If you have been shopping for high end homes in the Bluffton area, you likely know what Palmetto Bluff is. It is a beautiful neighborhood that features brand new multimillion dollar Southern homes. It is located on the May River and you can stay at the Montage Resort that is located on the property. There is horseback riding, miles of bike trails, boating, golf, and even a shooting range.

Pros

Palmetto Bluff is a vacation destination. You can leverage this fact to rent your home out when you are not using it. It is an absolutely beautiful property that is close to Hilton Head Island. The Montage is one of the highest end hotel groups in America. The dining and amenities are top notch.

Cons

Because Palmetto Bluff is a vacation destination, some permanent residents do not like the aspect that the visitors are welcome to visit the property. The gate is effectively useless if you tell them that you are going to dine at the restaurant and visit the hotel. The property does have tee times for which the residents must compete with the visitors in order to play.

Ford Field and River

Unlike Palmetto Bluff, the Ford Field and River Club is completely private. You do not get to come behind the gate unless you are resident, the guest of a resident, or you are a real estate agent. This neighborhood used to be the private second home of Henry Ford of Ford Motor Company. It is also located along a river and features the same amenities as Palmetto Bluff. However, these amenities are only for the members.

Pros

Beautiful neighborhood located along a river with very nice amenities such as: boating, golf, an equestrian center, and a spa. Because the neighborhood is completely private, there are no tee times (you just go play golf). There are no tourists in this neighborhood. The local beach is remote and accessible only by boat.

Cons

This privacy and exclusivity comes at a steep cost: the initiation fee is $200,000 and there is an almost $50,000 a year HOA fee. This neighborhood is really designed for people that will pay the premium to be a part of one of the most exclusive clubs in our area.