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

• 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:

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."