Want Savannah’s energy without the 24/7 hustle? In Hardeeville, you get short drives to Savannah and Hilton Head plus a calmer Lowcountry pace. If you are weighing commute times, new builds, and day-to-day lifestyle, this guide shows you how Hardeeville lives today and where it is headed next. You will see neighborhood options, current pricing, and practical tradeoffs so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why Hardeeville is rising

Hardeeville is one of the Lowcountry’s fastest-growing hubs. The population climbed from 7,473 in 2020 to an estimated 13,862 as of July 1, 2024, and recent estimates show a high share of residents age 65 and older, reflecting the area’s 55+ appeal. You can explore these figures in the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Hardeeville. See the latest Census snapshot.

Growth is not just residential. The city is recruiting logistics and light industrial employers at Hardeeville Commerce Park, positioning the area for more local jobs and shorter commutes. Read how the city is building this job base.

Large master plans are also in motion. A 2,600-acre tract along Highway 278, known locally as the Morgan Tract, was purchased in late 2023 with significant single-family development expected over time. Get the Morgan Tract background.

Neighborhoods and home types

55+ resort-style living

If you are looking for a social, amenity-rich lifestyle, Hardeeville stands out. Portions of Sun City Hilton Head sit within city limits and offer golf, clubhouses, pools, and a wide range of clubs and activities. Explore Sun City’s community association presence.

Latitude Margaritaville is another major 55+ choice on Highway 278 with a town-center feel and phased buildout. The community attracts active retirees who want programming, events, and quick access to Hilton Head. See Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head.

Master-planned and new-construction options

Beyond 55+, Hardeeville’s pipeline includes traditional single-family neighborhoods and mixed product types expected with the Morgan Tract and other projects. These plans aim to add move-in ready homes at a range of price points, often with quick access to I-95 and US-278 for easy commuting.

Build-to-rent cottages and rentals

Detached cottage-style build-to-rent projects have started to appear, offering small, detached rentals that feel like a home without the maintenance. These options can work well for renters, recent arrivals, or those testing the area before buying.

Established subdivisions

Across Hardeeville you will find a mix of established and newer neighborhoods, including Hampton Pointe, Millstone Landing, Hilton Head Lakes/Tradition, Purrysburg, The Preserve, Twin Ponds, Hunt Club, and Royal Oaks. Home styles range from townhomes and cottage-style bungalows to single-family homes on modest lots.

Daily life: outdoors, dining, services

Water and nature access

Hardeeville’s outdoor routine centers on rivers, marshes, and quick day trips to the coast. Public boat ramps provide access to the Savannah River and New River, which are popular for boating and fishing. Beaches on Hilton Head Island are a straightforward drive for weekend mornings or sunset evenings.

Dining and errands

You will find a growing mix of local diners, barbecue, and convenience retail in town. For broader dining and shopping, many residents head to Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, or downtown Savannah. The tradeoff is clear. You enjoy a quieter residential base, then take short drives for more variety.

Healthcare access

Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center in Hardeeville serves as the local hospital, with larger systems on Hilton Head Island and in Savannah for specialty care. See the hospital listing.

Schools and district info

Hardeeville is served by the Jasper County School District, including Hardeeville Elementary, Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle, and Ridgeland-Hardeeville High. Families often review district and school reports directly to understand current programs and performance. Find the city’s school overview.

Commutes and connections

Hardeeville sits on I-95 with Exits 5 and 8 and has direct access to US-278 and US-17. Typical non-peak drive times are about 20 to 30 minutes to downtown Savannah, and roughly 25 to 35 minutes to Hilton Head Island, depending on your exact start and season. The city’s FAQ lists the Savannah trip at about 17 miles. Check the city’s distance guidance.

Public transit is limited and commuter-oriented. Palmetto Breeze offers specific commuter routes that touch the Hardeeville and Okatie area, which can help some workers but do not replace a car for daily errands. View a sample commuter line.

Air travel is straightforward. Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) is the primary airport, usually a 20 to 40 minute drive from Hardeeville depending on traffic. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) provides a small alternate option.

For day-to-day reference, the city’s mean commute time is about 22.2 minutes, which aligns with a mix of local jobs and short regional drives. See the commute statistic in Census QuickFacts.

What homes cost in Hardeeville

Values vary by product type and date of measurement. The ACS 2019–2023 reports a median owner-occupied value of about $467,500. Marketplace snapshots use different methods and timeframes. Zillow’s Home Value Index for Hardeeville was about $422,971 as of January 31, 2026. Realtor.com’s December 2025 median listing sat near $478,950, while Redfin’s January 2026 median sale was around $500,000. Explore Zillow’s index for context.

Why ranges matter: indexes, listings, and sales answer different questions. Use them together to gauge direction, then compare against your specific home type and neighborhood comps.

Is Hardeeville right for you?

• Retirees and active adults: The 55+ lifestyle is a standout with resort-style amenities and social programming at major communities like Sun City and Latitude Margaritaville.
• Savannah or logistics commuters: You get quick interstate access and a growing local job base connected to the commerce park.
• First-time buyers and young families: New subdivisions are adding more options that can be more affordable than coastal addresses. Check your school, work, and daily-errand routes.
• Renters and workforce: Build-to-rent cottage neighborhoods bring detached-living choices without the maintenance.

Common tradeoffs to weigh

• Pro: More developable land and, in many cases, more approachable prices than Hilton Head or central Bluffton. Short drives to two job centers.
• Con: Car-dependent daily life. Local dining and retail are smaller than Bluffton, Hilton Head, or Savannah. Seasonal traffic can slow the US-278 corridor toward the island.
• Evolving growth: Large master plans and infrastructure upgrades mean more services ahead, along with periodic construction nearby. Follow city updates and project timelines to set expectations.

A quick “try this” field checklist

• Drive your exact commute at normal rush-hour times on a weekday.
• Visit a 55+ community tour plus a newer family subdivision to compare layouts and HOA programming.
• Stop by a public boat ramp and plan a beach morning to test weekend travel time.
• Walk a grocery run and a dinner out in Hardeeville, then repeat in Bluffton or Hilton Head to see which rhythm fits you.
• Ask your agent to pull neighborhood-level comps for your target floor plan and lot type.

Ready to explore homes?

If Hardeeville’s balance of Savannah access and Lowcountry calm fits your goals, let’s map the right neighborhood, budget, and build timeline together. From new construction previews and virtual tours to polished listing prep and scheduling, you will get clear guidance at every step with Lorie Sauer. Schedule a Showing.

FAQs

How far is Hardeeville from downtown Savannah in typical traffic?

• Plan for about 20 to 30 minutes in non-peak hours, with the city listing the trip at about 17 miles; always test your exact route at commute time.

What is the day-to-day vibe compared with Hilton Head or Savannah?

• Hardeeville feels quieter and more residential, with growing local conveniences and quick drives to bigger dining and entertainment in Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Savannah.

Are there hospitals close to Hardeeville?

• Yes. Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center is in town, with additional specialty care available on Hilton Head Island and in Savannah.

What kinds of new homes are coming to Hardeeville?

• Expect more single-family homes from large master plans like the Morgan Tract over time, plus continued 55+ and build-to-rent options as the city grows.

Is there public transit in Hardeeville?

• Limited commuter-oriented service exists through Palmetto Breeze. Most residents rely on a car for daily errands and flexible schedules.