About Windy Lake
Windy Lake is a non-gated neighborhood of single-family homes on Sugaree Drive and Windy Lake Court, just off Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, SC 29910. Homes were built primarily in the mid-1980s to early 1990s, and many sit on lots of roughly half an acre or more, some backing to the neighborhood lagoon and others to wooded buffers. The neighborhood was originally developed under the name Sugaree, which is why the original covenants, plats and county records are filed under that name and you will see both "Windy Lake" and "Sugaree" in property listings.
Windy Lake is not located within the Town of Bluffton. It carries a Bluffton mailing address but sits in unincorporated Beaufort County. There is a property owners association with modest dues, no clubhouse or pool, and no golf course.
Where Is Windy Lake Located?
Windy Lake is on the east side of Simmonsville Road between US Highway 278 and Old Town Bluffton, in the central Bluffton area. Both streets end in cul-de-sacs, so the only traffic is residents and their guests. Grocery stores, the Bluffton Parkway, the public schools on H.E. McCracken Circle and the shops and restaurants of Old Town Bluffton are all a short drive away.
Approximate drive times from Windy Lake. Traffic and time of day can materially affect travel times.
Homes and Home Styles in Windy Lake
Windy Lake is made up entirely of single-family homes. They were built primarily from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, typically range from about 1,400 to 2,400 heated square feet, and most have three bedrooms, with some larger homes offering four or five. Floor plans vary home to home rather than following one builder's catalog, and many homes have been updated over the years with new flooring, kitchens, HVAC systems, windows and outbuildings.
Lot size is the standout. Lots are noticeably larger than in most newer Bluffton neighborhoods, which gives you room for gardens, a fenced yard, a workshop or storage building, subject to the governing documents and any required approvals. Because these homes are now several decades old, plan your inspection around roof age, HVAC, water heater, windows, decks and major systems, and ask what has been replaced and when.
Amenities
Windy Lake does not have a clubhouse, pool or other shared recreation facilities. Its lagoon, mature trees and larger homesites help give the neighborhood its established character. If a community pool or playground is a priority, see the comparable communities below.
Schools
Windy Lake is served by the Beaufort County School District and offers convenient access to nearby public schools, including the Bluffton school campus on H.E. McCracken Circle. Attendance zones can change, so buyers should confirm the elementary, middle and high school assigned to a specific property directly with the district.
What Does It Cost to Own in Windy Lake?
Three ownership costs to plan for:
- POA dues: Windy Lake has a property owners association with modest dues. For current POA dues and transfer fees, see my Bluffton HOA Fees and Transfer Fees guide.
- Property taxes: Because Windy Lake is outside the Town of Bluffton, owners pay Beaufort County property taxes but not Town of Bluffton municipal taxes. Qualified owner-occupants may apply for South Carolina's 4% legal residence assessment ratio.
- Insurance: Get homeowners insurance quotes early. Roof age and the age of major systems can affect premiums on homes of this era.
For a full breakdown, see what it really costs to own a home in Bluffton.
Windy Lake Flood Zone
Based on the FEMA flood map dated October 13, 2026, Windy Lake is in Flood Zone X, outside FEMA's Special Flood Hazard Area. Lenders generally do not require flood insurance in Zone X, but it is often available at a lower cost and is worth pricing. Flood maps are revised periodically, so always confirm the zone for a specific property. Learn more in my flood insurance guide.
What I Like About Windy Lake
I've lived in the SC Lowcountry since December 1996 and have been licensed in real estate since 2009. Windy Lake is one of the few places in the central Bluffton area where you can still get a half-acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac, minutes from Old Town, without town taxes or a large amenity budget built into your dues.
The homes are older and they vary a lot in condition, so the right purchase here comes down to the individual house. That is where local experience matters: knowing what has been updated, what still needs to be, and what the lot itself allows.
Carl Kratz, Broker & Realtor, Century 21 Integra Realty
What Buyers Should Know Before Choosing Windy Lake
- Older homes, varied condition. Some homes are fully updated and some are close to original. Budget for inspections and possible updates.
- No shared amenities. There is no pool, clubhouse or playground.
- Two names in the records. Title work, plats and covenants reference Sugaree, so make sure your attorney and lender are using the correct legal description.
- Limited inventory. This is a small neighborhood on two streets, so listings do not come up often.
Is Windy Lake a Good Fit for You?
Windy Lake tends to fit buyers who want:
- A larger lot than most newer Bluffton neighborhoods offer
- A central Bluffton location close to Old Town and US 278
- Modest POA dues and no Town of Bluffton property taxes
- An established home they can update over time
If you want new construction, a community pool or a gated entrance, look at the comparable communities below or ask me for options that match.
Similar Bluffton Communities to Consider
Fernlakes
Established 1990s neighborhood off Burnt Church Road with large lots, lagoons, a pool and boat and RV storage.
Lake Linden
Non-gated neighborhood near Old Town with a pool, courts and RV and boat storage.
Heritage Lakes
Non-gated lagoon neighborhood off Bluffton Parkway with community boat storage.
Recent Sales in Windy Lake
See what homes in Windy Lake have sold for over the last 12 months.
See Recently Sold Homes (Last 12 Months)Windy Lake FAQ
Is Windy Lake in the Town of Bluffton?
No. Windy Lake has a Bluffton, SC 29910 mailing address but is in unincorporated Beaufort County, outside Town of Bluffton limits. Owners pay Beaufort County property taxes but not Town of Bluffton municipal taxes.
Is Windy Lake the same as Sugaree?
Yes. Windy Lake was originally developed as Sugaree, and the original covenants, plats and county records are filed under that name. Listings often show the neighborhood as "Windy Lakes/Sugaree."
Is Windy Lake a gated community?
No. Windy Lake is a non-gated single-family home community on two cul-de-sac streets, Sugaree Drive and Windy Lake Court, off Simmonsville Road.
Does Windy Lake have an HOA?
Yes. Windy Lake has a property owners association with modest dues and recorded covenants and restrictions. For current dues and transfer fees, see the Bluffton HOA Fees and Transfer Fees guide.
What flood zone is Windy Lake in?
Based on the FEMA flood map dated October 13, 2026, Windy Lake is in Flood Zone X, outside FEMA's Special Flood Hazard Area. Confirm the zone for any specific property before you buy.
How big are the lots in Windy Lake?
Many lots are roughly half an acre or more, which is larger than most newer Bluffton neighborhoods. Lot size varies, so check the plat for the specific property.
Is Windy Lake a 55+ community?
No. Windy Lake is not age-restricted. If you are looking for an active adult community, see Sun City Hilton Head, The Haven at New Riverside, Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks, Latitude Margaritaville and Four Seasons at Hilton Head Lakes.

