Houses Close to the Ocean
But Out of Harm's Way

As hurricanes threaten coastal towns, more buyers seek inland properties about 30 minutes from the ocean. We look at three homes at a relatively safe distance from the ocean.

• Hardeeville, S.C.
• Pooler, Ga.
• Cooper City, Fla.

PLACE/PRICE: Hardeeville, S.C./$595,000

PROPERTY TAX*: $2,600 per year

THE PROPERTY: 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths built in 2002

DESCRIPTION: The 3,300-square-foot stucco home has a cathedral ceiling in the living room, a built-in TV system in the family room and a morning kitchen on the second level. The 3-car garage is extra deep.

NOTABLE: The town of Hardeeville, located in an area known as Lowcountry, hasn't been hit by a hurricane in 100 years. The 2.3-acre property, about 30 minutes from Hilton Head Island, is not on a flood plain, can be subdivided and is zoned for horses.

Note: *Current owner's payment

Sources: realtor.com,weichertcp.com, kimmurphyteam.com, edgoldfarb.com

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