Living in Beaufort, SC

For residents of Preserve at Hanover Park, that lifestyle begins right at your front door. Situated at 125 New Hanover Street, Preserve at Hanover Park places you minutes from downtown Beaufort's waterfront, top-rated restaurants, outdoor recreation, healthcare, and everyday conveniences. This is modern Class A apartment living designed around the natural beauty and relaxed elegance of the Lowcountry where every day feels a little bit like a vacation, and yet completely, comfortably, like home.

Best Restaurants Within 15 Minutes

Waterfront & Upscale Dining

Saltus River Grill  |  802 Bay Street, Beaufort

Widely regarded as one of Beaufort's finest dining destinations, Saltus River Grill overlooks the Beaufort River from its coveted Bay Street location. The menu showcases pristine seafood, hand-cut steaks, and an award-winning sushi bar, complemented by an extensive wine list. This is the restaurant residents choose for celebrations, date nights, and impressing out-of-town guests and it delivers every time.

Breakwater Restaurant & Bar  |  203 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Breakwater brings Southern cuisine with a global flair to the heart of downtown Beaufort. The kitchen turns locally sourced ingredients into creative, beautifully plated dishes, from its celebrated lamb meatloaf to seasonal seafood specials. A warm, refined atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make Breakwater a go-to for residents looking for a polished evening out just minutes from home.

Wren Bistro & Bar  |  210 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Tucked along Carteret Street, Wren offers an intimate bistro experience with a menu that blends Southern and European influences. Seasonal small plates, craft cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated wine program make it ideal for a relaxed dinner with friends. Residents love the warm ambiance, the attentive service, and the sense of discovering something special every time they visit.

Q on Bay  |  822 Bay Street, Beaufort

Q on Bay is a refined addition to Beaufort's waterfront dining corridor, delivering creative Southern cuisine in an elegant yet approachable setting. The menu highlights local seafood and seasonal ingredients, served alongside handcrafted cocktails. With its prime Bay Street address and river views, it is a natural choice for residents seeking an upscale night out within minutes of Preserve at Hanover Park.

Seafood & Lowcountry Favorites

Fishcamp on 11th Street  |  1699 11th Street, Port Royal

Set right on the water in neighboring Port Royal, Fishcamp delivers some of the freshest seafood in the area with stunning waterfront views. The menu features Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits alongside creative coastal dishes, and the outdoor deck is the perfect spot to watch boats glide by at sunset. It is the kind of place residents bring every visitor to and then keep coming back on their own.

Plums  |  904 Bay Street, Beaufort

A beloved Bay Street institution, Plums has been a gathering place for locals and visitors for decades. Known for its creative sandwiches, fresh salads, and Lowcountry seafood plates, it offers a comfortable, eclectic atmosphere that feels distinctly Beaufort. Whether you're grabbing a casual lunch or settling in for dinner, Plums captures the relaxed spirit of downtown waterfront dining.

Lowcountry Produce Market & Caf  |  302 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Part market, part caf, Lowcountry Produce is where the farm-to-table philosophy comes to life in Beaufort. Residents stop in for fresh, locally sourced breakfasts and lunches think seasonal salads, house-made soups, and sandwiches built with ingredients from nearby farms. The adjoining market is stocked with local produce, artisan goods, and specialty items that make it a favorite for residents who love to cook with the freshest ingredients.

Casual Dining & Neighborhood Favorites

Old Bull Tavern  |  205 West Street, Beaufort

Old Bull Tavern is a downtown gastropub with serious culinary chops. The kitchen elevates pub-style favorites with unexpected twists think wasabi deviled eggs, gourmet burgers, and rotating craft beer selections. With its relaxed, welcoming vibe and creative menu, it is the kind of place where an after-work drink easily turns into a full evening of great food and conversation.

Lost Local  |  705 Bay Street, Beaufort

With a prime spot on Bay Street, Lost Local brings a laid-back, surf-inspired atmosphere to downtown Beaufort. Tacos, fresh seafood, and creative bar bites pair perfectly with craft cocktails and cold beers. The open-air patio is ideal for warm-weather evenings, making it a favorite casual hangout for residents who want to unwind with friends and enjoy the downtown energy.

Hearth Wood Fired Pizza  |  802 Bay Street, Beaufort

Hearth brings the art of Neapolitan-style pizza to Beaufort with a wood-fired oven and a commitment to quality ingredients. Each pie is crafted with imported flour and fresh, local toppings, resulting in the kind of charred, blistered crust that pizza lovers dream about. It is an easy walk-in dinner option for residents craving something quick, delicious, and genuinely excellent.

Bricks on Boundary  |  1422 Boundary Street, Beaufort

Bricks on Boundary is the kind of neighborhood bar and grill every community needs casual, welcoming, and consistently good. From burgers and wings to cold beers and game-day energy, it offers a laid-back spot for residents of Preserve at Hanover Park to grab a comfortable meal without the downtown drive. Its Boundary Street location makes it one of the closest dining options to home.

Bye Bye Birdie  |  2127 Boundary Street, Beaufort

A newer addition to Beaufort's Boundary Street dining corridor, Bye Bye Birdie brings a fun, flavorful take on poultry-forward dishes. The menu is creative and approachable, making it an easy choice for a casual weeknight meal. Its proximity to Preserve at Hanover Park means dinner can be on the table in minutes no planning required.

Breakfast, Brunch & Caf Culture

Magnolia Caf  |  703 Congress Street, Beaufort

Magnolia Caf is a Beaufort morning ritual. Known for its hearty Southern breakfasts and welcoming atmosphere, it is the kind of place where the staff knows your name and the biscuits are made from scratch. Residents love it for lazy weekend brunches or a quick, satisfying breakfast before heading to work and it is just a short drive from Preserve at Hanover Park.

Sister Sister Deli  |  403 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Sister Sister Deli is a beloved downtown lunch counter serving fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads with a personal touch. The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the friendly service keeps residents coming back week after week. It is the perfect midday stop during a downtown Beaufort outing.

Red Rooster Caf  |  2045 Boundary Street, Beaufort

Red Rooster Caf is a no-frills breakfast and lunch spot on Boundary Street where hearty, home-cooked meals come at honest prices. From classic eggs-and-bacon plates to satisfying lunch specials, it is a comforting neighborhood staple. Residents of Preserve at Hanover Park appreciate its closeness and its commitment to simple, well-prepared comfort food.

Coffee Shops

City Java & News  |  301 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Located in the heart of downtown, City Java & News is Beaufort's quintessential morning stop. Pair a locally roasted espresso with a fresh pastry while browsing newspapers and magazines in a space that feels like a neighborhood living room. Residents love its central location, friendly baristas, and the perfect excuse to start any downtown outing right here.

Urban Brew  |  2139 Boundary Street, Beaufort

Urban Brew brings a modern, artisan coffee experience to Beaufort's Boundary Street corridor. The menu features expertly crafted espresso drinks, cold brews, and specialty lattes alongside fresh-baked treats. With its contemporary vibe and convenient location close to Preserve at Hanover Park, it has quickly become a daily ritual for residents who take their coffee seriously.

Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee  |  102 West Street, Beaufort

Equal parts coffeehouse and cider taproom, this West Street gem offers something genuinely unique in downtown Beaufort. Start your morning with a beautifully pulled espresso, then return in the evening to sample locally crafted hard ciders on tap. Residents appreciate the dual personality, the charming atmosphere, and the sense of community that surrounds every visit.

Grocery StoresEveryday convenience matters, and residents of Preserve at Hanover Park have three reliable grocery options within minutes of home ensuring that a well-stocked kitchen is never far away.

Publix  |  33 Robert Smalls Pkwy, Beaufort

Publix is a perennial favorite among Beaufort residents for its clean, well-organized stores, excellent deli and bakery, and consistently friendly service. Located on Robert Smalls Parkway, it is one of the closest grocery options to Preserve at Hanover Park, making it the natural choice for weekly shopping runs, last-minute dinner ingredients, and everything in between.

Walmart Supercenter  |  350 Robert Smalls Pkwy, Beaufort

For one-stop shopping, the Walmart Supercenter on Robert Smalls Parkway covers virtually every household need under one roof. From groceries and pharmacy essentials to home goods and electronics, it offers unbeatable selection and value. Its proximity to Preserve at Hanover Park makes errands fast and efficient.

Food Lion  |  2127 Boundary Street, Beaufort

Food Lion on Boundary Street is a dependable, budget-friendly option for residents who appreciate competitive prices and a straightforward shopping experience. Well-stocked with everyday staples and fresh produce, it is an easy stop on the way home from work or a convenient option for quick grocery pickups close to Preserve at Hanover Park.

Healthcare Access

Beaufort Memorial Hospital  |  955 Ribaut Road, Beaufort

Beaufort Memorial Hospital is the region's leading healthcare provider, offering a comprehensive range of services including emergency care, surgical specialties, cardiology, orthopedics, women's health, and more. With a strong reputation built over decades of community service, Beaufort Memorial provides the reassurance of having a fully equipped, accredited hospital just minutes from home. Residents of Preserve at Hanover Park benefit from its close proximity on Ribaut Road.

Lowcountry Urgent Care  |  21 Robert Smalls Pkwy, Beaufort

For non-emergency medical needs that can't wait for a scheduled appointment, Lowcountry Urgent Care on Robert Smalls Parkway provides fast, professional treatment for illnesses and minor injuries. Walk-in availability, extended hours, and a convenient location near Preserve at Hanover Park make it the smart choice for residents when unexpected health concerns arise.

Outdoor Recreation & Weekend Activities

Hunting Island State Park

Just twenty minutes east of Beaufort lies Hunting Island State Park, a 5,000-acre barrier island that consistently ranks among the finest state parks in the Southeast. Miles of undeveloped beach free of condos, boardwalks, and commercial development stretch along the Atlantic shore, backed by a dense maritime forest of palmetto palms and live oaks. Climb the island's iconic 19th-century lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline, explore the nature center, or simply spread a blanket on the sand and listen to the surf. Hunting Island is where Beaufort residents go to feel the full power and beauty of the Lowcountry coast.

Kayaking the Beaufort River & Tidal Creeks

The waterways surrounding Beaufort are a paddler's paradise. Launch a kayak from any number of public access points and wind through tidal creeks flanked by golden spartina grass, where dolphins, egrets, and ospreys are regular companions. The Beaufort River itself offers calm, scenic paddling with views of the historic waterfront, while more adventurous routes lead into the labyrinth of creeks and marshlands that define the Sea Islands. Guided tours are available for newcomers, but many residents quickly acquire their own kayak and a favorite route they return to again and again.

Spanish Moss Trail

The Spanish Moss Trail, with access located less than 0.5 miles from our community, is Beaufort's beloved multi-use pathway, a paved trail that winds through some of the Lowcountry's most scenic terrain. Perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying a quiet morning stroll, the trail passes through canopies of moss-draped oaks, across marshland boardwalks, and alongside peaceful stretches of Port Royal Sound. For residents of Preserve at Hanover Park, it offers a beautiful, car-free way to stay active and connect with the natural landscape every day.

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

Downtown Beaufort's crown jewel is Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a beautifully landscaped green space stretching along the Beaufort River in the heart of Bay Street. Shaded by live oaks and dotted with iconic swinging benches, the park is where residents come to watch the sun set over the water, attend outdoor concerts and festivals, or simply sit and enjoy the breeze. A public marina, playground, and performance pavilion add to its versatility, making it the social heart of downtown Beaufort.

Beaches, Boating & Nature Preserves

Beyond Hunting Island, the Beaufort area offers access to a string of barrier islands, nature preserves, and public beaches that reward exploration. Port Royal Sound is a popular destination for recreational boating, fishing, and crabbing, while nearby preserves like the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge protect some of the most pristine coastal habitat on the East Coast. Whether your idea of a perfect weekend involves surf fishing at dawn, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, or birdwatching in a quiet maritime forest, Beaufort's natural surroundings deliver it all.

Downtown Beaufort Lifestyle

Waterfront Dining & Bay Street

Bay Street is Beaufort's social spine, a tree-lined corridor of restaurants, shops, and galleries that runs parallel to the Beaufort River. On any given evening, the street comes alive with the sound of clinking glasses and the aroma of Lowcountry cuisine drifting from open doors. From upscale seafood at Saltus River Grill to tacos and cocktails at Lost Local, Bay Street caters to every mood. The marina at the foot of the street adds a nautical backdrop, with shrimp boats and sailboats bobbing in the current just steps from your dinner table.

Art Galleries, Boutiques & Historic Streets

Beaufort's historic district is a visual treasure. Streets like Craven, Bay, and Carteret are lined with 18th- and 19th-century architecture, from grand antebellum homes to charming cottages. Woven throughout are independent art galleries showcasing Lowcountry landscapes, Gullah-inspired works, and contemporary Southern art. Boutique shops offer everything from local jewelry and handcrafted goods to curated home dcor and coastal fashion. Walking these streets is as much an aesthetic experience as a shopping trip and one of the quiet pleasures of living in Beaufort SC.

Festivals, Live Music & Community Events

Beaufort's calendar is filled with community events that bring neighbors together year-round. Live music echoes from waterfront stages during summer festivals, and downtown streets are closed for seasonal celebrations that draw the entire community out for food, art, and good times. From the annual Water Festival to the intimate Night on the Town holiday celebration, these events create the kind of shared experiences that turn neighbors into friends and that make Beaufort feel less like a place you live and more like a community you belong to.

The Walkable, Scenic Charm of the Marina

Few things capture the Beaufort SC lifestyle quite like a sunset walk along the downtown marina. The Beaufort River stretches wide to the south, catching the last light of day, while palm trees and live oaks frame the waterfront promenade. Boats drift in and out of their slips, and the iconic swinging benches of Waterfront Park are never far. It is the kind of everyday beauty that residents of Preserve at Hanover Park enjoy whenever the mood strikes and it never stops feeling extraordinary.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Beaufort Water Festival July

The Beaufort Water Festival is the crown jewel of the city's annual events calendar, a multi-week celebration each July that transforms downtown into a hub of activity. With tournaments, parades, concerts, talent shows, a commodore's ball, and nightly entertainment along the waterfront, the Water Festival brings the entire community together in a spirit of fun and friendly competition. For residents, it is the highlight of summer and a reminder of just how special living in Beaufort SC truly is.

Beaufort Shrimp Festival October

Each October, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park becomes a culinary destination when the Beaufort Shrimp Festival takes center stage. The region's best restaurants and chefs showcase creative dishes featuring locally caught wild shrimp, while live music, arts and crafts vendors, and competitive events round out the weekend. It is a celebration of the Lowcountry's most iconic ingredient and one of the most delicious things to do in Beaufort SC all year.

Original Gullah Festival Memorial Day Weekend

The Original Gullah Festival, held every Memorial Day weekend in Waterfront Park, is a vibrant celebration of the rich Gullah Geechee heritage of the Sea Islands. The festival features authentic music, storytelling, traditional cuisine, African drumming, arts and crafts, and educational presentations that honor one of America's most distinctive cultural traditions. For Beaufort residents, it is a meaningful and joyful event that deepens the connection to the community's unique history.

Soft Shell Crab Festival April

Every April, the charming old village of Port Royal hosts the Soft Shell Crab Festival, one of the most popular and anticipated events in the Lowcountry. Local chefs prepare their best soft shell crab dishes, and the streets come alive with live music, a classic car show, children's activities, and the kind of festive atmosphere that makes spring in Beaufort unforgettable.

Taste of Beaufort May

Beaufort's culinary community takes center stage each May during the Taste of Beaufort festival in Waterfront Park. Local restaurants present their signature creations in an outdoor setting, accompanied by live music and the stunning backdrop of the Beaufort River. It is a foodie's delight and a wonderful way for new residents to sample the best of the local dining scene in a single evening.

Holiday Events & Night on the Town December

The holiday season in Beaufort is pure magic. The first weekend of December brings Night on the Town, a festive celebration featuring a visit from Santa, a downtown Christmas tree lighting, a boat parade on the Beaufort River, and the annual Christmas parade. Shops stay open late, carolers fill the streets, and the entire downtown glows with holiday spirit. It is the kind of small-town tradition that makes living in Beaufort SC feel like something out of a storybook.

Downtown Farmers Market May through October

From late spring through fall, the Saturday morning Downtown Farmers Market is a Beaufort institution. Local farmers, bakers, and artisans gather to sell fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, handcrafted items, and prepared foods. It is a weekly social event as much as a shopping trip the place where neighbors catch up, families enjoy live music, and residents fill their kitchens with the freshest flavors the Lowcountry has to offer.

City Accolades & Recognition

Southern Living #1 Best Small Town in South Carolina (2024)

Southern Living named Beaufort the top small town in South Carolina in its 2024 feature, citing moss-draped oaks, historic homes, quiet beaches, and the charm of Bay Street's restaurants and boutiques.

Travel + Leisure Best Small Towns in America

Travel + Leisure included Beaufort among the best small towns in America and later named it one of twelve best small towns to live in the United States, praising its waterfront lifestyle, Gullah heritage, and access to nature.

Cond Nast Traveler Most Beautiful Towns in America

Cond Nast Traveler placed Beaufort on its list of the most beautiful towns in the country, noting its coastal views, 18th-century architecture, and exceptional dining scene.

Architectural Digest 25 Best Small Towns in America

Architectural Digest recognized Beaufort among the twenty-five best small towns in the nation, celebrating its architectural heritage, walkable downtown, and Lowcountry character.

CNN Best Small Towns in America

CNN named Beaufort one of the best small towns in America, acknowledging its blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and community warmth.

USA Today Ten Best Small Coastal Towns (2025)

In 2025, USA Today readers voted Beaufort among the ten best small coastal towns in the country, recognizing its historic downtown, outdoor recreation, and Gullah cultural heritage.

Coastal Living Happiest Seaside Town in America (2013)

Coastal Living gave Beaufort the distinction of happiest seaside town in America, a title that still resonates with residents who know the feeling firsthand.

LoveExploring Most Charming Small City in South Carolina

LoveExploring ranked Beaufort as the most charming small city in South Carolina, placing it fourteenth nationally among all fifty states' winners.

Reader's Digest Most Charming Town in South Carolina

Reader's Digest named Beaufort the most charming town in South Carolina, highlighting Waterfront Park, Civil War-era architecture, and the genteel Southern atmosphere of the Lowcountry.

Additional Recognitions

Beaufort has also been recognized as one of the most friendliest towns in the United States, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the South, one of the best South Carolina towns for retirees, and home to one of the ten best downtowns in America. Beaufort County has been named the best county to live in South Carolina and the healthiest county in the state. These accolades reflect what residents already know: Beaufort is a truly extraordinary place to call home.

Welcome Home to Preserve at Hanover Park

Where modern comfort meets Lowcountry charm.

125 New Hanover Street    Beaufort, SC 29906