Charleston, Hilton Head among best beach towns year-round

MORNING HEADLINES | Charleston and Hilton Head Island are among the nation’s top beach towns to inhabit year-round, according to a recent ranking by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Hilton Head ranked first with Charleston tapped for 10th place, according to a survey of real estate experts from around the country, the magazine said. Other areas recognized: Malibu, Calif. (2); Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, N.C. (3); and Savannah, Ga. (13).

“Although Charleston is certainly a city, it has all the features of a beach town (plus three of its own beach destinations: Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach),” the magazine wrote.

Last year for the first time in 13 years, Charleston was knocked out of the magazine’s annual ranking for the best overall U.S. city, coming in at third.

But its coastal access and cultural Southern appeal contributed to its ranking as best beach town in which to live, one expert added.

Realtor Caitlin Smith in Bluffton said Hilton Head’s beaches, golf and lifestyle contributed to its top ranking.

“Its commitment to natural preservation, bikeable communities, and top-tier amenities makes it ideal for both full-time residents and second-home buyers,” she said, according to The State newspaper.

THREE DAYS LEFT: Remember to vote in Best of Charleston!

There are only three days left to vote in this year’s Best of Charleston contest, so don’t forget to cast your votes for your favorite places to eat, drink, buy a boat, wash your dog and just about anything else you can think of. Vote now at vote.charlestoncitypaper.com.

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