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Beaufort : South carolina | | |
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| What Beaufort is like for active adults |
The Old South lives on in the quaint seaside charm of Beaufort (pronounced b'yoofurt), South Carolina. Known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands”, this popular retirement community of 11,000 was discovered by the Spanish in 1514 and chartered by the British in 1711. It lies in the Sea Islands or “Low Country” area of South Carolina, just north of Hilton Head. 304 acres of the town have been designated as a National Historic Landmark. That history is reflected in the horse-drawn carriages that roll along streets in the town’s charming historic district that are overhung with Spanish moss The area offers a laid back atmosphere that most people find very relaxing. Beaufort is located in Beaufort County. Savannah is 39 miles away.
There are 3 major military installations here that provide a solid economic underpinning and a lowering of the average age in the area. Those include the U.S. Marine Corps Recruitment Depot at Parris Island, the Naval Air Station, and the Beaufort naval hospital. Here is more information about what it is like to retire in South Carolina.Photo of downtown waterfront courtesy of Wikipedia and Cdamgen. |
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| Where to Live & Real Estate Values |
The area has developing rapidly with many upscale communities aimed at baby boomers and adults 55+ looking for vacation and retirement homes (see link at right). Most of these new planned communities are heavily oriented towards golf. There are many nice neighborhoods within Beaufort such as Spanish Point, as well as in surrounding towns life Bluffton. For more detailed information about Beaufort see our Retire in Beaufort guide.
The housing crunch has slowed the pace of development here considerably. City-Data.com reported the median home price at $185,000 in late 2011. The Zillow Home Value Index was $163,000 in 2011, although median selling prices were higher. Average property tax paid was $932 in 2009. |
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| What is special about this retirement community |
| • Charming old town in the Low Country • Numberous awards as "Best Small Southern Town", "Small Town Arts", and "Best Fishing Town "• Proximity to Hilton Head Island and Savannah • Luxurious golf course communities • The town has 304 acres designated as a National Historic Landmark • Milder winters •Second oldest city in South Carolina |
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| What is not special about this retirement community |
| • It can be over run by tourists in season • Not for people in the fast lane •See comment in Medical section. |
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| What kinds of people like retiring here |
| Beaufort attracts a community of people who either want to live in a charming old river town or expensive new golfing communities. The presence of so many military personnel creates a younger and more diverse atmosphere than in some comparable communities. |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| Tourism, the military’s 3 installations here, and real estate are important to the economy. |
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| Climate and Physical Environment |
| Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island and the Beaufort River. This area between Charleston and Savannah is often referred to as the Sea Islands or Low Country because it has so much water and so little elevation. This diverse city has a mild climate in the winter - the average January low is 39 and the average July high is 91. August is the rainiest month. |
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| Restaurants & Cultural Scene |
| Beaufort has many art galleries and has won numerous awards as an arts town. Additionally there is the Arts Council of Beaufort County with its 12,000 square foot community arts center, the Beaufort Orchestra Society, the University of SC-Beaufort's Performing Arts Center, and the Penn Center. Festivals such as the Water Festival and the Shrimp Festival keep things interesting. Nearby Hilton Head Island has cultural opportunities, as does nearby Savannah. |
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| Crime |
| City-Data reports that crime is higher than the national index - 527 vs. 319. Cityrating.com confirms that for both violent and property crimes. That said, retirees should remember that crime is all about neighborhood - in the areas they are likely to live and frequent crime is undoubtedly low. |
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| Medical facilities |
| Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Hilton Head Hospital is 17 miles away. One visitor to Topretirements wrote in: "Is there a rheumatologist in the area? THe answer is: not between Charleston SC and Savannah, GA - about a 100 mile stretch." |
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| Transportation |
| Savannah/Hilton Head International (42 Miles), and 2 smaller airports are closer |
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What people are saying about Beaufort | | Its Overrated as a top spot |
| Downtown Beaufort is a Mini very Mini Charelston you can experience it
in 2 hours.
Just outside the downtown there is poverty every where with run down neighborhoods, reading the local paper on the web I read the crime reports, there is a lot of violent crime ,theft and burgulary.
We were hoping to look to retire here but dont feel safe.
I dont understand why they rate Beaufort so high on the list |
| Posted by kradgolf on March 18, 2012 | |
| What is the summer in Beaufort like? Temperatures, humidity, bugs etc..... |
| Posted by sandyzerb on May 19, 2011 | | Beaufort can't be beat |
| The whole Beaufort area just can't be beat if you are looking for low-key retirement. Plenty of active adult communities if that is your thing. But you can also find places to live that are more mixed generation. Old South Carolina Low Country charm with modern amenities. And if you need some excitement drive on in to Savannah. |
| Posted by lindabird on February 21, 2009 |
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Facts about BEAUFORT
- State: SC
- Environment: College Town,Small Town,Boating Community,
- City Population: 10,000-25,000
- Median age of Population: 25-44
- Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
- Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
- Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
- Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
- Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
- Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
- Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
- State Sales Tax: Yes
- State Income Tax: Yes
- Name of the Guide: jb
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Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts |
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Vote on the Ratings for Beaufort |
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Update Your Ratings |
1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.1/5 ( 18 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 3.2/5 ( 5 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 7 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 3.6/5 ( 7 votes cast)
6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 4 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 10 votes cast)
8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 8 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 2.4/5 ( 12 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 6 votes cast)
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