Port Royal

Port Royal

Located in Beaufort County

$402,793 Average Value
$257 Average Price per Sq Ft
53 Homes For Sale

"Cool. Coastal. Far from Ordinary."

Port Royal is a historic small town deep in marshy Lowcountry, bounded by saltwater tributaries, salt marshes and the Port Royal Sound. "I can't drive down into Port Royal and not look at the water and walk in the sand," says local broker Maria Skrip, co-owner of RE/MAX Dream. She's sold homes across Beaufort County for nearly two decades. "I love to roll down my windows and smell the salt air."

The town of just over 16,000 residents has retained a quiet feel since its 16th-century founding, drawing residents for its town center, events and location on the water. But Port Royal is growing. "They approved the plans for a huge marina just the other day," Skrip says. "The town is going to become really popular, and they're going to develop a mix of homes and businesses along the marina," Skrip says.

Port Royal is near the Marine Corps Air Station and Parris Island, a Marine Corps Recruit Depot. "Parris Island is where they make Marines. It's one of two places in the United States where you can go to Marine Corps boot camp," Skrip says. "Military is the number one industry in the area, followed by tourism." Parris Island is open to the public and features a museum and golf course.

Port Royal is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
Port Royal is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
Life on the water is a staple of Port Royal.
Life on the water is a staple of Port Royal.
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Historic Lowcountry-style homes and villas

The median home price in Port Royal is $387,000, which is just under the national median. The city's oldest homes are in the historic town center. "Down in the little village of Port Royal, there are a lot of Lowcountry-style houses and cottages, along with a few townhomes and villas," Skrip says. Most mid-century homes are north of U.S. Route 21 and in neighborhoods like Shell Point, and 21st-century housing developments started to pop up west of Battery Creek.

Mossy oak trees shade the historic Homes of Port Royal.
Mossy oak trees shade the historic Homes of Port Royal.
Homes in Port Royal are mostly mid-century ranch styles.
Homes in Port Royal are mostly mid-century ranch styles.
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A day on Battery Creek

Fishing and boating are top activities in Battery Creek and the Port Royal Sound. Pockets of land preserve and spotlight natural flora and wildlife. Cypress Wetlands in the town's center provides a rookery and a raised boardwalk where alligators and turtles are often spotted. Trails and boardwalks crisscross the city, connecting locals with beaches and water overlooks. "The Sands Beach is a great place to go and look for shark teeth or lay out and get some sun," Skrip says. While several parks overlook the water, a few inland parks dot the city, offering sports facilities.

Go fishing or enjoy other water activities in Port Royal.
Go fishing or enjoy other water activities in Port Royal.
Walk the Port Royal pier that wraps around the waters edge.
Walk the Port Royal pier that wraps around the waters edge.
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Dinner with a view at Fishcamp on 11th Street

Port Royal has a small, historic town center with several restaurants and independent businesses. "My hair salon is right in one of the little cottages along Paris Avenue," Skrip says. "And I love the farmers market they have every Saturday. You can get lovely produce, farm-fresh eggs, beautiful flowering plants and even homemade perogies." The town center is surrounded by water on three sides, and coastal cuisine is a local specialty. Fishcamp on 11th Street is arguably the city's most popular restaurant. "[Fishcamp] always has some kind of live music," Skrip says. "It's fabulous to go on their deck, listen to music and watch the sunset." Restaurants and grocery stores also cluster along U.S. Route 21.

Local shops line Port Royal's Paris Ave.
Local shops line Port Royal's Paris Ave.
Paris Avenue in Port Royal is full of history and character.
Paris Avenue in Port Royal is full of history and character.
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Beaufort Academy earns high remarks on Niche

Beaufort County School District scores an overall A-minus on Niche and serves over 21,000 students. Niche ranks the district as the best in the Savannah area and the second-most diverse in South Carolina. Beaufort Academy, scoring an A-minus on Niche, is one of several private schools across Beaufort County. The University of South Carolina at Beaufort offers post-secondary education options 5 miles away.

Broad River Elementary School is located near Port Royal.
Broad River Elementary School is located near Port Royal.
Riverview Charter is located near Port Royal.
Riverview Charter is located near Port Royal.
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Risks of flooding in the Lowcountry

Port Royal's low-lying lands make it particularly susceptible to flooding during severe weather events. According to First Street, the city has a moderate risk of flooding and an extreme wind factor due to the likelihood of tropical storms. Flood insurance is recommended.

Hopping on a golf cart

Golf carts are usually used to get around Port Royal. "You can ride your golf cart everywhere in Port Royal," Skrip says. "The town encourages it. They even have a golf cart parade where everyone decorates their golf cart." U.S. Route 21 passes through Port Royal, connecting with Beaufort about 5 miles and Bluffton about 27 miles away. The Naval Hospital overlooks the water, and Beaufort Memorial is a few miles north. The Savannah Hilton Head Island Hospital is about 43 miles away.

Decreasing crime

According to an annual report from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, the total number of crimes against persons, crimes against property and crimes against society decreased from 2023 to 2024.

Brennen Martin
Written By
Brennen Martin
Jonathan Dean
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Dean
Emily McNamara
Video By
Emily McNamara

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Marsha Widenhofer, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Port Royal Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$395,000
Median Sale Price
$380,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$399,999
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$279,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$257,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
239
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$1
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$257

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
53
Months of Supply
2.70

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 21
    11am - 2pm

    992 Broad River Dr, Beaufort, SC 29906

    $640,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,258 Sq Ft
    • 992 Broad River Dr
    • New 30 days ago

    Welcome to this meticulously maintained 3 bed, 2 bath single family ranch home with marsh and tidal creek views towards Broad River. Nestled in desirable Shell Point, this spacious property boasts nearly 1 acre of land for all of your outdoor needs and activities. This 2,258 square foot gem features views of the beautiful marsh from the airy master bedroom, large Carolina room, cozy dining room,

    Ashton Converse Century 21 Coastal Town Realty

  • Saturday, Jun 21
    10am - 12pm

    14 Twin Lakes Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902

    $359,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,225 Sq Ft
    • 14 Twin Lakes Rd

    This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a spacious 0.154-acre lot in Mossy Oaks. The kitchen features stylish two-tone cabinets that extend to the ceiling, adding charm and extra storage. New windows bring in great natural light, and the newly fenced backyard includes a large patio—perfect for grilling, relaxing, or entertaining. Enjoy easy

    Elijah Harris Greco Group Brokered by eXp

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Port Royal Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,617
Median Age
28
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$59,569
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,201

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
30.3%
Advanced Degrees
15.4%
% Population in Labor Force
81.6%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
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.
Port Royal