beaufort bluffton relocation (crime, houses, safe neighborhood)

[lacecrazy]

Wow, I'm so disappointed because it has been my dream for many years to move there, and now I find out it is riddled with violence, crime, and illegal immigrants. Then on top of that, I'm a "Northerner", although I don't think I am rude but maybe a bit impatient at times. The wheels are already in motion regarding our move, and I can't back out. I guess I won't shop at Krogers either. Thank you for all the info.

[GJBenn85]

Originally Posted by lacecrazy

Wow, I'm so disappointed because it has been my dream for many years to move there, and now I find out it is riddled with violence, crime, and illegal immigrants. Then on top of that, I'm a "Northerner", although I don't think I am rude but maybe a bit impatient at times. The wheels are already in motion regarding our move, and I can't back out. I guess I won't shop at Krogers either. Thank you for all the info.

LOL, do not let a single person's opinion disappoint you. While everything they said is true to some degree, the crime is highly exaggerated and this area is still far safer than your typical city. With few exceptions, most of the violent crime here is black on black, black on hispanic, or hispanic on hispanic, and is concentrated in select areas. All races are responsible for break-ins. Using common sense, like any place, goes a long way in avoiding becoming the victim of a crime. Bluffton and Hilton Head are no longer sleepy little towns; there has been significant growth (sprawl and population) over the past decade and it is inevitable that crime will increase. Still, unlike the implications of the other person's post, you will not be a victim of a crime at every turn you make.

The public schools in Beaufort County do suck and I have honestly never heard anyone say or think otherwise. Illegal immigrants are a problem but they are not here in nearly the numbers they were in 2004 and 2005, mostly thanks to recent a crackdown on illegals and the downturn in the economy.

[lacecrazy]

Thank you so much for a little encouragement. Would you recommend a gated community over an ungated? We really don't want to live in a large community...the bigger communities seem to bring bigger problems. It's going to be difficult finding the right spot. We are baby boomers but don't want to live in a retirement community. Thank you so much for your help.

[GJBenn85]

I prefer gated simply because they tend to be nicer neighborhoods but they are not immune to crime. However, the difference is the crime in a gated community is mostly from residents within that neighborhood (teens, mostly).

[poppie]

I wouldn't take one person's bad experience as gospel. I lived in Bluffton for the past 10 years before relocating due to a job. We were quite happy there. I know you are concerned with your daughter fitting in the schools. There are so many newcomers to the area that you don't tend to get singled out as "the new kid". My daughter went to Bluffton Elementary and they had almost one new student a day enroll.

I have friends in both Rose Hill and Island West. Island west is newer, so you won't run into the problem of needing to replace the AC, roof, appliances, etc. as fast. Eagle's point is OK, but the houses are a little close together for my taste. I would try to stick with a neighborhood that is built out. One of the Centex developments started out pretty high end, but when sales dried up, they started building starter homes in the same neighborhood. You might be able to find something on the island in HH Plantation with prices coming down the way they are. People are trying to sell their second homes and there are some deals to be found.

check out hiltonheadmls.com. They list everything in the area and it is easy to search by plantation.
Also, the schools are considerably better in Hilton Head and Bluffton than in Beaufort. You said you'd be flying in to Charleston. The Savannah airport is considerably closer and flights are usually cheaper than out of charleston.

good luck

[lacecrazy]

Does Bluffton offer a good, quality life? Is the health care satisfactory? Thanks

[paxquest]

Anybody cares to help with lacecrazy's questions?

[GJBenn85]

Beaufort, Savannah, and Charleston offer superior health care.

[oz in SC]

Bluffton has terrible traffic problems,as does everywhere that way in Beaufort County.

As to healthcare,no idea.

You might want to look at buying a already built home in Bluffton,right now you should be able to get a great deal as that area is flooded with homes and prices are dropping.

Of course sellers probably do not want to realise how much they have lost if they bought in the last few years.

Crime in our county is underreported in my opinion,don't want to frighten potential buyers away....especially when it comes to property crimes.

If you are retiring and this will be your last home I would wonder why a person would choose the Beaufort area,unless your life revolves around golf.

[usmcfamily]

Originally Posted by lacecrazy

Wow, I'm so disappointed because it has been my dream for many years to move there, and now I find out it is riddled with violence, crime, and illegal immigrants. Then on top of that, I'm a "Northerner", although I don't think I am rude but maybe a bit impatient at times. The wheels are already in motion regarding our move, and I can't back out. I guess I won't shop at Krogers either. Thank you for all the info.

Hi Lacecrazy! I lived on Lady's Island, Beaufort and absolutely LOVED it! We were heartbroken when we moved. Job opportunity brought us up north. I have hope of returning someday!

I would recommend Lady's Island - very safe. Don't know your price range but there is a wide range of nice communities. Hunting Island and Fripp Island are a short drive and quaint downtown Beaufort is even closer.

There is a Publix for groceries. A little pricey but wonderful bakery, produce and very clean, nice store.

Bluffton is being developed so quickly that it lacks appeal to me. Cookie cutter developments. However, real estate there is more affordable than parts of Beaufort.

Good luck! It's a beautiful area and I think you will love it there!