There are an estimated 100,000 of them that are currently present. Hilton Head Island is a town in South Carolina with a population of 38,068. Many buildings even predate the birth of the United States. Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights. The climate in Beaufort is generally better than most places in the United States. Is Beaufort, South Carolina a good place to live? You will find that everyone is sir or maam when you start living in South Carolina. Email agent. Beaufort is the states second-oldest city, having been established in 1711. Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). You must still take care when walking outside, even in the cities, because of this disadvantage though. You will discover that the many parks that are sprinkled throughout South Carolina all offer a charm that is distinctly original. The mosquitoes are especially ferocious in this state, willing to eat you alive with every opportunity. The gently rolling hills that begin as you move away from the coast are ideal to explore, especially with the occasional historic town sprinkled in here and there. County: Beaufort County. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Each State. Mortgage pre-approval and broker services from IntroLend by Home & Money | IntroLend by Home & Money, LLC is a licensed Mortgage Broker. But Beaufort is also an excellent place to live if you want a lively, vibrant, activity-packed lifestyle with fishing, cycling, galleries, concerts, fine dining, and easy-going friendly neighbors. According to Wallet Hub, South Carolina has the 11th lowest tax burden in the nation. Beaufort is a small sized town in South Carolina. It has maintained its Antebellum architecture as well as its small-town atmosphere over the years. Water is brown as my poop, restaurants are dirty and food aren't as good. Retirees can pursue an active lifestyle in the company of other adults of similar ages and interests. Locals put it on almost everything, and the heat is going to get you if youre unprepared for it. This data and scores are a weighted average of the areas schools. Beaufort is a very pretty place with beautiful waterways, but that doesnt make up for all that it is lacking. Quality schools. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. South Carolina's coast is fortunate to have very mild winters and a wonderfully warm climate. The beaches in the Beaufort area are not as congested as those in other popular vacation spots. There is something locally sourced and inviting to eat in every season. The list goes on. Your barbecue will likely have mustard in the sauce. That means the average homeowner here will pay about $850 per year in property taxes. There is the threat of hurricanes in the fall, and if one is within 300 miles there will be days of torrential rainfall. But, of course, as with all choices we make, there are pros and cons. If you are proactive with your research for open positions, there is an excellent chance that you will discover a job that meets your income needs perfectly. County: Beaufort County. Many families and young professionals live in Port Royal and residents tend to have moderate political views. There is, of course, traditional southern food that is always good, and most of it is fried in some way. What movies have been filmed in Beaufort? I would never move here thinking I would want my children educated in the local public schools. recently one of the only places for teens to go and hang out, the movie theatre, was closed down. overall Beaufort is a nice quiet place to live it just is missing some excitement for the younger generations. The city is filled withsouthern charm and great beaches are nearby. Residents enjoy golf, swimming, and shuffleboard. Please share your experience here: Cities Near Beaufort: Port Royal, Burton, Laurel Bay, Sheldon, St. Helena Island Beauforts year-round temperature averages about 65 degrees. All u hear is that Beaufort voted best for small town, what they dont tell you is about the crime, food options here SUCK, there is no good Mexican food, red lights are just a recommendation to stop your car, the list could go on. The pace of life in Charleston is surprisingly slow. What makes Beaufort an interesting place? Theres also the problem of roaches and palmetto bugs, so youll have to get used to fighting them off. Many people even trap shrimp in the nearby marshes. Beaufort County also has the highest cost of living in all of South Carolina. As many as eight percent of the people in Beaufort are below the poverty level. Beaufort has consistently ranked among the best small towns for livability, and potential retirement sites, both at the state and national levels. Coastal South Carolina; Beaufort; Bluffton; Charleston; Folly Beach; Hilton Head Island; Isle of Palms; Kiawah Island; 9. Coastal resort area - On a barrier island on the Atlantic Coast, 20 miles northeast of Savannah GA. State: South Carolina. Beaufort, S.C, is the second oldest city in the state, second only to Charleston. Living in Beaufort, SC, is like being on vacation year-round. You can eat seafood that was caught the same day in restaurants. Master-planned traditional neighborhood communities are another option. It isnt a title that is reflective of age. Downtown is a nice area. You have been warned. Finding a job is not usually difficult in the state, but it can be challenging to live in certain areas if you do not have a significant household income. Hilton Head Island is in Beaufort County and is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. There are a lot of festivals and celebrations of various cultures, as well as expressions in art throughout the area. There are nearby beaches that are beautiful. After the Civil War, freed slaves took up residence in the coastal barrier islands and created the Gullah culture, and that is just one cultural aspect you will discover in this area. You can claim a credit for up to two private passenger vehicles or motorcycles, and it is a refundable credit if you do not have any liabilities to pay. There are several barrier islands along the shore that help to temper the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in many areas as well. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm. Drivers are aggressive and inattentive. And we like it that way. Metro Area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metro Area. Despite its friendly people, Beaufort has a surprisingly high crime rate. Heading out to the beach is always a fun experience, but you can go swimming in other was throughout the state too. The Beaufort areas schools are poorly ranked statewide and nationally. It was the site for parts of Forrest Gump, the Prince of Tides, and most of the Big Chill was filmed in Beaufort. There are some great museums, but the city itself is also a museum of American history. Beaufort is surrounded by wild natural areas, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Even the city itself, thanks to classic architecture and several well-maintained gardens, is picturesque. The cost of living in South Carolina is considerably higher when you compare the cost of your essentials. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Spanish Moss Trail, Beaufort Lands End Paddling, Hunting Island Beach, Sands Beach, and Cypress Wetlands are just a few outdoor spots in and around Beaufort. Housing is very expensive, the schools are below average, and there arent many choices for churches. Beaufort is a small little town that is slowly growing. Cons- Found lots of racism. Daily access to the beach. Property taxes are among the lowest in the country. The cost of living index for Myrtle Beach is 93, which means that it's 7 percent cheaper than the national average. Pleasant weather 9 months of the year. I've grown up here all my life, and have had the opportunity to spend my summers down on Hunting Island, an opportunity that I was truly blessed to have. Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. State income taxes and property taxes are both low, and there is also a lower tax on gasoline, so filling up your car often costs much less than in other parts of the country. Most barbeque sauce is ketchup based and red or brown in color. Beginning in 2018, the state raised the gas tax to 20.75 cents per gallon, which is still one of the lowest in the entire country and this was the first increase in almost 30 years. If you come to live here BEWARE, the wrapping is pretty but the inside gift not so. All Rights Reserved. Lets look at some of the pros and cons of living here. The most annoying part of summer is dealing with mosquitoes, and that problem lasts for months. Almost every street has a story to tell. Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Jobs are plentiful enough but often not paying well. Zip Codes: 29935 29905. Equal Housing Lender. Most homes have an exterminating service that can keep them under control. A lot of local businesses to to visit, much more of a older perosn town. Construction is a way of life in South Carolina. There is a lot of wealth in the low country and in Beaufort County, and there is a fair amount of poverty. Away from the beaches and ocean, tall trees covered in Spanish moss create a different type of landscape that is equally as beautiful. Its warmer in the southeast and along the coast, with refreshing breezes from the ocean. If you were born and raised in Beaufort everyone seems to really know each other and be connected in some way or another. Seafood boils are a way of life in South Carolina. Watch out for 10 months of biting insects, big snakes and gators. Beaufort is a military town pinned between MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort. South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Strong job market. I almost crashed multiple times and skipped a couple turns due to it having no lights. I enjoy the outlets Beaufort has. It is a primary city within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. 3.5 bath. 5. The pain doesnt stop there, since there is a 6% sales tax active in the state. You will have bugs, both indoors and outdoors, and that is something you have to get used to. They are the fifth-lowest in the country, with the median rate at just 0.57%. 8. Many of these bugs are annoying, and some can even make their way inside your home, so if you plan to live in the city, you may need to invest in exterminating services. Home prices are up there. Some private institutions charge exorbitant tuition rates. There is so much to see and do in Beaufort that you might never get bored. Smoking Eds Carolina Reaper is in many of them, with the world record for the hottest hot sauce based on a product that is manufactured locally. The unemployment rate of Beaufort remained 3.3%, which is 30% lower than national average. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. Based on violent and property crime rates. People are friendly and welcoming. You can also move inland to find numerous boutique farms, stables, and other areas where the agricultural influences are strong. Temperatures rarely fall below 40 degrees in the winter, and many days even reach the 50s. Not available in all states. - 11/14/2012 I love living in Bluffton, SC I moved to the south . Some of the creeks and marshes are saltwater bodies, allowing you to easily take a canoe or kayak out to go exploring. Although you will have an income tax to pay when living in South Carolina, your property taxes are typically lower because of its presence. Anyone living in the area will be able to enjoy gorgeous ocean views. The sounds of lapping waves and the feeling of soft sand beneath your feet are enough to put even the busiest of minds at ease. Any thoughts would be great. It's anywhere from 10 to 30 percent cheaper to buy a home here than the national average. There's some moderate development around. Every single day. Many people are looking at the advantages that there are in moving to South Carolina and deciding to take the plunge. Beaufort and the surrounding area are rich in history. Beaufort County Real Estate Median Home Value $242,700 National $229,800 Median Rent $1,293 National $1,096 Area Feel Dense Suburban Rent vs. Own Rent 63% Own 37% Sponsored Mortgage Options for Port Royal Get Rates Find a loan that's right for you. The first Friday of every month a local street is blocked off where all the downtown restaurants and shops are located. In most cases, an exterminator service is available to help homeowners maintain control. Sponsored Mortgage Options for Port Royal. 3. However, everyone wants something different in the city or town they call home, so looking at the pros and cons of the place can help you decide if its right for you. Pro: Instant Stress Relief. That has created a higher level of diversity in the state, but it is also causing significant construction issues that can be interruptive in numerous ways. Beauforts historic area provides many sites to explore. Beaufort is in Carteret County. Outdoor activities are restricted to a few parks, the beaches close by and the river. If you live in South Carolina, it is likely that your air conditioner will be running non-stop for most of the summer. Please. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. There are ample hunting and fishing opportunities. There are so many exciting things to do that you will not want to go to work. These are some of the pros this state can offer. How safe is it? You must also make a conscious effort to maintain your drainage systems to ensure that you do not experience unanticipated damage due to a strong storm moving through the area. If you can manage the other issues of taxing with your finances by avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and eating out frequently, then you may find that your burdens are fairly similar to what you would pay elsewhere. No professional theater. The locals here are warm and friendly, both to newcomers and long-time residents. You will want to carefully consider your budget before moving to the state to ensure that your employment opportunities, retirement benefits, or other sources of income can cover what you require. It is a primary city within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. This is more obvious in the Beaufort area, but it is an issue throughout the state. South Carolina has a state income tax with excellent tax deductions for resident retirees. The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care. Boils are a way of life here, and you should take advantage of every single one that you can discover. Here is the table with the State Income Taxes in the state of South Carolina: In Beaufort, South Carolina, 59.0% of the population owns their homes, while approximately 41.0% rent. Beaufort residents think Beaufort is a nice town and apparently, so does the rest of the country. The Beaufort Inn: Pros & Cons - See 2,243 traveller reviews, 640 candid photos, and great deals for The Beaufort Inn at Tripadvisor. The Category 4 storm made landfall in 1989, causing over $7 billion in damages. Beauforts beautiful scenery is paired with a mild climate. Local farmer's markets. Pros and Cons of living in Beaufort, South Carolina according to Data Pros and Cons of living in Beaufort, South Carolina in reviews from users in their own words: Do you live in Beaufort, South Carolina? You may have to quit work and retire. One of the reasons so many people are drawn to Beaufort is because of its idyllic setting. . Living in Beaufort offers families something big cities dont have, space. South Carolina is generally ranked around 44th or 45th in terms of education. Think and seriously research if you are considering moving here. There is also a gas tax credit for which you might qualify that is based on the information supplied from your income tax return. How is Beaufort ranked against other cities its size? View Profile. Fv 27, 2023 . You will want to speak with your homeowners insurance policy provider to discuss what flood policies you will need to have in place to protect your property. You just have to get used to the fact that insects are always around, whether youre inside or out. This city has many advantages, including the mild weather, friendly people, and low tax rates. Although, it is becoming crowded. List of the Pros of Living in South Carolina 1. Beaufort is family-oriented, with many parks and green spaces and above-average schools. We have good air quality, a comfortable climate, adequate doctors per capita, and no state estate tax or state income tax on Social Security or the first $15,000 of other retirement income. I don't understand how people love this place. Summers, however, can be very hot and humid. Beaufort (/bjufrt/ BEW-frt, a different pronunciation from that used by the city with the same name in North Carolina) is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. United States / South Carolina / Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metro Area / Beaufort County . The Habersham Marketplace is the heart and soul of the award-winning town of Habersham located just minutes from downtown Beaufort. The waterfront has amazing restaurants and bars where families can spend some quality time together. The city employs around 5.43K people; however, this is a decrease of 6.06% from the previous year's 5.78K employees. Beaufort is a town in North Carolina with a population of 4,464. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. History comes alive for you when you live in Beaufort, the second oldest city in South Carolina. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. Beaufort County is slightly above the national average, and the rest of the state is well below the national average. Beauforts close-knit community, small-town charm, and deep-rooted history have earned it the nickname Queen of the Sea Islands. Beaufort is the setting for a number of famous movies, including Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, and the breakout success on Netflix, Outer Banks. Hot Sauces are hot. The city sits on Port Royal Island on the South Carolina coast and offers access to several beaches. Best Places for Young Professionals in South Carolina, Most Diverse Places to Live in South Carolina. Part of the reason for this attitude toward life is from the culture, but you will also discover that the pace of each day is more relaxed here when compared to the urban centers that you can find to the north. There are some terminology differences to consider. From waterfront to land owning, we have it all. You can learn to catch shrimp in the marshes too. You will pay more for your utilities, housing, and healthcare access when living here. There are plenty of parking options for your vehicles as well, with even the downtown rates running about $1.50 per hour for most folks. Metro Area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metro Area. There is plenty of healthy fresh food available in the Beaufort area, but the southern tradition of fried food is hard to escape. Families can enjoy a day at the beach or picnic in one of the citys parks. The caricature of the million-dollar mansions, and falling-down shacks, is not altogether inaccurate. Most of the South Carolina coast is characterized by moss-covered oak trees that are centuries old and have grown moss on their branches for decades. You will find that the state average for crime in South Carolina is about what it is in most other states across the country. The design promotes ease of connectivity by utilizing smartly designed roadways, walkways, and sidewalks to accomplish this. This temperate climate invites outdoor recreation twelve months of the year. While the weather is positive, it can also be negative. This means more competition and more demand which translates to higher costs. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You have a 1 in 18 chance of a violent crime happening to you! Add to that the coastal low-country culture, and you have a cuisine that is unique to the area along the coast. Shopping is very limited to Walmarts (many) TJ Maxx, and a small Talbot's store. The closest major city is Charleston, but its an hour and a half drive away, which can make it difficult to travel to and from the city for entertainment. You may miss some of the conveniences of being in a larger city, and it takes time to get to any of them. It has a rich history involving the Revolutionary War, as well as the Civil War. Beaufort has a lot of history and has some tourism, but it has avoided becoming a tourist center itself. Beaufort is on a barrier island, and there is only one road out to the Interstate. This hot period is brief each year, but it is hard to contend with if you dont have air conditioning. Overall, the average housing prices, utilities, groceries, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services are less expensive in Beaufort.