Bluffton, South Carolina · Established Neighborhood
Pinecrest is an established Bluffton neighborhood offering single-family homes, lower-maintenance patio homes, community amenities, and a convenient location near shopping, medical services, Old Town Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island. Buyers should also understand the current closure of Pinecrest Golf Club before choosing a home with a fairway view.
Neighborhood Overview
Pinecrest sits at the crossroads of Buckwalter Parkway and Bluffton Parkway, a central location that puts residents minutes from Old Town Bluffton's waterfront shops and restaurants, Tanger Outlets, and Palmetto Bluff, with quick access to Hilton Head Island via the Bluffton Parkway. Developed by Centex Homes in the early 2000s, the community was built around the Pinecrest Golf Club course, laid out by golf course architect Rocky Roquemore, whose portfolio includes design work at Walt Disney World and Chicago's Cog Hill.
What sets Pinecrest apart from many Bluffton neighborhoods is its proximity to Bluffton's public school campus, including Bluffton Elementary, H.E. McCracken Middle School, and Bluffton High School. This location may appeal to families, though exact pedestrian routes and school assignments should be confirmed directly with the Beaufort County School District rather than assumed. A golf cart tunnel beneath Bluffton Parkway near the clubhouse also lets residents, joggers, and cyclists move safely between the community's two sides without crossing traffic.
Please note: as of July 2026, the Pinecrest Golf Club course and clubhouse are closed for operations and play until further notice. The course is still being maintained, but there is no confirmed timeline for reopening. See the golf section below for details, and always confirm current status directly before assuming golf access as part of a purchase decision.
Homeowner association and regime fees apply and vary by section. For current figures, see our Bluffton HOA and transfer fee guide rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere, since assessments change from year to year.
Inside The Community
Pinecrest is not one style of home. It is three connected neighborhoods, each built for a different stage of life, joined by the same golf cart paths, pool, and other amenities.
Larger single-family homes overlooking the fairways of Pinecrest Golf Club or the community's lagoons. Popular with move-up buyers and golf enthusiasts who want a view attached to the address.
Moderately priced one- and two-story single-family homes with forest or fairway views, shaded by the mature pines the community is named for. The largest of Pinecrest's three sections and often the entry point for growing families.
Smaller patio homes on a lower-maintenance footprint than a standard single-family lot, appealing to owners who want less yard work. A common choice for retirees, part-time residents, and buyers who travel often.
Community Life
A full-size community pool alongside a separate wading pool for younger children, both steps from the community center.
Dedicated courts for residents who want a regular game without a club membership.
An on-site court for pickup games, steps from the community center.
A dedicated bocce court adds a low-key, social gathering spot for neighbors of every age.
An on-site fitness space for residents who prefer to train close to home.
Ample parking and event space used for neighborhood gatherings, birthday parties, and club meetings.
A well-equipped playground within the community, a short walk or golf cart ride for most residents.
An underground passage beneath Bluffton Parkway that lets golfers, joggers, and cyclists cross safely between the community's two sides.
Golf Course Status
Pinecrest Golf Club runs directly through the community, an 18-hole layout designed by Rocky Roquemore, whose credits include co-design work on Walt Disney World's Magnolia and Palm courses and 26 years as golf course architect at Chicago's Cog Hill. Mature pines frame the fairways and give many Crossings and Woodlands homes their views.
As of July 2026, the clubhouse and course are closed for operations and play until further notice. The ownership group has stated the course is still being maintained with an intent to reopen if conditions warrant it, but no confirmed reopening date exists. This means buyers should treat golf as a scenic and historical feature of the neighborhood rather than an active, joinable amenity right now.
For buyers who value the fairway and lagoon views but are not counting on tee times, this changes little. For buyers whose decision depends on playing golf, verify current status directly with the course and factor the uncertainty into your decision before writing an offer.
Schools
Pinecrest is located near Bluffton Elementary School, H.E. McCracken Middle School, and Bluffton High School. That proximity may be attractive to buyers with school-age children, particularly when compared with communities farther from central Bluffton.
Attendance zones, enrollment eligibility, transportation options, and pedestrian routes can change and should be confirmed directly with the Beaufort County School District before purchasing a home.
Location & Drive Times
| Destination | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Old Town Bluffton waterfront | About 7 minutes |
| Tanger Outlets Hilton Head | 11 to 12 minutes |
| Hilton Head Island beaches | About 25 minutes |
| Downtown Savannah | About 36 minutes |
| Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport | About 39 minutes |
Drive times are estimates and vary with traffic and season.
Buyer Fit
Every Bluffton neighborhood serves a different buyer. Here is who tends to be happiest in Pinecrest, based on the homes, price points, and lifestyle the community actually offers.
Pinecrest's central location places it near several public schools, although current attendance zones and transportation options should always be verified before purchasing.
The course is currently closed, so this fits buyers drawn to the open sightlines and mature pines a golf-course lot provides, who are not depending on tee times as part of their decision.
The Gables section offers right-sized patio homes on smaller, lower-maintenance lots for owners who want less yard work and the flexibility to travel. One-story home options are also available within Pinecrest.
Pinecrest offers a community pool, courts, a fitness center, playground, pavilion, and other neighborhood amenities without requiring buyers to join a private country club. The golf course is currently closed and should not be treated as an available amenity.
Current Inventory
Browse current single-family and patio homes for sale in The Crossings, The Woodlands, and The Gables.
Search Pinecrest ListingsPinecrest homes vary by section, lot position, exterior-maintenance responsibility, floor plan, age, and proximity to the former golf course. I help relocating buyers compare those differences, review current HOA information, and identify the questions that should be answered before an offer is written.
Common Questions
No. Pinecrest is not a gated community. Buyers who prioritize controlled gate access may want to compare it with gated Bluffton communities, while buyers who prefer convenient access without a guarded entrance may see the non-gated setting as an advantage.
No, not currently. The Pinecrest Golf Club course and clubhouse are closed for operations and play until further notice. The course is still being maintained, and the ownership group has indicated an intent to reopen if conditions allow, but there is no confirmed timeline. Confirm current status directly before factoring golf access into a purchase decision.
Pinecrest is located near Bluffton Elementary School, H.E. McCracken Middle School, and Bluffton High School. Attendance zones, enrollment eligibility, and transportation options can change and should be confirmed directly with the Beaufort County School District before making an offer.
The Crossings features larger single-family homes with golf course or lagoon views. The Woodlands offers moderately priced one- and two-story homes with forest or fairway views and is the largest of the three sections. The Gables consists of smaller patio homes on lower-maintenance lots, popular with retirees and part-time residents. One-story home options are available within Pinecrest.
Yes, homeowner association and regime fees apply and vary by section and by the amenities each covers. For current figures, review our Bluffton HOA and transfer fee guide, since assessments are updated periodically.
Pinecrest is generally about 25 to 35 minutes from Hilton Head Island beach-access areas, depending on the destination, traffic, and season.
Many retirees choose The Gables section for its lower-maintenance patio homes, combined with community amenities like the pool, tennis, pickleball, and fitness center. One-story home options are also available within Pinecrest.
I have worked in SC Lowcountry real estate since 2009 and lived in the region since 1996. I can help you compare Pinecrest's three residential sections, current homes for sale, HOA responsibilities, location, maintenance considerations, and the implications of the closed golf course.
Ask Carl About Pinecrest