Comparing Gated Communities in the Lowcountry
Compare gated communities on four things: total yearly cost (dues, fees and any required club membership), the amenities you'll actually use, location relative to the beach and daily errands, and the rules that matter to you, such as rentals, pets and boats.
A side-by-side way to compare dues, amenities, golf membership and location across island and Bluffton communities. Written by Corryne Jackson of the Drake Real Estate Team.
Add up the yearly cost
Some clubs tie membership to ownership; in others it's optional. Ask for the full yearly figure, including dues, club fees and any one-time capital or initiation fee at purchase.
| Question | Why ask |
|---|---|
| Is club membership required? | Mandatory membership can change the true cost a lot. |
| Is there a transfer or capital fee? | Many communities charge one when a home sells. |
| What do dues cover? | Security, roads, amenities, sometimes landscaping. |
Match the amenities to how you live
If you don't golf, a community built around golf may not be worth the fees. Hampton Lake centers on a freshwater lake; Palmetto Bluff on the May River and conservation land; Sun City on clubs and activities for buyers 55 and older.
Think about the drive
From most Bluffton communities, the island's beaches are 20 to 30 minutes away. Belfair and Colleton River sit closer to the bridges; Sun City and Hampton Lake sit further north and west.
Want a second opinion?
Call (843) 422-7500 or send a note. We'll answer your questions, whether or not you hire us.
Contact the team