On-Island Gated
On-Island, Non-Gated
Mainland Gated
Other Mainland
Daufuskie
Daufuskie Island Club
and Resort
Communities
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
and Surrounding Areas
There are a wide variety of communities on and around Hilton Head Island each with its own “personality” and unique collection of characteristics and amenities (e.g. ocean, lagoon system, golf courses, equestrian facilities, family orientation, etc.) The list below, while not an exhaustive, describes all of the plantations and larger residential communities and most of the smaller ones too.
Terms to Remember
“On-Island”
means the property or community is on Hilton Head Island proper.
“Mainland”
means the property or community is off Hilton Head Island, usually in Bluffton.
“Gated Communities”
private gated residential communities, are referred to as Plantations
“On Island, Non-Gated Communities”
a residential community on Hilton Head Island but not in a private gated community
On-Island Gated Communities
Hilton Head Plantation
Family living at its best is what you will find in Hilton Head Plantation. Something for every budget and every lifestyle is available in this wonderful community. Situated on over 4,000 acres bound by Port Royal Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, Hilton Head Plantation is an established community that offers its residents a secure environment in a beautiful natural setting. Amenities and activities are too numerous to mention. Golf, tennis, boating, cycling, walking, fishing, beach combing and gardening are just a few activities to pursue in this family oriented neighborhood. Close to schools, shopping, restaurants and all other island activities.
Indigo Run
One of the newer plantations, Indigo Run is situated on over 1,500 scenic acres at the heart of Hilton Head Island. Try to tame one of the two Nicklaus designed courses. The Golden Bear Course designed by Jack Sr. or The Golf Club, the first course designed by both Jack Sr. and Jack Nicklaus II, which will challenge even the most accomplished golfer. Or, if you prefer, just take a stroll or bike ride on the miles of trails that meander throughout the plantation. Select your lifestyle from one of Indigo Run’s communities within a community; The Town Homes at Berwick Green, The Golf Club at Indigo Run, Broad Pointe or The River Club.
Long Cove
Along the shores of Broad Creek is lovely wooded community known as Long Cove. Carved in the landscaped of this private community is a Pete Dye designed golf course touted as one of the top courses in the United States. Long Cove residents also enjoy many other activities including, boating, swimming, tennis, and fishing. Conveniently located at mid-island, Long Cove offers easy access to all the amenities and activities on Hilton Head.
Palmetto Dunes
Lush, natural, picturesque and magnificent, barely begin to describe Palmetto Dunes. Within this 2000 acre community are three miles of breathtaking beaches, three meticulously maintained golf courses, twenty five of the finest tennis courts and an eleven mile lagoon system which combine to make Palmetto Dunes a Paradise on Earth. Did I mention the fact that the golf courses were designed by the best in the business (Arthur Hills, Robert Trent Jones, and George Fazio? This “must-see” plantation offers a wide variety of residential properties to choose from. Palmetto Dunes is located mid-island and is just across from Shelter Cove, the heart of shopping, fine dining and entertainment on Hilton Head.
Palmetto Hall
At the northern end of the Island is the wonderful, newer community of Palmetto Hall. Situated on approximately 750 scenic acres, this family-oriented community is graced with two championship golf courses. Many home-sites are still available for you to build your island dream home.
Port Royal Plantation
Rich in island history, Port Royal Plantation also reveals a valuable resource of panoramic water views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is an established community comprised only of permanent residents and long-term renters. Situated on approximately 1200 acres, Port Royal boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hilton Head. This is a wonderful community that offers great golf, tennis, and swimming.
Sea Pines Plantation
Known as the oldest and largest plantation on Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines is world renown as a venue for world-class golf including the annual Verizon Heritage PGA golf tournament. Situated on over 5000 acres at the southernmost tip of Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines offers its visitors and residents alike, a plethora of activities to be enjoyed on its beautiful beaches, golf courses and tennis courts.
Shipyard
Shipyard is one of the smaller plantations when measured in land mass (approximately 800 acres) but is as big in variety of properties and activities. Great golf and tennis await you but if you are more inclined to be inclined then you will enjoy relaxing at poolside or on Shipyard’s beautiful beaches. If you prefer walking, biking, or roller-blading, then enjoy the miles and miles of meandering trails. Enjoy great shopping and nightlife too and visit the luxurious Crowne Plaza Resort located within Shipyard. Shipyard is conveniently located mid-island with easy access to all that Hilton Head Island has to offer.
Spanish Wells
Almost its own little island, this peninsula plantation offers spectacular panoramic views of Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. Grandious describes the homes that line the shores of Spanish Wells, and the centuries-old oak trees that shade them. Homes on deep wooded lots complete with deep water docks are available. A great family golf and boating community with ease of access to everything on and off the island.
Wexford
Wexford is known as one of the most prestigious addresses on Hilton Head Island. This exclusive and private community offers the perfect lifestyle for yachting, and golf enthusiasts. When you think of Wexford, think of the ultimate Surf and Turf lifestyle. With its own lock- system-access to Broad Creek and its 37.5 acre harbor, Wexford is the mariner's dream-come-true. Golfers will enjoy the challenging Willard Byrd designed course that is immaculately maintained and surrounded by grand southern homes.
Windmill Harbor
Ahoy mate. The nucleus of this quaint “Charlestonesque” community is the South Carolina Yacht Club and its 15.5 acre marina. This private, upscale boat community offers Southern living at its best. The water views of the coastal marsh, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Calibogue Sound are nothing less than spectacular. Your vessel will be protected by the harbour lock system which maintains a constant water depth. Choose from estate homes, patio/courtyard homes, villas and town homes of traditional southern architecture. Enjoy tennis, swimming and a very busy social calendar.
Other On-Island, Non-Gated Communities
Marshland Road
Running parallel to Highway 278, through the “guts” of the Island is Marshland Road. Winding from mid-island, along the edge of Hilton Head’s far reaching marsh by way of a beautiful, tree-lined street, Marshland Road stretches all the way to the Cross Island Expressway and offers some unique living opportunities. Numerous gated communities such as Edgewater, Tidewater Landing, The River Club and Broad Pointe create an exclusive access to marsh front views and quiet, comfortable neighborhoods draped in that friendly Southern charm. Apartment complexes at Bridgetown and Summer House offer rental and investment properties and the newly re-done Broad Creek Marina is perfect for walks, docking your boat or grabbing a bite to eat and listening to some live music at Up the Creek Pub. Bike paths extend along the entire length of Marshland Road for those that enjoy taking in nature's beauty at a slower pace.
Broad Pointe
Part of the master plan at Indigo Run, Broad Pointe is a new waterfront private gated neighborhood. Featuring 64 full-size home-sites, complete with waterfront park, pool complex and day-dock. One of the last areas to be developed on Hilton Head Island offering fabulous water views of Broad Creek. This neighborhood is comprised of stately homes and a host of amenities.
Crosswinds
Along the shores of Broad Creek featuring a total of 61 home sites lies this waterfront community. Crosswinds is conveniently located at approximately the center of the island just off Marshland Road. This community exudes Southern charm with its Lowcountry style homes on a spectacular marsh setting under a shielding canopy of mature live oaks. Amenities include security gate, pool and day dock.
Folly Field
Folly Field is one of the first communities on Hilton Head Island. Some of the first beach cottages on Hilton Head Island were built here in 1953. Ironically, this area is also one of the last areas to be developed on Hilton Head Island, as construction is currently underway for Charleston-style homes in an ocean oriented enclave. This area is walking distance to Folly Field beach. Folly field is not a gated community. However, it one of oldest neighborhoods on Hilton Head with newer construction and features Fiddlers Cove and HHBT that are gated communities within Folly Field.
Forest Beach
Conveniently tucked between Shipyard and Sea Pines, this area is often referred to as the "beat" of the island. Made up of two distinct areas, North and South, Forest Beach is popular for vacationers of all ages. Dissecting the North and South areas is Coligny Circle, home of many restaurants and shops. The world class tennis facility, Van der Meer Tennis Center, and the Water Fun park are just two highlights of the area. While both areas feature private sections of just homes, this area also features a wide variety of the villas in all price ranges and locations. Take a stroll or bike ride down the winding path and find out why visitors return to this very active and distinct area year after year.
Edgewater
This central island location on Broad Creek and just off the Cross Island Parkway is just minutes from shopping, churches, medical services, restaurants and beaches. Edgewater’s newly constructed mid-rise condominium community is on a breathtaking 23 acre site, with century-old live oaks, marsh and waterfront views and overlooks Broad Creek, home to over 73 species of birds, mammals, fish, shellfish and reptiles, including the Bald Eagle, West Indian Manatee, and the Loggerhead sea turtle.
Singleton Beach
Located mid-island next to Palmetto Dunes, this newer community comprised of three story, Charleston-style homes is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and inlet waterways. Spectacular views and convenient location make this a sought after property.
Mainland Gated Communities
Belfair
The “Avenue of The Oaks” greets each visitor to Belfair and sets the stage for this awe inspiring 1,100 acre plantation. Belfair boasts two Tom Fazio golf courses designed to deliver the ultimate golf experience. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Colleton River and revel in the bountiful flora and fauna this plantation has to offer.
Berkeley Hall
Prestigious “next generation” private golf club community, Berkeley Hall is graced with two Tom Fazio designed world-class core golf courses. and located only 7 miles west of Hilton Head on 870 beautiful acres. Core-golf design with no interior streets or homes provides the lowest density setting. The club is limited to 770 members. There is also a 30 acre Golf Learning Center and a 25,000 square foot Clubhouse.
Colleton River
Just two miles from the Hilton Head Island bridge is this breathtaking peninsula community situated on over 1,500 acres of forest and wetlands (not including the adjacent 1,700 acres of nature conservancy). This exclusive community has room for just 705 property owners. Amenities include two world class golf courses; one designed by Jack Nicklaus and the other by Pete Dye, the Stan Smith Tennis center, and miles of spectacular nature trails.
The Crescent
The only Arnold Palmer designed golf course in the Hilton Head area! The Crescent has 400 homes, moderately priced, in three neighborhoods stretching across 540 acres and has all the amenities one has come to expect from today’s communities. Tennis courts, a large pool, fitness center and clubhouse are just the beginning. The Crescent is surrounded by the booming bustle of Bluffton making shopping and errands easy yet is only four miles from the bridges to Hilton Head Island and the beach!
Moss Creek
is located just across the bridge from Hilton Head on the mainland. Residents are within minutes of the Island's major shopping centers and fine restaurants, 30 minutes from Savannah, and enjoy country estate living in their totally private community. Residents enjoy, exclusively, two championship Fazio golf courses with no problem getting a tee time. When residents aren't golfing, you might find them boating, biking, swimming, fishing, playing tennis, or walking in the nature preserve.
Oldefield
A private club community, this 860 acre project along the banks of the Okatie River sits directly in the middle of Savannah, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island yet seems a world unto itself. In Oldfield, Crescent Resources, LLC, has built a modern neighborhood full of Old Southern charm, drawing active families who find it hard to deny the beauty of nature. Eight miles of nature trails, a full service/full board equestrian center, six lighted, Har-Tru, tennis courts, the Outfitters Center- which is part hunting lodge, part outfitter- an indoor, heated, two-lane lap pool and a Greg Norman designed golf course with classic use of natural terrain, small greens and free-form tee boxes insure that everyone in the family has something to do everyday. When you feel up for it, ride your bike over to Greeter’s Store- an old-fashioned general store in the heart of the community- to grab some supplies, catch up on the day’s news or meet the neighbors.
Old South
Just over the bridges to Hilton Head Island, on the Bluffton side, you will find the apartments of Old South. Full of lagoon, fairway and marsh views these 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments range from 750 square feet to 1428 square feet. Two golf courses wind their way through the community, Old South and Old Carolina. The Old South course, created by past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Clyde Johnston, was in the top ten best new public courses rated by “Golf Digest” in 1992.
Rose Hill
Located six miles from the Hilton Head Island Bridge, this private community comprised of 2,100 acres. Rose Hill Plantation actually has two separate and distinct areas 1) the equestrian side known as the “Estate Side” and 2) the golf oriented area commonly referred to as the “Golf Side”. Approximately two thirds (2/3) of the 1,700 total Rose Hill homes are located on the Golf Side situated just to the south of Highway 278. The other roughly 600 homes are located on large 2.5 - 3+ acre lots on the Estate Side of the community. The Golf Side offers 27 holes of championship golf. The Estate side offers a grand equestrian center, polo fields and beautiful meandering riding trails. The Estate side is on the shores of the pristine Colleton River.
Other Mainland Communities
Palmetto Bluff
“By allowing the land to guide us rather than imposing a developer template, we have crafted a plan that respects its physical form- the topography, the wetlands, the diverse maritime forest and the miles of undulating marsh and river edge,” say the creators of Palmetto Bluff. This 20,000 acre tract is basically a sea island defined by 3 Lowcountry rivers and must be seen to be fully appreciated. Three neighborhoods and a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course wind their way through the intricate yet simple, bold yet peaceful, community. From the monstrous and dynamic privacy offered at Headwaters to the brick sidewalks, gas lanterns, small parks and comfortable living provided in Wilson Village, Palmetto Bluff has got something to offer anyone who has always wanted to live off the beaten path.
Sun City
Del Webb’s adult community is a veritable playground for those 55 and over who enjoy soaking up the Lowcountry sun with like-minded folks. The gated, 5600 acre community is replete with two 18-hole golf courses, a state-of-the-art recreation campus full of softball courts, swimming pools and walking trails, a 20-acre fishing lake as well as an extensive variety of clubs, classes and activities. Interested parties are invited to take advantage of discounted hotel rates offered by Sun City and visit for a few days to see if the community is to their liking. A last census concluded that 8,500 people were now living on the (play) grounds.
Daufuskie
Just about a mile across the water from the southwestern tip of Hilton Head Island is Daufuskie Island, a small sea island approximately 2 ½ miles wide by 5 miles long. Only 430 residents live on this island year round. Daufuskie is a great place for couples as well as families. The only way to get to Daufuskie Island is by boat. Leave the car behind, but it may be a good idea to bring your bikes. Once there, you will explore on foot, on bicycle, or on a golf cart.
Spend the day (advanced reservations required) soaking in the natural beauty of this island, or soaking in a mud or mineral bath at The Daufuskie Resort Breathe Spa, the same resort that boasts 36 holes of spectacular championship golf on its Bloody Point course (Jack Nicklaus) and its Melrose course (Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish). If “giddy up” rather than “fore” is your style then the state of the art equestrian center is for you. If tennis is your “love” then you will not be disappointed in the 8 Har-Tru surface courts on the grounds of the award winning, Stan Smith designed, Melrose Tennis Center.
Daufuskie Island Club and Resort
You can see it from the southern shore of Hilton Head Island. It sits there, across the short, undulating expanse of the Calibogue Sound. But it might as well be a world away. Daufuskie Island offers amazing amenities sure: Breathe Spa is “one of the most recognized stay spas”in the Southeast. The Island has three golf courses, two of them championship caliber and, as if to drive the point home, the Jack Nicklaus designed Melrose course was designated one of the top 75 in North America by “Golf Digest”. Not bad for an Island that sees more golf carts than cars and is home to only 429 year-round residents. Peppered with small little oceanfront communities where walking, horseback riding and bicycling are the main modes of transportation, Daufuskie Island just might be the perfect place for that second home with the breathtaking view you always dreamed of.
Sandy Lane Ocean-Front Villas
If a home isn’t your thing, Daufuskie Island also offers up some classic and comfortable villa options. Sandy Lane villas come with ocean views, wraparound balconies and two master suites. The three bedroom, three bath units include all the modern conveniences of life on the mainland, you just have to take a ferry to get there. Insuring that, while mainland conveniences are in abundance, mainland traffic, noise and crowds are not.
There are five sections of the island:
Haig Point
At the northeast part of the island is this private and exclusive member-owned community and club comprised of 1,040 acres (must be a member, a guest of a member, or guest of a real estate company to visit Haig Point). Haig Point is home to 27 holes of Rees Jones-designed golf. Haig Point Club has its own ferry service to and from Hilton Head Island.
Melrose
on the eastern shore just south of Haig Point on the ocean side of Daufuskie private community comprised of approximately 750 acres, and home of the Daufuskie Resort and Breathe Spa (publicly accessible).
Oak Ridge
on the eastern shore adjacent to the southern border of Melrose, a small 700 acre oceanfront community.
Bloody Point
on the eastern shore just south of Melrose southern tip of Daufuskie. A private community comprised of 110 homesites.
Historic District
The western part of the island nearly one half of the landmass of the island, mostly unincorporated land trailers to multi-million dollar homes & some automobiles on that part of the island.
Make sure to spend some time in the Historic District. Check out the local artisans, and the local haunts such as Marshside Mama's and the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. Learn about the Gullah culture on your own or with a tour guide. The history of Daufuskie will amaze you.
You may reach Daufuskie by ferry from the Hilton Head Embarkation located at 421 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island, or from Harbour Town, or from Savannah, Georgia at the kiosk at River Street Market (across the street from 425 East River Street storefront). Reservations may be made online or by phone.
