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22 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Hilton Head Island, SC [2023 Guide]

22 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Hilton Head Island, SC [2023 Guide] Featured Image

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Hilton Head Island is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. The lovely weather year-round, hundreds of dining options, and more than 12 miles of some of the best beaches in the United States are some of the reasons people who have spent their vacation here have decided to make Hilton Head Island their home.

If you are planning to move to Hilton Head Island, you are making one of the greatest decisions in your life, and I am so excited for you! Exactly what awaits you in Hilton Head? This article provides a list of 22 things to know before moving to South Carolina’s best beach town.

What to Know About the Weather

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What to Know About the Weather

Hilton Head is known for its pleasant year-round weather.

The months of April and May in Hilton Head Island, SC offer a prelude to summer, with temperatures still warm enough to enjoy a day at the beach. In April, expect temperatures in the high 70s and lows in the high 50s, while May daytime temperatures can reach the mid-80s and nighttime temperatures rest in the high 60s.

Summer is the best time for tourists to visit Hilton Head. During the month of June all the way through August, 90°F daytime temperature makes the ocean’s water most comfortable for swimming. This is also the time when the most rain is experienced, especially in August.

Hilton Head locals don’t experience the typical fall season. During the months of September and October, daytime temperatures don’t require a sweater, and you can still swim in the beaches. However, take note that this time is the peak hurricane season in the area.

These months welcome the least number of visitors because of the cold weather, except for those coming to spend Thanksgiving with their families. The coldest month of the year in Hilton Head Island is January, with an average low of 43°F and high of 59°F.

What to Know About the Beaches

Moving to Hilton Head Island means access to over 12 miles of uninterrupted white-sand beaches year round! This beach paradise off the coast of South Carolina is the perfect place for going on long romantic walks, bike rides with the family, and breathtaking wildlife viewing.

What to Know About the Beaches

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Located at the northwesternmost point of Hilton Head Island, Pine Island Beach is known for its rocky terrain which is perfect for picnics and camping.

Situated on the northern part of the east oceanfront, Palmetto Dunes offers access to multiple resorts such as Disney’s Beach House, Omni Hilton Head, Marriott, and Hampton Place.

Folly Field is a public beach that’s popular with both locals and visitors, with its clean and beautiful sandy shore and breathtaking sunrise.

Located at the backside of Port Royal Plantation, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa offers exclusive access to a secluded beach to Westin hotel guests and beach club members.

The Beach at The Westin

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Coligny Beach is a family-friendly public beach where kids can explore the Children’s Museum and have fun in a playground that features a replica of Captain William Hilton’s historic ship. It’s also just a short walking distance to some of the most popular beachside bars on Hilton Head.

Islanders Beach is a favorite among locals, where they spend the day with their families and furry friends. There are grills for cooking fresh catch and a picnic pavilion for enjoying an afternoon eating and drinking by the water.

This beach at the south end of the island is another preferred spot among the locals. There is a long boardwalk leading to the beach which is perfect for a game of beach volleyball. Kids have lots of fun on the shore looking for shells, nesting crabs, and enjoying the playground.

Even during high tide, Singleton Beach maintains a large sand spread. This is also a famous local hang-out located in the middle of the island. Bring a cooler and snacks, and watch the scenery unfold to reveal colorful corals, loggerhead sea turtles, snowy egrets, bald eagles, pelicans, and dolphins.

What to Know About the Restaurants

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What to Know About the Restaurants

If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll be glad to be moving to Hilton Head Island! Hilton Head is home to more than 250 restaurants that serve all kinds of international cuisine, including Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and French.

The Crazy Crab offers a unique waterfront dining experience overlooking Hilton Head’s famous Harbour Town Marina. The Alaskan Snow Crab Legs are the best on the island, winning local awards for several years.

The Old Oyster Factory offers a delightful experience for families and children of all ages. The menu features superb, innovative seafood and steaks and guests are treated to one of the Low Country’s best panoramic views of the marshland landscape.

Chow Daddy is one of the best restaurants to go to if you are craving Southern food. Meals are made with fresh, regionally sourced, high-quality ingredients that have been prepared using time-honored cooking techniques.

It’s Greek to Me serves the finest Greek food in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, made from family recipes. Barbara and Vassili Maniotis, together with their three children, have been cooking these timeless recipes that have been passed down to them for over 20 years.

Located in the heart of the historic art district of Bluffton, The Pearl Kitchen and Bar is known for its clean-eating, contemporary food preparations. Meals are made with some of the best fresh-catch seafood, certified steaks, and local produce available.

What to Know About the Nightlife

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What to Know About the Nightlife

After the sun goes down, locals and tourists leave the beaches and head on to waterfront pubs and watering holes that entertain with live music. There are as many options as there are beaches, but here are some of the best ones.

The Boardroom boasts a comprehensive cocktail and beer selection that highlights local brews as well as Californian, French, and Italian wines. Guests are entertained by local artists that provide music of varying genres every night.

One of the top jazz venues in South Carolina, this world-renowned club and restaurant is home to talented musicians that play sensational music as guests enjoy delicious Southern cuisine in an intimate, elegant atmosphere.

This casual waterfront joint is a great place to go to if you’re looking for a fun waterfront clubbing experience. Dance the night away to the resident DJ or live musical performances, and enjoy the drinks from their extensive list of beer, wine, and cocktails at the full bar.

What to Know About the Schools

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What to Know About the Schools

If you’re a parent moving to Hilton Head with school-age children, one of your priorities would be the quality of education in the area. Good news – whether you’re looking to send your kids to a public or a private school, you can rest assured that they will get an excellent education.

There are 5 public schools in Hilton Head, serving 3,927 public students. Students in these schools have an average Math proficiency score of 51%, which is higher than the South Carolina public school average of 47%. The Reading proficiency score of 51% is also higher than the state average of 49%.

The top-ranked public schools in Hilton Head Island, SC are:

  • Hilton Head Island High School
  • Hilton Head Island Elementary School
  • Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts

There are 5 private schools in Hilton Head, serving 1,241 students. The best top-ranked private schools in Hilton Head Island, SC are:

  • Heritage Academy
  • Hilton Head Christian Academy
  • Hilton Head Preparatory School
22 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Hilton Head Island, SC [2023 Guide]

Conclusion

Needless to say, moving to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is one of the best decisions anyone can make. If you’d like to explore your home options in the area, I’d love to show you all the properties that will suit your needs, preferences, and budget.

Feel free to contact me at (843) 304-0152 or send me an email at margaret@coastallivingrealestate.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aside from the pristine beaches, anyone who’s visiting Hilton Head should check out the Harbour Town Lighthouse, Harbour Town, Coastal Discovery Museum, and Stoney-Baynard Plantation.

Hilton Head has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm and humid summers.

The cost of living in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is 12% higher than the national average.