At 42 square miles, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is the second largest barrier Island on the East Coast; Long Island, NY is the largest. Hilton Head Island is approximately 12 miles long and up to 5 miles wide. The shape of the Island actually resembles a “shoe” with the North end of the island being the “heel” and the south end of the island being the “toe”. Locals refer to Palmetto Dunes (or “PD”) and Shelter Cove as mid-island. Everything to the south is referred to as “south-island” and likewise to the north, “north-island.” The land on Hilton Head is comprised of roughly 28,000 acres of dry land and 2,000 acres of marsh, also called wetlands. The Intracoastal Waterway separates Hilton Head Island from the mainland (Bluffton, SC) - the higher of the two bridges onto Hilton Head actually spans the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll begin to notice that everywhere you go, the landscaping is beautiful!

There are minimal street signs to speak of and you certainly won’t find any neon. The Town of Hilton Head maintains building and landscaping codes that require a public lands to be kept in pristine condition. There are also setback codes as well - you won’t see Walmart from the highway, only the sign. This is what helps to make Hilton Head such a beautiful island today!

Around Hilton Head

We have compiled a series of articles on the background and lifestyle of Hilton Head Island. Please feel free to view or download any of the following special reports. We hope that this information will assist you when you are ready to buy here on Hilton Head Island.