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People often ask me what do I gain or lose by choosing to buy property inside a plantation or gated community.  I will start off by defining plantations as being planned communities with some amenity structure, an independent owners association, private security, gates and often offering a unique lifestyle. While this definition is more of a generalization, the important idea to grasp is that plantations generally offered a specific structure that varies from the surrounding area and often creates a unique lifestyle.  Take Wexford Plantation or Colleton River Plantation as examples.  These communities offer a private golf experience, with instructors, a driving range, well manicured greens and fairways on one or more private courses that are not open to the public.  Both clubs have magnificent dining experiences, regularly planned social activities and are well maintained by their ownership.  While these communities also offer tennis, boating and several amenities, their focus is to appeal to the elite golfer that desires the live in the ultimate golf lifestyle experience. 

 

Port Royal Plantation, like Leamington in Palmetto Dunes Resort, offer a private (meaning no short term, week to week rental) oceanfront resort lifestyle with semi-private golfing (meaning there are membership options, but play is also open to non-property owners).  Two of the most popular resorts on the island, Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines offer a resort lifestyle with a strong variety of all elements from 3 miles of oceanfront, 3 golf courses, nationally ranked tennis programs, harbors and planned activities for all ages.

 

Each Plantation Ownership Association, often referred to as the POA, governs the changes within the boundaries of the community, conducts annual meetings to determine budgets and fees, and have boards to maintain the lifestyle and appeal of the community.  The Architectural Review Board or ARB is one example of a committee set up to maintain the appeal of the plantation by controlling construction and landscape options.

 

Hilton Head Island, SC as a whole is very unique as it is structured on covenants that protect and preserve the land.  The sheer beauty and enhancements do not all come naturally.  The Town of Hilton Head is very much like a POA for the entire island, lacking some jurisdiction within the Plantations.  The appeal of Hilton Head Island can be accredited to the work the Town has put into the island over the years.  The strict building regulation and growing ownership of the land by the Town helps to ensure all Hilton Head Real Estate owners that the majestic draw of the island will always be there and most likely be enhanced over time.  The convenience of all of lifes commercial amenities are within a 10 minute drive, but many do not recognize them as they are hidden behind the trees and the lighting at night is extremely subtle keeping the stars shining brightly above.  The ease of transportation provides the ability to get to your restaurant, grocery store or shopping center quickly and then allowing you to quietly tuck away into your plantation or development without commercial distraction.  The structure of Hilton Head Island creates a lifestyle that any island property owner has the privilege of experiencing, whether inside or outside of a plantation.

 

So what do you lack by not living within a plantation  Well, you certainly do not lack the Lowcountry or Hilton Head lifestyle.  You still enjoy all of the beauty, ease of transportation and access to most of the area plantations amenities.  Some might say you lack the security of a gated community; however, most will note no difference.  The value of property is higher in a plantation because of the convenience of access to the amenities.  While these amenities are very nice, there is also some common area maintenance cost your annual POA fee typically ranging from $900-1,600 in oceanfront resort communities, which you would lack off plantation.  The rental income from real estate away from the ocean is typically stronger within oceanfront resort plantations as they are able to book additional weeks from the Fall and Spring to golfers, tennis players, boaters, etc. because of onsite amenities.

If you are considering Hilton Head Real Estate, I will always expose you to all of your options and it is important that you make the determination of what is right based on your preferences.