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Cat Island

Cat Island

Neighborhood in Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort County 29907

$933,281 Average Value
$345 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

An island golf course community with marsh views

Cat Island began in the 1930s as the first nudist colony in the United States. The founders hoped to create a sanctuary where they could live out their naturist principles in peace, but Chris Skrip says, “That only lasted about six months until they realized they couldn’t handle all the mosquitos.” Skrip, a local Realtor and co-owner of RE/MAX Dream, says, “The bugs aren’t nearly as bad anymore.” Today, the 450-acre Island maintains its sense of peace and natural beauty. Driving through the community, Skrip says, “You’ll see tree-canopied streets with marsh views and wildlife galore.” Residents can watch white-tailed deer hop through the reeds around the recently renovated golf course or spend the day fishing in deep water creeks. Cat Island feels wonderfully secluded, with only one way in and one way out. Still, everyday conveniences and local schools are fewer than 10 miles north on Lady’s Island.

One can find homes on Cat Island generously spaced out from one another.
One can find homes on Cat Island generously spaced out from one another.
The golf courses on Cat Island are a big source of recreation for residents.
The golf courses on Cat Island are a big source of recreation for residents.
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New improvements for Cat Island Club

Lowcountry landscapes create a serene backdrop for the Island’s luxury amenities. The community centers around Cat Island Club. Its 18-hole golf course closed in 2019 after years of neglect, but Resort Development Partners quickly bought the property to pave new fairways and reshape the former oblong sand bunkers. These days, residents enjoy sunny Saturdays carting around the velvet tiff-dwarf greens with neighbors. Palmetto trees line the fenced-in pool area at the heart of Cat Island. It features a kiddie pool, hot tub and two resort-style pools, one of which is reserved for adults. Kids ages four through 12 can learn to swim or play tennis at the Club’s annual summer camp.

Cat Island has plenty of room for new developments.
Cat Island has plenty of room for new developments.
The Cat Island Club features two pools and is located right by the water.
The Cat Island Club features two pools and is located right by the water.
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New traditional homes in distinct subdivisions

Four distinct subdivisions with primary residences and second homes make up most of Cat Island. Gently sloping fairways greet the back of New Traditional craftsman homes in Olde Tabby Park. Cutting through the Island’s south end, this borough only has 75 homesites, most already developed. The listings here range from $575,000 to $850,000. Ridge Road’s larger homes face Lowcountry marshlands on the community’s western edge. They showcase more traditional Southern features, with architectural styles ranging from coastal Colonial to classic Cape Cod. These custom-built single-family homes typically start at $925,000 and go up to $1.5 million. One of the newest and currently developing subdivisions is Dolphin Point.  Along with empty homesites, the community features new traditional vernaculars with long, private boat docks extending into Cat Island Creek. Sheffield Park is another newly established borough with plenty of empty lots and classic cape cod homes on the north end of the Island. The listings in both subdivisions usually fall between $750,000 and $850,000, but some waterfront properties can cost upwards of $1.75 million.

Most Cat Island homes are fully renovated around the island.
Most Cat Island homes are fully renovated around the island.
Homes on Cat Island feature large driveways and well-kept landscaping.
Homes on Cat Island feature large driveways and well-kept landscaping.
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Everyday conveniences are only 5 miles north

Everyday conveniences and commercial developments are found about 5 miles north on Lady’s Island. A few national chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s sit around Publix, Food Lion and the brand-new Harris Teeter that opened in May 2024. Residents head to Island Square Shopping Center to visit the local butcher at Ole Timey Meats. Next door, Grayco Hardware and Home sells anything from backyard grills to power tools and even fishing gear. Locals can drive just past the Beaufort Executive Airport to find the Walmart Supercenter.

Cat Island residents can head to Ladys Island for all kinds of shops.
Cat Island residents can head to Ladys Island for all kinds of shops.
Shopping centers offer Cat Island residents hardware stores and barber shops.
Shopping centers offer Cat Island residents hardware stores and barber shops.
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Dual enrollment and Career Academies at Beaufort High

Cat Island is zoned for the Beaufort County School District. Lady’s Island Elementary scores a B-minus on Niche, while Lady’s Island Middle earns a B. Beaufort High School gets a B-minus and offers several advanced programs for students hoping to go straight into the workforce or get a head start on college. Its Academy for Career Excellence includes a welding program and culinary arts school, plus the Technical College of the Lowcountry provides dual enrollment classes.

Cat Island students can begin their primary education at Hilton Head Island Elementary.
Cat Island students can begin their primary education at Hilton Head Island Elementary.
Cat Island students can finish their primary education at Hilton Head Island High.
Cat Island students can finish their primary education at Hilton Head Island High.
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One way on and off the Island

The Islands Causeway is the main road connecting Cat Island to the mainland. It cuts through the center of the community and leads to U.S. Highway 21 in about 2 miles. From here, residents can head across the McTeer Bridge to access the Naval Hospital in Port Royal, or they can continue driving for 45 miles to arrive at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Highway 21 crosses the Beaufort Memorial Bridge heading north and links to Historic Downtown Beaufort in about 5 miles.

Cat Island sits right along Ladys Island Dr.
Cat Island sits right along Ladys Island Dr.
Cat Island has a vibrant selection of homes.
Cat Island has a vibrant selection of homes.
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Flooding from tidal surges

Surrounded by water and marshlands, Cat Island is at a higher risk of flooding than neighborhoods on the mainland. Skrip says, “The whole neighborhood is in a flood zone, but it’s not like the roads flood every time it rains. It’s tidal surges that you have to worry about over there.”

Ryan Horton
Written By
Ryan Horton
Paul Ayala
Photography Contributed By
Paul Ayala
Victoria Sharpe
Video By
Victoria Sharpe

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Blake Gruel, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Hilton Head

64 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Cat Island US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$750,000
Median Single Family Price
$845,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$345
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
22
Months of Supply
3.80
Median List Price
$854,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
184
Median Year Built
2003
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,655
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • Tuesday, May 6
    11am - 1pm

    39 Ridge Rd, Beaufort, SC 29907

    $1,848,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 5,497 Sq Ft
    • 39 Ridge Rd

    This exquisite waterfront home on Cat Island offers expansive views and a stunning interior. Most every part of this home has been given new life! From the moment you step inside, you will notice the high end finishes, flow and waterfront views. This home is the epitome of classic beauty and offers a fantastic floorplan. Entertain easily on the main level, which offers an light filled gourmet

    Amy Achurch The HomesFinder Realty Group

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Blake Gruel, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
618
Median Age
47
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,941
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$117,760

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.3%
College Graduates
53.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.4%
% Population in Labor Force
46.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Cat Island