Moved to the Preserve from Wisconsin in June of 2007.

Upon arrival: Apts were very aesthetically pleasing, grounds well kept, and the complex is about 2000 ft from the main road connected by a long drive way at either end of the complex. Staff very nice (and cute assuming you like girls), but didn't show me to my apt, I had to find it by myself. Apt was very clean, smelled fresh and had no problems with it upon moving in. There are brand new business opening at the entrance to the preserve by the main road. Carolina Wings, Lowcountry National Bank, a salon, couple Drs. Offices and a cancer treatment center are all right there. Also Friendly's Restaurant by the other drive way. Located across the main rd from Paris Ave, which has restaurants, coffee shop, other random shops, and a post office. The sands beach on Battery Creek and the boardwalk are only 1.5 miles down the road. Bi-Lo and other restaurants and shops located about 2 miles away over the Parris Island Gateway.

I have a 1 br/1 ba overlooking a large marsh that is centered in the middle of the property. Nice screened in porch so you can keep your patio door open and not worry about bugs! No grilling though b/c of screens. I didn't like that part of it. Lots of wildlife, birds, frogs, probably some fish, and I was told an alligator at some point. (He was removed upon discovery, so no threat to dogs)

There are 2 pools which are monitored by security cameras, 2 fitness centers. I've only been in one, but it had 2 elipticals, a state of the art treadmill, stationary bike, 2 flat screens and was A/C regualted! That was the smaller of the 2. The other one I hear has more machines and weights!

Parking is great, never had a problem.

When the sprinklers are on at night, the smell can be a bit much (can't smell it unless you are standing outside by the sprinklers) due to the Hydrogen Sulfide in the well water. However the tap water is much better and feeds from either a different well or is filtered. No problems with drinking water.

Rent is a bit high ($779 for my apt overlooking the marsh, $759 w/o the marsh view). I pay about $50/month electric with decent A/C useage, $12/month for water. Pets are kind of expensive to have, $300 non-refundable deposit for any size animal.

Because the Preserve is located so far back from the main road, the pools are monitored and the police dept/fire dept is right across the street, saftey is incredible here. And to add to it, about 8 police officers live at the Preserve that I know of!!! Police cars are everywhere (I hear that Port Royal Police receive free rent for parking their cars and living there). And if thats not enough, about 40-50% of the residents are marines. So safety is NO issue. I run about 4 nights a week in complete darkness all over the town and never had any problems. Police are constantly surveillencing the city. (You may get a decreased renters insurance rate b/c the apts have sprinkler systems installed and the fire dept is about a 30 sec drive away).

Due to the expansion and development in Port Royal, I wouldn't be surprised if rent increased in the next year, but you may be able to avoid increased rates if you sign a longer lease.

6 month leases are available I think, my co-worker signed one and paid $850/month for a 1 br/ 1ba. Now she has a 1 year and her rent went down.

There are cheaper places around Port Royal and Beaufort, but sometimes cheaper means lower living conditions, less safety, and bad maintainence. I would STRONGLY recommend the Preserve to anyone.

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