Homes for Rent in Harbor Island, Beaufort

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.