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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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