I hope yall will be able to help me with this
About this time next year my wife, children and I will be moving to Beaufort. We were in Beaufort this past weekend, just scoping it out, trying to figure out where to live and what to expect. Schools are going to be a BIG BIG deal. From what Ive been able to gather, Ladys Island is where we need to be in the Coosa Elementary school district (my boys are young)Would yall agree? What about Riverview Charter School? That looks like a good school too, but Id hate to live outside of the Coosa School district and then not be able to get my kids into Riverview. What about the new school Bridges? Do any of you know anything about that?
I was researching the crime rate in Beaufort and it appears to be a lot higher than I expected it to be but virtually didnt exist on Ladys Island. Is there that big of a difference between one side of the bridge and the other?
Im curious as to what kind of home owners insurance do you have to carry down there and what would it generally run for a 4/2+ 2200sqft home? I would assume that all homes down there require flood insurance correct? Is there a special high wind or hurricane insurance that is required as well?
How about HOA or rgime fees? Ive never had those before and it looks like most of the neighborhoods down there have them. What can I expect to pay in HOA fees? I know it will differ from hood to hood just looking for an average I guess.
Thanks in advance for any information that you can provide.
I happen to live in the Coosa school district and sell insurance for a living. Lady’s Island is a great place to live. Both of my boys went to Coosa and we could not have been more pleased with their education. Parts of Ladys Island are not in a special flood hazard zone and therefor mrotgage companies do not require flood insurance. Homeowner’s ins. can be expensive but that is the trade off for living on the coast. There are some carriers that will include wind on Lady’s Is. with a percentage deductible. Shoot me a PM if you have any more questions.
As far as the crime rate thing, I don’t think it matters what side of the bridge you are on in Beaufort. Born and raised here on the other side(beaufort/burton) of the bridge and have never felt unsafe. Certain places on both sides you dont want to go after dark as there are in any town I think. I wouldn’t say one side is better than the other, just a personal preference.
Sailfish 218cc
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I would have to say that most of the crime in Beaufort is your normal stuff like theft, minor vandalism here and there, occasional burglary, and most violent crime tends to involve drugs and gangs or both and is typically contained within that community. Like Eightnic8 said every town has places you dont want to go after dark. That said, Beaufort was my home for the last 14 years and I am doing everything in my power to get back to her!! You’ll love it for sure, if you don’t, give it awhile and it will grow on you. Best wishes to you and your family.
Reel Tight,
You have been given some good advice above but would like to share some thoughts.
We have a home on Lady’s Island and love the area. No kids in school there though.
Your homeowners will be much more than it is inland due in part to having to be in the “Wind/Hail” pool as they call it. This cost will vary depending on the “Named Storm” deductible you chose which is separate from your primary insurance deductible.
Also, our home is in Magnolia Ct Sub off Sams Point Rd and the lot has an elevation of 23’ so we are not required to take out “Flood Insurance” but we do. Check the FEMA website for cost. http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program
Due to the shape of our coastline and shallow water aloooong way out this place would get a hell of a surge I believe. I bet a strong Cat 2 would have water in our home but I am no expert. Home is on a slab.
Hope this helps and good luck with your search for a home.
By the way, Wildlifesc on this board has a bride that is in Real Estate so I would check with him/her. I wish I would have known him prior to our purchase. Great folks! They live on Lady’s Island as well.
I hope this has helped ya.
Good luck,
NN
07 23 Key West Twin 115 Yammys
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its all a tradeoff in the beaufort area, since the living’s good on one side of the town and lowes, wally world and best buy are on the other. i live on ladys island now. moved from port royal. no kids, so heres what i can help with:
there are not too many firehouses, so depending on where you are, homeowners insurance could be ridiculous. i use USAA for about everything, but they quoted me about 5k a year in insurance since i am so far from a firehouse, plus they dont offer wind together in the bundle, so that kills. a local broker got me a hell of a deal with the home insurance that bundled wind and homeowners. on the other hand, automobile insurance will go down. went down like 20% just moving from port royal. fun fact: in New Orleans, insurance on my truck alone was 1800 a year… not its less than 40% of that for 2 vehicles. says something about the vehicular crime rate and driving i guess. win some lose some.
as far as the regime fees. currently pay almost nothing, but if in a community with a pool clubhose etc expect to pay over a grand. if in a townhouse, probably more.
Re: the flood insurance, if your home is not in a designated flood hazard area, flood insurance is pretty cheap. My wife’s cousin decided to buy flood insurance when she bought her first home about 5-6 years ago; paid under $20 a month. About 2-3 years ago it just wouldn’t stop raining in Atlanta for several days and she got about a foot of water in her house. She was covered and it turned out well for her after the house was repaired.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
I go to riverview charter school and think its great. I’ve been there since it started and now am in grade 8. It’s a good school hardly ever any fights or anything like that. Good kids and good adults.
Thank you all for your advice…
Can anyone comment on Lady’s Island Middle School and Beaufort High School? I know Coosa is a great school…what about these two. Do ya’ll send your kids to public or private school.
I have friends that go to lady’s island middle and they say lots of fights bad kids and drugs.
I know someone that can stear you in right direction 
See below.
Capt. Mike sackman
www.NoWorriesCharters.net
For Real Estate services
www.BeaufortHomesToday.com
My wife and I have a second home on Lady’s Island just down Hwy 802 close to the Publics. No kids so can not comment on that. Been there 7 years and never had any crime problems. Have a off the ground house on piers, new construction and our flood is $365 per year. Now the home owners insurance will be high due to the location and wind. Thinf Lady’s Island is the place to be. we love it
P. C. Carroll
While we are off fishing and talking about houses, I need some names of good roofing company and vinyl siding installer. My home renovation is moving along well otherwise.