Secluded Sea Islands Filled with Gifts from the Sea

BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The Lowcountry of South Carolina, if ever there was a romantic mystical place to retire, the coastal retirement communities in one of the best places to live in South Carolina would be it. The barrier islands near historic Beaufort are a beach destination for many families and boomers during Spring, Summer and Fall, the Winter months bring a misty glaze to the Spanish moss hanging from the centuries old Live Oaks that causes all to drop their pretenses and relax. A long ago haven for the less popular sailors, Blackbeard the Pirate reportedly had his lair in the area.

And what better place to relax than the Sea Islands of the South Carolina Coast? The major Sea Islands include Fripp, Coosaw, and Dataw Islands. Each Island has its own feel and they all share easy access to Hunting Island State Park. Hunting Island is truly one of the last pristine beaches on the Eastern Seaboard, the state of South Carolina maintains this beach in a totally natural state; with the exception of the only tourable lighthouse in the state. Hunting Island State Park boasts over a million visitors a year and for good reasons. Popular pastimes in the park include:

• Bird Watching, Herons, Kites, Gulls and Pelicans and birds from marsh to ocean are commuting.
• All manner of Marine Life passes through the area for viewing, this is a popular area for sea turtle nesting 
• Shell Collecting, five miles of beach for shelling.
• Fishing - a pier off the beach or nearby saltwater lagoon are available for fishing.
• Historic Lighthouse may be toured and offers spectacular views of the coast.
• Nature Center for interpretive help with wildlife and recommendations of what to see.
• Cabin Rentals and Camping are available

The nearest coastal retirement communities and places to raise a family near Hunting Island State Park are among some of the best places to live in South Carolina:

COOSAW POINT

Located on 400 acres of riverfront, Coosaw Point, at the project's completion will have approximately 400 homes. Built with preservation in mind, 130 acres of land has been preserved in perpetuity. The preservation areas include freshwater marsh as well as duck habitat in wetlands. Existing Live Oaks have been saved to provide tree cover and give gravitas to the property.  Amenities on the property include The Coosaw Point River Club which houses a recreation room, bar, cocktail lounge, fitness center and facilities for banquets or parties. Outside the club there is a swimming pool, tennis courts and walking trails that traverse the property. For the marine minded, there is a Crab Shack, crab dock, and community dock for fishing.  There are many organized social events in this community centered around the clubhouse. Coosaw Point was honored in 2013 by Community Finder with a Bliss Award as the Happiest Community of the Year. 

FRIPP ISLAND

If the search for Blackbeard's treasure is on your bucket list, Fripp Island is purportedly the place to find it. At six and a half square miles and sporting a gated entrance, Fripp Island has a feeling of exclusivity once through the gate Well known for its sports and natural amenities, Fripp Island is about 20 miles from Beaufort, South Carolina and is the furthest east of the Sea Islands.

Natural amenities include 3 1/2 miles of beach and a bounty of preserved natural landscape intertwined in housing. Marsh to ocean views are available. Bicycles, mopeds, and kayaks can be rented to get in touch with nature on the island.

If sports are a favored leisure activity, Fripp Island has 10 tennis courts, 2 championship golf courses and 5 swimming pools. For the mariner there is a marina with deepwater dockage and boat storage.

DATAW ISLAND

Dataw Island, the largest island community close to Beaufort, South Carolina with an area of 870 acres. The island is surrounded by water on two sides and marsh on the third, possibly the most private in the Coastal South Carolina. Dataw Island features two of the most outstanding golf courses in the region. A little more than 10 minutes from Beaufort, shopping can be done in a beautiful historic enclave with well preserved architecture.

Fall is a great time to visit the Sea Islands of South Carolina and get a taste of the pristine beaches of Hunting Island. Crowds are thinning and the marshes are turning golden with the season. New homes in Beaufort, SC can be toured as well as the coastal retirement communities. Come see one of the best places to live in South Carolina.

If you're exploring the area for the first time, ask for our free Beaufort South Carolina relocation information to learn more about the area.