Two distinct coastal markets — different tax states, different price points, different beach character
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Talk to a Specialist →| Factor | Wilmington NC | Hilton Head SC |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | NC: 4.5% flat (declining) | SC: graduated; large retirement exclusion |
| Property tax est. ($500K) | ~$2,500–$3,000 (Brunswick Co.) | ~$1,200–$2,000 (Beaufort Co. with 65+ exemptions) |
| Price range | $250K–$900K across communities | $300K–$800K+ (Sun City HH, Latitude Margaritaville) |
| Beach access | Wrightsville, Carolina Beach 15–25 min | Hilton Head Island 15–20 min from Bluffton |
| Beach character | Atlantic surf beaches — open, accessible | Hilton Head — pristine, bike paths, resort-level, no boardwalk commercialism |
| Del Webb presence | Del Webb Mallory Creek (active) | No Del Webb — Sun City HH anchors the market |
| Healthcare | Novant/NHRMC — Wilmington | Beaufort Memorial; MUSC Charleston 45 min |
| City culture | Wilmington — genuine small city, UNCW | Bluffton — growing Old Town; Hilton Head resort island |
Hilton Head wins on property tax — Beaufort County's 4% primary residence ratio plus exemptions produces lower effective rates than Brunswick County on comparable home values. Hilton Head's beach is also objectively different: more pristine, more organized, more resort-quality than Wilmington's beaches. Wilmington wins on price range (more affordable entry at the low end), city character (genuine urban culture), Del Webb availability, and the variety of beach options. For buyers who want a resort-quality coastal retirement without the city, Hilton Head. For buyers who want a real city alongside the coast and more community selection, Wilmington.
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Tell us your priorities — beach, taxes, healthcare, community scale — and we will give you a straight recommendation.
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