Hilton Head Island explore its interesting history, map, weather, review snapshots of its communities and learn about the fabulous people who make Hilton Head Island their home
Buying property on Hilton Head can be an intimidating experience. There are literally hundreds of Villa complexes to know and the Plantations offer varying lifestyles and amenities; The intricacies of a coastal island-style living matched with your lifestyle are not readily apparent.
Frank Papson's website is constructed with the client in mind. It helps you understand much more about Hilton Head -- before you decide to purchase and become an "Islander" for life. In the paragraphs below, you will learn about the history of the Island, who are the current residents, can view a map and tour community/neighborhoods on the Island.
Please enjoy your tour!
Hilton Head Island... played an important part in our history as Americans, making unique contributions to the Revolutionary War and Civil War history. From the sea battle of Port Royal during the Revolutionary War to the largest naval battle of the Civil War Hilton Head was in the thick of things. Find out more...
The Most Frequently Asked Question: "What's the weather like?"
Month
Avg. Mid-Day Temperature
Avg. Evening Temperature
Avg. Ocean Temperature
Avg. Inches Rainfall
January
59
38
52
3.1
February
61
42
54
3.5
March
67
46
59
4.2
April
74
60
66
3.2
May
82
62
75
4.2
June
86
68
82
5.3
July
89
71
84
7.0
August
89
71
84
6.9
September
84
67
80
5.3
October
77
57
73
2.8
November
69
47
63
2.0
December
61
39
51
2.4
Yearly Average
75
55
69
49.4
The Islanders Who are the Islanders?
The people who have chosen to live on Hilton Head Island come from points across the country and around the world. Hilton Head is home to approximately 35,000 full-time residents and is substantial enough to support all the services of a small city: excellent schools, a fine hospital and medical center, town government, fire, rescue, police protection, and a wide variety of churches, financial institutions, shopping areas, art center, restaurants and businesses.
Hilton Head is a community of all ages and interests. With an average age of 44 years old, the typical Islander is just as likely to be a career and family-oriented professional as an empty nester. Early retirees account for 28% of the population and enjoy active lives. Young professionals have discovered the area is unequaled as a town in which to work and rear families, and people between the ages of 20 and 64 make up 60% of the population. With access to nature, wildlife, sports, and fine private and public schools, children thrive on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head also plays host to about two and a half million visitors per year and there are about 70,000 people on the island at any given time during the summer. However, visitors and residents co-exist extremely well: Hilton Head´s reputation for tasteful tranquility precedes itself, and the commercial hubbub is not allowed to disrupt the island community.
What unifies our Islanders? It´s an abiding love and respect for the nature that surrounds us and a desire to preserve the Island´s special way of life. Frank Papson recently played golf with a new property owner from California who may have stated it best; "Hilton Head Island is simply a relaxed, easy-paced environment. Whenever I´m here, it feels like I´m in slow-motion."
They say there´s always a trade involved when making any move. In the case of Hilton Head Island, it means a move to fresh air, tree-lined boulevards; open space; a soothing, sub-tropical climate, unlimited golf, tennis and water sports, and wide, warm beaches of the Atlantic. Heading to Hilton Head is definitely a move in the right direction and you´ll quickly find that it´s more than a destination to visit, it´s an incredible place to live.
As a property owner, you will find that your neighbors are primarily from the Southeast, Northeast and Mid-West including South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio. But do not be fooled, the Island still retains its Southern heritage even though "Yankees" make-up about 50% of the residents.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND COMMUNITIES
Ashton Cove: This quiet family-oriented neighborhood has tennis and a pool for residents and is a quick walk to the Crossings Park. The park includes a skateboarding facility, street hockey rink, basketball court, and soccer and baseball fields. Many homes have lagoon or deep water views. South-End location is just one minute from the Cross Island Parkway.
Avalon at Indigo Run: Avalon is a unique community of three bedroom and bathroom ranch style homes, providing maintenance-free living in a mid-island location. Each home is approximately 1,800 sq. feet with a gas fireplace, Corian counters and much more. This development within Indigo Run has its own security gate and pool, available for residents.
Bermuda Pointe: Located on the island's north end, Bermuda Pointe is a colorful collection of 58 homes that mix Charleston and West Indian residential architectures. Crushed coral leisure paths wind thru the undisturbed clusters of palm trees, community pool, and beautiful Intracoastal Waterway views.
Blue Herron Point: Just off the bridge to the mainland, this small community on the Intracoastal Waterway offers views of Pinckney Island.
Bradley by the Beach: Homes on Bradley Beach Road feature the finest in Charlestonian architecture. Just steps from Driessen Beach, these four or six bedroom homes could provide excellent rental income. Each property has a two car garage and swimming pool.
Brighton Bay Villas: Near the Palmetto Bay Marina with panoramic views of Broad Creek is the locale of the 153 luxury unit Brighton Bay Villas. One, two, and three bedroom villas including swimming pool, fitness club and business center access are available. South end location provides easy access to the Cross Island Parkway. These units make excellent long-term rentals.
Broad Pointe: Located along Broad Creek, this gated community within Indigo Run offers an array of recreational activities. Marsh views, private pool, dock access, fishing and crabbing, recreation center and special rates at the plantation's Golden Bear Golf course are included.
Chinaberry Ridge: Friendly, family-oriented, and affordable define this north-end community. Homes here have three or more bedrooms, a spacious yard and garage. Easy access to the Cross Island Parkway
Cross Winds: Set in a wooded environment, this community of 61 home sits along the Broad Creek reflects the lifestyle of the traditional south. Here you will find metal roofs, brick accents, heart-of-pine flooring, front and rear porches. Residents in this north-island location appreciate a security gate, pool facility, and a day dock with deep-water access.
Edgewater: Residents of this 147 luxury villa community enjoy maintenance free living in a quiet setting on Broad Creek. Tennis, fitness center, observation pier, and membership to the Hilton Head Country Club included. Edgewater enjoys easy access to the Cross Island Parkway.
Folly Field: This older neighborhood consists of two and three bedroom ranch style homes. Most streets are lined with centuries old oaks. Close by Islander's Beach Park is open to town residents.
The Golden Bear Golf Club: A part of Indigo Run Plantation, residents of this exclusive area have membership to the namesake Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses.
Graham Lane Plantation: Peaceful, serene community of twenty-four 3-4 bedroom homes sized at 2,200 - 2,400 sq. ft. Wooded grounds with marsh views are the setting for these New England or Low Country designed homes. Ownership includes rights to a private fishing and crabbing dock.
Hilton Head Plantation: Set on 4,000 acres, one of Hilton Head's oldest plantations accommodates golfers, boaters, and just about any other outdoor activity. The plantation borders on the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Royal Sound on Hilton Head's north end. The plantation is close to shopping, schools, medical facilities, and the Cross Island Parkway. Ownership allows several golf different packages at the 4 courses and marina access within the plantation. There are 2 miles of beach, a recreation center, a shared gardening area, numerous pools and tennis courts are available too. Two fine restaurants and a nature conservatory round out the amenities. More>
Indigo Run: Indigo Run is the youngest private residential golf community on Hilton Head Island and is 1,712 acres in area. This mid-island location has 2 Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses for residents only. Sunningdale Park with an Olympic sized pool, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts and playground is available to all residents. Indigo Run is close to shopping, schools, medical facilities, and the Cross Island Parkway. More>
Leamington: Leamington is a private community of villas, townhouses, and luxury single family homes within the Palmetto Dunes Plantation. The neighborhood sits on 450 acres and has its own beach club, swim club with boat-ramp, access to Palmetto Dunes 11 mile network of lagoons. Residents also have full access to all the amenities in Palmetto Dunes including three world class golf courses.
Long Cove Club: Ownership here includes membership to the private golf course designed by Pete Dye and rated South Carolina's finest course by Golf Digest. This carefully manicured plantation abounds with live oak, magnolia, and palmetto palms. Residents have access to a deep water boat dock and marina and tennis courts in addition to golf. Its mid-island location provides easy access to medical facilities and shops. More>
Mariner's Cove: Mariner's Cove is a condominium community just off the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. Residents enjoy privacy and spectacular sunsets.
Middleton Place: This small, affordable 30 home community has easy access to the Cross Island Parkway. Homes here feature high ceilings, 3 to 4 bedrooms, one or two stories with a 2 car garage.
North Forest Beach: Homes and villas in North Forest Beach are just a very short walk to the beach and shopping. Older and newer, residential and rental income properties are available at price ranges from $150,000 to several million dollars for oceanfront homes.
Palmetto Dunes Plantation and Resort: In a mid-island location, the Palmetto Dunes community is 1,800 well-preserved acres with a variety of villas and homes in several distinct villages. There are over 3 miles of unspoiled beaches, 11 miles of winding lagoons many of which are navigable, and one of the largest tennis centers on the island. As for golf, Palmetto Dunes is home to 3 courses designed by George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, and Arthur Hills. Palmetto Dunes Resort has been ranked as the "Top Family Vacation Spot in the USA" by Travel & Leisure Magazine. More>
Point Comfort: This quiet, affordable, off the beaten path neighborhood is a great place to raise children or just enjoy the beautiful marsh views and cool breezes. Some homes have backyard deep-water docks. All residents can enjoy the community park. Point Comfort is located on the south island and one minute from the Cross Island Parkway.
Palmetto Hall Plantation: Palmetto Hall Plantation is a single-family, golf oriented Plantation on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Golfers can access two first class courses, one designed by Arthur Hills and the other a Robert Cupp design. The plantation offers wooded, lagoon, lake and golf home sites. Palmetto Hall is considered one of the hidden gems of Hilton Head Island. More>
Port Royal Plantation: Captain William Hilton landed here in 1663 and established the first British settlement on the island. Port Royal is located at what would be considered the heel of our boot-shaped Island. Now this private seaside, single-family home development has 24 acres of beaches, 3 golf courses, 2 championship croquet courts, and 16 tennis courts. Many ancient oak trees still stand within the plantation. More>
The Preserve at Indigo Run: Near the entrance to Indigo Run is this community of 252 villas. There are several different floor plans and sizes from which to choose. All include a computer center, Spanish ceramic tile floors, high ceilings, crown moldings, and a walnut limestone fireplace. Residents may enjoy a resort style pool with a community cabana, a flower cutting garden and concierge service.
The River Club: The River Club is a private, gated community of 50 homes and is a part of Indigo Run Plantation. Homeowners have all the privileges of Indigo Run residents and more. The 58 acre community has its own tennis courts and community pool. Located on the Broad River, all residents have stunning marsh and water views and private docks can be built in some locations.
Sea Pines Plantation: Located at the southern tip, or toe of the island, Sea Pines was planned and built by Charles Fraser beginning in 1956, and has become the model for many other developments around the country. Nature has been preserved, walking and bike paths are everywhere, and all buildings must blend with the environment. Villas, single family homes, spectacular mansions as well as shops and restaurants are within Sea Pines. The plantation has three 18-hole golf courses including Harbor Town Links, home of the annual Verizon Heritage Classic tournament on the PGA tour Sea Pines has over 5 miles of beach, a 600 acre forest preserve, several community swimming pools and many tennis courts. More>
Shelter Cove Harbour: This mid-island location contains 665 high-rise villas with a mix of rentals and owner occupied units. It is home to the island's largest deep-water marina, port to many world traveled boats and yachts. The many shops and restaurants, fireworks displays, and festivals make for a lively atmosphere.
Shipyard Plantation: Eight hundred acres of wooded seclusion can be found at this mid-island plantation. Many or the villas and single family homes here are rental units or second homes. There is a private beach, tennis and three, nine-hole golf courses on the property. Also, the world famous Van Der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club and the Crowne Plaza Resort are within the plantation. More>
Singleton Beach and Singleton Shores: This is a neighborhood containing large, magnificent single-family Charlestonian style homes. All are 4-5 story buildings with elevators and a 4 car garage. There are direct oceanfront homes; others have spectacular views over the folly to the beach. These homes provide a valuable rental income opportunity.
Somerset: The Somerset is an oceanfront five-story building with 27 luxury Condominium villas located in the Leamington section of the Palmetto Dunes Plantation. The villas range from 2,600 to 4,200 square-feet and provide spectacular ocean views. Inside each villa are granite counter tops, polished brass accessories, and high ceilings. All the amenities of Palmetto Dunes are available to owners.
South Forest Beach: The south island section consists of single family homes and villas, some old some new, some small some large, but all just a short walk to the beach. The area is minutes from shopping, restaurants, and churches.
South Shore Commons: Located in the prestigious Leamington section of Palmetto Dunes, South Shore Commons offers luxurious living just steps from beach. These 2500 sq ft villas, each with their own private elevator which opens to their private foyer, have 3 bedrooms and 3 and one half baths and are appointed with granite, hardwoods and 11'-12' ceilings. They are only 50 yards from the beautiful beaches of Palmetto Dunes.
Spanish Pointe: Situated on a peninsula jutting into Calibogue Sound, residents of these custom built manor style homes enjoy fantastic views of the sound as well as quiet privacy. Residents access this road thru a private gate.
Spanish Wells: This community on Calibogue Sound is a mix of large modern estates to modest single family homes. Many homes have docks with deep-water access and beautiful sound and river views. The Spanish Wells golf course is 9 holes with a clubhouse, and residents may use the private beach, tennis facilities and floating dock. More>
The Townhomes at South Shore: This collection of 18 luxurious oceanfront two and three story townhouses is within the Leamington section of Palmetto Dunes Plantation. The architecture is contemporary Charlestonian with stucco exteriors and plantation shutters, elevators and private pools. All amenities of Palmetto Dunes are available to owners.
The Village of Victoria Square: This group of colorful Charlestonian-style homes is located in the middle of the island, with easy access to the Cross-Island Parkway. The homes are 3 stories, have front and back decks, two car garage and optional elevators. Residents enjoy a two acre pond and garden, pool, and boat storage area within the electronic security gate.
Tradewinds: Tradewinds is a luxury townhouse villa complex located in Shelter Cove. They are 3 bedroom and 3 and one half baths with elevators and either one or two car garages. Interior appointments include granite, tile and hardwoods. Situated only a short walk from the Shelter Cove Harbor, dining and shopping they are part of the Palmetto Dunes family and enjoy all the amenities Palmetto Dunes offers.
Wexford Plantation: Created in 1982 to be the most exquisite residential community on the east coast, the developers used the Governor's Mansion in Williamsburg, Va., and the Cloisters Resort on Sea Island, Ga. For reference. The plantation maintains immaculately manicured grounds throughout. There is an 18-hole golf course with a $5.2 million clubhouse and 4 full-time golf professionals. The plantation has a unique lock system controlled 24 hours by the harbor master to provide deep-water access for boats of all sizes. Wexford offers some of the island's grandest homes many with deep-water docks. More>
Windmill Harbor: This boating community is one of the finest waterfront communities along the South Carolina coast. Windmill is located islocated just across the bridge on Hilton Head Island. Amenities at Windmill Harbour include a clubhouse, tennis and swimming facilities, and a marina with a lock system. It is also home to The South Carolina Yacht Club. Great location for boaters! More>