Palmetto Bluff has been a playground for the rich and famous since its inception in the early 1900s. Its 32 miles of riverfront and secluded Lowcountry landscape initially attracted some of New York’s most elite families, including the Vanderbilts. Today, Maria Skrip says, “it’s still just as exclusive.” Skrip, a local broker and co-owner of RE/MAX Dream, says, “There’s a huge five-diamond hotel over there called The Montage. It has this beautiful spa that I’ve actually been to, and I mean, wow - it is very posh.” In fact, she adds, “Haley and Justin Bieber got married in the little chapel right there a couple years back.” Around the hotel, there are a couple of riverside restaurants and a neighborhood market, but it’s mostly riverfront homes and Lowcountry recreation in Palmetto Bluff. “It’s a little off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it so ultra-exclusive,” Skrip says. “There’s nowhere else in Beaufort County quite like Palmetto Bluff.”
Montage Palmetto Bluff is a five-star Hotel that is sure to please with its amenities.
Buffalos is one of the restaurants in Palmetto Bluff.
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Classic Lowcountry architectural styles with a contemporary twist
Palmetto Bluff is divided into two subdivisions featuring English, French and Greek architecture with a contemporary twist. Renowned developers, the South Street Brothers began developing the luxury gated community in the early 2000s. They started with Wilson Village. Outlined with neatly laid, red-brick sidewalks, this section includes the Montage Hotel and May River Golf Course. Its more traditional, Southern-style homes feature deep front porches that blend in among moss-draped oaks. Moreland Village is a bit more contemporary, with most homes built after 2015. Lower sloping roofs and larger windows highlight the waterfront and marshland views. In terms of flooding, Skrip says, “It’s kind of a mixed bag of tricks in there.” She adds, “Pretty much – if it’s a waterfront property, it’s probably going to require flood insurance.” As of 2024, Palmetto Bluff’s annual POA fees were just over $11,500, along with an additional $40,000 one-time initiation fee. The listing prices demonstrate it’s “ultra exclusivity,” Skrip says. “I’d be surprised if you can find anything under a million in there.” She’s right. Besides the empty land lots, which start at $500,000, most of the listings in Palmetto Bluff range between $1.5 million and $5 million.
There are so many beautiful homes in Palmetto Bluff, some have beautiful red brick sidewalks.
The May River Golf Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is loved by many golfers.
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Premier equestrian facilities and riverfront golf courses
From premier golf courses and resort-style pools to bass fishing and boating, Palmetto Bluff offers some of the South’s finest outdoor recreation. Jack Nicklaus carefully designed the eco-friendly Paspalum turf fairways at the May River Golf Club. Golfers can try a different way of playing on the new, reversible 9-hole course. The Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club has two croquet lawns, eight tennis courts, and six pickleball courts. “They’ve also got a shooting range and an equestrian center over there,” Skrip says. “I’ve actually sold several homes to real-deal horse people in Palmetto Bluff, and they all say the facilities are incredible.” The neighborhood stocks largemouth bass and bream in its manufactured lakes; but with 32 miles of riverfront and community boat docks, it’s easy for residents to set sail and spend a day deep sea fishing.
Longfield Stables is an equestrian riding facility that offers trail rides, lessons, and more.
Boats head out on the water for a day of fishing.
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Race through the Lowcountry at the annual Buffalo Run
The annual Buffalo Run is one of the biggest days of the year in Palmetto Bluff. Honoring the buffalo that used to live on the Bluff, the event features a 10K, 30K and 50K trail race through the Lowcountry land.
Canoe Club is a members and residents-only restaurant
Palmetto Bluff’s private farm supplies fresh produce for all the local restaurants. Residents and other club members can enjoy a fine dining experience right on the river at Canoe Club. Over in Moreland Village, Cole’s is another members-only restaurant with a 17-seat bar and big-screen televisions. Anyone can sit down and order a Lowcountry coastal dish at Buffalos. Fine meat cuts, fresh seafood and homemade pastries are found at RT’s Market. Reminiscent of an old general store, this neighborhood staple sells groceries and a long list of wines.
RT's provides food and gas to the residents and guests at Plantation Bluff.
At the Canoe Club, you can rent a Kayak or other watercraft to enjoy on the water.
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H.E. McCracken Middle has a STEAM Program
The Beaufort County School District serves Palmetto Bluff. Pritchardville Elementary earns a B-plus on Niche. H.E. McCracken Middle is an arts-integrated STEAM school that scores an A-minus. May River High also gets an A-minus. Its remodeled campus features a state-of-the-art media center with a central coffee café.
May River High School is a highly-rated High school.
H.E. McCracken Middle School strives to give the best education to their students
Pritchardville Elementary
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Take Old Palmetto Bluff Road to the highway
Old Palmetto Bluff Road leads outside the gates and connects to State Road 46. Also known as May River Road, SR 46 connects to Old Town Bluffton in about 10 miles and Hilton Head Island in about 20 miles. The highway links to Interstate 95, which runs north-south along the entire East Coast. From here, it’s just 30 miles to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
In Old Town Bluffton, you find nice small shops with unique items.
The Savannah Hilton Head International Airport is a short drive down Interstate I-95.
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Located within the coveted South Wilson neighborhood of Palmetto Bluff, 19 Refuge Street offers a rare opportunity to build your dream Lowcountry retreat in one of the community's most sought-after enclaves. Accessible via a charming gated bridge that spans the freshwater trail, South Wilson feels like a private island - quiet, established, and filled with character. Positioned just south of
Architectural elegance & Lowcountry charm converge in this masterfully designed (D. Procida) & built (JParker Homes) River Road home in Palmetto Bluff. Soaring cathedral ceilings flood the space with natural light, enhancing the open, airy layout with tranquil park views. A private screened courtyard patio & 3 additional porches offer seamless indoor-outdoor living. Timeless finishes, refined
Carefully crafted in color, contrast, and rich textures, this modern Italian farmhouse inspired home makes the most of its nearly half-acre site with a three-bedroom main house, guest cottage, detached garage with full guest suite, a floating dock, and exceptional outdoor living. The property is situated along the Inland Waterway making it easy to enjoy the screened porches, outdoor kitchen, and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Schroeder,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,801
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$92,732
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,427
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
44.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
% Population in Labor Force
55.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
