Artsy towns in SC (Charleston, Myrtle Beach: to rent, crime, home)

[marino2000]

Hi all, I'm researching different coastal towns in sc to vacation in this summer. I'm hoping to stay 2-4weeks to get a real feel for the area. I'm looking for an eclectic area that has a lot of interesting local art as well as architectural charm. I envision myself walking to town with my dog to get a cup of coffee; explore art galleries; and lounge on the beach. I've looked at Beaufort, Port Royal, Charleston (although a bit more expensive), & Hilton Head.
Since I've never been to these areas, I want to rent a place in a safe neighborhood. Any information on these areas will be much appreciated!
Thanks!

[mrpeatie]

Not Hilton Head. Maybe Pawleys Island/Georgetown. Chareston's arts scene is pretty conservative and is focussed a lot on tourist tastes although there are one or two galleries with more current work. For about a month each year it hosts a huge arts festival (Spoleto) that brings in artists and performers from all over. However that is also the most expensive time to visit Charleston.

Beaufort might be a good pick. Also if you are willing to go as far South as Beaufort you can just as easily try Savannah which is a great walkable city and has its own arts school. With Beaufort or Savannah you'll have to go to a barrier island to be at the beach (but this is true of every SC coastal city except Myrtle Beach.)

[baylovers]

Georgetown has a couple of art shops/galleries on Front St. It has that old south downtown feel. It is certainly more walkable than Pawleys which is spread out a bit. Cheryl Newbie gallery & Brookgreen Gardens are the art centers. There are several boutique type shops at the Hammock shops, Village shops & the Island Shops.

Read up on Gtown though. There is a steel mill right on Hwy 17 that is quite unsightly & the paper mill which is down the river a bit does send a nasty sulfer smell ocross the city if the wind is blowing the right way.

[Old Nurse 2]

I am also looking at Beaufort, but not as an artistic place..."Southern Living" magazine featured it in their December issue as a desirable place to live, even listing it in a...Dream Home "Giveaway."
From what I'm learning, the property crime level there is higher than the state average.
I'm wondering how desirable/safe an area it really is--I can tell you from experience that living in an historic district SOUNDS great, but you will be a sitting duck when it comes to being targeted for break-ins and need to be aware and on guard.

[Hawaii Beth]

I would recommend Beaufort.
I lived in Port Royal for the past year and loved every minute of it. If you want SMALL, SAFE, & QUIET it is the place. If you are over 30 and want nightlife, it isn't for you.
Beaufort is going to have the architectural charm [think mini-Charleston] with many local artists and writers. Slow paced, southern low-country. If you have seen "The Big Chill" or "The Great Santini" or "Forrest Gump" you already know what it looks like.
Beaufort and Port Royal are very walker friendly & less espensive than the retired tennis/golf scene on Hilton Head. A wonderful waterfront park runs behind the tourist shops and restaurants on Bay Street in Beaufort.
The area is basically a triangle with Beaufort, Port Royal (Parris Island), and Lady's Island being the points. It is about an hour from Charleston or Savannah so is a nice home base to work from.
Enjoy some great food at the local restaurants.