Wanting property for rental and future retirement: Tybee Island or Hilton Head (car registration)

[LittleMartha]

We've been to Tybee and Hilton Head multiple times. We're torn between the two. Would really appreciate pros and cons of both.

Thanks.

[gentlearts]

If you have a dog, or might want a dog, avoid Tybee. If I were you I would target specific properties and compare the flood insurance and property tax.

[bellhead]

South Carolina for the taxes all day long. The property tax savings on a $400k property will be about 3k a year.

Income taxes are about the same.

Car registration fees. 7% in Ga.

[Iconographer]

Interesting that you're drawn to both; they seem like very different places to me. I guess some of the north HHI communities are comparable to Tybee, but to me HHI has that country club vibe while Tybee is, well, let's just say 'real'. My own choice would be Tybee. HHI is too overscaled for an island resort as far as my taste goes. Tybee, however, hasn't even hit it's stride.

[bellhead]

To emphasize the difference in property taxes. Here is a property on HH Island with the South Carolina Homestead exemption.

69 Chinaberry Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 | MLS #353824 | Zillow

$1202 a year.

204 Polk St, Tybee Island, GA 31328 | MLS #157058 | Zillow

$4243 a year.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by bellhead

To emphasize the difference in property taxes. Here is a property on HH Island with the South Carolina Homestead exemption.

69 Chinaberry Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 | MLS #353824 | Zillow

$1202 a year.

204 Polk St, Tybee Island, GA 31328 | MLS #157058 | Zillow

$4243 a year.

I would still opt for the Tybee house, if these are the comparables. Loads more character and charm, and a better location vis a vis the island.

[LittleMartha]

Belated thanks everyone. Bellhead, thanks for the tax comparisons.