Del Webb's Sun City Hilton Head (often shortened to Sun City Hilton Head or Sun City locally) is an age-restricted master planned community located in the Okatie area of Beaufort and Jasper counties in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Although not a separate incorporated community or census-designated place, there are close to 10,000 permanent residents within three major phases of the community, which is clustered around its golf courses and community centers. The community is also renowned for its political activism, with many local, state, and national candidates for political office stopping in Sun City while in the area. Sun City is included within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Sun City Hilton Head is located approximately 12 miles (20 km) west of Hilton Head Island itself and 20 miles (30 km) north of Savannah, Georgia, with close access to Interstate 95. Sun City is positioned across nearly 10,000 acres between the borders of Beaufort and Jasper counties along the major thoroughfares in the area, U.S. Highway 278 and S.C. Highway 170. The majority of the development is in unincorporated Beaufort County, while the Jasper County portions (sometimes referred to as Sun City North) are incorporated into Hardeeville. Addresses in Sun City have either an Okatie or a Bluffton ZIP code, but no portions of the development are within the Bluffton town limits.
Using a similar design template from existing Sun City developments, Del Webb Communities purchased vast real estate holdings from the former Argent Lumber Company in the 1990s and began development of the Beaufort County portions. The majority of the property phases were folded into the "Sun City" development brand, while a phase of development located east of SC 170 was branded as "Riverbend" and featured higher-end homesites near the Okatie River. Nearly all of the Beaufort County portions of Sun City have been built out.
Del Webb Communities was acquired by Pulte Homes in the 2000s and began development of the Jasper County portions that same decade. Hardeeville annexed all of the Jasper County portions of the community in 2007, prior to construction. As of 2012, there were approximately 300 homes constructed along with a new community center, with an additional 300 homesites that were platted. Sun City has the option to construct up to 2,000 homes in the Jasper County portion through its development agreement with Hardeeville.
Sun City is a gated community and is age restricted to adults 55 and over. The majority of the residents are married and retired-full time, though some continue to work full-time or have home-based businesses. The community is overwhelmingly single-family residential homes on smaller lots, though attached housing and assisted living facilities are also in the community. Most of the lots look out over golf course holes, ponds, or natural areas. Many residents travel in the community with golf carts or bicycles. A bridge connects the Beaufort and Jasper county portions of the community over US 278, thus avoiding the need to enter and exit through multiple gates and cross the heavily-traveled highway.
Sun City maintains its own internal and private security force that patrols the neighborhood and some of the gate entrances. Fire services are shared between the Bluffton Township and the Hardeeville fire departments.
Sun City has an internal property owners association (the Community Association) that governs much of the community. Representatives from Del Webb Communities retain positions on the association, which has caused intense debate in the community as far as its independence from the parent company and developer. Efforts to incorporate Sun City as an individual municipality have been attempted before, but South Carolina laws on incorporation have made it a challenging process. Hardeeville and Beaufort Country retain certain regulatory and policing authority over the community, but yield to the Community Association and its bylaws on specific matters.
Sun City Amenities
• three 18- hole golf courses (two full-length, one executive)
• three fitness centers
• six swimming pools
• 20 acre lake (Lake Somerset)
• tennis & pickleball courts
• softball field
• bocce courts
• croquet fields
• two restaurants
• Woodworkers shop
• Arts and Crafts Building
• Dog Park
• 540-Seat Performing Arts Theatre
• Town square with community association
Health & Wellness in Sun City
Three fitness centers, six pools, classes and special programs provide options for all levels of activity.
This community also have personal trainers on staff to help you begin your path to fitness or to help fine-tune your program. Sun City Hilton Head also offers Fitness Classes six days a week, and regular fitness center orientations and interval circuit training sessions.
The community dedication to all residents’ health and wellness extends beyond fitness programs. Sun City Hilton Head also offers wellness lectures and programs and athletic competitions each year.
Swimming Pools:
• Purrysburg Pool (heated indoor pool and spa, great for exercise, has water classes)
• Barataria Pool and Spa (heated resort style outdoor pool)
• Hidden Cypress Pool and Spa (heated, outdoor, children’s hours)
• Riverbend (heated outdoor pool, children’s hours)
• The Lakehouse Indoor (heated indoor swimming pool)
Golf in Sun City
Argent Lakes Premier Executive Golf Course
Styled Like A Championship Course – Plays Like An Executive
Styled Like A Championship Course, Plays Like An Executive
Sun City Hilton Head is home to the only premier executive course in the Lowcountry. Built for your pleasure, Argent Lakes Golf Course features the fun and length of an executive course maintained in the style of a championship course.
Argent Lakes Golf Course
1291 Sgt. William Jasper Blvd. North
Hardeeville, SC 29927
843-645-0507
Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hidden Cypress Golf Course – Sun City’s Crown Jewel
The Hidden Cypress course at the Sun City features 6,946 yards of a unique golf challenge. Golfers love the beauty of the course, but also face a unique challenge of menacing greens and undulating greens.
Hidden Cypress Golf Course
671 Cypress Hills Drive
Bluffton, South Carolina 29909
843-705-4999
Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Okatie Creek Golf Course – Casual Fun
Okatie Creek Golf Course uses of the natural contours of the land as it winds through abundant Southern pines and marshes. Five sets of tees along with some of the best greens in the Lowcountry allow players of all abilities to enjoy their round, and the choice of "attack or relax" for their style of play.
Five sets of tees along with some of the best greens in the Lowcountry allow players of all abilities to enjoy their round, and the choice of "attack or relax" for their style of play.
Okatie Creek Golf Course
60 Sun City Club Lane
Bluffton, SC 29909
843-705-4653
Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sports in Sun City
The New River Sports Park: Located at the intersection of Sun City Boulevard and Red Dam Road, includes a softball field, volleyball court, horseshoe court, a half-basketball court and Pickleball courts. The Dog Park, which is open to all Sun City residents and their dogs, is next to the New River Sports park on Red Damn Road.
Town Square: Located on Sun City Lane and Del Webb Boulevard, you will find the Logo Building, croquet courts, Bocce courts, a putting green and the tennis courts.
Argent Lakes: Located on Sargent William Jasper Boulevard and Sun City Boulevard north of Hwy. 278, lighted tennis and Pickleball courts are located adjacent to the Lakehouse.
If you’ve always wanted to play tennis or just need to brush up on your skills, professional tennis instructors are available for lessons and clinics.
Restaurants in Sun City
Okatie Creek (843)705-4005
Hidden Cypress (843)705-8200
Catering and Carry-Out Available.
For Sun City Real Estate Information Please Call 843-290-6513 or email angelinasing@yahoo.com
