About the Region
“Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands”
Beaufort, the second oldest city in South Carolina, is part of the large and growing economic, cultural and recreational hub that takes in parts of the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.
The city is 75 miles south of Charleston, 55 miles north of Savannah and 40 miles from Hilton Head Island. Surrounded by majestic coastal marshland, it is only minutes away from 30 miles of clean beaches.
Though Beaufort is still considered a small town, the population of the county of which it's part has more than doubled since 1990, from 86,425 to 187,117. With a steady stream of new residents and military personnel, a booming tourism business and sea island development, this growth is likely to continue.
"Heart of the Lowcountry"
Bluffton, located in the 'center' of Beaufort County, is one of the fastest growing towns, not only in the state of South Carolina, but in the Southeastern region of the United States.
Incorporated in 1852 as a one-square mile river town, the 'heart of the Lowcountry' boasts a continuously growing population of nearly 14,000 residents across its now 52 square miles.
A number of historic buildings, homes, sites and landmarks are nestled among modern residential and commercial construction, housing what is described as an eclectic mix of residents and businesses.
A Rich History
The historically vibrant Lowcountry of South Carolina is home to many of America's earliest developments. Traces of the first inhabitants, the Archaic Indians, date back 4,000 years. The first Europeans arrived in 1521 aboard Spanish galleons. For two centuries after the Spanish landed, they—along with the French, English and Scots—battled over the coastal plain, while Yemassee and Tuscarora Indians fought to protect their claims. These settlements and explorations gave way in turn to Colonial, Revolutionary, Antebellum, Civil War and Reconstruction periods that each left a lasting mark.
Defining the Lowcountry of today is a large collection of well-preserved antebellum houses and live oaks that have earned National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks' honors. Museums across the area include: the John Mark Verdier House, Penn Center, the Heyward House Museum, the Beaufort History Museum, the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and Harbour Town and Hunting Island Lighthouses.
Many Recreational and Educational Opportunities
Recreational venues across Beaufort County include boat landings and marinas, public parks, championship golf courses and tennis/pickleball courts, with fishing, other nature-based activities and historical and architectural tours on ready offer. Beaufort's Spanish Moss Trail is a favorite among runners, cyclists and birdwatchers. Pedestrian and bike-friendly Hilton Head Island offers 64 miles of public pathway and natural trails, as well as 12 miles of public beach access.
A strong mix of public and private schools serve 17% of the county's population and two postsecondary schools offer higher education opportunities: University of South Carolina Beaufort and Technical College of the Lowcountry, a major workforce training institution.
Most of the year Beaufort is blessed with warm coastal weather. Though the winter months can get chilly, the fall, spring and summer bring temperatures averaging from the breezy 60s to the sunny 90s.
