Firstly why Port-Royal, South-Carolina?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Port-Royal
• State: South-Carolina
• Population: 4,506 people
• Port-Royal’s quick summary would be Port Royal residents relax at Sands Beach, check out the shrimp docks, and appreciate nearby Beaufort’s movie scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 1,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a waterfront allure and small-town charm attracting families

Perk #1: Port-Royal Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $48,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Port-Royal is $49,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Port-Royal’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 70 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,234
• Property Tax %: 1.02%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Port Royal
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Port-Royal, Beaufort, Shell-Point, Lady’s-Island, and probably could include St-Helena
• Avg. Age of Homes in Port-Royal: 26 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Port-Royal’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Port-Royal are  Tourism, Agriculture, and Healthcare
• Port-Royal Job Scene: small job market focused on tourism and local services
• The General Tech Scene: small tech presence focused on community services , ,
• Port-Royal Resident’s pay $200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Port-Royal: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 15 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 1

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Port-Royal

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $75 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 21 offers coastal access through Port Royal
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic near the marina
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Port-Royal: 2,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Port-Royal: scdmvonline.com
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 58 of 100
• Local Airport: Hilton Head

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Port-Royal’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Port-Royal is best described as features hot humid summers and mild winters with frequent rainfall
• Winter Weather in Port-Royal i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Port-Royal can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Port-Royal are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Port-Royal is usually mild and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in Port-Royal below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 54 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with minimal pollution concerns
• Port-Royal Winter Air generally good air quality with limited pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Port-Royal Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Port-Royal 0
• While the number of trade schools inside Port-Royals’s city limits are 0
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Port Royal Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Port-Royal Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Port-Royal only Doctors is about 0
• Local Hospitals here is  0
• Full-time Port-Royal only Police Officers is about 0
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Port-Royal’s Monthly utility bill average is $75
• Port-Royal’s Monthly Gym Membership: $34
• Port-Royal’s Water Quality Score: 0

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Port-Royal

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small coastal town with a focus on community and nature
• You might enjoy live shows at the local community center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Port-Royal  has a relaxed atmosphere with local bars and eateries perfect for casual gatherings and relaxation

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Port-Royal

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes seafood restaurants and local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 5 scattered around Port-Royal
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Port-Royal can be described as small conservative town with a focus on local community
• Port-Royal’s Longer standing religious establishment is Port Royal United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Port-Royal Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Port-Royal has 5 Parks?
• Port Royal Landing Park is Port-Royal’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Port Royal Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, beach activities, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Port-Royal Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Port-Royal can be described as relaxed community life with a focus on coastal activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Port-Royal picnicking at parks community events beach trips
• The Cities people commute to from Port-Royal are Meade-County 10 miles away Boxelder 15 miles away Ellsworth 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Port-Royal or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic near the marina. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Port-Royal’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Port Royal is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Port-Royal are Meade-County 10 miles away Boxelder 15 miles away Ellsworth 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Port-Royal has 5 days in a row below freezing and 12 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Port-Royal people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   100 homeless people living in Port-Royal. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general small conservative town with a focus on local community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Port-Royal.

Retiree & Senior Life in Port-Royal

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax exemptions improving financial health
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Port Royal Senior Center hosts various programs meal services and activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Port-Royal, South-Carolina?

If Port-Royal, South-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Port-Royal, South-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!