Beaufort, SC Real Estate and Community Information

Beaufort, the county seat of Beaufort County, is located on Port Royal Island, one of the Sea Islands in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

To say that Beaufort is an historic community would be an understatement. Captain Jean Ribaut landed on Parris Island in 1562. Beaufort was chartered as a British city back in 1711, making it the second-oldest city in the state. Only Charleston is older. In the first half of the 19th century, Beaufort became known as the Newport of the South, as many wealthy businesspeople and financiers in the region chose to settle here. In keeping with the city's centuries-old heritage, it's historic district was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

Architectural Styles in Beaufort

Devotees of distinctive residential architecture love Beaufort. Among the many styles represented are Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Federal. The John Mark Verdier House is one of Beaufort's better known examples of the Federal style. This home was built by a French Huguenot in 1804. The exquisite restoration makes a visit that much more enjoyable. It's located in the historic downtown in the two-block-long shopping district on Bay Street. Art galleries and fine restaurants add to the experience.

Beaufort is the home of "Beaufort Style," This architectural style features t-shaped homes with rooms in the back facing outward to better capture the prevailing Southern breezes. The blue roof is another distinctive trait of this home-grown design.

The Pointe, Bluff and Downtown areas are well known for their shaded avenues, interesting shops and highly-rated restaurants. The Point neighborhood includes large manor-style homes on the river and Queen Anne architecture on Craven Street. The Bluff features plantation-style residences overlooking the Beaufort River, often framed by majestic oaks supporting healthy amounts of Spanish moss.

Beaufort Parks

Water is an ever-present element of life in Beaufort. Virtually every popular park features waterfront property. Scale the 170-ft, 1870s-era lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park so you can take in panoramic views from the observation deck. Stroll the pristine beach amid loggerhead turtles and sand dollars, and the daily busyness of life will quickly recede in your mind. It's possible to see everything from dolphins to deer during a visit to the most popular park in all of South Carolina. Birdwatching is a popular pastime here, thanks to the hundreds of bird species that frequent the park.

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is the perfect complement to the historic downtown area. After an evening stroll or carriage ride, dine at one of the restaurants fronting this green space. Enjoy fresh seafood prepared and served in imaginative ways.

After a day of enjoying all the recreational activities that Beaufort offers, why not experience a classic bit of true Americana at the Highway 21 Drive-in Theater? Enjoy a double feature under a full moon like others have done for generations. The Highway 21 Drive-in is one of only about 300 such theaters remaining in the United States.

Golfing Around Beaufort

Although residents often seek out the water in one venue after another, it's something to avoid at one of the area's championship golf courses. The Pines Course at Lady's Island Country Club stretches to an impressive 7,200 yards from the back tees. The heavily wooded, rolling terrain will punish shots that stray off-line. This is classic beach-style golf at its best.

The par-71 Sanctuary Golf Club at Cat Island is a modest 6,673 yards from the longest tees. The interplay between water, white sand bunkers and mature trees provides am experience that is at once both challenging and invigorating. The picturesque views and decent pace-of-play are added bonuses.

Year-round Fishing

While some sit back and savor the water views, others venture out in search of that trophy catch. Numerous fishing charters operate out of Beaufort, and it's easy to launch your own boat at number of locations. In the winter, lower temperatures clear area waters, revealing teeming schools of redfish that number in the hundreds or even thousands. Pursue them with fly fishing great or a light spinning rods for an added thrill. In the spring, the backwaters attract anglers interested in everything from sharks to flounder.

In the summer, sight fishing for redfish is often productive, while mackerel, lady fish and other species occasionally go into a feeding frenzy. Late in the year, head to the edges of the grassy areas and the oyster bars for speckled sea trout and redfish. Some of these fish weigh over 40 pounds.

Festivals and Special Events

Over the past decade, the Beaufort International Film Festival has grown in stature. Successful filmmakers, directors and actors receive special awards, and attendees see the latest in creative and high-impact productions. The festival is held in mid-February. In May, the Gullah Festival attracts more than 70,000 visitors to a celebration of Gullah heritage, arts and music. A Taste of Beaufort is another popular May festival held along the historic waterfront.

For ten days in July, the Beaufort Water Festival celebrates the Lowcountry lifestyle with over two dozen special events. Whether you enter the badminton tournament or revel in the fireworks reflecting off the water, you'll enjoy memorable times during this premier Beaufort event.

One of Beaufort's biggest events is held the first weekend of October. The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is a downtown event featuring live music, a 5k bridge run, arts & crafts and interesting competitions. Don't miss the Sea Island Rotary Charity Shrimp Race. Visitors sample fresh wild shrimp served in creative and tasty ways.

Beaufort's location in South Carolina's Lowcountry is just a short drive from Interstate 95, so it's an easy drive south to the arts, culture and entertainment of nearby Savannah, Georgia.

Beaufort has been named by Southern Living as a "Small Town We Love." In 2013, the readers of Coastal Living named Beaufort as America's happiest seaside town. Come find out why Beaufort is the subject of such praise. To learn more about all that this historic community has to offer, contact Rita Cymbalista.