The county seat, the city of Beaufort, is in the northern end of the county. It is one of only a few towns whose entire downtown area has been designated as a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition to its restored 18th and 19th century homes, historic churches and museums, the city has many antique shops, galleries and boutiques along with restaurants that offer historic and coastal ambience as well as great Lowcountry cuisine.

In selecting a home, new residents will find a range of possibilities, from the historic district’s mansions and cottages to new real estate developments in the suburbs. The Beaufort area’s relaxed small-town lifestyle, the abundance of warm weather and the myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities along with a large number of medical facilities make it very attractive to retirees as well as to families. Plus, a plethora of retirement community options means retirees’ most difficult decision is which one to choose.

North of the City

To the north of Beaufort lies Yemassee, named for the most powerful Indian tribe that inhabited the region at the time the European settlers arrived. It is a small town rich in history and is surrounded by Revolutionary and Civil War sites. For many years, Yemassee was primarily rural; however, because of its proximity to Beaufort and the coast, it is now beginning to see many new housing developments.

Looking South

The town of Port Royal, south of the city of Beaufort, is also on Port Royal Island between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek. Port Royal has its own distinct history and character. It is home to two military installations, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (at Parris Island on Port Royal Sound) and the Naval Hospital, Beaufort. Port Royal is now experiencing significant growth and has established a neo-traditional master plan to manage its future expansion, which has already led to in-town revitalization, the renovation of historic homes, and new residential development in and around downtown. The town is recognized as a national leader in the realm of small-town urban development.
The resort community of Hilton Head Island is located at the southern end of the country. Hilton Head is best known for its first-class resorts, beaches, tennis facilities and golf courses. Having fallen in love with it, many vacationers have purchased homes on the island for year-round living, and the island’s number of permanent residents continues to grow steadily. For more information on Hilton Head Island click here .
The historic town of Bluffton on a high bluff overlooking the May River, is in between Beaufort and Hilton Head Island. Located on the mainland, Bluffton is connected to Hilton Head, 12 miles away, by bridge. As the residential heart of the Lowcountry, it is a small charming town full of history that is also seeing new commercial and residential development that makes it one of the fastest growing locations in South Carolina.
Also between the city of Beaufort and Hilton Head is the small community of Okatie, which is primarily known for private residential developments, on of the largest which is Oldfield , a private community built along a stunning Greg Norman Golf Course.
Daufuskie Island is a residential island that lies between Hilton Head and Savannah, Ga. Somewhat remote and accessible only by boat., it is known for several resort developments, its historic area, golf courses, beaches, African-American Gullah culture and well-protected beautiful natural environment.

To the East

Just across the swing bridge from downtown Beaufort, Lady’s Island is primarily residential. With a still largely rural population, Saint Helena is the center of the African-American Gullah culture. Fripp, Harbor and Dataw Islands are home to private, gated communities, condominiums and villas for second homes and vacation rentals, along with many recreational amenities, including world-class golf courses and pristine beaches.

Credit: Destination Beaufort Magazine. Click here for more information.

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