Bluffton SC Real Estate
One of Beaufort County’s fastest growing areas, Bluffton is located on the picture-perfect May River and is just across the bridges from Hilton Head Island. Easily accessible via Hwy 278 and the new Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton is centrally located between Beaufort and Hilton Head and is an easy drive to Savannah, Georgia.
Featuring an outstanding mix of historic, Civil War-era homes, affordably priced condominiums, no-maintenance townhomes, starter homes, and sprawling estates, the community boasts an outstanding downtown area. Bluffton residents also enjoy some of Southern Beaufort County’s newest shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Area Attractions
- Historic Old Town is at the cultural core, with the Heyward House museum, quaint galleries, antique shops, and cafés and boutiques lining Calhoun and Boundary Streets.
- The Church of the Cross, an exquisite Carpenter Gothic landmark from 1857, stands as a testament to Bluffton’s resilience and enduring charm.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak or paddleboard along the May River, spotting dolphins and enjoying scenic excursions with local outfitters.
- The Bluffton Farmers’ Market, held weekly at Martin Family Park, is a beloved gathering spot for local produce, artisan goods, and live music.
Annual Events & Festivals
- Bluffton Village Festival (Mayfest), a springtime celebration established in 1978, brings artisans, live performances, and community spirit to the heart of town (en.wikipedia.org).
- Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, held each October, showcases regional art, seafood, kayak tours, and a festive 5K run (hiltonheadisland.org).
- Juneteenth Freedom Day and GullahFEST, celebrated at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, honor African American history and Gullah-Geechee culture through music, food, and storytelling (eventbrite.com).
- Community traditions like Fourth of July fireworks, Christmas parades, and summer lakeside events further bring neighborhoods together year-round (facebook.com).
Bluffton’s mix of timeless architecture, vibrant arts, and annual celebrations make it a standout community in the Lowcountry, where historic charm and modern vitality harmoniously coexist.
Bluffton SC Neighborhoods
Alston Park
Bartons Run
Baynard Park
Bluffton Park
Eagles Point
Edgefield
Gascoigne Bluff
Heritage at New Riverside
Heritage Lakes
Island West
Lake Linden
Lawton Station
Martins Place
Please see the additional Guide Pages for the larger/gated Bluffton neighborhoods
55+ Active Adult Communities
With the backdrop of the beautiful Lowcountry and temperate climate, early retirees and those fully retired are enjoying life in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area. Loaded with amenities and social clubs, there is no lack of opportunities for the residents in these communities.
Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks
The Haven at New Riverside
Sun City Hilton Head
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head
Schools
Bluffton is served by the Beaufort County School District, offering a variety of public, charter, and private education options across all grade levels.
Local colleges include University of South Carolina Beaufort and Bluffton Campuses and Technical College of the Lowcountry
Visit the Schools page in our Relocation Guide here.
Recognition & Press
Bluffton has earned its reputation as a cultural and tourism destination:
- Designated a Cultural Arts District by the South Carolina Arts Commission in 2015 and recertified in 2021, the town supports an impressive 120 cultural locations and over 30 annual events.
- Southern Living praised Bluffton for its mix of history, art, and coastal recreation and named Beaufort County No. 3. in “25 Most Popular Places to Retire.”
- Publications like USA Today and Travel + Leisure have highlighted Bluffton’s captivating small-town charm, riverfront experiences, and historic appeal.
- Palmetto Bluff named “20 Best Places to Live on the Coast” by Coastal Living
- Old Town Bluffton named “Most Picturesque Small Towns in Every State,” by USA Today