A Chicagoan in Hilton Head? (Charleston, Hilton Head Island: fit in, wages, living)

[ChikidII]

So there is a chance that I might have to move to Hilton Head, SC. I just have a few questions to see if some of you could elaborate for me. Also, just so you know I would definitely check the place out before I make a final decision but it's good to get feedback on these boards.

So I was raised in Chicago, live here now and love the city life. I am currently 26. However, as much as I am city boy, I am also a nature and beach person. Love being outdoors and at the beach. There are only two kinds of places that I don't like, suburbs and boring small towns (that have nothing to do outdoors, culturally and aren't naturally pretty places, ie, like many small towns in the midwest). I also can't deal with places that are super conservative or uncultured.

I know Hilton Head offers a lot for outdoor living so in that department I know I would be happy. However, what else does it offer? Will I find many other twenty years olds? I don't need a crazy nightlife but are there at least some nice bars with a young crowd? How are the restaurants? Is the population pretty cultured? Is it a conservative place?

I know I asked a lot, but any help would be appreciated!

[Fripper]

Yes, HHI is a beautiful place, is it right for a 26 year old....not sure. There are a lot of retirees in the area, on the other hand there are quite a few 20 somethings mostly working in the service industry. There is a bar scene and good restaurants on the island, but in the summer months overrun by tourist. Having only visited and never lived on HHI, I am sure others could give you a better idea. Coming from Chicago you may find Charleston or Savannah more to your liking.

[WanderingImport]

Honestly, Hilton Head doesn't have much going on for anyone in their 20's. Coming from Chicago, you may possibly go a bit crazy with boredom IMO. Savannah is 45 minutes to your south and Charleston is an hour and a half to your north where you'll find most of your culture and fun. Nothing compares to Chicago though!

What does Hilton Head have? It has the Atlantic coast, outlet malls, Hunting Island isn't too far away (45 minutes) as far as nature is concerned, golfing is abundant in the area as well as history. That is pretty much it as far as I can think of at this point.

Personally, when I think of Hilton Head, I think of retirees, manicured lawns and the sprawl of Bluffton (the town on the mainland next to HHI).

[innovator82]

I have to agree with the thoughts above. What defines HHI is tourists and retirees. However that is not to say that there isn't a permanent population on the island and in neighboring Bluffton as well. I have known several 20-something friends and acquaintances I can think of who moved to HHI because of the allure to them of that area - one got a job as a teacher, one a dentist, and one as a financial planner. There is a small night-life scene like any resort town. It does look like there is a Young Professionals group through the chamber - maybe you could look them up with some quetions Chamber Young Professionals Group Hilton Head Island - Chamber Young Professionals Group at Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber Of Commerce - Jan 25, 2012 5:30 pm | Eventful

I guess it all depends on what is bringing you to HHI - it's not the first place you would think of for someone in their 20's who likes big cities and needs a lot going on culturally - but if you are moving there for a job and go with an open mind, you can make it work.

Also: Savannah is a great city for culture and young professionals - it's like 35 miles away from HHI on local roads.

[le roi]

Originally Posted by ChikidII

Will I find many other twenty years olds?

No. It's one of the last places I'd want to live at age 20... boring, mediocre wages, and very expensive.

[Francois]

Originally Posted by ChikidII

I know Hilton Head offers a lot for outdoor living so in that department I know I would be happy. However, what else does it offer? Will I find many other twenty years olds? I don't need a crazy nightlife but are there at least some nice bars with a young crowd? How are the restaurants? Is the population pretty cultured? Is it a conservative place?

Hilton Head is mostly a (wealthy) tourist destination. NOTHING like Chicago, NOTHING. Mostly it will be older people on vacation. If you're unsure whether you'd fit in, you owe it to yourself to pay a visit before accepting the job.

[ranger17]

i'd add to the 'Savannah' thought process. HHI is a nice place to visit, but the entire SC/GA area offers plenty of outdoors options and if nightlife is important HHI may not be it. But as mentioned, Savannah is a short drive--and being from Chicago you may be well versed in transit times longer then that

[southbel]

Let's face it. If the OP is looking for a place that is not conservative, South Carolina is likely not the place. While there are some small enclaves of less conservative locations in South Carolina, we are a pretty overwhelmingly conservative state. I think the Western coast (e.g. Oregon, Washington) would be a better fit.

[sonofaque86]

I'd move to Florida

[ChikidII]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I decided to turn it down cause it looks like Hilton head nor sc are for me. Thanks again.