A patriotic city with a strong military presence, historic Beaufort SC dates back to 1711. This Lowcountry best small town is interwoven with islands connecting the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. At low tide, sandbars are scattered throughout the river exposing oyster beds. Money Magazine named Beaufort South Carolina as one of 6 Terrific Towns on the Water.  We believe it is a great small town when searching for where to retire. 

Public beaches are not far from the downtown Beaufort County real estate, just to the east on Lady's Island. White sandy beaches can be found at Hunting Island State Park. Climb the Hunting Island Lighthouse to take in the view, the lighthouse is located just west of Fripp Island. Ten scenic hiking trails meander through the state park, pathways under mature live oaks dripping with spanish moss leading to the sea shore. Trip Advisor named Hunting Island as a Top 10 Beach because of its three miles of secluded beaches. Unspoiled areas along the marshes are great places to take photographs and listen to wildlife. Natural habitats for egrets, blue herons, dolphins or an occasional alligator sunning on the banks. There are plenty of places easy to find, to go crabbing or fishing. The quality of life in Beaufort South Carolina is as simple as it was when it was discovered centuries ago.

Field & Stream Magazine named Beaufort South Carolina as a Top 20 Fishing Towns in America. As you would expect, seafood is king in this Lowcountry coastal community. Kayakers often wonder if they will have enough time during retirement to explore all the waterways winding throughout the 200 islands of the Lowcountry if they decided to relocate to Beaufort South Carolina. Farms are popular on the islands, U-Pick farms filled with strawberries and local produce. The cost of living is low making Beaufort County real estate very desirable when searching for where to retire.

Historic streets of downtown Beaufort along the waterfront, are the perfect places to window shop and find excellent cuisine. Award winning restaurants and outdoor cafe's line the streets and alleyways. Festivals take place year round in downtown Beaufort along the waterfront. Plenty of art galleries and studios for residents to discover. Author John Villani notes Beaufort South Carolina as one the Top 100 Art Towns in America. Beaufort would be a hot spot for 3RD HOME luxury home exchanges.

The Downtown Beaufort Farmer's Market is at the south end of Bay Street, next to the historic horse carriage rides. Waterfront Park is a great place to enjoy one of the many public swings overlooking the Beaufort River. Bicycling is popular on the Sea Islands, easy navigable roads designed on scenic paths. The Marine Corps Air Station and Parris Island Recruit Depot are also located in Beaufort County. Occasionally throughout the day, you will hear a military jet flying over head, locals affectionately call "the sound of freedom". History buffs will love Beaufort's pre-Civil War historic sites and Beaufort's patriotic charm.

Great schools and excellent medical care are found near Beaufort County real estate, a growing Lowcountry coastal community attracting Baby Boomers. Southern hospitality is a refreshing way of life, city folk's relocating quickly adapt to. Oddly enough, the crime index for 2009 per City-Data.com was 536.80 or 68% above the national average of 319.20. Logically, this makes gated master planned communities a bit more appealing to retiring Baby Boomers. Real estate taxes are low in South Carolina. Visit our Library to learn how to calculate property taxes in Beaufort South Carolina and compare the cost of living with other states.

Master planned communities can be found on Lady's Island or on the mainland of Beaufort South Carolina. There are a number of Lowcountry neighborhoods we find of particular interest. Beaufort County real estate includes waterfront cottage homes, golf course homes, new urbanism or you can find affordable older plantation style homes with big verandas in downtown Beaufort. There are a number of great choices in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Become a member to find out what property owners are saying behind the scene about their coastal community. Property owner scores and comments are updated daily. Real estate communities are added weekly to our website.

When you travel to see Beaufort County real estate, let us know if you would like to know which are the best hotels in Beaufort South Carolina. Or maybe you would prefer to stay at a Bed & Breakast? We are happy to share our secrets with you, to make your search more enjoyable. As you can imagine, fresh seafood dominates the local fare. We can quickly share with you the award winning restaurants in Beaufort South Carolina - the ones you won't want to miss.

Ask us for our list of the best master planned communities in Beaufort SC:  

margie@realestatescorecard.com

866.384.1799