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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Dean
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carol Poore,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Set in Shell Point Farm, this one-story home offers the kind of layout and setting buyers consistently respond to in this section of Great Bend. Inside, the main living areas flow with ease, creating a comfortable everyday feel while the eat-in kitchen keeps everyone connected. Smooth ceilings, ceiling fans, and a practical single-level design add to the home's clean, livable appeal. The
Experience the best of the Lowcountry in the heart of Port Royal's ''Old Village.'' This immaculate 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home captures quintessential coastal charm with its signature double front porches and a premier location. The main level offers a bright, open-concept design where the spacious living room flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen--ideal for both daily living and
JUST REDUCED. Prime location on Paris Avenue in Historic Port Royal and zoned MU1 allowing residential, commercial, mixed use or both. Tastefully decorated and completely renovated with designer kitchen and bathrooms. Walking distance to waterfront, restaurants, library, parks, Cypress Wetlands, and the Popular Spanish Moss Trail, shopping and 2.9 mi to Beautiful Memorial Hospital. Easy drive to
Get ready to fall in love with this cheerful and totally move-in ready 3-bedroom home, complete with a roomy FROG and a dedicated office space-perfect for work, play, or that hobby you keep saying you'll start. Step into the bright, open-concept living area where everyone naturally gathers, then head into the star of the home: a beautiful kitchen with a big, inviting island that begs for
JUST REDUCED! Artistically designed 5 years young in popular Port Royal. 4BR, 3 Full baths. Landscaped for privacy with a tropical feel and relaxation with a completely fenced yard and low maintenance. Two screen porches excellent for dining and entertaining. Kitchen is a Chef's dream including coffee/ bar off kitchen. Wood floors & Plantation Shutters. Open floor plan with ranch style living on
Rare opportunity to purchase a corner lot in the Town of Port Royal. Features a small, charming & rustic cottage with metal roof & screened porch. Nice private setting with mature landscaping and storage facility. Property is zoned for residential & commercial use. Located just stones throw away from the popular Fish Camp Restaurant on 11th Street and Beaufort best brewery, Shellring Ale Works.
Natural Gаѕ & Ηаrdwοοd Flοοrѕ ‐ Welсome to 8 Tugaloο Drivе, а beаutіfully maintained residence nestled in the inviting Shadow Moss community of Beaufort, SC. This home perfectly balances the ease of single-level living with the versatility of a spacious upstairs loft. Situated directly across from the serene community pond, the location offers a picturesque setting the moment you pull into the
This move-in-ready, single-story ranch at 144 Baynard Road offers easy Lowcountry living in Baynard Cove. The open-concept layout flows from the main living area to a chef-inspired kitchen featuring quartz counters, stainless-steel appliances, a natural-gas range, and pantry. A private primary suite boasts dual quartz vanities and a walk-in shower, while two additional bedrooms provide flexible
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence in the highly sought-after Shadow Moss community. Designed with an open-concept layout, this home is filled with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout.The spacious owner's suite offers a private retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, separate shower, and
Welcome to this well maintained end-unit townhome in the heart of Beaufort. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and upgraded luxury vinyl plank flooring, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and low-maintenance living. STR Approved! Step inside to find a bright, open layout filled with natural light and views of the lush Lowcountry landscape. The inviting living room centers around
Welcome to the popular Harris model in the desirable Shadow Moss community, featuring peaceful pond views and effortless indoor-outdoor living. This open floor plan is warm and inviting, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The first-floor flex room with half bath is ideal for a home office, playroom, or guest retreat. The main area flows to a screened porch, extended patio, and fenced
Welcome to sought-after Shadow Moss, where comfort, convenience, and community come together. This beautifully maintained, very stylish single-family home offers a very functional layout designed for everyday living and easy entertaining. Enjoy inviting living spaces, a well-appointed kitchen, and room to relax both inside and out. The backyard provides the perfect setting for morning coffee,
A rare and unique opportunity in Port Royal. This large, wooded lot offers a tranquil, private setting perfect for building a custom estate. The property is zoned for residential use. It's centrally located near downtown Port Royal, Sands Beach, and the new Port development with a marina. This is your chance to own a prime piece of real estate in a growing coastal community. Tucked away in a
WE ARE OPEN & NOW LEASING!Come home to Legends North of Broad, and we’ll take care of what matters to you. Our priority is your satisfaction, and the Legends award-winning management team will ensure it. Every home and feature was designed with you in mind, from luxury finishes and comfortable floor plans to amenities like the saltwater pool and cyber cafe. Experience the charm and
Get acquainted with a new way to live, surrounded by the little things that make the everyday special. Nestled in scenic Beaufort, Eventide places you in the heart of the South Carolina lowcountry. Our one, two, and three bedroom apartments become spacious, inviting homes in which to create your ideal live-work space. From soaring ceilings to gourmet kitchens, every detail is designed to form the
Living well is the only Pointe! Blending a tranquil, natural setting in an unmatched location that makes any commute feel like a breeze, Abberly Pointe is the epitome of convenient, upscale living in the Beaufort area. Spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments combine resort-inspired amenities and the majestic Oak trees that only the low country can offer. Enjoy the vibrant ambiance that our
Welcome to the most luxurious apartment community in Beaufort, where every detail is designed to make you feel like you're living on vacation. Our community features a stunning resort-style pool for relaxation and a refreshing dip on hot days. Residents can also enjoy a game room, cyber cafe, and cozy outdoor fire pit to entertain guests. In addition to these recreational facilities, we offer
Discover Preserve at Port Royal-upscale 1- and 2-bedroom apartments nestled just minutes from the beach. Located off Ribaut Road, our community blends Lowcountry charm with modern comfort. Enjoy natural light-filled layouts with granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and screened-in porches perfect for unwinding. Explore nearby trails, local dining, and The Sands Beach-just a bike ride
Welcome to Residences at Port Royal – Your New Coastal RetreatNestled in a quiet grove of moss-draped oaks, the Residences at Port Royal offers a serene escape just minutes from the charm and convenience of historic Beaufort and downtown Port Royal, SC. We’ve reimagined our community with thoughtful updates and fresh amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Stroll over to our
The Parc at Broad River is a luxury waterfront living community set beside the scenic Broad River Bridge. Voted "Best Multifamily Complex" in Beaufort, SC you will surly find a home in our 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments. With 9 foot ceilings and open floorplans you will soon find that The Parc offers a serene living experience unlike any other here in Beaufort.Experiment with new cooking
Phase II is NOW OPEN! Broad River Village offers incredible, NEW Studio, 1, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment homes. Enjoy large, versatile living spaces, fully appointed kitchens, abundant closets, and plenty of storage. Relax and enjoy the view from your private screened porch or balcony. Looking for something to do? Explore Broad River Village where you'll find a refreshing swimming pool; a
Property Id: 2392429Available July 1 • 4BR • Pets Welcome • Private Yard • New Covered Deck Centrally located Beaufort home with quick access to MCAS Beaufort and MCRD Parris Island, plus shopping, dining, and everything the area has to offer — ideal for military tenants and an easy daily commute.Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath layout with a main-level office/guest room,
Available 1 April 2026 . Showings will begin after 5 Feb 2026 . Beautiful home with great floor plan . Wonderful neighborhood convenient to MCAS, PI, shopping and dining
Lovely home with lots of windows, an open floor plan, and plenty of natural light throughout. This home enjoys a great deal of privacy thanks to the naturally landscaped areas that are located on the side and rear of the property. A large walk-in closet and a separate shower and soaking tub can be found in the master bathroom of this home's spacious suite. A walk-in closet can be found in the
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
