The Haven at New Riverside is a gated 55+ community by Del Webb featuring approximately 500 single-family homes ranging from 1,590-3,000 square feet, an 8,500 sq ft clubhouse, and extensive amenities including fitness center, pools, tennis, and pickleball courts.
About The Haven at New Riverside
The Haven at New Riverside represents Del Webb's vision for intimate, quality-focused 55+ active adult living in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Developed starting in 2007, this gated community of approximately 500 single-family homes strikes a perfect balance—large enough to offer comprehensive resort-style amenities, yet small enough to maintain a close-knit neighborhood atmosphere where residents truly know their neighbors.
Located in the master-planned New Riverside development off SC-46 and SC-170 in Bluffton, The Haven sits just 15 miles from both Hilton Head Island's pristine beaches and historic Savannah, Georgia. The community is surrounded by towering live oaks, native pine forests, scenic lagoons, and protected woodlands that attract abundant wildlife including deer, herons, egrets, and even bald eagles.
Del Webb's Smaller Community Advantage
Unlike larger 55+ developments like Sun City Hilton Head with its 9,000+ homes, The Haven's 500-home footprint creates an intimate environment where amenities remain accessible without overcrowding. Residents appreciate the friendly, village-like feel combined with the professional management and programming Del Webb communities are known for.
Home Designs and Floor Plans
The Haven offers single-story ranch-style homes ranging from 1,590 to 3,000 square feet, thoughtfully designed for active adult living. Homes feature open floor plans, volume ceilings, and low-maintenance exteriors combining brick, HardiPlank siding, stone accents, and architectural details that evoke Southern Colonial charm.
Home Features and Layouts
Residences include 1-4 bedrooms and 1.5-3.5 bathrooms, with spacious 2-3 car attached garages—often large enough to accommodate a workshop or hobby space. Interior features typically include granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring, and open-concept living spaces designed for entertaining.
Many homes feature optional second-floor lofts that can be customized as additional bedrooms, bonus rooms, or office space. Outdoor living is emphasized with covered porches, screened lanais (Carolina Rooms), and patios that take advantage of the Lowcountry's mild climate.
Lot Sizes and Homesite Options
The Haven distinguishes itself with generous quarter to half-acre lots—significantly larger than typical age-restricted communities. Homesite options include wooded lots offering natural privacy, lagoon-view lots with water frontage and scenic vistas, and interior lots with mature landscaping. The larger lot sizes allow for fenced backyards, making The Haven particularly attractive to pet owners.
The Retreat Clubhouse and Amenities
The 8,500-square-foot Retreat clubhouse serves as The Haven's social and recreational hub. This Colonial-inspired facility features a grand ballroom for dances, concerts, and community events; a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment; a cushioned aerobics and dance studio; craft and hobby rooms; game rooms with billiards; a catering kitchen for cooking classes and demonstrations; a library and computer center; and multiple meeting and gathering spaces.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities
Outdoor amenities include a resort-style heated pool with zero-entry access and spa; four tennis courts; two dedicated pickleball courts; two bocce ball courts; a dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs; community gardens for residents who enjoy growing vegetables and flowers; fire pit gathering areas; and extensive walking and biking trails that wind through the community and connect to the larger New Riverside trail system.
Activities and Social Programming
A full-time lifestyle director coordinates a robust calendar of activities, clubs, and special events. Popular clubs include pickleball and tennis groups, book clubs, card and game groups, fitness and yoga classes, art and craft studios, gardening club, and various special interest groups. The community hosts regular social events including holiday celebrations, themed dinners, concerts and entertainment, educational lectures and workshops, and trips to local attractions.
Location and Lifestyle
The Haven's New Riverside location provides easy access to everything the Lowcountry offers. Hilton Head Island's beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping are just 15 minutes away. Historic Old Town Bluffton, with its art galleries, waterfront dining, and boutique shops, is a 10-minute drive. Savannah, Georgia's charming historic district and riverfront are 15 miles south. Nearby Palmetto Bluff, one of South Carolina's premier luxury communities, offers additional dining and recreation options.
Daily Conveniences and Services
Berkeley Place shopping center, just 4 miles away, includes restaurants, shops, and a Cinemark theater. Tanger Outlets and major retailers including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy are within 10 miles. Medical facilities including Coastal Carolina Hospital, Bluffton Medical Campus, and numerous physician practices are easily accessible. The area offers over 40 championship golf courses, with The Haven residents receiving special discounts at select courses within 3 miles.
Understanding 55+ Community Living
The Haven is age-restricted under federal fair housing guidelines—at least one resident per household must be 55 or older, and 80% of occupied homes must have at least one resident 55+. This creates an environment tailored to active adults who want engaging social connections, low-maintenance living, and freedom from the responsibilities of traditional homeownership.
HOA Fees and What They Cover
Monthly HOA fees of approximately $197 (verify current rates as fees adjust annually) cover comprehensive grounds maintenance including all landscaping, irrigation, and common area upkeep; maintenance of all amenity facilities including the clubhouse, pool, courts, and trails; programming and activities coordinated by the lifestyle director; gated entry and security; trash collection; and irrigation for common areas.
Homeowners are responsible for their individual home maintenance including roof, HVAC, and structural systems, as well as utility costs. There is also a one-time capital contribution fee on resale transactions. Prospective buyers should review the community's regime documents, reserve study, and budget during due diligence.
Market Dynamics and Investment Considerations
The Haven at New Riverside offers strong value in Bluffton's 55+ market. Prices typically range from the high $300,000s to over $600,000, with lagoon-view and larger homes commanding premium prices. Since Del Webb completed new construction, all sales are resales, providing opportunities for buyers to purchase established homes with mature landscaping and sometimes significant upgrades.
Why Buyers Choose The Haven
Active adults select The Haven for its intimate size without sacrificing amenities, larger-than-typical lot sizes allowing for privacy and pets, comprehensive Del Webb quality and management, prime Lowcountry location, strong sense of community and neighbor connections, lower HOA fees compared to some larger communities, and proximity to beaches, golf, culture, and healthcare.
Comparing The Haven to Other 55+ Options
When comparing to Sun City Hilton Head (9,000+ homes with more extensive facilities but potentially more crowded), Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks (K. Hovnanian's newer offering with smaller lots), and Riverbend (Sun City's premium waterfront section), The Haven's advantages include its manageable size, larger lots, pet-friendly policies including backyard fencing, and more affordable HOA fees while still offering professional management and full amenities.
The Haven at New Riverside – Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Haven at New Riverside different from other 55+ communities?
The Haven at New Riverside by Del Webb is a smaller, more intimate 55+ community with approximately 500 homes, offering a friendly atmosphere where neighbors truly know each other. Unlike larger communities like Sun City Hilton Head, The Haven features spacious quarter to half-acre lots, allowing for fenced backyards and more privacy. The community offers a perfect balance—large enough to provide resort-style amenities including The Retreat clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and courts, yet small enough to maintain a close-knit feel without overcrowded facilities.
What are the home sizes and prices at The Haven at New Riverside?
Homes at The Haven range from 1,590 to 3,000 square feet, featuring single-story ranch-style floor plans with 1-4 bedrooms and 1.5-3.5 bathrooms. All homes include 2-3 car attached garages. Prices typically range from the high $300,000s to over $600,000 depending on size, lot location, and upgrades. Homes are available resale-only as Del Webb completed new construction. Properties feature Colonial-style exteriors with brick, HardiPlank siding, and stone accents, plus upgrades like granite counters, stainless appliances, and hardwood floors.
What amenities are included at The Haven at New Riverside?
The Haven features The Retreat, an 8,500-square-foot clubhouse serving as the community's social hub. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, ballroom, craft room, game room, billiards, catering kitchen, and multipurpose spaces. Outdoor amenities feature a heated zero-entry pool with spa, four tennis courts, two pickleball courts, two bocce ball courts, dog park, community gardens, fire pit, and extensive walking and biking trails that connect throughout the community and into the larger New Riverside neighborhood. A full-time lifestyle director coordinates clubs, activities, and social events.
Where is The Haven at New Riverside located and what's nearby?
The Haven is located in the New Riverside section of Bluffton, SC, off SC-46 (May River Road) and SC-170. The community sits just 15 miles from both Hilton Head Island's beaches and historic Savannah, Georgia, and approximately 90 miles south of Charleston. Nearby attractions include Palmetto Bluff, Old Town Bluffton's shops and restaurants, Tanger Outlets, and Berkeley Place shopping center (4 miles). The location provides easy access to over 40 championship golf courses, plus dining, shopping, cultural events, and medical facilities throughout the Lowcountry.
What are the HOA fees and what do they cover at The Haven?
HOA fees at The Haven are approximately $197 per month, though buyers should verify current rates as fees are subject to change. HOA dues cover maintenance of all common areas including landscaping, lagoons, berms, and native plantings; upkeep of amenities such as The Retreat clubhouse, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, trails, and dog park; plus activities and programming coordinated by the lifestyle director. The community is gated with controlled access. There's a one-time transfer fee on resales, and regime documents should be reviewed during purchase.
Can you fence your backyard at The Haven at New Riverside?
Yes, The Haven at New Riverside allows residents to fence their backyards, which is a notable feature that distinguishes it from many other 55+ communities. The community is very pet-friendly, with a dedicated dog park and trails perfect for walking pets. With lot sizes ranging from quarter to half-acre, residents have substantial space for fencing, outdoor living, and privacy. Many homes feature screened porches and patios as well. Fence style and installation must comply with HOA architectural guidelines, so homebuyers should review the regime documents and submit plans for approval.
