What to Expect When Relocating to Beaufort, SC
(And Why You'll Love Calling it Home!)
Thinking about making a move to Beaufort, South Carolina? Whether you're drawn by the waterfront lifestyle, the small-town charm, or the endless sunshine, relocating here means embracing a pace of life that's a little slower — and a lot sweeter. As a local real estate agent and longtime Lowcountry lover, I'm sharing everything you need to know to settle in with confidence.
Schools: Options for Every Family
Beaufort County offers a mix of public, private, and charter school options.
Public Schools: Managed by the Beaufort County School District, there are several local public schools that have their own unique characteristics
Charter Schools: Riverview Charter School and Bridges Prep are known for strong community involvement.
Private Schools: Beaufort Academy and Holy Trinity Classical Christian School offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs.
Higher Education: The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) and Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) provide great opportunities for college students or adults continuing their education.
Pro Tip: If you have school-aged kids, it’s helpful to research school zones before picking a neighborhood!
Utilities: Setting Up Service
Setting up your new home in Beaufort is straightforward:
Electricity: Dominion Energy or Palmetto Electric Cooperative
Water/Sewer: Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA)
Internet/TV: Sparklight (formerly Hargray), Brightspeed (formerly CenturyLink), Spectrum, and T-Mobile Home Internet all serve the area.
Waste & Recycling: Typically managed by the county or private providers depending on your address.
Pro Tip: Schedule your utility transfers before your moving date to avoid any lapse in service — especially important in the hot summer months!
Cost of Living: Affordable Coastal Living
Beaufort is often more affordable than bigger coastal cities like Charleston or Savannah.
Housing: Home prices have steadily risen but are still considered reasonable for a waterfront town.
Everyday Expenses: Groceries, gas, and healthcare costs are close to or just slightly below the national average.
Taxes: South Carolina is considered a tax-friendly state for retirees, with no Social Security tax and fairly low property taxes compared to the national average.
Pro Tip: Factor in flood insurance costs if you're buying near the water — it's a smart (and sometimes required) investment.
Commutes: A Breath of Fresh Air
Say goodbye to hours of gridlock!
Average commute times in Beaufort are around 20–25 minutes.
Most locals live within a 10-20 minute drive of their workplace, grocery stores, and schools.
Key roads include Boundary Street, Ribaut Road, and Highway 21, with quick access to nearby Port Royal, Lady’s Island, and even Hilton Head.
Pro Tip: If you're commuting to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort or Parris Island, traffic is light, but it’s smart to time around base openings and shift changes.
Weather: Sunshine (and a Little Humidity)
Beaufort boasts a classic coastal climate:
Summer: Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, humid, with occasional afternoon storms.
Winter: Mild, with highs around 60°F — yes, you might be wearing flip-flops in December!
Hurricane Season: June through November; it’s important to stay informed and have a plan.
Pro Tip: Invest in good ceiling fans and light, breathable clothing. A screened porch or shady backyard can make summer afternoons pure bliss.
Extracurriculars: Activities for All Ages
Beaufort is bursting with things to do, whether you’re 5 or 55:
Water Sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing are favorite pastimes.
Youth Sports: Soccer, baseball, and football leagues through the Beaufort County Parks & Rec Department and Upward Sports
Arts & Culture: Dance, theater, and art classes are available through various privately owned companies and non-profit organizations and other local studios.
Fitness: Yoga studios, boutique gyms, and running clubs thrive here (and the scenery makes outdoor workouts unbeatable).
Clubs & Community Groups: From book clubs to volunteer organizations, there are so many ways to get involved and several different types of organizations available, depending on your interests.
Pro Tip: Locals love festivals! Mark your calendar for events like the Water Festival in July, the Shrimp Festival in the fall, and the springtime Soft Shell Crab Festival in Port Royal.
Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition:
Visit First: If possible, spend a few weekends here to get a feel for the neighborhoods and daily rhythm.
Work with a Local Realtor: (Hi, I'm happy to help!) Having someone who knows the area can make a big difference, especially when it comes to understanding flood zones and hidden gems.
Plan for Guests: Once you live here, you'll have friends and family lining up to visit — consider an extra bedroom or flex space.
Get a Golf Cart: In neighborhoods like Fripp Island, Royal Pines, Pigeon Point, Port Royal, and Downtown, golf carts are not just fun — they’re a way of life.
Pack Light, Shop Local: Support Beaufort's small businesses when furnishing your home or picking up those coastal essentials.
Moving to Beaufort isn’t just a change of address — it’s a change of pace.
You’ll trade traffic for river views, high-rise buildings for historic charm, and crowded weekends for slow, golden sunsets.
When you’re ready to start your Beaufort journey, I’m here to help you find the perfect home to match your new lifestyle.