Known as South Carolina's Treasured Coast, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are two stunningly beautiful resort and retirement communities. Starting in the late 17th Century continuing to the mid-1950's, Hilton Head, South Carolina was an agricultural community where large plantations flourished and descendants of slaves settled after the Civil War. Leisure replaced farming and fishing as the local industry in the last half of the 20th Century. Today, weather, water, golf, tennis and boating all draw thousands of tourists here each year. Though the island is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, there are over 300 tennis courts and 23 golf courses. The population on the island is currently at 33,862 residents.

Just over the bridge from Hilton Head Island is a historic destination in its own right, Bluffton Township. Settled in 1825, as a summer retreat for rice and cotton plantation owners, the town features antebellum homes, bed & breakfasts, churches, charming shops and restaurants. Bluffton was named because it is situated high on a bluff next to the May River. The population of Bluffton is approximately 1,275 residents.

Hilton Head Island is located just off the coast, and is 45 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and 105 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. Facing continued growth, Hilton Head remains a rare and special community. Its charm and natural beauty are meticulously preserved as high priorities. In keeping with the reverence to nature, the man-made structures exist within strict building codes to preserve the natural surroundings. Much of the signage is low to the ground, and even the most familiar nationwide establishments are subdued and less commercialized. On Hilton Head Island, nature receives the utmost respect.

An impressive diversity of fish, fowl, and land animals grace the marshlands and sea coast. Walking or bicycling around Hilton Head or Bluffton is the best way to quietly observe the wilder residents. Herons, egrets, wood ducks, Carolina chickadees, jays, bluebirds, and yellow-rumped warblers are just some of the winged residents. Turtles commonly sun themselves on the banks of lagoons, and white-tail deer and small brown rabbits dart among the lush trees. Give in to the daily cycles of sunrises, sunsets, and the ebbing and flowing of the tide, and you'll find how easy it is to be in sync with Mother Nature.

When development began on Hilton Head, the island was divided into 15 large plantations. Each plantation is a self-contained resort. All the plantations are within walking, biking or horseback-riding distance from one another. The north end of the island is more residential than resort-oriented. Architecture on the island is diverse, including the influence of Georgian, Cape Cod and Craftsmen designs. According to the 2000 Census, the median home value was $362,043 and the average selling price was about $483,000. The median household income is $70,885.

Activities to enjoy this amazing semi-tropic climate include, dolphin excursion cruises, deep-sea fishing, beach volleyball, horseback riding, windsurfing, and parasailing. Loggerhead turtles nest here and it is something you will never forget watching them hatch and make their way to the sea. There are a plethora of day spas to pamper your soul. The golf courses are legendary, four courses - Harbour Town, Colleton River, Haig Point and Long Cove - are ranked among the top 100 in the nation and others have been acclaimed by various industry publications, bestowed with numerous top awards, many cited among the best in the South.

In addition to wonderful outdoor island living, South Carolina's Treasured Coast attracts and inspires a robust cultural community. The amazing selection of visual arts, theatre productions, music venues, and seasonal events will satisfy even the most discriminating cultural tastes. A vital part of the community is the Self Family Arts Center, situated in the heart of the island. It boasts a remarkable showcase for the visual and performing arts, with not only a theater but also concerts and art exhibits. You'll quickly discover why Hilton Head is ranked in the 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America. Dining on Hilton Head is an adventure and just as thrilling as any fresh-air sport. Amazingly, there are over 200 restaurants from which to choose, many headlining top-name chefs that tantalize with their artistic creations. A number of island establishments prepare their seafood Lowcountry-style from recipes handed down for generations, with a variety of inspirations from Caribbean fare to dishes derived from the many influences of the South. Fine dining here is elevated to an art form.

Shopping is also an exhilarating experience. The most prominent shopping area on Hilton Head is the Mall at Shelter Cove that blends big-name department stores with many locally owned shops. A dazzling array of outlet malls can be found throughout the area. They boast designer name fashions and accessories with surprisingly reasonable prices. The stores highlight name brands you'd never expect to find in a typical discount mall including designers like J. Crew, Geoffrey Beene, Eddie Bauer, Coach, Lenox, Donna Karan and Ellen Tracy among an impressive list of others. Reflecting the diversity in shopping choices are the antique shops, spectacular art galleries, craft nooks and intriguing collectible shops that round out the gamut of options.

The Beaufort County School District provides and outstanding education experience for area residents. It is comprised of three regional clusters - Battery Creek, Beaufort and Hilton Head - each with its own elementary, middle and high schools. There are a total of 26 schools (four high schools, six middle schools and 16 elementary schools) that educate more than 18,000 students. Each year student enrollment increases by around 400-600 new students. Renovations, additions and construction are constant as the district strives to maintain low student-teacher ratios and a inspiring environment in which to learn.

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are dynamic resort style communities that are ideal to live, work, retire or raise a family. They offer a high quality of living that is hard to beat. If you are considering moving here, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!