Why Live in Harbor Island
Harbor Island in Beaufort is a serene coastal neighborhood known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The private beach is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, protected by the Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program. The Island is also a key area for birdwatching, with freshwater lagoons and marshlands attracting thousands of wading birds each spring. The community is composed mainly of second homes, investment properties, and vacation rentals, with about 10 to 20 percent of residents living there year-round. Homes range from stilt cottages along the coastline to condos in the island's center, with prices varying from $200,000 for condos to $1.75 million for waterfront cottages. The Harbor Island Home Owners Association charges annual fees for maintenance and amenities, including a pool, playground, fitness center, and clay tennis courts. The 2.5-mile private beach is a popular spot for shell hunting and bird watching, while the inland saltwater creeks are ideal for crabbing and shrimping. Local dining options include Another Slice, Barefoot Bubba's, Boujee Bowls, and Johnson Creek Tavern, all located just outside the neighborhood gates. For groceries and essentials, residents drive about 13 miles to the mainland. The Beaufort County School District serves the area, with schools located 10 to 15 miles away on the mainland. Harbor Island is accessible via US Highway 21 and is about 50 miles from Hilton Head Island Airport and 85 miles from Historic Downtown Charleston. The area has a low crime risk compared to the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harbor Island a good place to live?
Harbor Island is a good place to live. Harbor Island is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Harbor Island has 1 park for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.7 people per acre and a median age of 66. The average household income is $105,934 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 65.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Harbor Island are home owners, with 6.6% of residents renting and 93.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Harbor Island can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Harbor Island neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Harbor Island?
The median home price in Harbor Island is $424,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $85,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,150 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $92K a year to afford the median home price in Harbor Island. The average household income in Harbor Island is $106K.
What are the best public schools in Harbor Island?
The best public schools that serve Harbor Island are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Harbor Island, Beaufort, SC?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Harbor Island, Beaufort, SC?
Are home prices dropping in Harbor Island?
Yes, home prices in Harbor Island are down 17% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Harbor Island, SC
On average, homes in Harbor Island, Beaufort sell after 103 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Harbor Island, Beaufort over the last 12 months is $371,500, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$371,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$682,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$732,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$389,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$259,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$371
Number of Homes for Sale
41
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Median List Price
$424,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%
