Whether you are looking for an oceanfront villa or one that is just a short stroll to the beach, there are many Forest Beach Villas to choose. The Forest Beach community has often been called the downtown area of Hilton Head Island. With 3 miles of pristine beaches it is located on the south end of the Island between Sea Pines Resort and Shipyard Plantation.

With many shops, restaurants and a public beach park, Forest Beach gives you the feel of a small quaint beach town.  There are many avenues of recreation for family and friends such as miniature golf, seasonal live entertainment, water and beach activities. The Forest Beach community is made up with a combination of newly constructed homes, small bungalows as well as large and small villa complexes. This community is also a nice mixture of permanent residences, part time residences and short-term rentals.  Being a non-gated community, Forest Beach offers a relaxed and pleasurable environment.

Hilton Head Island will host the 3^rd annual Marsh Tacky horse race on the Coligny Beach in the Forest Beach Area. The activities will begin at 11:00 a.m on Sunday, February 27, 2011. There will be 20 horses running. The Marsh Tacky horse is indigenous to coastal areas. It was significant to the low country as it was brought to the region and used in the Revolutionary War and Civil War because they were well suited to traverse the Lowcountry’s marshes and swamp. They are almost extinct with only about 300 left. They recently have been named the South Carolina State horse.

Moss Creek Plantation is another area full service equestrian center. It offers boarding, lessons, training and many opportunities for competitive showing. Other centers in the Bluffton and Okatie areas are located in Palmetto Bluff, Oldfield and Rose Hill.

Start off 2011 right by considering the purchase of your vacation Hilton Head Island home. If you have ever dreamed of that Hilton Head Island Home or Hilton Head Island Villa, now is the perfect time to pursue that dream. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than a half million people bought vacation homes last year. Many are taking advantage of low real estate prices and mortgage rates combined with the potential revenue and are purchasing that home or villa. Historically baby boomers have led the purchases, but the current market is enabling younger purchasers.

Sea Pines Resort and Palmetto Dunes Resort both offer inclusive resort amenities complete with beach, golf, tennis, water sports, shopping and dining without leaving the resort. Shipyard Plantation is private and has more of a community atmosphere with beach access, golfing, dining and is conveniently located to shopping and dining. Forest Beach is considered the downtown area with beach, shopping and dining.

This Christmas will be bitter sweet for most Forest Beach real estate owners and their guests that visit the area during the holidays. The Dove Street neighbors are moving their traditional Holiday lights next year. Forest Beach is an eclectic neighborhood that has tremendous small town charm. Consisting of beach cottages and oceanfront estates, it is one of the few non-gated communities on the Island. This affords Hilton Head Islanders and tourists alike to enjoy the display of the Dove Street lights every year.

The Dove Street Lights started 20 years ago in celebration of one of the Forest Beach property owners' new baby. The neighbors and friends lit their 40 foot magnolia tree in white lights honoring their new arrival. Other neighbors decided to join in and decorate their trees and homes. Each year the array of lights has expanded. Visitors enjoyed the lights so much they offered to help pay for the electric bills.  The Forest Beach neighbors didn't accept the money, but did realize there were others in need. They took the donations and started giving them to Deep Well a local charity organization. This tradition continues today.

This spectacular light show now attracts thousands of drivers that wind their way through the narrow, tree canopied streets. It has grown so large that is not manageable for the small quaint community. The co- founders are talking with Hilton Head Island officials and several rotary clubs to move it to a town venue such as the Crossings Park. In the true Hilton Head fashion, they are hopeful to make this even more of a community event with more Islanders and charities getting involved.

The Dove Street lights are a perfect example of what the Forest Beach community and Hilton Head Island is all about. This is a great time of year to become part of a community. There are many Forest Beach real estate opportunities as well as Forest Beach foreclosures. If you are in Forest Beach over the Holidays and have an interest in real estate, 101 Dune Lane is an outstanding oceanfront home, just waiting for a buyer. Don't wait   any longer to become  part of a community that truly gives back.

Ocean Wood is an oceanfront community located on Hilton Head Island in the North Forest Beach Area.  This small community of 13 homes has its own oceanfront pool and gazebo.  Vacationers and locals agree that this is one special community.  While there are some Hilton Head foreclosures, we haven't seen any currently in Ocean Wood, although there are some great buys. 

In addition to the great location, what makes this neighborhood so special is that its perfect to reside there full time or use as a rental/second home.  Imagine waking up and watching the sunrise over the Ocean, enjoying a stroll on the beach, then hopping on your bicycle for lunch at Coligny Plaza.  If you would like to learn more about Ocean Wood on Hilton Head Island, please contact me.