Sea Pines is one of three gated communities on the island with Atlantic Ocean frontage. Because it offers almost five miles of beautiful white sand beach, this area has become one of the most desirable communities in the area. Many of Hilton Head Island's finest oceanfront homes are found in the Sea Pines community. 

Real Estate properties on the ocean include 25-30 year old beach houses that sell for over $3.5 million dollars. Grand estates on the Sea Pines Gold Coast  are worth over $7 million. Oceanfront homes in Sea Pines have been appreciating by more than 20% annually for the last several years which have enticed many pre-retirement owners to buy now and then place their homes on short-term rental programs.

The Palmetto Dunes community is the second of three gated communities have frontage and direct access to the beach. Palmetto Dunes borders three (3) miles along the Atlantic Ocean and is divided in half with the section south of the Marriott Hotel devoted to luxury oceanfront villas & oceanfront townhouses. The other half, running 1 to 2 miles north of the Marriott, is developed with single-family homes. Beach houses are priced between $3.5 and $4.9 million and estate size homes valued at over $5,000,000 occupy the seashore.

Port Royal Plantation is the 3rd gated community with Atlantic Ocean frontage. Unlike Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines, Port Royal Plantation's Covenants & Restrictions prohibit short-term rentals, therefore, all of the property in Port Royal is either owner occupied, a 2nd home or rented long-term (6 months or longer). Prices for oceanfront property tend to be less than in Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes. Prices start just over $1 million with the top end typically under $5 million. With the 4 diamond Westin Resort at its center and some the widest beaches on the island, Port Royal is an excellent choice.