Neighborhood Spotlight: Long Cove

Nestled along the south end of Hilton Head Island, Long Cove is a residential sanctuary that blends natural beauty, luxury living, and a true sense of community. Often described as one of the island’s best-kept secrets, Long Cove offers an exclusive, low-density lifestyle that feels worlds away from the hustle of more tourist-centric areas—yet it's just minutes from everything Hilton Head has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a vibrant community life, or a little of both, Long Cove is where refined island living becomes reality.

Long Cove is a private, gated neighborhood that spans roughly 630 acres. Unlike some of the larger resort-style communities on Hilton Head, Long Cove is intentionally intimate, with only about 570 homes. There are no vacation rentals, which preserves the peaceful environment and cultivates a tight-knit, residential atmosphere.

Driving through Long Cove feels like entering a nature preserve. Towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss create a canopy of shade. Lush ferns, palmettos, and azaleas line the winding roads. Many homes are set along scenic lagoons, Broad Creek, or the renowned golf course, giving each property a sense of serenity and seclusion.

Golf is at the heart of Long Cove’s identity. The private, members-only course was masterfully designed by Pete Dye, one of the most respected names in golf architecture. This 18-hole championship course consistently ranks among the top private courses in the Southeast and is beloved by members for its walkability, playability, and natural beauty.

The course winds through the community’s forests, marshes, and tidal creeks, offering breathtaking views at nearly every hole. Because Long Cove limits its membership and prioritizes residents, tee times are easy to secure, and rounds feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Even if you're not an avid golfer, the views alone—rolling fairways flanked by live oaks, shimmering lagoons, and the occasional egret or heron—make the course a standout feature of the community.

For boaters and water lovers, Long Cove offers something truly special: its own private deepwater marina. Located on Broad Creek, the marina provides direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and beyond, making it a rare and valuable amenity on Hilton Head Island.

Imagine stepping out of your home, hopping on your boat, and heading to Daufuskie Island for brunch or taking an evening cruise toward Harbour Town. The marina has 85 boat slips, kayak storage, and even a community firepit and gathering space overlooking the water—a favorite sunset-viewing spot for many residents.

Long Cove may feel tucked away, but life here is far from quiet. The neighborhood offers a full slate of amenities that promote wellness, activity, and social connection.

• Tennis and Pickleball: The racquet sports scene is lively at Long Cove, with eight Har-Tru tennis courts and four pickleball courts available for casual play, lessons, and league matches.
  
  
• Community Pool: The saltwater pool is a summertime favorite, with a spacious deck for lounging and regular events for adults and families alike.
  
  
• Bocce Ball and Croquet: These classic lawn games are surprisingly competitive and provide a great way to connect with neighbors.
  
  
• Community Garden and Dog Park: Residents can grow their own herbs and vegetables in raised garden beds or let their furry friends roam off-leash in a well-kept dog park.
  
  
• Kayaking and Biking: Broad Creek’s calm waters are perfect for paddling, and the entire community is connected by trails ideal for walking, running, or cycling.

Living in Long Cove means joining a vibrant, socially engaged community. The Club at Long Cove hosts a wide variety of events year-round, from oyster roasts and holiday parties to wine tastings, speaker series, and charity auctions.

One of the most beloved aspects of the community is how inclusive and welcoming it is. Newcomers are often surprised by how quickly they feel at home. Many friendships are formed over shared meals, tennis matches, or casual chats during morning walks.

Long Cove is not only a beautiful place to live—it’s a community that gives back. The Long Cove Fund is a resident-led initiative that supports local nonprofits and education-focused programs in the greater Hilton Head area. Since its inception, the fund has donated more than $2 million to organizations supporting children, families, education, and housing.

Residents take pride in being part of a community that not only enjoys a high quality of life but also contributes to improving life for others on the island.

Homes in Long Cove are thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding landscape. You'll find a mix of Lowcountry-inspired architecture, traditional Southern styles, and elegant modern builds. Many homes feature expansive porches, tabby or brick accents, and large windows that capture views of the water, woods, or fairways.

Because this is not a cookie-cutter neighborhood, each home feels unique. Homes typically range from around 2,500 to over 5,000 square feet and offer high-end finishes, gourmet kitchens, and custom features that cater to today’s luxury lifestyle.

Property values in Long Cove reflect the community's exclusivity, but they also offer strong long-term investment potential due to the neighborhood’s low turnover and high desirability.

Long Cove is ideal for those who want the best of Hilton Head without the busyness of the island’s more commercial areas. It’s where you can enjoy the peace of nature, the excitement of golf or boating, and the camaraderie of a warm and welcoming neighborhood.

You’re close to everything—shops and restaurants at Coligny Plaza, world-famous beaches, and the airport—yet the moment you pass through the gate, you feel like you’ve entered a private island retreat.

This is more than a neighborhood. It’s a lifestyle, and once you experience it, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else.

If you’re ready to explore the extraordinary lifestyle that Long Cove offers, there’s no better guide than Karen Ryan. As a Hilton Head Island Real Estate Agent & Realtor, Karen brings local expertise, personal attention, and a passion for helping clients find their perfect home.

Whether you’re buying your first island home or searching for the perfect forever spot, Karen will help you navigate every step of the journey with confidence and care. Contact Karen today to get started!