What Is Lakes at New Riverside?
Lakes at New Riverside is a gated community of single-family homes in Bluffton, South Carolina, built by K. Hovnanian Homes beginning in the early 2020s. It is in the New Riverside area of the Town of Bluffton, with convenient road access to Old Town Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Savannah. The community has no golf course, clubhouse membership, or age restriction.
The community includes both resale homes from the first phases and new construction in a later expansion section, so buyers can compare a finished home on an established street with a new build from the same builder.
Where Is Lakes at New Riverside Located?
Lakes at New Riverside is in the New Riverside area of the Town of Bluffton, South Carolina, west of Old Town Bluffton. Lakes at New Riverside is adjacent to May River High School. Highway 46 and Highway 170 connect the area to Old Town Bluffton, the bridges to Hilton Head Island, and Savannah. Grocery stores, restaurants, and everyday services are a short drive away.
Approximate Drive Times
Traffic and time of day can materially affect travel times.
What Types of Homes Are in Lakes at New Riverside?
Lakes at New Riverside is made up entirely of single-family homes built by K. Hovnanian Homes. Homes range from roughly 1,400 to 2,550 square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 3.5 bathrooms. Both one-story and two-story plans are available, and some two-story plans place the primary suite on the main level. Many homes have a two-car garage, and the community has natural gas service.
Most homesites are about 0.15 to 0.20 acre, with a few slightly smaller or larger. Some lots back to lagoons or wooded buffers, which affects both privacy and price. Exteriors are primarily vinyl siding. On resale homes, the useful inspection items are roof and HVAC condition, water heater age, and drainage around the slab; on new construction, an independent inspection before closing is still worth the cost.
What Amenities Does Lakes at New Riverside Have?
Lakes at New Riverside has a gated entrance, a community pool, pickleball courts, a playground, a grilling area, and lagoons throughout the neighborhood. Amenities are maintained by the homeowners association and are for residents and their guests.
What Flood Zone Is Lakes at New Riverside In?
Based on the FEMA flood map dated October 3, 2026, Lakes at New Riverside is in FEMA Flood Zone X, which is outside FEMA's Special Flood Hazard Area. Flood zones are set lot by lot, so the zone for a specific home should be checked before you make an offer. Lenders and insurers use the current FEMA map, and a flood insurance quote early in the process helps you budget accurately. My Bluffton flood insurance guide explains how this works.
Schools
Lakes at New Riverside is currently served by Pritchardville Elementary School, H.E. McCracken Middle School, and May River High School in the Beaufort County School District (the district can confirm assignment for a specific address).
What Does It Cost to Own in Lakes at New Riverside?
Your ongoing costs are property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance if required or chosen, and HOA dues. HOA dues support the gated entrance, pool, pickleball courts, playground, grilling area, lagoons, and common areas. A transfer fee is due at closing.
Current HOA dues and transfer fees for Lakes at New Riverside are listed on my Bluffton HOA Fees and Transfer Fees page, which I keep updated.
For buyers relocating from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, South Carolina property taxes are a meaningful difference, and the rate depends heavily on whether the home is your primary residence. My Bluffton cost of ownership guide breaks this down.
What I Like About Lakes at New Riverside
I've lived in the SC Lowcountry since December 1996 and have been licensed since 2009. What stands out to me about Lakes at New Riverside is that it gives buyers a gate, a pool, and pickleball on a newer home without stepping up to golf community pricing or club dues.
Having resales and new construction side by side is also useful. You can walk a two or three year old home on Mainland Lakes Drive, then tour a new build, and see exactly what you gain or give up with each.
What Buyers Should Know Before Choosing Lakes at New Riverside
- Builder pricing affects resales. While K. Hovnanian is still selling new homes, builder incentives can set the tone for resale pricing. Compare both before making an offer.
- Yards are modest. Most homesites are about 0.15 to 0.20 acre, so outdoor space is limited compared with older Bluffton neighborhoods.
- Construction is ongoing in the expansion section. Expect some construction traffic until the final phase is complete.
- Lagoons are stormwater ponds. They add views and wildlife but are part of the drainage system, as with most SC Lowcountry lagoons. They are not for swimming.
- Rules come with the gate. Leasing, parking, and exterior changes are governed by the HOA's covenants, and improvements such as fences or screened porches are subject to lot, governing documents, and architectural approval.
Is Lakes at New Riverside a Good Fit for You?
Lakes at New Riverside tends to fit buyers who want:
- A gated neighborhood with a pool and pickleball, without golf or club dues
- A newer single-family home, either resale or new construction
- A smaller yard and a home sized for full-time or part-time Lowcountry living
- Access toward Hilton Head Island, Old Town Bluffton, and Savannah from one location
Buyers who want a larger lot, a golf course, or boat storage should look at other Bluffton communities.
Similar Bluffton Communities to Consider
Lakes at New Riverside FAQ
Is Lakes at New Riverside a gated community?
Yes. Lakes at New Riverside is a gated community of single-family homes in Bluffton, SC, with a gated entrance and exit for residents and their guests.
Who builds homes in Lakes at New Riverside?
K. Hovnanian Homes builds the homes in Lakes at New Riverside. Homes range from roughly 1,400 to 2,550 square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms, in one-story and two-story plans.
Is Lakes at New Riverside a 55+ community?
No. Lakes at New Riverside has no age restriction. Buyers looking for 55+ living can compare nearby active-adult communities, including The Haven at New Riverside and Sun City Hilton Head, in my 55+ Active Adult Communities guide.
Does Lakes at New Riverside have one-story homes?
Yes. One-story plans are part of the mix, and some two-story plans include a primary suite on the main level.
What are the HOA fees in Lakes at New Riverside?
Current HOA dues and transfer fees are listed on my Bluffton HOA Fees and Transfer Fees page. Dues support the gate, pool, pickleball courts, playground, grilling area, lagoons, and common areas.
Does Lakes at New Riverside have a golf course?
No. Lakes at New Riverside has no golf course or club membership. Amenities are a pool, pickleball courts, a playground, a grilling area, and lagoons.
