re: Moving to Beaufort / Bluffton / Savannah area

I would consider islands area, isle of hope, Ferguson area. Ardsley park area is nice. You have a few years to worry about schools.
If you go pooler/effingham area, just drive it first.
Bluffton and Beufort are nice but over an hour drive.
After 6 months you won't notice historic district. After that, it's just like any other moderate size southern city.

I miss Savannah

Beaufort is nice/quaint/charming, but way too far out to commute to Savannah.

Blufton is also nice and family friendly. Hilton Head is just down the road. But it's also an 30-45-60mon commute to Savannah depending the day.

Pooler is one of the suburb to savannah. Airport is out there as well as having shopping and all of the chain restaurants. It's had really rapid growth over the last 10 years. 30min commute.

Richmond Hill is another family friendly place and smaller community but growing pretty rapidly. Public schools are good. Lots of river related activities. Mostly local stores. Any significant shopping or if looking for a chain restaurants is a drive to Pooler or into savannah. 40min commute when school is session, 30min otherwise. It's a more military community, in that fort Stewart is nearby, and those who love off the base tend to live in Richmond Hill.

If you are looking to be in Savannah itself, then likely looking at the various islands which are going to pricier as expected than living the burbs. Wilmington/whitemarsh/isle of hope are going to have the most affordable housing. Dutch island, skidway island are going to be pricier. Unless you are wanting to be in the historic area/ardsley park etc.

Beaufort is really nice. Spent a week there. Not sure of how the schools are but I bet the fishing is good.
Go eat at blackstones cafe for breakfast.