5 Best Hilton Head Island Gated Luxury Communities
Experience the allure of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and an unparalleled lifestyle converge. This picturesque barrier island offers 12 miles of sandy shores, more than 20 championship golf courses, and a thriving arts and culture scene, making it a haven for retirees, second-home buyers, and luxury living enthusiasts. Gated communities such as Leamington, Long Cove, Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal Plantation, and Wexford deliver secure, serene living with elegant homes, exclusive amenities, and a welcoming sense of community. Discover what sets each community apart and why Hilton Head Island remains one of the most sought-after destinations for upscale living.
If you’re considering the unparalleled serenity and prestige of gated communities in Hilton Head, you’ve come to the right place. Luxury-Communities.com specializes in connecting buyers with the finest private communities across the U.S., and we’ve curated a selection of our favorite gated communities on Hilton Head Island, SC.
While our focus is on the appeal of secure, gated living, we also explore the lifestyle, amenities, and atmosphere that make each community unique. Whether you’re drawn to championship golf courses, private marinas, or pristine beaches, Hilton Head offers an array of exceptional options to match your vision of Lowcountry luxury.
Long Cove Club
Spanning over 600 acres along picturesque Broad Creek Long Cove Club is renowned for its natural beauty, the area features century-old live oaks, Carolina pines, and scenic saltwater marshes.
At its heart is the Pete Dye Golf Course, ranked among the top residential courses in the U.S. Residents enjoy a deep-water marina, tennis and pickleball facilities, an Olympic-sized pool, organic garden, private dog park, and more.
Current home prices range from $1.3 million to over $2.3 million, with a median of $1.6 million. Long Cove Club blends luxury living with world-class amenities, offering an unparalleled Lowcountry lifestyle.
Palmetto Dunes
Palmetto Dunes is a premier oceanfront resort community in the heart of Hilton Head Island, offering a luxurious blend of lifestyle and natural beauty.
With three miles of pristine Atlantic beachfront and an 11-mile lagoon system, it provides serene settings for beachgoers, kayakers, and anglers alike.
The community offers three world-class golf courses, a top-tier tennis and pickleball center, and the vibrant Shelter Cove Marina with access to water sports and charters. Resort amenities include free transportation, championship golf, and direct beach access.
Average home values in Palmetto are above one million. Palmetto Dunes is a highly desirable destination for residents and visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the Lowcountry.
Leamington
Leamington is a private, oceanfront community within Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, spanning over 460 acres with 366 luxury homes and 510 villas or townhomes.
Known for its exclusivity, it is the only gated community on Hilton Head allowing residents to use personal golf carts for private beach access.
Leamington boasts unique features like the historic Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse, the renowned Arthur Hills Golf Course, and an 11-mile navigable lagoon system perfect for boating and fishing. Amenities include a heated pool, recreation center, and the Leamington Beach Club, offering oceanfront social spaces.
Current home values range from $749,000 to over $3 million, reflecting the community's luxury and prime location. Combining privacy, rich amenities, and natural beauty, Leamington stands out as one of Hilton Head's most sought-after gated communities.
Port Royal Plantation
Port Royal Plantation is Hilton Head Island's only fully private oceanfront residential community, located at the "heel" of the island where the Port Royal Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Residents enjoy exclusive access to a mile of secluded beachfront and a community rich in history, featuring landmarks like Fort Walker and Fort Sherman.
Amenities include the renovated Port Royal Beach House with an oceanfront pavilion, pools, and beach equipment storage, as well as three 18-hole golf courses, a racquet club for tennis and pickleball, and scenic leisure trails with an arboretum.
Port Royal Plantation offers a distinguished blend of privacy, coastal beauty, and historical significance, making it a top choice for discerning buyers.
Wexford
Wexford is a prestigious gated community on the south end of Hilton Head Island renowned for its luxurious amenities and exclusive lifestyle.
Its centerpiece is a 37-acre inland harbor with an innovative lock system, providing direct access to Broad Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway.
The community features an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, a tennis and pickleball center with illuminated courts, and an elegant clubhouse offering fine dining, a cocktail lounge, and a grand ballroom. Residents also enjoy a temperature-controlled swimming pool, croquet lawn, and bocce area.
Home values range from $899,000 for townhomes to over $3.5 million for estate properties. Wexford combines world-class amenities with a vibrant social atmosphere, making it one of Hilton Head Island's premier addresses.
Choosing the Best Gated Community on Hilton Head Island
Amenities and Lifestyle
Each community offers luxurious amenities tailored to residents seeking an exclusive lifestyle. Depending on your preferences—be it golf, waterfront activities, or social engagement—certain communities may better align with how you envision enjoying Hilton Head. Seasonal population fluctuations are also worth considering to ensure your chosen community matches your desired pace of life. We want to make sure the community matches how you wish to enjoy it.
Maintenance and HOA Fees
Gated living often comes with club dues and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees. These can vary significantly, so it’s essential to get up-to-date information. Our team can provide the latest details to help you make an informed decision.
Future Resale Value
The desirability and management of a private community greatly influence property values. A well-run club and HOA can enhance your experience and ensure strong resale potential. While our agents aren’t fortune tellers, they can provide a comprehensive history of each development, obtain financial and governing documents, and connect you with current residents for candid insights.
Real Estate Options
From beachfront condos to grand estates, Hilton Head Island offers a wide range of real estate options. Working with our vetted local real estate partners ensures you start your journey on the right path. Let us know how we can assist you by filling out our form, and we’ll connect you with the resources you need.