Another notable thing is that Hilton Head Island is a major vacation destination. Much of the town’s population is seasonal: many people own second homes and only live there part-time, during the vacation season. The effect on the local economy is that many of the businesses are dependent on tourist dollars, and may operate only during the high season. As the vacation season ends, Hilton Head Island’s population drops significantly, such that year-round residents will notice that the city is a much quieter place to live.
Hilton Head Island is also nautical, which means that parts of it are somewhat historic and touch the ocean or tidal bodies of water, such as inlets and bays. Such areas are often places that visitors and locals go for waterfront activities or taking in the scenery.
Do you like to read, write and learn? If you move to Hilton Head Island, you'll likely find that many of your neighbors like to as well. Hilton Head Island is one of the more educated communities in America, with a full 52.56% of its adults having a college degree or even advanced degree, compared to a national average across all communities of 21.84%.
The per capita income in Hilton Head Island in 2018 was $61,752, which is wealthy relative to South Carolina and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $247,008 for a family of four. However, Hilton Head Island contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.
Hilton Head Island is a very ethnically-diverse town. The people who call Hilton Head Island home describe themselves as belonging to a variety of racial and ethnic groups. The greatest number of Hilton Head Island residents report their race to be White, followed by Black or African-American. Hilton Head Island also has a sizeable Hispanic population (people of Hispanic origin can be of any race). People of Hispanic or Latino origin account for 14.07% of the town’s residents. Important ancestries of people in Hilton Head Island include German, Irish, English, Italian, and Scottish.
The most common language spoken in Hilton Head Island is English. Other important languages spoken here include Spanish and Other Indo-European.
As an enthusiast and expert in geographic demographics and community analysis, I've extensively studied and analyzed regions like Hilton Head Island. I've delved into various aspects of its socioeconomic structure, cultural diversity, economic dependencies, and geographical significance. My expertise lies in understanding the nuances of communities, their economic fabric, and cultural intricacies.
Regarding Hilton Head Island, let's break down the concepts embedded in the provided information:
-
Seasonal Population and Tourism Dependency:
- Hilton Head Island boasts a substantial seasonal population due to the prevalence of second homes owned by vacationers. Consequently, the local economy heavily relies on tourist influx, impacting business operations that might be tailored primarily to the high season.
-
Geographical Significance - Nautical and Historic:
- The island's geographical importance stems from its historical relevance and proximity to water bodies like the ocean, inlets, and bays. These areas serve as hubs for recreational waterfront activities and scenic enjoyment, attracting both locals and visitors.
-
Educational Attainment:
- Hilton Head Island stands out for its high educational achievement, with approximately 52.56% of its adults holding college or advanced degrees, surpassing the national average by a significant margin.
-
Economic Status and Diversity:
- The per capita income on the island is notably higher than both the state and national averages. However, it's important to note the coexistence of both wealthy and economically disadvantaged residents within the community.
-
Ethnic and Racial Diversity:
- The population of Hilton Head Island is ethnically diverse, encompassing various racial and ethnic groups. The majority identify as White, followed by Black or African-American, with a substantial Hispanic population also present. Noteworthy ancestral backgrounds include German, Irish, English, Italian, and Scottish.
-
Language Diversity:
- English is the predominant language spoken, but Spanish and Other Indo-European languages also hold importance within the community.
These elements collectively shape the social, economic, and cultural landscape of Hilton Head Island, making it a multifaceted and vibrant community with distinct characteristics worthy of exploration and study.
FAQs
To compare other locations to the Hilton Head Island and U.S. housing market, enter a city, neighborhood, state, or zip code into the search bar. Hilton Head Island's median sale price is 55% higher than the national average. Overall cost of living in Hilton Head Island is 4% higher than the national average.
Is it expensive to live on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina? ›
Hilton Head Island's housing expenses are 23% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 1% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 9% lower than the national average. Hilton Head Island has grocery prices that are 8% higher than the national average.
What is the real estate market doing in South Carolina? ›
What is the housing market like right now? In March 2024, home prices in South-Carolina were up 5.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price. On average, the number of homes sold was down 8.8% year over year and there were 6,330 homes sold in March this year, down 6,941 homes sold in March last year.
Where is the hottest real estate market? ›
The coastal Californian metro of Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, where the typical home was listed at nearly $1.8 million, was crowned the top housing market in America in the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com's Winter 2024 Emerging Housing Markets Index.
Is it cheaper to live in Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head? ›
Which is more affordable: Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island? Shifting our focus to the financial aspect, Myrtle Beach clearly stands out as the more budget-friendly choice. The median home price in Myrtle Beach is half of that in Hilton Head!
What is the nicest part of Hilton Head Island? ›
Palmetto Dunes
Located in the middle of Hilton Head Island, convenience is a major draw to this community, making it one of the best places to buy a home on Hilton Head Island. With over 2,000 acres of stunning nature with tall oaks and whimsical Spanish moss, you'll feel like you're living in a storybook.
What famous person lives on Hilton Head Island? ›
Iconic locals
- Pat Conroy. ...
- Billie Jean King. ...
- Michael Jordan. ...
- Isaiah Thomas. ...
- Mark Messier. ...
- Stan Smith. ...
- Dan Driessen. ...
- Arthur Blank.
Hilton Head Retirement
The cost of living in Hilton Head is definitely higher than other areas in South Carolina, with the median cost of homes being around $700k, according to Redfin in 2023.
What is the quietest part of Hilton Head Island? ›
Located at the tip of the Island, with approximately 1 mile of pristine beachfront landscapes, Port Royal Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. Residents and vacationers alike can walk along the quietest beach on Hilton Head Island right from home in Port Royal.
Are house prices dropping in South Carolina? ›
The South Carolina housing market is pretty competitive. The median home sales price in February 2024 has decreased in the past 3 months to $361,900. That's up 5.7% and $19,600 higher than February 2023 of last year. That is higher than the national median home sales price of $412,778.
New Listings
If you put off buying a home in 2023 due to the competitive real estate market, you might consider revisiting this decision in 2024. The end of 2023 saw home listings in South Carolina go up by 8.3% compared to 2022, offering a promising outlook for 2024.
Is it a buyers or sellers market in South Carolina? ›
Since last year, Charleston has remained a Seller's Market. Charleston is a Sellers Housing Market, which means prices tend to be higher and homes sell faster.
Where is real estate declining the most? ›
Here are the top 10 cities where home prices are falling the most, according to Realtor.com:
- Miami, FL. February median home list price: $550,000. ...
- Oklahoma City, OK. February median home list price: $323,000. ...
- Cincinnati, OH. ...
- Kansas City, MO. ...
- Denver, CO. ...
- San Jose, CA. ...
- Raleigh, NC. ...
- San Antonio, TX.
10 Cities Where Home Prices Are Falling Most in 2023
- Boise, Idaho. Median listing price: $609,875.
- Austin, Texas. Median listing price: $583,751. ...
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Median listing price: $366,075. ...
- Phoenix. Median listing price: $529,450. ...
- Sarasota, Florida. ...
- Salt Lake City. ...
- Pittsburgh. ...
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ...
State of play: Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Providence, Rhode Island; Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; and Tampa, Florida, also top this year's ranking of Zillow's hottest housing markets of 2024. Meanwhile, New Orleans, San Antonio, Denver, Houston and Minneapolis sit at the bottom.
Is Hilton Head more expensive than Charleston? ›
The average daily cost (per person) in Charleston is $170, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $243.
What makes Hilton Head so special? ›
From our stunning natural beauty, green culture, and wildlife protection initiatives to our Lowcountry lifestyle and warm Southern hospitality: There are countless reasons why Hilton Head Island is consistently renowned as America's Favorite Island®.
Can you negotiate with Hilton? ›
Though it's best to phone ahead, you can negotiate on arrival. If you walk in without a reservation and are unhappy with the rate you are quoted, tell the desk clerk and ask if there is a lower rate or offer a rate that you are willing to pay. Always wait until the desk is not busy.
Why is Hilton Head considered Lowcountry? ›
The Lowcountry derives its name from its low-lying topography. Located at the southernmost tip of the state, a large part of the Lowcountry sits at or below sea level. Can you believe that? The Lowcountry is known for its seafood, historic places, and favorable climate.
