We are back from Sun City Hilton Head and here is the report I promised (relocate, spouse)

[emjakebubbie]

new poster and just stumbled onto this 'dated' thread. contained alot of info for which I was searching.

with snow in our forecast tonight, thinking of balmier weather in Sun City Hilton Head will keep me warm. Tired of shoveling and wearing winter-gear every time I go outside. Tired of the Polar Vortex. Spraying for southern-critters is easier than shoveling snow

hoping our relocation to Sun City Hilton Head will turn out to be all we hope for and more.

Over the last 7 yrs we've been visiting the area, we have watched the roads with traffic lights improve; more services (including medical) added; construction get back on track with an improving economy.

The only thing I really can't figure out is the taxes on groceries - what is taxed? and what is not? is anything Not some kind of tax in SC?

[johngolf]

While far from a tax expert, if the food is unprepared (pound of hamburger, head of lettuce) then there is no state sales tax. If the food is prepared/cooked then there is a sales tax on it. Also some differences if the place has an eaten area. Recently in Whole Foods. I was getting some meals to go. When checking out I was asked are you taking these home or will you be eating them in the store sitting area. Taking them home, no tax. Eating in the store, then taxed.

I have several friends that live in Sun City HH (Bluffton). If you are a golfer you will love the place. 3 courses, active golf groups for all levels, use you own cart. Also know a few that are not golfers and they also love it there.

One word of caution. The newer sections being built are in a different county so there is a taxing difference/issue. Be sure to enquire about this.

[emjakebubbie]

appreciate your reply, johngolf. we are Not golfers, but Do hope to purchase a golf cart. Interests are directed towards cultural/travel opportunities, swim/bike/walk, TaiChi/LineDancing. We shouldn't be disappointed with those opportunities inside of Sun City, agree? Though we don't play golf, we like to watch it and appreciate the beauty of the Sun City golf courses.
The area has continued to develop, since Del Webb shoveled that first spot of ground - a major medical facility, approved for development, somewhat across from Walmart (last I heard), is in the works.

Jasper Co taxes are higher than Beaufort Co, but the insurance rates are lower in Jasper which is Not considered to be a flood zone. Just the opposite applies to Beaufort: higher insurance/lower taxes/flood zone. It's a toss up of where the money goes the farthest.

The biggest issue, regarding taxes to pay in SC, is we are spoiled with tax free shopping in DE (on anything) and in PA, no tax to pay on shoes and clothing. SC is confusing how they apply the tax codes by county and whether you eat in or carry out and whether it's prepared, or not.

Thank you for the info - interested to read anything else you can offer about our relocation from the wintery northeast, to the beauty of the LowCountry.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by emjakebubbie

appreciate your reply, johngolf. we are Not golfers, but Do hope to purchase a golf cart. Interests are directed towards cultural/travel opportunities, swim/bike/walk, TaiChi/LineDancing. We shouldn't be disappointed with those opportunities inside of Sun City, agree? Though we don't play golf, we like to watch it and appreciate the beauty of the Sun City golf courses.
The area has continued to develop, since Del Webb shoveled that first spot of ground - a major medical facility, approved for development, somewhat across from Walmart (last I heard), is in the works.

Jasper Co taxes are higher than Beaufort Co, but the insurance rates are lower in Jasper which is Not considered to be a flood zone. Just the opposite applies to Beaufort: higher insurance/lower taxes/flood zone. It's a toss up of where the money goes the farthest.

The biggest issue, regarding taxes to pay in SC, is we are spoiled with tax free shopping in DE (on anything) and in PA, no tax to pay on shoes and clothing. SC is confusing how they apply the tax codes by county and whether you eat in or carry out and whether it's prepared, or not.

Thank you for the info - interested to read anything else you can offer about our relocation from the wintery northeast, to the beauty of the LowCountry.

I visit Sun City 3- 4 times a tear for 3-4 days per visit. I stay with some old friends. Have met many nice, friendly people. They really have a kick back life style going. I love the place. The activities are unlimited even for a non-golfer.

Pulte has bought more land to expand on. My friend (former HOA BOD Member in MA) says this means that Pulte may never turn the HOA over to the owners and he says this is good. He likes the way Pulte runs things and as he says, we do not want the inmates running the asylum. Pulte runs a tight ship when it comes to maintaining the high standard of living and the facilities. The fact that Pulte is still building/selling homes means they want to keep the owners happy so they do take care of issues as they arise. There was an issue with the stucco on some homes. Pulte took care of it at no cost.

If my wife did not have family in the Columbia area (where we live now, prior to that in Charleston, prior to that in Andover, MA) I would live in Sun City in a heartbeat. I have seen nothing but improvement in the area. Medical services, restaurants, shopping, etc. Traffic can be tough during rush hour, but only outside Sun City. My friends keep their local travel between 9am to 4pm and never have traffic issues.

Ya all will love it.

[emjakebubbie]

very good reply, johngolf. tnx f/the info.
We are aware of tourist-season traffic on 278 and understand we will have to adjust our travel times to avoid "rush-hour". We notice at least one new traffic light, each time we visit. They need more because there is so much traffic and when one needs to turn around, it's all but impossible to do it safely w/o a traffic light.
Didn't know Pulte bought more land. Do you know where? they are still building in Jasper which is connected via a bridge to the 'original' side. I am aware of the stucco problems and would think hard before I bought anything newer than 2009 which is when Del Webb changed to Pulte. A big storm came through last year and many of the new listings now state "new roof". Agree about Pulte in charge of the HOA. Things were in place a couple of yrs ago to turn the HOA over to the residents, but at the last minute Pulte pulled back on that deal and so maintains control. Seems to be working ok. The outdoor and indoor pools required significant work but there was enough money on balance, so owners didn't get any assessments, which was a good thing. I am told the HOA is solvent (anything can always change). I hope Pulte stays in the area for a very long time. The HOA fees seems to increase about 3% yearly and are around $2000 this yr. imho, reasonable for all that it includes.
That's nice you can visit your friends down there to enjoy all the amenities. Relocating away from family is one of the hardest things to do. You are lucky to be satisfied with where you currently live.
Have followed reports about the Port of Savannah wanting to expand to include leisure cruise traffic. Direct competition with Charleston - GA and SC are at odds over which port will get the most attention. We are hopeful Savannah will become a leisure-port. I love Atlanta, but Savannah is a close second.
Anything you can share about any of this is welcomed.

[Robyn55]

Originally Posted by emjakebubbie

I am told the HOA is solvent (anything can always change)...

I am not familiar with HOA laws in SC. But I would question any state or particular HOA where you didn't get annual audited financial reports - no matter who is in charge. Robyn

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by Robyn55

I am not familiar with HOA laws in SC. But I would question any state or particular HOA where you didn't get annual audited financial reports - no matter who is in charge. Robyn

I am not nor do I play a lawyer. HOA's in SC are Corporations and as such must have at least one annual meeting and must file an annual report/budget. Often easily found online:

AGENDA FOR THE
SUN CITY HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
November 16, 2011 @ 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Magnolia Hall

I. Introduction/Welcome/Quorum – Allison Tucker
A. Sign-In of Neighborhood Reps/Alternates
B. Head Count Provided to Board Secretary
C. Board President to Verify Quorum

II. Call to Order/Explain Meeting Protocol/Comments – Allison Tucker

III. Approval of Minutes of November 17, 2010 Annual Meeting

IV. Vote on Deferral of Community Association Taxes
A. Explanation of IRS Ruling 70-604 Voting – Chad Plunkett
B. Board Secretary Takes Roll Call & Vote Count from Represented Neighborhoods
C. Board Secretary Will Announce Final Tally for Revenue Ruling

V. Presentation of Finance Committee 2012 Community Association Budget Recommendation – Al Burfeind

VI. Presentation of Board of Directors Strategic Goals for 2012 – Jo Stephey

VII. Management Company Update – Sue Sweeney

VIII. Management Company Measurements – Bob McBarron

IX. Announce 2012 Board-Appointed Committee Members – Jo Stephey

X. Adjournment

XI. Q&A

AGENDA
A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
SUN CITY HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
November 16, 2011
Magnolia Hall
STARTING OF THIS MEETING WILL BE 10 MINUTES FOLLOWING THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2010
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP

I. Intro/Welcome: Allison Tucker

II. Call to Order: Allison Tucker

III. Quorum: Jo Stephey

IV. New Business
A. Approval of the 2012 Annual Budget

V. Adjournment

Yes Pulte is in control but they do a good job of keeping people informed. More info:


http://www.kica.us/public/files/docs...0-%20FINAL.pdf

Quick budget read says $17M collected. $16.5M spend, $500K surplus. Typically in an owner controlled HOA the $500K would be put in Reserves and probably more needed then just 3% but with Pulte still there doing the work, reserves are not an issue at this time.

I have done my homework about the place. I have spent time there and talked to many owners. There will always be someone who wants to park a junk car in their driveway, or paint their house purple, or not mow their lawn, not put their trash barrels away, fly an non-allowed flag, etc. Those types are usually a very small % (even singular) of owners but they seem to be the more verbal ones and the ones we often hear about. Like what do you mean when you say no farm animals allowed...........LOL

[emjakebubbie]

glad you post on this thread - Great Info-Sharing. I know of a button-pusher who lives in SunCity - thought he could get away with growing one of those upside down hanging tomato plants on his front porch (because of the sun), but somebody blew the whistle and made him take it down. hmmmm..... then, he pushed the button again and got 3 dogs (all big) (limit is only 2) - oh, and he also had a cat - surprisingly, nobody turned him in on that - he solved the problem by buying the house next door - because he's now a 2-house owner, he can legally have those 4 animals, even though everyone is under one roof.

will try to find the HOA minutes from 2013.

[blufftonstateofmind]

A nice report. I moved here from Atlanta. The place is really booming now. Most people my age (58) don't spend a lot of time in Sun City. Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah.....so much going on. Almost never go to HHI. All the growth in going West of the Island. Traffic is a breeze with the Bluffton Parkway, which will eventually cross over the island. I can't believe you let a small toll keep you off the island. There is a non-toll road which most of us take. Sun City is filled with interesting, helpful people and we won't let them whine. Someone commented that they didn't see people out at certain times of the day. Most people have fairly large homes and they spend their time on the back of the house, which is usually private. Otherwise they are at the dog park or other ammenities or somewhere other than inside Sun City, perhaps absorbing the beauty of the lowcountry.

When I am at events with other residents, the most common complaint from people is about paying $ for something that they think should be free.

If you are sick and need lots of medical care, I wouldn't move here. The eye specialists and dentists are good. Dermatology and cosmetic services are plentiful. It's getting younger and younger here. When people get old and sick, they usually leave Sun City and move back to be near family. Del Webb doesn't believe in sickness. They really play up the Active Adult and there is way too much drinking going on that is ignored. Old people behaving badly! I was able to eventually find "my people" in Sun City. Healthy, fit and community minded, tech savvy, etc.

Forget Del Webb agents and buy a resale. and remember..No one retires up north...

[blufftonstateofmind]

Do you use the Bluffton Parkway instead of 278. It is the greatest. Pulte is building new home near Town Square, near both front and side gates and the bridge across 278, but across from the villas - high traffic area.