Hardeeville, South Carolina
The Heart of Lowcountry
Southern charm and rapid growth guarantee a dynamic future
Brimming with opportunities and Southern hospitality, Hardeeville is a gem nestled between Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. The rapidly growing municipality is a vibrant community that is steadily improving the quality of life for its residents. We spoke with Mayor Harry Williams, City Manager Michael J. Czymbor, and Assistant City Manager Neil Parsons to understand what makes Hardeeville unique and poised for a bright future.
Strategic location
Hardeeville’s prime location is one of its biggest assets. Positioned conveniently on Interstate 95 with two exits and a third in the planning stages, Hardeeville is ideally situated for growth. Highway 278, the major road leading to Hilton Head, also runs through the city, making it a vital artery for the 3 million tourists visiting the island annually.
“Hardeeville is the heart of the Lowcountry,” says Mayor Williams. “We’re perfectly located between major hubs like Savannah and Hilton Head and just a stone’s throw from Charleston. This ideal location and our Southern hospitality make Hardeeville a great place to live.”
Economic drivers
The economic landscape of Hardeeville is diverse and dynamic. Residential growth, driven by lower taxes and a desirable location, is one of the primary economic drivers. People from the Northeast, Midwest and now Western parts of the continental U.S. are migrating to Hardeeville, attracted by its favorable weather and lower cost of living.
“We’re also becoming a hub for storage, logistics, and suppliers due to our proximity to the Port of Savannah,” explains City Manager Czymbor. “With the port being the second fastest growing in the U.S., our strategic location is a significant advantage.”
Infrastructure and transportation
To support its rapid growth, Hardeeville has several key infrastructure projects underway. The widening of Interstate 95, a major initiative set to begin in 2025, will significantly impact the city’s connectivity. Additionally, the city, Jasper County, SCDOT and private developer are working collectively to a build a new I-95 interchange, Exit 3, which will further enhance transportation infrastructure.
“The city has invested heavily in infrastructure to meet our growing needs,” Czymbor notes. “This includes new fire stations, an expanded police department, a new court facility, and recreational improvements. Our 40,000-square-foot recreational center and the multi-million-dollar recreational complex behind City Hall are just a few examples.”
Moreover, the city is collaborating with the county on a transportation sales tax referendum. This proposal, which plans to introduce a 1 percent sales tax, will be released to the public for approval. The funds generated from this tax will be crucial in widening interior roads that are struggling to accommodate the rapid population growth and projected traffic increases.
Key projects include widening the 278 corridors, the primary route for the millions of tourists traveling to Hilton Head Island annually. The initiative aims to alleviate congestion on major roadways, ensure smoother transit, and improve infrastructure to support Hardyville’s burgeoning population and economic activities.
“We’re also developing new pathways for non-motorized transport, such as biking and walking,” adds Parsons. “The East Coast Greenway project is part of this initiative, aiming for connectivity from Maine to Miami.”
Housing boom
Hardeeville’s residential development can only be described as explosive. From 2015 to May 2024, the city issued 5,902 single-family building permits and 138 industrial or new commercial building permits. This translates to over 15,000 new residents, with an estimated growth to 35,000-40,000 people within the next decade.
“People are attracted to Hardeeville for several reasons,” Mayor Williams says. “The weather is phenomenal, and our location is perfect. We’re close to the beach, Savannah, and Charleston, with easy access to major roadways. Moreover, our lower taxes and more affordable housing options than the Northeast make Hardeeville an attractive place to live.”
Education and workforce development
Education and workforce development are crucial for Hardeeville’s continued growth. The city has partnered with various educational institutions to meet the needs of local businesses and industries. The Technical College of the Lowcountry recently broke ground on a $40 million workforce training center, offering trades and certifications to support new and growing businesses.
“About three years ago, we launched our workforce training program,” says Parsons. “We received a $350,000 foundation grant as seed money and partnered with a regional training agency. We established welding, OSHA, forklift and CDL classes and through these programs we have graduated 200 diverse adults of all ages, who have gone on to secure life-changing jobs.”
Palmetto Training, the city’s partner, can offer up to 80 national certifications, ensuring a skilled workforce for emerging industries within the city and the surrounding region. Hardeeville’s commitment to education and workforce development doesn’t stop there. The city also supports the University of South Carolina Beaufort, which uses the city’s athletic fields for their varsity programs.
“We are preparing our residents for high-paying jobs,” Parsons emphasizes. “This improves their quality of life and ensures that local businesses have the skilled labor they need to thrive.”
Smart city initiatives
The city is leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic growth and enhance public services. By actively using social media, Hardeeville engages its citizens and encourages input on community matters. The fire and police departments utilize advanced systems to improve emergency response times, while the public works department has implemented a portal, “Hardeeville Hears & Helps”, for residents to report issues directly.
“Hardeeville is committed to being a forward-thinking, connected community,” Czymbor explains. “We’re introducing an interactive digital wall at City Hall, multilingual digital kiosks, and digital signage in key areas to enhance citizen engagement and service delivery. The initiatives position Hardeeville as a tech-savvy city poised for future growth.”
Additionally, the city uses real-time file sharing with vendors and contractors, streamlining project workflows and improving efficiency. A new crime dashboard provides real-time officer location tracking, gunshot recognition, and detailed crime statistics, integrating camera systems with the police department to expedite investigations.
“Our public service announcements and media initiatives highlight the benefits of shopping locally,” Parsons says. “This supports our economy and fosters a sense of community.”
Tourism and recreation
Tourism is another vital component of Hardeeville’s economy. The city’s recreation and tourism department has implemented several new community festivals and events, promoting sports tourism and attracting regional visitors.
“We’ve spent millions on our recreational facilities,” says Czymbor. “We have a turf field, baseball and softball fields, and a 40,000-square-foot recreation center with a college-sized gymnasium. We also plan a memorial park to honor our service veterans and first responders.”
The city’s natural attractions, such as the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and the Savannah River, and outdoor activities at Sergeant Jasper Park also draw visitors.
“Our festivals and events, such as the annual two-day Octoberfest, bring in thousands of visitors,” Parsons notes. “We also have sports tourism initiatives, hosting regional meets and events at our facilities.”
“We even have a dog park advertised on I-95,” says Mayor Williams. “It’s amazing how such a small amenity can draw people into our city.”
Regional cooperation
Growth in Hardeeville requires regional cooperation with local municipalities, county governments, and even nearby states. The city is part of several regional initiatives, including the Southern Lowcountry Advisory Board (SoLoCo) and the Lowcountry Area Transportation Study, to address shared issues like transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability.
“In the last eight or nine years, we’ve focused on becoming part of the regional conversation,” says Mayor Williams. “We’ve established regular working relationships with our state delegation and other local governments to meet the needs of our growing city.”
The city has also been actively involved in regional think tanks, transportation studies, and housing trust funds to promote affordable and workforce housing.
“Our efforts in regional cooperation have been recognized and awarded,” Williams adds. “We’ve developed model ordinances and initiatives that address our unique stormwater and housing needs.”
Parsons highlights the city’s engagement with utility companies and service providers to address the pressures of rapid growth. “We’re at the table with water, sewer, gas, and communication companies, working through the challenges together,” he says.
Long-term vision
Hardeeville’s long-term vision focuses on improving the quality of life for its residents while fostering economic growth. This includes providing job opportunities, diversifying housing options, and promoting industrial and commercial development.
“We’re committed to creating economic opportunities for our residents,” says Mayor Williams. “This includes job opportunities close to home, new educational initiatives, and a mix of affordable housing options.”
The city is also working on creating a downtown area through a public-private partnership, aiming to develop a municipal hub along US 17.
“We’re envisioning a vibrant downtown area that serves as a community and commercial center,” Czymbor explains. “This will enhance the city’s appeal and provide a focal point for residents and visitors.”
Embracing growth
Hardeeville is not just a fast-growing municipality; it’s a community that embraces its growth with a vision for a prosperous future. Hardeeville is poised to become a model city in the Lowcountry with strategic infrastructure, education, technology, and regional cooperation initiatives.
“The quality of life in Hardeeville is improving,” Mayor Williams concludes. “We’re building a city that our residents can be proud of, ensuring economic opportunities, excellent services, and a connected community for generations to come.”
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AT A GLANCE
Hardeeville, South Carolina
What: A small city known for its strategic location, rapid growth, and proximity to major destinations like Savannah and Hilton Head Island.
Where: Located in Jasper County near the Georgia border, approximately 15 miles north of Savannah, Georgia, and about 20 miles west of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, along Interstate 95.
Website: https://hardeevillesc.gov/
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Jasper County Chamber of Commerce – https://jaspersc.org/
Established as a pivotal business organization, the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in Jasper County, with a special focus on cities like Hardeeville.
As a centralized organizational staple for Jasper County, the Chamber helps to bridge many gaps, connecting local governments such as Hardeeville with various new and existing businesses, nonprofits, and regional entities throughout the Lowcountry.
As a community partner, the Chamber works closely with Hardeeville implementing strategies to attract new businesses while retaining and expanding existing ones, thereby creating a robust local economy.
As Hardeeville experiences rapid growth, the Chamber ensures that development is sustainable, with a balanced focus on economic, social, and environmental factors.
The Chamber continues to serve as a cornerstone for Hardeeville’s growth and development, it is their invaluable support and resources that drive success and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.
