Best Gated Communities in Bluffton, SC
by Robert Borges on January 23, 2024
Just a few miles west of Hilton Head Island sits a quaint town known as the “Heart of the Lowcountry.” Comfortably situated on the banks of the May River and oozing with southern charm, Bluffton, SC, is filled with mossy oak trees, antebellum homes, historic churches, and quirky little shops and restaurants.
Woven through it all are some fantastic neighborhoods and communities—perfect for anyone (families and retirees alike) in search of an idyllic place to call home.
For those looking for a little slice of the Lowcountry while still enjoying all the perks that come with living in a gated community, we’ve assembled a list of the best gated communities in Bluffton, SC.
Belfair
This established gated community in Bluffton, SC, features two acclaimed Tom Fazio golf courses along with a plethora of other deluxe private amenities like full-service tennis and fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and an elegant clubhouse. Located five miles west of Hilton Head Island in the verdant coastal Lowcountry north of Savannah, residents of this golf resort community are close to a town center with a supermarket and other retail services.
Berkeley Hall
Named one of the “Best Places to Retire” by Forbes Magazine, this traditional Lowcountry South Carolina gated community is set on the Okatie River with homes featuring river, marsh, golf, lake, and forest views. Two Tom Fazio golf courses and a 30-acre golf learning center complete the golf experience. Other amenities of this Bluffton, SC, neighborhood include a Spa & Fitness Center, recreational River Park, and a clubhouse with concierge services.
Colleton River
Two superb golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye are the crown jewels of this gated community. For golf lovers, it’s hands-down among the best neighborhoods in Bluffton, SC—the renowned courses have hosted eight USGA qualifiers since 2005. Set on 1,500 acres of lush coastal terrain, the property also features seven miles of scenic shoreline with deep-water docks, mature trees, elegant traditional architecture, and a full suite of deluxe recreational amenities.
Hampton Hall Club
Golfers and non-golfers alike enjoy this gated community’s “new style of living” replete with Pete Dye golf course, resort-style amenities, and year-round social activities. The lakefront clubhouse features a casual pub and grille room, member library, billiards, banquet facilities, ballroom and more. There is also a health & fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf shop, spa services, tennis and pickleball.
Hampton Lake
For many, this is the best gated community in Bluffton, SC. In fact, it’s one of the best communities in the country, period. Hampton Lake is a consecutive winner of the national Best in American Living Award (BALA) for "Best Community in America" and "Best Community Facility.” Its 165-acre freshwater lake provides a relaxed way of life with boating, fishing, swimming, fitness, beaches, a spa, dining, community parks, trails, boardwalks and nature preserves.
Sun City Hilton Head
This is the largest 55+ gated community in South Carolina. Spanning 5,600 acres, residents enjoy low-maintenance homes along with 36 holes of championship golf, three amenity centers, a sports complex, fitness centers, two social halls, parks, community gardens, biking and hiking trails...and over 100 clubs and resident community groups.
The Haven at New Riverside
A signature of Del Webb living, residents of this South Carolina gated community enjoy an active lifestyle centered around the amenity center that includes a clubhouse, lounge, fitness center, art rooms and meeting rooms. In addition, social events are organized by a full-time activities/lifestyle director. Outdoor amenities include a zero-entry outdoor pool, bocce ball, pickleball, tennis courts, and walking trails.
