Discover Why Hilton Head Island
is a Wonderful
Place to Live!
-- Click on a Subject Below
--
Lifestyle
Sports and Recreation
Arts and Culture
Places to Explore and
Recreational
Areas Education
Transportation
Community Interests
Medical Facilities
Retirement Communities
Economics
Editorials and Awards
Hilton
HeadIsland has Received
Hilton Head Island offers a superb environment
and a wealth of recreational experiences. Its growth has made it a
stimulating place to live. Few communities of this size -- for the local
population is still relatively small -- offer such a plethora of goods,
services, entertainment and other resources.
The
mild climate in this area of coastal Carolina is suitable for outdoor
activities throughout the year. And the community spirit is strong on the
Island. Volunteer and service organizations are popular here, and Islanders are
actively involved in protecting and beautifying the environment.
Lifestyle:
Shopping:
Hilton Head Island is laden
with over three hundred shops spread out in plazas, villages, malls, coves,
etc. Just off the Island are two new upscale name-brand outlet malls.
Everything from department stores, to specialty shops, to small "wagons"
hosting hand-made goodies…You can find everything you're looking for -
plus a few things you didn't know you were needing!
Restaurants:
More than two hundred
restaurants to suit your dining needs. Most are locally owned and operated, and
have developed to cater to the Island's population. However, there are also a
few national chains and even a couple of "fast food" franchises if you prefer
"the familiar." Of course seafood is prevalent, but there are also cafes, pubs,
coffee shops, and other restaurants featuring Mexican, German, Chinese,
Japanese, Italian, Greek, Mediterranean and/or Southwestern types of food --
just to name a few varieties. And don't forget the dessert and ice cream/yogurt
shops as well! Whatever your tastes (or budget!) may be, you will be sure to
find the food to satisfy you!
Accommodations:
We DO have connections
for discounts for our clients! We also have contacts who will assist with
vacation rentals/packages, short-term or long-term rentals, or just an
overnight stay. E-mail us for more information!
Marinas:
All of the Marinas found on
Hilton Head Island are full-service, with a varying number of boat slips,
depending upon each harbour's size. Several of them also provide rental
powerboats and waverunners, and most also possess charter boats for Island and
off-shore expeditions. Some also feature boating or sailing instruction.
Sports &
Recreation:
Tennis:
With over three hundred and
sixty tennis courts on all three grand Slam surfaces -- four of which have been
acclaimed in Tennis Magazine's "Top 50 U.S. Clubs"-- it is no wonder why Tennis
Magazine has described Hilton Head Island as "the perfect year round tennis
vacation."
Numerous local racquet clubs staff highly
qualified in-house professionals who provide daily or weekly clinics,
semi-private, and private lessons. Various free clinics are also offered to the
public on a space-availability basis.
Van der Meer Tennis Center and Van der Meer
Shipyard Racquet Club are claimed to be one of Tennis Magazine's "50
Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts." In total, they feature twenty-three Championship
courts nestled among magnificent oaks and beautifully landscaped grounds. There
are also covered courts in the Shipyard Racquet Club. Special programs and
clinics have been designed to allow plenty of time for shopping, the beach, or
any of the other Island activities.
Sea Pines Racquet Club hosts the Family
Circle Magazine Cup Tennis Tournament each year. Virtually every Plantation and
Complex has courts available for members and guests.
Golf:
No wonder Hilton Head Island is
considered by some to be "Golfer's Paradise"….There are twenty-one
Championship Golf courses located on the Island, and over a dozen within ten
miles off the Island. Boasting both private and public courses, Hilton Head
Island seems to have one to suit your needs. The temperate climate and
meticulous grounds keeping allows everyone -- from novice to "pro" -- to
indulge year round. Whether a spectator or participant, there are always
exciting tournaments being held at various courses all year, notably the
Celebrity Golf Tournament, the Senior's Golf Championship and, of course, the
MCI Heritage Classic.
In addition to the profusion of courses, it
is also their undeniable quality in design and condition that makes Hilton Head
Island stand out as one of the "great" golfing destinations. Four of the course
here are ranked among the top 100 in the nation, and others have been acclaimed
by various industry publications for other notorious awards.
Private courses are very exclusive and are for
property owners only. People have been known to buy a piece of property
simply to take advantage of the golf facilities! There are "Golf Packages"
available for either residents or visitors.
Fishing:
Use your own facility or take a
charter! Most Charters offer half or full day trips -- including evening trips
as well. many opportunities are available from everything from sport fishing to
deep sea fishing.
Boating:
Use your own, rent one, or take
a charter!
Water Sports:
"If it floats, you can
rent it!" Waverunners, sailboats, power boats, pontoons, windsurfers,
waterskis, wakeboards, and parasails. Captains and instructors are also
available.
Bicycling:
Bicycles are available for
rent or for sale. Free delivery/pick-up, baskets, child carriers, locks, and
head gear is also available.
Alliance School of Dance and Club:
Dancing taught for beginners through advanced, featuring ballroom, Latin,
Swing, and more.
Family Entertainment:
- Adventure Cove Family Fun Center:
Miniature golf courses, video arcade & redemption center, batting cages,
lighted driving range, roller coaster, bumper cars, laser tag, 3D motion
theatre ride and laser show.
- Water Fun Park:
Miniature golf
course, giant waterslides, and picnic areas.
Children's Activities:
- Captain Kidd: Gregg Russell and
Vagabond Cruises combine to make "Kidd"-friendly cruises for children of all
ages. -
- Gypsy Kid's Cruise: "Hands on" fishing
experience for crabs, sharks, and other swimming creatures. Dolphin-sighting is
an added benefit!
- Water-Dog Outfitters: Kid's Kamp filled
with enjoyable and educational activities.
Arts and
Culture
Self Family Arts Center:
Multi-million
dollar facility, boasting galleries, stages and venues for both local and
traveling exhibitions. This visual and performing arts pavilion offers
professional theatre productions, art exhibits, art and drama classes, and
various other performing arts series of unparalleled scope and
variety.
- Home of Elizabeth Wallace Theater -
South Carolina's largest theatre production company - which hosts spectacular
musicals, dramas and comedies, recitals, Broadway shows, etc., featuring
elaborate sets, lighting and sound designed by some of the best theatre artists
in the business. The Playhouse (the Art Center's resident professional theatre
company) has progressed into a multi-faceted cultural program that includes a
performing arts series, a visual arts series and extensive education &
community service programs.
- Walter Greer Gallery -
the Visual
Arts Center - hosts a wide range of the arts & culture from centuries-old
exhibits to present day artists. The Gallery also affords local visual artists
the opportunity to present their work in a professional setting.
Hilton Head Art League's Gallery
Hilton Head Orchestra:
Featuring,
among other performances, an International Piano competition every February.
¨ Dunnagan's Alley Theatre: Featuring The Playhouse's "Second Stage" season
productions. ¨ Art Galleries ¨ Community Orchestra ¨ Children's
Theater/Playhouse ¨ Coastal Discovery
Museum:
Otherwise called the
"Environmental and Historical Museum," the Coastal Discovery has grown to
become a center for exploring the unique coastal ecology and history of the Sea
Islands and the LowCountry. It is a hands-on interactive learning museum,
featuring changing exhibits throughout the year. On-site nature walks and
history tours are also available. The museum itself greatly benefits the
community by lending a reminder of its historic relevance, its cultural
significance, and its vast natural resources.
Beaufort County Library:
Brand new
26,000 square feet facility featuring Children's Storytelling Center, seating
for about two hundred readers, shelf capacity for approximately 125,00 books,
Meeting Room for one hundred and fifty people, and Private Conference Room for
fifteen.
Places To Explore
& Preservation Areas
Historic Charleston:
two hours away - a
nice day trip!: Historic Savannah: forty-five minutes away
Historic Beaufort:
twenty minutes away
Pinckney Island/National ReserveWhooping
Crane Preserve
Newhall Preserve
Old Fort Walker
Sea Pines Forest Preserve & Ancient Shell
Rings
Lighthouses… Especially the "infamous"
one located at Harbour Town!
Education
Public Schools
- Beaufort County Schools
- Hilton Head Primary School
- Hilton Head Elementary School
- HE McCracken Middle School
- Hilton Head High School
- Michael C. Riley Elementary School
Private Schools
- Hilton Head Christian Academy
- Hilton Head Island Preparatory
School
- Hilton Head Catholic School
Continuing Education
- Beaufort Jasper Career Education center
- Technical College of the Low Country
- University of South Carolina campuses: Hilton
Head, Beaufort and New River (soon to open!)
- Hilton Head College Center
Transportation
- Hilton Head Airport
- Rental Cars
- Taxi Service
- Savannah Airport
- Carriers
- LowCountry Shuttle
- Rental Cars
- Amtrack (into Savannah)
Community
Interests
Places of Worship:
- African Methodist Episcopal
- Baptist
- Catholic
- Church of Christ
- Episcopal
- Full Gospel
- Jewish
- Lutheran
- Methodist
- Orthodox Christians
- Presbyterian ·
- Unitarian Univeralism
- Other Special Church Groups
Civic Groups:
- Hilton Head Island Cotillion
- League of Women Voters
- Lions Club
- Rotary International
- Sertoma Club
- UNICO
- Zonta Club
Support Groups:
- Alcholics Anonymous
- Al-Anon
- American Diabetes Association
- Cancer Support Group
- Chronic Fatigue Support Group
- Depression Support Group
- Domestic Abuse Support Group
- Eating Disorders
- Family Support Group
- Fibromyalgia Support Group
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Herpes Support Group
- HIV Support Group
- Infertility Group of Hilton Head Hospital
- Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
- Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Narcotics Anonymous
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
- Parkison's Support Group
- Programs for Exceptional People
- Prostate Cancer Support Group
- Rape Crisis Center of the
Lowcountry
Clubs & Special Interest
Groups:
- Bridge
- Health & Fitness Leagues & Clubs
- Hobby Clubs
- Professional Groups*
Medical
Facilities
Staying healthy and keeping fit are priorities
for many Hilton Head Island residents, evident by the level of activity
seen among all ages. Health and wellness facilities on the Island are first
rate. The high level of attention given to overall health & wellness is a
commitment shared by many of the residents and by all of those who provide
health care services.
Hilton Head Medical Center &
Clinics:
Having now expanded to consist of both a North & a South
Campus, the Medical Center & Clinics is a privately-owned hospital which
offers a full range of emergency as well as inpatient/outpatient services and
programs. The active medical staff consists of all Board Certified physicians
in more than 30 medical specialties and subspecialties. The health care
providers are all committed to providing the latest medical skills,
technologies and comprehensive services in an accessible and caring
environment. The most recently built South Campus is where the Physical
Rehabilitation Clinic, Sports Medicine, Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center
& New Perspectives (geriatric/ psychiatric) Centers are located. There is
also an Urgent Care Center location at the South end of the Island.
- Emergency Medical Services on call 24
hours/day
- Volunteers in Medicine Clinic
- Medical University of South
Carolina/Charleston (MUSC): Ranked as a "Top 10" facility
- 3 hospitals in Savannah (45 minutes away)
- Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida (3 hours
away)
- Hilton Head Institute: One of the several
fitness/wellness establishments on the Island. As with the other recreational
health clubs and spas, the Institute serves clients who seek to both get in
shape and improve their diet through weekend or extended programs, with
accommodations and meals included in their fitness package.
Retirement
Communities
Sun City:
Located just 13 miles west of
Hilton Head Island, Sun City Hilton Head (developed by Del Webb Corporation),
is the newest active adult community. Since its opening in 1995, nearly 2,000
residents now live in the 5,600-acre community. A multi-million dollar
recreation facility offers indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, bocce
courts, walking trails, and an extensive fitness center. There is also a craft
center, which offers classes for many of the arts, and a Social Hall, which
hosts ongoing programs of dance, theater, and social events. There are also
three golf courses within the community. Sun City is an all-inclusive and
self-sustained property; however, the convenience of its location to Savannah,
Beaufort and Hilton Head Island adds to the recreation and entertainment
possibilities for residents. Homes and homesites are sold as a
package.
TidePointe:
With a treasured location
on Broad Creek and just adjacent to Sea Pines Plantation, the 63 acres that
TidePointe residents call home offers many unique amenities. To take full
advantage of the property's sweeping views and sunsets, the homes and Clubhouse
are situated on 4000 feet of the Broad Creek shoreline. Because TidePointe is a
community with an accent on an active and healthy lifestyle, recreational
activities abound. Along with all of the facilities offered within the
community itself, TidePointe residents also, via reciprocal agreements, have
exclusive rights to all of the amenities of Sea Pines Plantation. Members may
choose the amount of care and assistance they need and/or require from a
fully-qualified staff. Unlike other retirement communities that include health
care expenses in the monthly fee, at TidePointe, only those who use the health
care facilities pay for them. The emphasis here is on wellness.
The Cypress of Hilton Head:
Located in
Hilton Head Plantation, this "neighborhood" contains 55 cottages and over one
hundred 1-2 bedroom apartments strategically situated around a large clubhouse
and a State licensed health care facility. A monthly fee covers such services
as housekeeping, home & landscape maintenance, transportation & meals
in the clubhouse. A golf course is also available exclusively for residents
here. With the purchase of an apartment or cottage, Cypress members become
property owners in Hilton Head Plantation and, therefore, can take advantage of
all of the other amenities.
Seabrook:
The first retirement
community built on Hilton Head Island, The Seabrook provided the first
opportunity for Island residents to remain on the Island yet have the
additional care and support they required. Residents of The Seabrook own their
own apartments and are offered the opportunity to become very active in the
community. A central community building houses a dining room, library, gift
shop, beauty & barber shops, activity rooms, craft and hobby rooms, a three
hundred-seat auditorium and private meeting rooms. Of course the health care
center is also located on the premises. Residents enjoy complete privacy and
freedom, yet are also monitored as needed. The Seabrook provides an affordable,
comfortable community for adults who need a little extra care.
Economics
Taxes:
Despite the high standard of
living afforded here, taxes on Hilton Head Island continue to be low.
South Carolina State Income Tax:
The
South Carolina State Income Tax system is somewhat similar to the Federal
system in that you are allowed certain deductions from your total income and
are taxed on the remainder.
The following chart shows
the
State tax rate on personal income:
| 2% |
on the first $2,000 |
| 5% |
on the next $2,000 |
| 3% |
on the next $2,000 |
| 6% |
on the next $2,000 |
| 4% |
on the next $2,000 |
| 7% |
on all over $10,000 |
Personal Property Tax:
South Carolina
does not have an intangible personal property tax on bank accounts, stocks,
etc. However, there is a tangible personal property tax on automobiles,
airplanes, and boats. The tax is the same for real estate and depends on the
district where you live. Hilton Head Island is divided into seven (7)
districts.
Real Estate Tax:
The County Tax
Assessor places an appraised value on real estate, based upon comparable sales,
the property's condition, etc. This appraised value is then multiplied by 4%
for residents (6% for non-residents and corporations), to determine the
"assessed value" of a property. The assessed value is then multiplied by the
millage rate for the district in which it is located
There is relief in sight, however. In
1995, Governor David Beasley enacted the Tax Relief Program, which permits the
state to reimburse homeowners whose primary residence is valued under and up to
$100,000. For a $100,000 home, that savings amounts to a $391.60 tax reduction!
Although the Tax Relief Program must be renewed annually at the discretion of
the Legislature and Governor, it was renewed in 1996. Also, if you are over 65,
chances are that you can deduct $20,000 from the appraised value before you
multiply by 4% and the millage rate.
Other Taxes:
There are currently two
other taxes which apply to Island residents in varying degrees. The first is
known as the Accommodations, or "Bed" Tax, and which applies only to visitors
and, therefore, rental owners who are house visitors.
The second tax is a 5% State Sales Tax on
most consumer goods. A referendum recently passed allowing this to go to 6% for
a period of two years. There is no additional local sales tax.
Editorials &
Awards
Hilton Head Island Has Received
- Southern Living Annual Reader's Choice Awards
ranked Hilton Head Island in the Top Five (5) for BEACH Destinations in the
U.S. as well as FAMILY Destinations in the U.S.
- Hilton Head Island was ranked 22nd in "100
Best Small Art Towns in America."
- The American Chamber of Commerce honored the
1998 Hilton Head Island Meeting Planner's Guide with the "1998 Ace Award for
Communications Excellence/Award of Merit."
- Conde Nast Traveler readers placed Disney's
Hilton Head Island Resort, Sea Pines Resort & the Westin Resort on the
"Conde Nast Traveler 1999 Gold List among the Top 500 Hotels, Resorts, Spa
& Cruise Lines in the World."
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
