Hardeeville Real Estate and Community Information

History

One of the fastest growing cities in the Southeast, Hardeeville was initially founded in 1911. Its history began long before then. Native Americans settled close to the present day Millstone Landing, near the shores of the Savannah River. Swiss Huguenots briefly settled in the area. Their settlement only lasted a decade as residents were drawn away to nearby Savannah. Soon after, William Hardee founded a new railroad station. The railroad followed the same path as the current CSX railroad through town. The station was located on Highway 17 near St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

In the early 20th century, the Argent Lumber Company opened for business in Hardeeville. The lumber mill was the leading employer in Hardeeville and operated four railroad engines. In 1959, the lumber mill and railroad cars closed down. Timber and jobs were shipped elsewhere, although timber companies continue to own a lot of the land around Hardeeville.

After the lumber company closed, tourism became a very important source of revenue for the city. Motorists often passed through the city on U.S. Route 1. Hotels and restaurants became plentiful along U.S. Route 1. These establishments served travelers with lodging, food and southern hospitality. Initially, in the 50s, the hotels operated as small, locally owned businesses. Today, national chain hotels and restaurants dominate the area. Hardeeville remains focused on serving tourists and guests passing through the town.

In the 1990s, things began to change in Hardeeville. The land in Hardeeville began to increase in value due to the town’s closeness to Hilton Head and Savannah. The timber companies began selling large tracts of land to developers. This development is the backbone of the sustainable growth that Hardeeville is currently experiencing.

Hardeeville is primed to become a leading city in South Carolina as it moves into this new century. Hardeeville is in the process of experiencing growth. As the population increases, city planners will work to makes sure that the town retains its strong sense of community and small town roots.

Things to Do

Millstone Landing
Millstone Landing overlooks the picturesque Savannah River. Millstone Landing offers anglers and boaters great access to one of the best fishing areas in the south.

Savannah Wildlife Refuge
This large wildlife refuge lies on both the South Carolina and Georgia sides of the Savannah River. Established in 1927, the refuge’s 28,168 acres include tidal freshwater marsh and bottomland hardwoods. Over 3,000 acres of upland hardwoods can be found along the eastern boundary. An additional 3,000-acre impoundment system exists for waterfowl and migratory wading birds. These freshwater impoundments were originally the rice fields of plantations that date back to the 1700’s.

River Street in Savannah
River Street is located approximately fifteen minutes from downtown Hardeeville. More than seventy restaurants line this street. There is an abundance of art galleries, shops and hotels. Many of the hotels are located in unique converted cotton warehouses. Visitors from all over the world come to River Street to enjoy southern hospitality and riverfront charm. There are a number of festivals that take place on River Street throughout the year. Some of these include Oktoberfest, the Great Atlantic Seafood Festival and St. Patrick’s Day on the River.

Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is less than thirty minutes from Hardeeville. This barrier island is a semi-tropical oasis. Hilton Head was the first eco-planned destination in the United States. It has a pristine natural environment and offers a number of activities. Visitors can explore networks of creeks and lagoons, fertile salt marshes and forests of moss-draped oaks. Twelve miles of sandy beaches provide enjoyment of the entire family. Other attractions include numerous tennis courts, championship golf courses, luxurious hotels and fine restaurants.

Local Schools

Hardeeville has excellent public and private schools. These help contribute to a vibrant and activity community. Hardeeville provides the opportunity for all students to achieve the skills they need to live successfully, obtain satisfactory work and be productive members of society. The area schools work hard to make sure students have the skills needed to help prepare for the city’s growth.
Jasper County School District serves the area. Here are the city’s main schools:

• Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School- The main high school. Its mission is to help prepare students to excel in a global world
• Jasper County Alternative School-Committed to serving students who require an alternative structured educational setting
• Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School-Helps middle school students prepare for success in high school and beyond
• Hardeeville Elementary School- This elementary school’s goal is to provide a safe environment where all students are empowered to achieve success
• Ridgeland Elementary School- This provides students with the opportunity to learn academic and social skills that will prepare them for middle school
• Royal Live Oaks Academy Charter School-This is an excellent arts and sciences charter school. It offers free tuition for students in the area

Hardeeville, South Carolina is the perfect place to call home. The city has a number of amenities to offer. In addition, residents can take advantage of the numerous activities available in popular tourist areas, Savannah and Hilton Head Island. If you are considering relocating to Hardeeville, contact Rita Cymbalista, from Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties today to find out more information about the community. Rita is a licensed Realtor with extensive knowledge of Hardeeville and the surrounding areas.