When you come to Beaufort, South Carolina, for the first time, you will be impressed by the historic waterfront views and moss-draped oak trees. The serene coastal charm offers rich history, beautiful scenery, and wonderful neighborhoods.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a retirement location, vacation spot, or a new place to live. The unique blend of modern convenience with small-town charm is hard to deny.
We have gathered tips to help make your move to Beaufort as smooth as possible.
Beaufort Is Home
With a historic downtown area filled with charming homes, restaurants, waterfront parks, and natural beauty, Beaufort is stunning. The city manages to maintain a balance between peaceful living and modern convenience as residents enjoy quiet neighborhoods with access to entertainment, schools, shopping, and healthcare. Beaufort offers a wide range of housing options that fit the Lowcountry lifestyle beautifully.
Setting Up Your New Beaufort Home
Setting up your utilities and other home services before moving in can help make the move less stressful. There are a number of municipal and regional providers for your utility and services needs.
Below are services homeowners frequently have set up before move-in day.
- Electricity: Dominion Energy supplies electricity to most residential neighborhoods throughout Beaufort.
- Water and Sewer: The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority manages water and sewer services for many homes in the area.
- Internet and Cable: Xfinity, Hargray, and AT&T provide internet and television services throughout Beaufort County.
- Trash and Recycling: Most waste management will vary depending on the neighborhood.
Getting Around Beaufort and the Lowcountry
While Beaufort has a quiet atmosphere, it is easy to connect to various destinations throughout the Southeast.
- US-21 connects Beaufort to Bluffton, Savannah, and Interstate 95.
- SC-170 links residents to surrounding communities and shopping centers.
- Highway 802 provides access to Lady’s Island and nearby sea islands.
There are two airports within a 45-minute drive. The first is the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, while the second is the Charleston International Airport.
If you want to enjoy the scenic waterfront areas, there are miles of trails for walking and biking. One of the most popular trails to explore is the Spanish Moss trail, which follows a now-defunct rail line.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
The food landscape of Beaufort is a mix of coastal seafood fare with traditional Lowcountry flavors.
Some of the most popular restaurants are listed below:
- Old Bull Tavern: Located in downtown, it has a wonderful atmosphere serving creative dishes and craft cocktails.
- Plums Restaurant: Serving southern classics, seafood, and burgers, this waterfront favorite should not be missed.
- Blackstone’s Café: With hearty meals and local charm, this is a popular breakfast and lunch spot.
- Saltus River Grill: Offering lovely marina views, this upscale restaurant offers the best fresh seafood.
- Lowcountry Produce Market & Café: Baked goods, sandwiches, and fresh produce make for a wonderful market experience.
Residents also have chain stores for shopping options in Publix, Walmart, and Food Lion.
One of the best parts of living in Beaufort is the access to nearby outdoor destinations, including:
- Hunting Island State Park
- Sands Beach in Port Royal
- Waterfront Park downtown
- Local marinas and boat landings
- Kayaking and fishing along the Beaufort River
Schools, Family Life, and Community Activities
Beaufort schools are part of the Beaufort County School District. It is one of the most highly regarded school districts in the state.
Popular Schools Include:
- Beaufort High School
- Lady’s Island Middle School
- Coosa Elementary School
- Battery Creek High School
Community Recreation
If you’re looking to get out and have some fun, Beaufort provides year-round programs and activities in the following:
- Youth sports leagues
- Community festivals
- Farmers markets
- Art walks and cultural events
- Waterfront concerts and seasonal celebrations
The downtown historic district frequently hosts events that bring locals together while celebrating Beaufort’s rich history and coastal culture.
Outdoor Lifestyle
Boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and biking are all part of everyday life here. Many residents spend weekends exploring nearby islands, enjoying waterfront dining, or simply relaxing outdoors with family and friends.
Home Services
While Beaufort is in an idyllic paradise, it still requires some important maintenance. Due to high humidity and storms, ongoing maintenance is needed.
- Landscaping Services: It is important to clear debris and keep landscaping looking its best.
- Pest Control: Given the warm, humid climate, it is also important for termite prevention.
- HVAC: It is important to manage moisture and indoor humidity to prevent wooden structures from deteriorating.
- Storm Preparation: Many homes include hurricane shutters, elevated foundations, or flood mitigation features designed for coastal living.
There are many historic homes in the area, and if you purchase one of them, it is important to follow preservation guidelines.
Beaufort Is a Lowcountry Dream
Once you settle into Beaufort life, it quickly becomes clear why so many people never want to leave. Mornings might start with enjoying a cup of coffee while looking at the wonderful marshlands. Your evenings might be filled with quiet walks, sunsets, or conversations with your neighbors.
With a mix of history, nature, and community, Beaufort offers something that is rare: a perfect place to live.
Ready to Move to Beaufort?
Moving into your new home should be an exciting adventure, not a stressful one. That’s where we come in.
The top moving company in the Lowcountry for over a decade, Smooth Move specializes in relocating your belongings.
When you hire us, you get:
- Complete packing and unpacking services
- Both Local and long-distance moving services
- We have secure storage if needed
- We pride ourselves on our careful handling of all your belongings
We are not just movers. We are your moving partners. Put your trust in Smooth Move. We know how to make every move efficient and worry-free.
Why not put your mind at ease and contact us? Get a free quote and answers to any of your moving questions on our website.