idyllic lifestyle endured until the Island was "discovered" around 1664 by an Englishman, William Hilton, whose name the island bears.

which made the plantation owners wealthy.

With the advent of the Civil War, the prosperity ended. In 1862, even as General Robert E. Lee was on his way to Hilton Head to oversee the augmentation of fortifications here, the Union Navy staged the largest naval engagement of the entire war! The small earthworm forts, Walker on Hilton Head and Beauregard on Bay Point, were outgunned.

The island's plantations were left in ruins by the occupying Union troops at war's end. These plantations were not rebuilt and the people, and the land, returned to a more sedentary lifestyle of fishing, oystering, farming and, after some time, logging. Much of the land was used for hunting camps.

not tried before; development which attempted to leave the natural beauty intact, while providing a resort community second to none! That vision became Sea Pines Plantation, and it has been the model for the environmentally conscious development, not only of the remainder of the Island, but for resorts the world over!

Today the Town of Hilton Head Island is a full grown community sophisticated beyond its size, with a well equipped hospital, fine restaurants, churches, a community theatre, schools, ball parks, day care centers, parades and a shopping mall... all the things which make a true community!

Those of us fortunate enough to live and work here appreciate daily the fullness of life made possible by this unique combination of resort and community.

are roughly 30,000 acres of land mass to the Island, with 28,000 acres of dry land and 2,000 or so of marsh.

A special census taken on the Island in 1975 showed a population of 6,511 people. The 2000 census determined there was a population of over 34,000 full time residents.

Here again the uniqueness of Hilton Head is evident. We have 260 plus tennis courts, 24 golf courses on the Island and another 13 within a 6 mile radius, 6 public and 3 private marinas, 135 restaurants and we're still counting the shops! All these amenities are supported by over 1,000,000 visitors to the Island every year. This pushes the summertime population to around 50,000 people on the Island at any one time, which is still "small townish", but how many small towns are going to have 60% of the population swimming, golfing, playing tennis, sailing, surfing, fishing or going to the beach at any one time?

Island Weather

Hilton Head is a quality place, and a great deal of the quality of life here is due to the semi-tropical environment peculiar to this coast. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream mix with ours which warms the air, causing early Springs and extending Summers beyond what is normal for this latitude.

There is just enough chilly weather to give one an appreciation of the change of season, but the lack of extended cold periods means things grow in abundance, giving us lush lawns, shrubs and green golf courses when most others are brown or covered with snow!

The following chart will give you some help in understanding the seasons on the Island...

Hilton Head Taxes
It's hard to believe, but taxes on the Island continue to be low compared to many areas of the country.

South Carolina State Income Tax
The South Carolina State Income Tax system is similar to the Federal system in that you are allowed certain deductions from your total income and aren't taxed on the remainder.
The following IS the State tax rate on personal income:
2% on the first $2000 3% on the next $2000 4% on the next $2000 5% on the next $2000 6% on the next $2000 7% on all over $ 10,000

Personal Property Tax
South Carolina does not have an intangible personal property tax on bank accounts, stocks, etc. However, there is a tangible personal property tax on automobiles, airplanes, and boats. The tax is the same for real estate and depends on which district you live in. Hilton head is divided into 7 districts.

A county tax map will show the exact district lines, however, the following will give you an idea of the rate and locations.  For example, a $10,000 boat times 10.5% gives an assessed value of $1,050 times a millage of 193.5 means a tax of $203.18 on the boat. (.1935 X $1,050).

Real Estate Tax
The county tax assessor places an appraised value on your real estate (based on comparable sales, condition of the property, etc.). This appraised value is then multiplied by 4% for residents and 6% for non-residents and corporations, to obtain the assessed value. The assessed value is then multiplied times the millage rate for you district. For example, a home with an appraised value of $200,000 multiplied by 4% (resident) gives an assessed value of $8000. $8000 multiplied by a millage rate of .2304 results in a tax for that home of $1843.20
If you are over 65, chances are you can deduct $20,000 from the appraised value before you multiply by 4% and the millage rate.  This information is based on rates at this time and is subject to change. If you have any questions, call the tax assessor's office at 785-6100.

Licenses
Drivers License - Within 90 days of their arrival, new residents must obtain a South Carolina drivers license by taking a written test [$2.00] and by showing proof of identity. Total cost is about $10.00 and the license is valid for four years.
Contact: SC Highway Department
              Sheridan Park
              Hwy. 278, Bluffton, SC, 29910
              1-800-442-1368

Vehicle License
All private passenger vehicles must be registered within 30 days after establishing permanent residence. Cost for obtaining a title including registration is $15.00. The following are needed to register:

• Out of state certificate of title
• Liability insurance information
• Vehicle inspection number
• Current odometer mileage reading
• Completed notarized form 400
• Paid property tax receipt [from County Treasurer]

For more information, call the SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles, (843) 757-6981, or access the internet: www.scdmvonline.com.

Business License
Contact: Town of Hilton Head Island
1 Town Center Court - Building B
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
((843) 341-4610

Fishing License
All persons over 16 years of age are required to have a fishing license except as indicated below.

Residents or their guests on the Island are not required to have a license while fishing on the Island, but if fishing elsewhere, license is required.

Salt Water
Resident and non-resident licenses cost $5.50 Licenses are required if fishing from a boat only. If you are fishing from the land or a structure fixed permanently to the land [dock, pier] no license is required.

Only Island residents may collect oysters and clams.

Fishing licenses are available on the Island at Shelter Cove Marina (843) 842 7001 or at Wal-Mart (843) 681-3011. For further information: South Carolina Department of Wildlife and Marine Resources, 803-524-9041. or visit http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/

Animal Control Leash Law
There is a state-wide beach law which requires that all dogs be licensed and positive voice and leash control are enforced.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 AM and 5 PM from the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. Fines can be as high as $200 for failure to comply with this law.

Professional and Civic Organizations:
Over 150 organizations exist, including:
Rotary Club 686-4400
Lions Club 681-4570
Zonta Club 681-6712
Professional Women of Hilton Head (843) 341-2279
Hilton Head Advertising Club 681-6888
Hilton Head Association of Realtors 842-2421
Jaycees 785-4674
Island Recreation Association 681-7273
Hilton Head Art League (843) 686-2032
Community Association (843) 671-1343
Sierra Club 671-6599
For a complete list of community organizations, contact the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce at 843-785-7110 or http://www.hiltonheadisland.org.

Public Library
The Beaufort County Library System provides a full service library. A branch with trained staff is located at 11 Beach City Road. Phone - (843)342-9200

Utilities
Island utility companies require a deposit before service is started.

Area Restaurants

Follow this link for area restaurant listings: Dinesite.com