Moving to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina? This exclusive barrier island offers world-class golf, pristine beaches, and upscale lifestyle. With approximately 40,000 residents in 2025, Hilton Head combines resort elegance with Lowcountry charm and coastal Carolina’s premier destination. Note: While geographically close to Georgia and often associated with the Savannah area, Hilton Head is located in South Carolina.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Hilton Head:

Hilton Head Island’s 2025 population is approximately 40,000 permanent residents, though the island swells significantly with seasonal visitors and second-home owners. The median age is around 58 years, reflecting strong appeal to affluent retirees. The population is approximately 82% White, 10% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic. Hilton Head features gated resort communities, championship golf courses, upscale shopping, and 12 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. The island maintains strict development regulations preserving natural beauty and Lowcountry character. Hilton Head attracts wealthy retirees, golf enthusiasts, and second-home owners seeking premier coastal lifestyle. The community values preservation, golf heritage, and upscale living.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Hilton Head:

Hilton Head represents ultra-premium pricing for coastal Carolina. Median home values range from $600,000 to $1.2 million+ in 2025, with oceanfront properties commanding significantly more. The median household income exceeds $85,000. Rental properties average $2,500 to $5,000+ monthly. South Carolina’s state income tax ranges from 0% to 6.5%, with retiree-friendly policies. Overall cost of living reflects the island’s exclusivity, resort amenities, and limited developable land. Hilton Head attracts affluent retirees and wealthy families seeking premier island lifestyle. Housing costs create significant exclusivity maintained by development restrictions and resort character. The combination of world-class golf, pristine beaches, and resort living justifies premium pricing.

Economy and Job Market:

Hilton Head’s economy revolves entirely around tourism, hospitality, golf, and services supporting the affluent population. Major employers include resort hotels like The Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes, golf courses, restaurants, and vacation rental management. Many residents are retirees or seasonal residents. Service industries support the resort economy. Real estate and property management serve second-home markets. Healthcare serves the aging population. The seasonal nature creates employment fluctuations with peak summer and golf seasons. Many working residents serve hospitality, golf, and service sectors supporting the wealthy population.

Education:

Beaufort County School District serves Hilton Head students with schools including Hilton Head Island High School. The small permanent school-age population reflects the retiree demographics. The University of South Carolina Beaufort operates a campus on the island. Technical College of the Lowcountry provides workforce training. The educational infrastructure serves the community’s needs.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Hilton Head offers world-class golf with over 20 championship courses including Harbour Town Golf Links hosting the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event annually. The island features 12 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches with wide sand and gentle surf. The Sea Pines Resort anchors recreation with Harbour Town, shopping, dining, and iconic lighthouse. Residents enjoy tennis at premier facilities, biking on 60+ miles of paved paths, kayaking through salt marshes, and fishing. Coligny Beach Park provides public beach access. Shelter Cove Harbour and Harbour Town offer waterfront dining and shopping. The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina presents performances. The lifestyle emphasizes golf, beach activities, cycling, and upscale leisure. The subtropical climate enables year-round golf and outdoor activities. The community values preservation with strict tree protection ordinances and building restrictions maintaining natural beauty. Living on Hilton Head means resort lifestyle with world-class golf and beaches defining daily life.

Healthcare and Services:

Hilton Head residents access comprehensive healthcare through Hilton Head Hospital providing full-service care. The Beaufort Memorial Hospital system serves the region. The area’s healthcare infrastructure serves the significant retiree population with quality medical services. Savannah’s major hospitals are accessible within 45 minutes.

Transportation:

Hilton Head Island is accessed via U.S. Highway 278 (William Hilton Parkway) connecting to Interstate 95 on the mainland. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is approximately 45 minutes away. Palmetto Breeze operates limited bus service. Most residents use personal vehicles, golf carts, or bicycles. The island’s bike path network encourages alternative transportation. Traffic increases significantly during peak tourist season.

Conclusion:

Moving to Hilton Head Island in 2025 offers exclusive resort living with championship golf, pristine beaches, and Lowcountry elegance. The island’s combination of RBC Heritage golf, 12 miles of Atlantic shores, and upscale character makes it ideal for affluent retirees, golf enthusiasts, and wealthy families seeking coastal Carolina’s premier destination where every day feels like vacation and world-class golf meets pristine beaches in a preserved island paradise.