Bluffton, South Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Bluffton
Bluffton is a small town with a population of about 13,000 (but 37,000 in the area), on the coast of South Carolina just off of Hilton Head Island and near the Georgia border. Home to many retirement communities (see link at top right), the town is located on a bluff overlooking the May River in an area long known for tourism. In the old town near the river, residents will discover art and antique galleries and the Riverfront Pocket Park and Garden. The area is famous for its Bluffton oysters, and in town the oldest continuous oyster-shucking facility in South Carolina is a local attraction. Originally the town was confined to 1 square mile, but it has since then annexed over 32,000 acres for future development. The University of South Carolina Beaufort-New River campus was a welcome new addition to this area. Savannah is 18 miles away. Bluffton is located in Bluffton County. Photo of Rose Hill Plantation House courtesy of Wikipedia and Jack Boucher (public domain) Photo of Calhoun St Boat Dock courtesy of Wikipedia and Townofbluffton, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ a review of the retirement situation in the entire "low country" in this region of SC, go to our article, "Low Country is High on Boomer Retirements" Watch this short Youtube video presented by Where Next Boomers:
Where to Retire in Bluffton and Home Prices
The area is developing rapidly with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers and active adults 55+. Many of these new planned communities are strategically located off the new Buckwalter Parkway. Zillow.com reports the median home value to be $468,661 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Bluffton
• Charming old town on the river • Proximity to Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Beaufort and a short ride to the beautiful city of Charleston • Luxurious golf course communities • A new and rapidly developing area • Milder winters •
What Is Not Special about Bluffton
It’s a very small town, and hot, and humid during the summer months. Lots tourists in the summer with horrific traffic.
Who Will Like Retirement in Bluffton
Bluffton attracts a community of people who either want to live in a charming, walkable, old river town or expensive new golfing communities.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and real estate are important to the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Bluffton is located on the May River near Calibogue Sound, Hilton Head Island, and the coast. The area has many wetlands and rivers.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are antique stores, art galleries, and museums in Bluffton (such as the Heyward House Historic Center). Nearby Hilton Head Island and Beaufort have cultural opportunities, as does nearby Savannah. The University of South Carolina-Beaufort offers part-time and continuing education opportunities.
Crime
The crime rate is average.
Medical facilities
Hilton Head Hospital is 7 miles away and Costal Carolina is 2 miles away. Beaufort Memorial is 25 miles away and Savannah Hospital is 20 miles away. Bluffton has a new Medical Park (2019).
Transportation
Savannah/Hilton Head International airport is approximately 20 miles away. When compared to other communities, Bluffton is very walkable.
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