines—the largest plantation of the Hilton Head communities on the island. Sea Pines offers incredible beach access. Residents and visitors looking for a lively beach district will enjoy South Beach, where they’ll find restaurants such as the Salty Dog Cafe, shopping, boat and kayak rentals, and more. For a more private experience, Tower Beach is an exclusive beach club for property owners.
The community also contains four golf courses. These include the highly-regarded Heron Point course, and the Harbour Town Golf Course (home to an annual PGA event).
In addition to pristine outdoor areas, Sea Pines residents enjoy a great selection of day-to-day amenities. Not far from the gates, you’ll find familiar grocers (like Harris Teeters) and fun local restaurants (like One Hot Mama’s American Grille).
Inside the gates, the Shops at Sea Pines Centre is home to a wide variety of retailers, boutiques, and restaurants. The Sea Pines Trolley provides a convenient way to get to the shopping centre, and it also makes frequent trips to the beach and nearby recreational facilities.
Forest Beach
Forest Beach sits between Sea Pines and Shipyard Plantation. Comprised of South and North Forest Beach, the community contains a lively district that’s often referred to as “downtown” of all the Hilton Head communities. Here, you’ll find a wider variety of amenities, services, and entertainment options than anywhere else on the island.
Coligny Plaza is central to the community, providing many great shopping and dining experiences, along with local services such as a laundromat and beauty shop. At night you’ll also find live entertainment, and the plaza’s Coligny Theatre plays a selection of films with an art house focus.
There are many shops and eateries along Coligny Circle and Pope Avenue as well, which means you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in the area. The community isn’t gated, and the Forest Beach Shuttle makes getting around a breeze. For prospective residents, we recommend taking advantage of these conveniences to get a feel for the area.
Of course, a description of Forest Beach wouldn’t be complete without a reference to the beaches. You’ll find miles of it, including the public Coligny Beach Park and South Forest Beach.
Considering moving here?
The Hilton Head communities described here are just a few of the beautiful and conveniently-located residential areas on Hilton Head. For buyers, there’s no shortage of condos, townhouses, and detached houses available, and many of them embody the unique architectural style that Hilton Head is known for. Drive around, and you’ll see buildings that feature abundant natural wood, understated staining, screened-in porches, and multiple roof lines—all nestled into the majestic tropical landscaping that could only exist on Hilton Head Island.
Want to learn more about living in Hilton Head? We’re local market experts, and we know what life here is really like. Get in touch, and we can set up a time to discuss your needs!
