Thinking about retiring on Hilton Head Island? You are not alone. The island’s beaches, bike paths and resort-style amenities make it a standout for low‑maintenance, outdoor living. In this guide, you will learn how to choose the right community for your lifestyle and budget, what everyday life looks like in top neighborhoods, and the practical details that matter for long‑term peace of mind. Let’s dive in.
How to choose your Hilton Head retirement base
Before you fall in love with a view, map your day‑to‑day needs. Use this quick filter to compare communities with clarity.
- Lifestyle fit. Do you want a quiet residential enclave or a lively marina and retail hub? Walkability, bike paths, golf, boating and beach access vary by neighborhood. Resources like the Sea Pines amenities page outline typical offerings in resort‑scale communities (see amenities).
- Home type and maintenance. Decide between single‑family homes, villas or condos. Many buyers prefer single‑level floor plans and lock‑and‑leave convenience.
- HOA/POA and rental rules. Plantation covenants shape security, beach access, short‑term rental policies and fees. Confirm dues and any club initiation or transfer fees before you write an offer.
- Healthcare access. Proximity to hospital and urgent care matters. Local providers include Novant Health and Beaufort Memorial, both with island and mainland services (Novant Health facility info and Beaufort Memorial news).
- Insurance and flood. Much of the Lowcountry lies in FEMA flood zones. Review parcel‑level flood maps and elevation certificates early (Town flood zone search).
- Taxes and total cost. South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, and it offers retirement income deductions at 65 and above. Property tax rates are generally below the national median, but coastal insurance can be higher. Read state guidance and compare at the source (SC Dept. of Revenue FAQs and Tax Foundation South Carolina).
- Travel links. Family visits are easier when you are close to airports. Savannah/Hilton Head International is about 50 to 60 minutes by car from most island addresses (drive time overview).
Top island communities to know
Sea Pines
If you want immediate beach access, miles of leisure paths and resort‑style services, Sea Pines is a top choice. The community includes Harbour Town, South Beach, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and a marina village with shopping and dining (explore amenities).
Homes range from oceanfront estates to single‑family homes, villas and condos. Recent neighborhood snapshots show median listing prices in the seven‑figure range. Expect meaningful POA fees that fund security, beach clubs and common areas.
Pros:
- Beach access, marinas and extensive trails
- Walkable nodes like Harbour Town and South Beach
Consider:
- Higher price points and POA fees
- Coastal exposure that warrants careful flood and insurance review
Palmetto Dunes
Palmetto Dunes centers on an 11‑mile navigable lagoon with three golf courses, beach access and quick connections to Shelter Cove’s marina, dining and seasonal events. It is ideal if you value boating, golf and a central island location (community overview).
Inventory spans condos, villas and single‑family homes. Neighborhood medians often sit in the low to mid seven‑figure band. Some buildings and streets see more visitor activity, so check POA and building rules if you prefer a quieter, full‑time rhythm.
Pros:
- Lagoon boating, beach access and marina lifestyle
- Central access to shops and restaurants
Consider:
- Tourist energy in certain pockets
- Varying fees by product type and amenity set
Port Royal Plantation
Port Royal is a privately gated, oceanfront residential enclave known for its quiet beaches, golf and miles of trails. It suits buyers who want a low‑key beachfront lifestyle in a primarily residential setting (area background).
You will find mostly single‑family homes and oceanfront estates. Recent snapshots show median prices in the seven‑figure range. The private beach club, racquet facilities and community gardens are standouts (amenities reference).
Pros:
- Private beach access and a calm residential feel
- Strong trail network and club amenities
Consider:
- Fewer on‑site commercial services
- Flood‑insurance and coastal exposure by lot
Hilton Head Plantation
Hilton Head Plantation is one of the island’s largest residential communities, with a private marina on Skull Creek, bluff walks, a beach area at Pine Island and a wide set of recreation options.
Homes range from townhomes to larger single‑family residences. Neighborhood medians often run below the island’s most exclusive plantations, yet many pockets reach the high six to low seven figures. The scale means you should compare sub‑neighborhood dues and amenities.
Pros:
- Broad amenity mix and north‑end convenience
- Marina and trail access
Consider:
- Large footprint with varied sub‑areas and fees
Shipyard
Shipyard offers a compact setting with shaded bike trails, a private beach club, strong tennis culture and convenient access to Coligny and Shelter Cove. Many retirees choose Shipyard for its condo and villa options alongside a smaller number of single‑family homes.
Recent medians tend to be lower than comparable south‑end plantations, often in the mid six figures for many condo products, with premiums for proximity to the beach.
Pros:
- Easy beach access plus tennis and golf
- Turn‑key villa and condo choices
Consider:
- Smaller beach frontage than larger plantations
- Some seasonal visitor traffic nearby
Indigo Run
Indigo Run is a gated, golf‑centric area with quieter residential streets and larger lots. Sub‑neighborhoods include Broad Pointe, River Club, Golden Bear and The Golf Club, with two Jack Nicklaus‑designed courses.
Prices are generally below the island’s most exclusive south‑end options but reflect premium golf‑community values. Some areas include club initiation or transfer fees, so clarify costs early.
Pros:
- Private golf options and spacious lots
- Convenient to north‑end services
Consider:
- Club and POA dues vary by section
Long Cove Club
Long Cove Club is a membership‑bundled community with a Pete Dye course, private marina and racquet facilities. It is a good fit if you want a private club lifestyle with a high degree of privacy (experience Long Cove).
Inventory is limited, and homes often trade in the multi‑million dollar range. Membership expectations are part of the value proposition.
Pros:
- High privacy, golf and boating access
- Strong club culture
Consider:
- Higher price points and membership commitments
Coligny and Forest Beach
Coligny is the island’s most walkable beach district, anchored by Coligny Beach Park and Coligny Plaza’s shops and restaurants. If walkability and an active dining scene are priorities, this area delivers (discover Coligny Plaza).
Housing is a mix of condos, villas and some single‑family homes. Smaller condos can be more attainable than plantation estates, while oceanfront units command premium pricing.
Pros:
- Walkable to dining, entertainment and public beach parks
- Variety of condo options
Consider:
- More year‑round foot traffic
- Less private parking than gated plantations
Nearby mainland options
Sun City Hilton Head (Bluffton)
Sun City Hilton Head is a Del Webb 55+ community known for extensive amenities, clubs and a true active‑adult lifestyle. Expect indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centers, theaters, golf and a village‑style layout that makes daily life easy (community details).
New homes commonly start in the low to mid 400s, with resales often in the mid 300s to 700s plus, depending on size and lot. It suits buyers who want social programming, low‑maintenance living and easy golf‑cart circulation.
Pros:
- Purpose‑built 55+ amenities and social scene
- Wide range of single‑level floor plans
Consider:
- Mainland location adds drive time to island beaches
Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton)
Palmetto Bluff sits along the May River with a conservation‑minded plan, luxury resort services and miles of trails. Amenities include a marina, spa, golf and curated dining and cultural events, all set in a quiet Lowcountry environment (community overview).
Homes range from high‑end cottages to large estates, with pricing from the upper six figures to the multi‑millions depending on product and location. Many owners use bikes and golf carts for on‑property circulation.
Pros:
- World‑class resort amenities and privacy
- Scenic riverfront setting with strong lifestyle programming
Consider:
- Higher price points and a longer drive to some island conveniences
Healthcare, insurance and access
Healthcare. Island and regional care is anchored by Novant Health’s Hilton Head services and Beaufort Memorial’s network, which includes island clinics and mainland facilities. Beaufort Memorial has announced a hybrid ER and urgent care on Hilton Head Island, with projects in active development for 2024 to 2026. Check provider pages for current locations and timelines (Novant Health facility info and Beaufort Memorial announcement).
Flood and hurricane planning. Use the Town’s flood zone tool to confirm parcel‑level risk and to request elevation certificates where available (Town flood mapping). The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 each year. NOAA’s outlooks help with seasonal context and preparedness planning (NOAA hurricane outlooks).
Taxes and total cost. South Carolina’s tax posture is often favorable for retirees. The state does not tax Social Security benefits, offers retirement income deductions, and shows below‑median effective property tax rates. Review examples and thresholds directly from state and policy sources (SC Dept. of Revenue and Tax Foundation South Carolina).
Transportation. Most residents use Savannah/Hilton Head International for commercial flights, about 50 to 60 minutes by car under typical conditions (drive time overview). On‑island, seasonal Breeze trolleys and paved multi‑use paths improve mobility in walkable districts like Coligny and around Shelter Cove (Palmetto Breeze services).
Your quick buyer checklist
- Confirm age‑restriction status. Only some communities are 55+. Sun City Hilton Head is explicitly age‑restricted (see Sun City).
- Verify POA/HOA and club costs. Ask for current dues, transfer or initiation fees, and short‑term rental policies in writing.
- Validate flood and insurance. Pull the flood zone, review any elevation certificate and request quotes for home, wind and flood coverage (Town flood tool).
- Check healthcare drive times. Map to urgent care and hospital services and note access during peak season traffic (Novant Health).
- Test daily routes. Drive to groceries, pharmacy, dining and the beach at the times you expect to travel.
- Align budget with product type. Single‑family homes in beach plantations often list in the seven‑figure range. Many condos and mainland options trade lower, with premiums for oceanfront and marina access.
Ready to explore your short list?
If you are comparing island plantations to Bluffton options and want a clear plan for both purchase and financing, our team can help you move with confidence. Work with a single partner that pairs licensed brokerage expertise with in‑house lending so your retirement move stays on timeline and on budget. Start a conversation with The Arch Corporation to map your preferred communities, pricing and funding path.
FAQs
Is Hilton Head Island a 55+ community, or are only some neighborhoods age‑restricted?
- The island itself is not age‑restricted. Purpose‑built 55+ living is available in nearby Bluffton at Sun City Hilton Head, which offers extensive active‑adult amenities (community details).
How close are healthcare services to most island neighborhoods?
- Many communities are within typical island drive times of clinics and outpatient services. Hospital care is provided by Novant Health’s Hilton Head services and Beaufort Memorial’s regional network (provider info).
Will I need flood insurance if I buy on Hilton Head Island?
- Much of the island lies within mapped FEMA flood zones, so flood insurance is common. Check the Town’s parcel‑level flood map and get quotes early in your process (Town flood zone search).
What are typical price ranges for retirement‑friendly homes?
- Beach plantations often show seven‑figure medians for single‑family homes, with villas and condos offering a lower entry in many areas. Mainland options like Sun City can start in the low to mid 400s for new homes, with resales varying by size and lot.
How far is Hilton Head Island from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport?
- Typical drive times are about 50 to 60 minutes, depending on your island destination and traffic (drive time overview).
Which neighborhoods are most walkable for dining and errands?
- Coligny and the surrounding Forest Beach area are the island’s most walkable districts for shops and restaurants. Palmetto Dunes offers easy access to Shelter Cove’s marina village and amenities (discover Coligny Plaza and Palmetto Dunes overview).
