Real Estate News, South Carolina

Compass Pointe NC vs Hilton Head Lakes SC - The Big Debate

Compass Pointe NC Grand Lanai Clubhouse
Published on January 24, 2013

As frigid winter weather keeps folks housebound, Baby Boomer’s find themselves spending more time on the web, searching for where to retire in a warm sunny place with a lower cost of living. While homes on the beach make sense, prices can be expensive along with the direct threat of hurricanes. This where master planned communities who are located inland have an advantage with buyers, those neighborhoods who are located 20 miles or more from the ocean. Compass Pointe NC and Hilton Head Lakes SC are classic examples of quality neighborhoods away from the ocean. We thought we’d compare these two Low Country real estate developments to help you:

 

COMPASS POINTE - WILMINGTON NORTH CAROLINA

RESORT STYLE ATMOSPHERE - This Wilmington NC neighborhood is located on the south side of the Cape Fear River, about 10 minutes from downtown Wilmington. Within 5 years, approximately 100 homes have been built at Compass Pointe of the 3,500 planned. Its Caribbean style amenities include the Grand Lanai, a 10,000 square foot open air clubhouse overlooking its junior Olympic size swimming pool. The man-made lakes have white sandy beaches adding more sunbathing areas. Ten miles of dedicated walking trails are planned along with Rick Robbins designed golf course. Because Compass Pointe NC is gated, this coastal North Carolina community is golf cart friendly. Large roundabout’s with lush tropical foliage are the centerpiece of the various neighborhoods.

NEW LOW HOME PRICES - Wilmington NC is one of the most popular areas to find new homes under $300K. The new 1,400 -2,400 square foot Reserve Villas are priced from $209K. For buyers who require more elbow room, there are a number of home styles available under $300K. The Coastal Collection is a line of large homes ranging from 2,000 square feet to over 3,000 square foot and these new home prices begin in the low $300K’s. Ask about our commission rebate for homes purchased through us at Compass Pointe. Model homes are available to tour. HOA fees are currently low, at less than $1,000 per year.

New homes are built to be hurricane resistant. Stronger reinforced roofs and high impact glass can prevent major damage. Compass Pointe NC is located at approximately 25 feet in elevation and is not in a flood zone.

PROXIMITY TO PLACES OF INTEREST - Technically, Compass Pointe NC is located in the city of Leland. Wrightsville Beach would be the community’s closet beach, 20 miles northeast. On the way to Wrightsville Beach, you would pass by downtown Wilmington. New Hanover County International Airport is 14 miles north of Compass Pointe NC. The Interstate 95 north and south bound corridor is located one hour to the west. Myrtle Beach is located 1.5 hours to the south.

Something to keep in mind, when the golf course is built at this Wilmington NC neighborhood, will membership be required and if so, how much will it cost?

 

HILTON HEAD LAKES - BLUFFTON SOUTH CAROLINA

MAN-MADE BOATABLE LAKES AND GOLF COURSE - There’s something charming about an inland neighborhood that has intimate boatable lakes. Call it a small Venice. The lakes are continuously stocked with fish. Non-combustable engine boats, kayaks and canoes are the best way to explore the 22 miles of shoreline. Hilton Head Lakes is a newer 1,800 home community where approximately 70 homes have already been built. In addition to the community’s affordable Tom Fazio designed public golf course, amenities include the new Lake Club, an attractive property owners clubhouse with a boat dock, fitness center, entertainment facilities and resort-style swimming pools are planned. Buyers have the choice of owning homes with boat docks behind their home at this Low Country real estate development.

NEW LOW HOME PRICES - When we suggest to buyers who search for where to retire in South Carolina, to consider the Hilton Head area, most immediately think it’s too expensive. Yet, Hilton Head and Bluffton continue to expand towards the west. Newer neighborhoods like Hilton Head Lakes are attractive options to find Bluffton SC homes for those concerned about hurricanes. We find Hilton Head Lakes of particular interest because of the big bang for the buck you can find here. Brand new homes are available in the low $200K range. At Model Park, you can tour 5 model homes. We were impressed. The homes have spacious floor plans and energy features. HOA fees are $100 a month. The elevation in the area is approximately 20 feet and Hilton Head Lakes is not located in a flood zone.

PROXIMITY TO PLACES OF INTEREST - Technically, Hilton Head Lakes is located in Hardeeville. Hilton Head Island beaches are 23 miles due east. The US 278 corridor leading to the causeway bridge is a dense with businesses and Bluffton golf communities. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located 22 miles south of Hilton Head Lakes. Hilton Head Lakes is less than 4 miles from the Interstate 95 north south bound corridor. Charleston is located two hours to the north.

If you're searching for where to retire, ask us for a free Relocation Package for Wilmington or Bluffton.