Your Guide to Moving
to Hilton Head Island

The best community depends on your lifestyle. Sea Pines offers the most prestige and rental potential ($400K–$15M+). Palmetto Dunes is ideal for active families with three golf courses and a marina. Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton is the Lowcountry's most exclusive address for ultra-luxury buyers. Hilton Head Plantation offers the best value for full-time residents. Download our free relocation guide for a complete community comparison.

South Carolina offers some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Primary residents receive a 4% assessment ratio versus 6% for non-primary residences, which can save thousands annually. There is no state income tax on Social Security benefits. Our free guide covers the full tax picture for buyers.

Most of Hilton Head Island is in a FEMA flood zone. Flood insurance is required for mortgaged properties in high-risk zones and strongly recommended for all properties. Rates vary significantly by zone, elevation, and construction type. Donna Gilmore helps buyers evaluate flood risk before making an offer.

The typical timeline from offer to closing is 30–45 days. Cash purchases can close in 14–21 days. South Carolina provides a due diligence period of 10–14 days for inspections and HOA document review. Most buyers visit 1–2 times before purchasing.

Yes. Hilton Head is consistently ranked among the best retirement destinations in the U.S. The island offers world-class golf, 12 miles of beaches, excellent healthcare, a mild climate (average 65°F), no state income tax on Social Security, and a welcoming year-round community of approximately 42,000 residents.

The median home price on Hilton Head is approximately $769,000 as of 2026. HOA fees range from $2,000 to $15,000+ per year depending on the community. Club memberships are separate and can range from $5,000 to $100,000+ in initiation fees. The overall cost of living is moderate compared to other luxury coastal markets.

Rental policies vary by community. Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes allow short-term rentals and have strong vacation rental markets. Communities like Wexford and Long Cove do not permit rentals. Our free guide includes a community comparison table showing rental policies for every major community.

Donna Gilmore is a licensed Realtor specializing in luxury real estate on Hilton Head Island. As Director of Operations at COAST brokered by eXp Realty — the #1 eXp team in South Carolina with over $1 billion in total sales volume — Donna provides expert guidance for buyers relocating to the island.