Bluffton is a very attractive place to relocate — charming, growing, and with a lot of character.
Here’s a breakdown of what to know about real estate, cost of living, neighborhoods, and practical tips for relocating to Bluffton.
1. Overview of Bluffton
Location & Character: Bluffton sits in Beaufort County in the Lowcountry. It has a rich history, a walkable historic “Old Town,” and scenic marsh and riverfront areas.
Community: It’s a mix — families, retirees, second-home buyers, and people relocating for lifestyle rather than just work.
2. Real Estate Market
Home Prices & Trends:
- According to Redfin, as of October 2025, the median sale price for homes in Bluffton is around $540,000, down ~8.9% year over year.
- Zillow reports an average home value of around $498,944, with a slight decline over the past year.
- Realtor.com data suggests that Bluffton is leaning toward a buyer’s market, with homes selling for about 3% below asking in some areas.
Housing Types & Neighborhoods:
There are a variety of residential options: historic homes in Old Town, new developments, luxury communities (e.g., Palmetto Bluff), and more suburban-style neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are gated or planned with amenities (pools, recreation), while others have a more rural or historic feel.
Costs Beyond the Purchase Price:
- Property tax is relatively modest compared to some markets.
- Be aware of HOA fees in certain communities (especially upscale ones).
- Construction and development costs are rising; new construction can be more expensive than in the past.
3. Cost of Living
- Overall, Bluffton’s cost of living is about 3% lower than the U.S. average per PayScale.
- According to Salary.com, housing is one of the major drivers of cost, though other costs like transportation and energy are below national averages.
Rent: As of recent data, average rent is in a moderate to high range, depending on size and location.
4. Schools & Education
For families, schools are a major consideration:
May River High School is a relatively new public high school (opened in 2016). Hilton Head Christian Academy is a Private school in Bluffton. The Beaufort County School District serves Bluffton; you’ll want to research school zones carefully, as they can affect property decisions.
5. Quality of Life & Amenities
Historic & Cultural Assets: Bluffton has a charming Old Town, with many historic sites.
Scenic Routes: May River Road runs through parts of Bluffton.
Parks & Recreation: The Town of Bluffton offers parks, nature trails, recreation centers, and more.
Relocation Services: There are “community concierge” programs run by local real estate experts to help new residents get oriented (neighborhood insights, local vendors, etc.).
6. Practical Considerations When Relocating
Moving Cost: Depends on where you’re coming from; local movers are available and some specialize in the Lowcountry region.
Taxes: Property taxes are relatively modest, but there have been concerns about school district millage increases.
Insurance: As with any coastal or near-coastal area, check homeowner’s insurance costs and flood risk.
Community Integration: Buying into the local culture (historic preservation, community organizations) can help you feel more at home.
Relocation Packet: The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation packet that provides a lot of useful local information.
7. Pros & Cons of Moving to Bluffton
Pros:
- Scenic, charming small-town/Lowcountry vibe.
- Diverse housing options (historic, luxury, family-friendly).
- Good quality of life: parks, community, nature.
- Relatively moderate cost of living (compared to big metro areas).
- Local support for new residents (concierge, real estate agents).
Cons:
- Home prices are relatively high; median prices are in the half-million range for many segments.
- Some neighborhoods may have steep HOA costs.
- As the area grows, infrastructure and traffic could be more of a challenge.
- Insurance (flood, home) may be more expensive depending on location.
- If relocating for work, the local job market may not be as robust in certain industries (depending on role).
