Young couple moving to Beaufort area (Charleston, Hilton Head Island: appointed, real estate, apartment complexes)

[krissy72]

Hello, My husband and I are possibly relocating to the Beaufort area in the very near future. I've read about how beautiful Beaufort is, I'm just afraid that being 25 years old there isn't going to be a whole lot for us to do. We're coming from a city more like Charleston, so that's the lifestyle that we're used to. Unfortunately, Charleston is not an option at this point.
I'm wondering if we'd be happier living in Bluffton (more to do to, closer to larger cities, etc.) and if it would be worth commuting to the hospital in Beaufort (for my husband). From my research it looks like a 35-40 minute drive? I'm also concerned about finding work for myself. I have a degree in education, but am currently a nanny, and loving my job. I'd really like to find a family to work for when we move, and I feel like I might have more opportunities in Bluffton, HHI, or Savannah.
We're both very nervous/excited, as this is our first real move, so any information or opinions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance

[Marshall4949]

Beaufort is very small. If you came from a city like Charleston, it is going to take some time to adjust. However, it's a nice place, and you can do much worse.

Beaufort is far better than Bluffton. There is nothing at all going on in Bluffton - I would not advise living there (lived there for a year). Hilton Head is even worse the Bluffton.

[GJBenn85]

What exactly is "going on" in Beaufort that Bluffton and Hilton Head do not have? Beaufort is a sleepier town than than either of its two neighbors to the south. Heck, it's a big deal when Beaufort gets a Zaxby's.

[oz in SC]

Bluffton really isn't any closer to cities than Beaufort really...well Savannah perhaps.

Hilton Head Island is hideous,it is however exactly what the retirees want.

What sort of 'things to do' are you looking for exactly?

[krissy72]

we definitely want to stay away from the retirees Are there many young people in Beaufort? We like to go to the movies, go out to dinner, shop, occasionally go to a bar (not clubs, but a nice relaxed kind of bar)...those types of things. We're thinking if we move near the water we'd like to get into kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Thanks for the responses thus far!

[Hollytree]

Like one of the previous posters said, Beaufort is very small. It's about one or two main streets and a small neighborhood of homes. That's all there is to it!!! We went through there last year & looked around. It's very pretty but quite tiny and we're from RI so we KNOW tiny!!

[GJBenn85]

Beaufort (including surrounding areas such as Port Royal, Lady's Island, etc.) is a fairly decent size but the most popular area--downtown--is only a few blocks long. As for things to do in Beaufort, it's a town of neighborhoods, a few chain restaurants, and is otherwise very "sleepy." I could personally never live there, you have to go to Bluffton for any half-decent shopping.

Beaufort is what you would expect of a small southern town. Bluffton and Hilton Head are more progressive in nature. I have been in the area ten years, Bluffton has grown tremendously in that time, Hilton Head is virtually built out, and Beaufort has had very little growth (few apartment complexes and fast food restaurants, and a Lowes, but beyond that not much is new).

There is a reason many people from Beaufort work and recreate in Bluffton and Hilton Head. Maybe you should consider that before looking down on Bluffton and Hilton Head just because we have a lot of retirees. I guarantee you there is more to do south of the Broad River than north of it. Of course, north of the Broad is quite a bit cheaper.

[krissy72]

GJBenn85 - I do apologize if I offended you. I do not look down on retirees at all. I've read that a lot of HHI's full-time residents are retirees, and personally I would like to start a family where there are plenty of other families and ample schools. Sorry about the misunderstanding, I'm just trying to get a feel about the young/family population in the area.

[GJBenn85]

I'm not offended, just trying to present facts as I occasionally sense a rivalry between Beaufort and Bluffton/Hilton Head. Keep in mind Bluffton has a lot of young families, many of the neighborhoods off Buckwalter are occupied by them. Most retirees are in the gated neighborhoods or in the homes closer to the water.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Beaufort, I just think you will be disappointed by the lack of things to do unless you head north to Charleston or south to Hilton Head, Bluffton, or Savannah. It seems you want a more active area with a younger crowd. Beaufort really does not fit that bill. I really do think Bluffton is your better bet unless real estate costs or rent are an issue in which case, Beaufort is less expensive.

[HHI Investing]

I have to agree with GJBenn85.....

There ARE things to do in Beaufort and Bluffton but most of the activities you seem to be describing would be found more-often-than-not in Savannah and Charleston.

I have lived in the Hilton Head area for 10 years now. I travel up to Charleston for a little business and to play beach volleyball quite often. It has a good diverse population and I've personally found many young, active, professional adults to socialize with. If you do choose to live in Beaufort, it's really not that far.