Beaufort, South Carolina, Area Orientation

Beaufort, South Carolina: A Natural and Historic Wonderland

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, is situated in the southeaster corner of the state, about 70 miles south of Charleston and about 40 miles north of Savannah. Located 25 miles east of I-95, the drive from the interstate is mostly rural with small communities dotting the Beaufort landscape, the area widely known as the Lowcountry.

Southern Living named Beaufort the “Best Small Southern Town” in February of 2006. Carolina Living accredited the city with a #4 rank in the top 40 “Most Preferred Carolina Towns” in 2005, based on a survey of 8,400 people seeking to invest in South Carolina real estate.

Beaufort History
The history of Beaufort begins with the Archaic Indians who first laid claim to the coastal territory, followed by Spanish and French settlers who competed with the British for Beaufort’s land rights. The British eventually won, and officially founded Beaufort in 1711.

Beaufort is South Carolina’s second oldest city, following Charles Towne, known today as Charleston. By the 1800s, mansions began to emerge within Beaufort real estate, a reflection of great prosperity among indigo, cotton and rice plantation owners. According to information provided by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, “at least 90 significant homes, forts, churches, cemeteries, inns, and other buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.”

Beaufort's Economy
Beaufort’s economical well being experienced challenges with the Civil War, yet found a reprieve in phosphate mining, a revival of cotton and rice farming, and Northerners seeking moderate winters. The abundance of Beaufort SC ended with a succession of natural disasters and the depression.  Today Beaufort is thriving with a large Marine population on Parris Island and the many suburbs of homes and businesses, as well as a thriving Historic District.

Beaufort Recreation
Recreation options in Beaufort include year-round boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, shrimping, crabbing, tennis, biking, walking, hunting and golf, a favorite pastime among Beaufort real estate buyers.

The Beaufort County area boasts dozens of exceptional private or semi-private golf courses laid out by world-class golf architects like Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio.

Beaufort Community
Beaufort has a strong sense of community cultivated by those who share an enthusiasm for volunteering, environmental activities, historic preservation and civic groups. The arts have a great presence in Beaufort SC and there are more than 150 churches in the Beaufort area.

Beaufort Weather
The climate of Beaufort is sub-tropical, with soft coastal winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The average high temperature for Beaufort weather is 76 degrees, and the average low is 57 degrees. The average annual rainfall in Beaufort SC is 47 inches with an average annual humidity of 75%.

Beaufort Wildlife
Beaufort’s lush marshlands, creeks, inlets, swamps and various rivers are among its main natural attributes. The wildlife that takes residence in the Beaufort area includes alligators, coastal fowl, deer and turtles. Bottlenosed dolphins and the occasional manatee can often be spotted while driving along the coastal waterways. Bald eagles, sea turtles and wood storks also call Beaufort home and are among the list of creatures that are endangered.

Beaufort Preservation
According to information from the Beaufort County website, the Beaufort County Council acquires property through its Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program for conservation and preservation of economic and natural resources. The county has preserved more than 10,000 acres of land in the last ten years and has acquired 120 acres designated as historic, more than 9,000 acres for preserves and over 600 acres in conservation easements.

Beaufort Events
Annual events for Beaufort residents begin with The Beaufort Kaleidoscope: Film, Food & fine art. Combining culinary experiences with a film festival, Beaufort real estate owners can enjoy film screenings, wine dinners and art exhibits for four days in the month of March.

The Gullah Festival is held in May during Memorial Day weekend. This festival is an experience in African American heritage, with a variety of exhibits and activities that include jazz, gospel, blues and reggae music, storytelling, cultural shows and cuisine.

Fireworks on July 4 and the Water Festival are a favorite among Beaufort real estate owners. Concerts, air shows, tournaments, boat races and parades are just a few of the activities scheduled each year.

Beaufort’s moderate climate makes the October Shrimp Festival a must for buyers of Beaufort real estate. Held in Historic Downtown, the Beaufort event heralds the local shrimping industry, with a 5K run, arts and crafts, music and fresh shrimp.  //