If there is one city that is the epitome of a small, neighborly town, but at the same time booming like a big city, it is Hardeeville, South Carolina. This rising star of a town had less than 3,000 people as of the 2010 census, and since then, the population has more than doubled. According to these estimates, it had the greatest population growth rate, 53.4% from 2010-2014 of any city in South Carolina. Even though the population is relatively small compared to other cities, it is one of the largest municipalities in the state based on its borders. The city has two main areas, Historic Hardeeville, and the New River area, which contains planned, large-scale development projects along the U.S. 278 and Argent Boulevard. The New River area is considered the reason for the recent population explosion, as the migration of people here took place when the city annexed these areas between 2004 and 2010.

The first settlement created where Hardeeville exists today was Purrysburg, founded in 1732 by Swiss Huguenots, a group of Reformed French Protestants, but the settlement ultimately failed. The area then became a prized location during the Civil War due to its railways. As a result, Hardee Station, a general store and travel depot along the railway, was founded by Isaac Hardee and his son Whyte. The name of the area officially changed to Hardeeville in 1911. The area became renowned and prosperous due to the Argent Lumber Company, which was one of the largest in the world. One of the company’s original locomotives, Number 7, was placed on display in 1960 outside Town Hall in remembrance of what the company did for the area, where it has remained ever since. Growth continued solidly through the 20th century, although logging operations were scaled back as the industry moved overseas.

The construction of U.S. Route 17 and Interstate 95 jump-started the areas’ tourism industry, and it became a hub of hotels and restaurants; later Hilton Head Island was developed nearby. Today the area is a favorite of tourists and service employees seeking more affordable housing than on the island. At the beginning of the 21st century, pressure to develop along U.S. Route 278 resulted in annexations that increased Hardeeville’s area from 5 to over 45 square miles. On this space, several large-scale projects allowed the city to improve its infrastructure, public facilities and reinvest into the community. 

Many of the town’s residents enjoy the well-maintained nature walks, such as the nearby Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and Sergeant Jasper County Park with their beautiful sights and wildlife in their own environment. At the refuge you can kayak, go fishing, or try your luck on a geocache trail. Several gorgeous golf courses, like Hilton Head Lakes and Pin Tail Creek are nearby with tee times available. For anyone looking to work on their aim, the Palmetto Indoor Range has rentable lanes, safety equipment, and even offers concealed carry courses. This range is also child-friendly, so the whole family can share the experience. For another family-friendly experience, there is the Hardeeville Recreation Complex. From tee-ball to teenagers, top of the line baseball and football fields are home to many recreational leagues. The complex also has a fieldhouse and senior center.

Even though the people in the small town of Hardeeville are neighborly, pests are not welcomed to the block party. They make terrible houseguests, overstay their welcome and generally have awful manners. For Hardeeville and the surrounding areas, there’s a company to call when you want to evict those unwanted creepy crawly tenants. If you’re ready for a pest-free home, contact Bluffton Pest Management today.