Hilton head : South carolina

What Hilton Head is like for active adults

Hilton Head is a retirement community located on an island of the same name at the extreme southern edge of South Carolina. This area of just under 35,000 is known for its beautiful beaches and fabulous golf courses. Of its almost 34,000 population, the majority are active adults 55+ who choose this island and the surrounding area as their ideal retirement community. The Island swells to almost 300,000 people during the busy summer tourist season.

The area tends to be quite exclusive and most of it comprised of planned developments, usually referred to as “plantations”. The Heritage Classic Tournament is an important yearly event that takes place at one of these, Sea Pines Plantation. The Harbour Town Lighthouse from that area is pictured above.

The area is developing rapidly with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers and people looking for vacation homes. Most of these new planned communities are heavily oriented towards golf. There are many surrounding towns that compete with Hilton Head for the active adult lifestyle which are also worth checking out - some of those include Bluffton, Savannah, and Beaufort. Active adults can either live in in apartments, condos, or single family homes.

According to Zillow.com the Zillow Value Index in August 2009 shows an average home value of $406,100. The area just off the island is also growing rapidly and sometimes offers better deals for less money.

Hilton Head is located in Beaufort County. Here is more information about what it is like to retire in the "low country" near Hilton Head Island.

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What is special about this retirement community

• Known for its "eco-friendly" development plans • Heritage Classic Golf Tournament • It’s an island – water everywhere • Exclusive gated retirement and active adult communities • Great beaches • Milder winters

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What is not special about this retirement community

• It’s a resort, not a normal community • Hot, humid summers • Intense development everywhere

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Hilton Head attracts a community of people who are looking to live in an exclusive community, usually oriented towards golf or living near the ocean

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is very strong due to tourism, hospitality, retail, and services.

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Physical environment

Hilton Head is located at the bottom of South Carolina's coastline. The area has many harbors, wetlands and rivers. Winters are temperate and summers hot and humid, although more bearable than inland.

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Cultural environment

Hilton Head Island offers many cultural opportunities for a community its size, including plays at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the 120 member full chorus of the Hilton Head Choral Society, the highly-rated Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the largest annual outdoor, among others. The Beaufort County Arts Council is very active. The island has many art galleries. Shopping is very good. Savannah is 26 miles away and tends to be the cultural center.

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Medical facilities

Hilton Head Hospital

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Transportation

Hilton Head Airport is on the island. Savannah-Hilton Head Airport is 30 miles away

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Facts about HILTON HEAD

State: SC
Environment: Suburban,Coastal,
City Population: 25,001-50,000
Median age of Population: 45-64
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 0-20,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: <80 (Very low)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: frank

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