Life on Hilton Head Island often looks like a paradise to many people. Their most prominent interaction with the island is as a vacation spot and destination. But many of these people do not fully understand the reality of living on Hilton Head. While it is definitely true that the island is primarily a tourist spot, there are still thousands of people who live and work on the island. New arrivals must be familiar with the complexities of Hilton Head life if they hope to succeed in their new home.
Separate work life from leisure
Colby Burke Hilton Head resident argues that living on an island means that individuals are always in close proximity to golf, beaches, and resorts. This temptation may be too much for many people. Their productivity tends to drop and they start showing up late for events and meetings. This behavior can be disastrous for the future of an individual’s job performance and job success. Individuals need to become adept at splitting off their work from their leisure. Some people cocoon themselves in an office without a beach view. Others keep their golfing or surfing to a minimum during busy work times. Each person needs to devise their own method to help keep their personal life from blending with their professional life while on Hilton Head.
Crossing the bridge
Living on Hilton Head means that an individual will have to drive at least a modest amount over a long distance. They will have to cross the bridge onto the mainland for a wide variety of routine tasks. These tasks include courthouse and some medical visits. At some points of the year, such trips will take an extended period of time due to traffic from events and tourists. Many residents tend to combine all of their off-island trips for the week or month into one or two visits during the summer months. Individuals who live on Hilton Head need to decide when and how they are going to leave the island for whatever necessities they may need from the mainland.
The tourist presence
Life on Hilton Head means that individuals will have to live their lives according to both their own schedule and the schedules of tourists. There are certain times of the year where daily activity is dictated by tourists. On many weekends during the busy season, restaurants and bars are full weeks in advance. Roads are completely clogged with traffic both on and off the island. The reverse is true for several weeks during the winter. Some businesses close during the winter and others scale back their hours. This system may be confusing or stressful for people who are visiting from more full-time locations such as big cities. They have to plan their vacations, family trips, and other outings accordingly if they want to avoid crowds.
Hilton Head Island is one of the nation’s most successful coastal communities. It continues to bring in thousands of tourists and millions of dollars in revenue each year. Anyone looking to become a full-time resident needs to learn as much as they can about the realities of daily life and the unique position of the island in the country. With that information, individuals can ensure that they are as prepared as they possibly can be for life in their new home.
