Hilton Head Island, January 9, 2026
The new Northpoint housing development on Hilton Head Island addresses workforce housing shortages, providing affordable living options for essential workers. This initiative, a partnership with OneStreet Residential, is set to offer up to 170 rental units for those employed on the island. With a focus on affordability and community integration, the project reinforces local economic stability and aims to reduce long commutes for essential personnel.
Hilton Head Island is taking significant steps to address a critical need for workforce housing, with the Northpoint housing community leading the way. This new development aims to provide accessible living options for the essential workers who are the backbone of the island’s vibrant economy. As local businesses strive for resilience and the community seeks sustainable economic growth, projects like Northpoint underscore a commitment to supporting the individuals who make Hilton Head thrive.
The island’s robust economy, significantly driven by tourism, has experienced substantial growth, including $2.8 billion in revenue and 160 new businesses in 2024. While this success indicates sustained demand and property value appreciation, it also brings challenges, particularly concerning housing availability and affordability for the local workforce. Many essential workers currently face long commutes, impacting their quality of life and creating staffing shortages for local businesses. The Northpoint project, a notable public-private partnership, represents a proactive approach to mitigating these challenges and fostering a more integrated community where those who work on the island can also afford to live here.
Northpoint: A New Horizon for Hilton Head Workers
The Northpoint housing community, a collaborative effort between the Town of Hilton Head Island and OneStreet Residential, is a significant initiative in addressing the island’s workforce housing needs. Site work for this 157-unit development began recently on an 11-acre tract of Town-owned property at Northpoint Circle, adjacent to the United States Post Office on the north end of the island. The Town has demonstrated its commitment to this project by providing $1 million and a 65-year ground lease. This strategic investment by the Town is a testament to the benefits of local leadership and community involvement in fostering economic stability and growth.
The Northpoint project is designed to offer 150 to 170 rental units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. A key feature of this community is its requirement that 100% of residents must be employed on Hilton Head Island, ensuring that the housing directly serves the local workforce. This focus supports the island’s economic ecosystem by enabling essential personnel, such as caregivers, teachers, medical professionals, and first responders, to live closer to their workplaces, potentially reducing commute times and enhancing overall quality of life.
Understanding Rent and Income Qualifications
Affordability is a cornerstone of the Northpoint project. The rental rates are structured to be attainable for households with incomes ranging from 60 percent to 150 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Beaufort County. Based on Beaufort County’s 2024 AMI, a family of three could qualify with an income between $57,480 and $143,700. Specifically, at least 50 percent of the units will be reserved for households earning between 60 percent and 80 percent of the AMI. For a single person, the 80% AMI cap was $77,900 a year, and for a family of four, it was $111,000 as of September 2023. The anticipated monthly rent for these units is expected to range from $1,600 to $3,600, varying based on household income and the number of bedrooms. This tiered structure aims to serve a broad spectrum of the island’s workforce, providing opportunities for those who might not qualify for traditional affordable housing but still struggle with Hilton Head’s elevated living costs.
Community-Centric Design and Future Outlook
The Northpoint neighborhood is envisioned as a vibrant community, offering amenities and programming focused on resident well-being and quality of life. Features will include a mix of energy-efficient rental units, sustainable design with solar components, and high-quality architecture. Community spaces, such as a pool, outdoor communal areas with grilling and dining stations, pavilions, seating, and playgrounds, are planned to foster social interaction and a strong sense of community. Functional open spaces with views of Jarvis Creek, a neighborhood park with walking trails and fitness stations, and a community garden are also designed to encourage health and wellness among residents. Construction for Northpoint is targeted to commence in the summer of 2025, with the first units anticipated to be available for rent in late 2026 or early 2027.
Broader Efforts in Workforce Housing
Beyond Northpoint, other private investments and community partnerships are also contributing to Hilton Head Island’s workforce housing solutions. Novant Health, for instance, is undertaking a transformative workforce housing initiative near Hilton Head Medical Center. This development will provide 140 units, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, specifically for health care professionals, first responders, and other critical service industry workers. These units are designed for individuals and families earning between 80% and 150% of the AMI. Novant Health plans to reserve at least 30% of these units for its own workforce, demonstrating a direct commitment to employee retention and recruitment. Construction for the Novant Health project is targeted to begin in 2025, with units expected to be available by mid-to-late 2026 or 2027. This collaborative approach, involving both public and private sectors, highlights entrepreneurial innovation in addressing complex economic challenges.
Fostering Economic Growth and Community Resilience
The Town of Hilton Head Island’s commitment to advancing workforce housing opportunities is a key component of its broader Strategic Action Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2028. This plan emphasizes managing growth, investing in infrastructure, supporting economic development, and enhancing community well-being. By providing housing solutions, the island aims to attract and retain skilled workers, which is vital for the resilience of small businesses and the sustained vitality of the overall Beaufort County economy. Limited regulation, coupled with incentives like density bonuses and the conversion of commercial buildings, encourages developers to participate in creating more housing options for the workforce. These initiatives are not merely about constructing buildings; they are about strengthening the fabric of the community, enabling personal achievement, and ensuring a prosperous future for Hilton Head Island. The positive impact of such thoughtful development creates an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, local investments yield lasting benefits, and the community’s unique character is preserved for generations to come.
The continuous efforts to develop workforce housing reflect a balanced approach to economic growth, recognizing that a thriving economy depends on a supported workforce. As Hilton Head Island moves forward, these projects stand as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and community vision in building a stronger, more inclusive economic landscape.
Conclusion
The Northpoint housing community and other workforce housing initiatives represent a crucial investment in Hilton Head Island’s future. By making living on the island more accessible for its essential workforce, these projects aim to enhance the quality of life for many and reinforce the economic stability of local businesses. This blend of strategic planning, private investment, and community-focused development is essential for continuing Hilton Head’s economic growth and maintaining its unique charm. We encourage all residents to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing efforts to shape a prosperous and resilient future for Hilton Head Island. Supporting local businesses and understanding the dynamics of our growing community are key to this collective success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilton Head’s New Worker Housing Project
- What is the Northpoint housing community?
- The Northpoint housing community is a new 157-unit worker housing project on Hilton Head Island, developed through a partnership between the Town of Hilton Head Island and OneStreet Residential, LLC. It is located on an 11-acre tract of Town-owned property at Northpoint Circle.
- Who is eligible to live at Northpoint?
- Residents of Northpoint must be employed on Hilton Head Island. The housing is targeted for households with incomes ranging from 60 percent to 150 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Beaufort County. At least 50 percent of the units will be reserved for households earning between 60 percent and 80 percent of the AMI.
- What are the estimated rental costs at Northpoint?
- Units are expected to cost renters between $1,600 and $3,600 per month, depending on household income and the number of bedrooms.
- When will the Northpoint units be available?
- Construction for Northpoint is targeted to commence in the summer of 2025, with the first apartments anticipated to be available by late 2026 or early 2027.
- What types of units will be available at Northpoint?
- The Northpoint community will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
- Are there other workforce housing projects underway on Hilton Head Island?
- Yes, Novant Health has proposed a workforce housing initiative near Hilton Head Medical Center, offering 140 units for health care professionals, first responders, and other critical service industry workers.
Key Features of Hilton Head’s Workforce Housing Projects
| Feature | Northpoint Housing Community | Novant Health Workforce Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northpoint Circle, near US Post Office, Hilton Head Island | Near Hilton Head Medical Center, Hilton Head Island |
| Number of Units | 150 to 170 units | 140 units |
| Unit Types | One, two, and three-bedroom apartments | Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Some sources also mention three-bedroom units. |
| Income Eligibility | 60% to 150% of Beaufort County’s Area Median Income (AMI). At least 50% of units for 60%-80% AMI. | 80% to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). |
| Estimated Monthly Rent | $1,600 to $3,600 (depending on income/bedrooms) | Not explicitly stated in provided search results, but designed to be affordable for target AMI range. |
| Employment Requirement | 100% of residents must be employed on Hilton Head Island | Primarily for health care professionals, first responders, and critical service industry workers. Novant Health will reserve at least 30% for its workforce. |
| Projected Availability | First units available late 2026 or early 2027 | Units available by mid-to-late 2026 or 2027 |
| Developer/Partnership | Town of Hilton Head Island & OneStreet Residential, LLC | Novant Health, Abode Development, Coastal Community Development Corporation (CCDC), Vantem Global |
| Town Contribution | $1 million and a 65-year ground lease | Novant Health acquired 10 acres of land dedicated to this initiative. |
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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
