Origin guide · New York / New Jersey to the Lowcountry
Moving From New York or New Jersey.
Two-hour flights · one long drive · a shorter winter
The New York and New Jersey to Hilton Head move is the most common relocation in the Lowcountry, and the easiest to plan: about two hours in the air to Savannah, an evening drive from most of the region, and a tax picture that improves for most retirees. This page covers the route, the flights, the tax changes, and the timeline, written for the tri-state buyer.
Last updated October 2026 By Kim Striker
How do you get from the tri-state to the Lowcountry?
Fly to Savannah
Nonstop service from the New York area airports to SAV runs about two hours. From SAV, Hilton Head is 40 to 50 minutes, Bluffton 38 to 45. [VERIFY: current airlines and schedules]
Drive it
From Manhattan about 750 to 800 miles, from northern New Jersey about the same, from Long Island a bit more; plan on two days with an overnight around the mid-Atlantic. [VERIFY: exact mileage from your origin]
What changes when you move south?
The obvious changes are the calendar and the commute. The financial changes matter more: South Carolina does not tax Social Security, retirement income qualifies for deductions, and the property tax structure for a primary residence is far more forgiving for most retirees than the tri-state's. The full tax picture is on the Cost of Living and Taxes page, with the forms you file and the deadlines you keep.
Compare the tax pictureThe typical timeline
- Month 1: scouting trip, island plus Bluffton
- Month 2: pre-approval and community short list
- Month 3: offers and contract
- Months 3 to 4: close, move, 4% tax filing, SCDMV within 45 days
- Month 5: homestead exemption, voter registration, address sweep
Answers
Tri-state move questions, answered
How long is the flight from New York to Hilton Head?
Nonstop flights from the New York area to Savannah (SAV) run about two hours in the air, plus airport time on both ends. The drive from SAV to Hilton Head is another 40 to 50 minutes, so plan the full door-to-door day. [VERIFY: current nonstop flight schedule]
Should we drive or fly for the move?
For the household goods, a full-service mover or portable container beats driving for most families. For the final trip with the family and pets, flying to SAV and renting a car is usually simpler than the 12-plus hour drive. [VERIFY: current mover quotes for the route]
How does New Jersey property tax compare to South Carolina?
New Jersey is consistently among the highest property tax states in the country. South Carolina taxes primary residences at a 4% assessment with a $50,000 homestead exemption at 65 for eligible owners. The exact comparison depends on your home value and community fees. [VERIFY: current rate comparisons]
Will we miss the seasons?
Most New York and New Jersey transplants cite the absence of snow shoveling as a feature, and the presence of humid Augusts as the adjustment. Winters are mild, springs are the best season, and fall extends well into November.
How far is Hilton Head from the major airports?
Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) is about 40 to 50 minutes from Hilton Head and 38 to 45 minutes from Bluffton. Charleston (CHS) is roughly two hours away and adds another nonstop option. [VERIFY: current flight options]
Next step
New York or New Jersey to the Lowcountry?
Kim works with tri-state buyers every season. Share your origin town and your timeline, and get a route and a short list that fit.