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EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Oconee County, SC

Welcome to Historic Oconee County, South Carolina, the upstate county tucked in the northernmost corner of the state. National Geographic called Oconee County “one of the world’s last great places.”

This is far from the swamps of the Lowcountry. Instead, think rolling hills, low mountain peaks, and gently winding creeks. People come to play in the cool mountain waters and backcountry trails. They stay for the relaxed lifestyle and nature’s beauty.  

Discover why Oconee County residents are proud to call this corner of the Piedmont region home.

About Oconee County

South Carolina’s northeasternmost county is surrounded by Georgia to the west and North Carolina to its north. Anderson County to the south in Pickens County to the east.

This is a county of mountains and Appalachian history. There’s also ample water recreation in the county thanks to the Lake Hartwell Reservoir and Lake Jocassee. Various regional creeks and rivers run into these important watersheds, like the Keowee River and Chauga River.

The Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest is the uppermost reaches of Oconee County. This is a wooded, protected landscape that provides recreational opportunities through hiking, hunting, and camping.

Oconee County is accessible to Interstate I-85, which runs through the southern half of the county. From here, it’s easy to travel to more metropolitan areas in the Upstate region and the surrounding southeast. 

Oconee County History

The word Oconee comes from the area’s native inhabitants, the Cherokees. It means “water eyes of the hills.” The area was long inhabited by groups of Native Americans as early as 300 AD. The Cherokee moved into the area in approximately the 1500s.

Being further inland and through mountainous territory, Oconee County took longer to reach for Colonial settlers. Small groups of German immigrants moved into the area and founded the town of Walhalla. Their plans for continuing German immigration and settlement were interrupted by the Civil War.

Oconee County officially formed from the Pickens District in 1868. Walhalla was made the Oconee County seat. Shortly after, the Atlanta and Richmond Air Line Railway was built through the county. The towns of Seneca and Westminster sprung up along the rail line.

Textile mills were also built in the upstate starting around the 1900s. The Lonsdale Manufacturing Company had a textile plant near Seneca that employed 600 people.

As the county continued to grow and its rivers were dammed for power, there were growing pains. The large lakes drastically altered the county’s landscape and displaced hundreds of people. Today, real estate development is also transforming the county’s rural feel. 

Oconee County Cities and Areas

Walhalla, the county seat, is also one of the oldest towns in Oconee County. It is known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its original German influences are no longer present, but this town still holds an annual Oktoberfest.

Seneca is ideally positioned between Atlanta, Greenville, and Clemson University. It has garnered much attention for its natural beauty, quaint small-town feel, and antique shopping. It’s a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. This town has been ranked a “Best Place to Retire in SC” and “A Best Place To Start A Business.”

Westminster is another small town in the Oconee County region. The town is close to ample swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. Its Apple Festival, held each Labor Day weekend, draws people visit from all over.

Salem is a small town off of scenic Highway 11 that is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and lakes Jocassee and Keowee.

Long Creek is a small town destination in the far northwestern corner of the state. It’s here that you will find beautiful rivers and waterfalls, roadside markets, distilleries, and music festivals.

Much of Oconee County remains rural and wooded, but that is part of what draws people into the area. People come for water recreation, hiking, and camping. 

Oconee County Job Market

Major industries in the Oconee County area include manufacturing, retail trade, and health care. Based on the number of employees, some of the top employers include Duke Energy Corporation, Apex Tool Group, BASF Corporation, Greenfield Industries, Lift Technologies, the Oconee County School District, Schneider Electric, and US Engine Valve Company. 

Many companies service nearby Greenville, which has a BMW manufacturing plant.

In 2020, Oconee County reported an unemployment rate of 5.4% below the South Carolina and United States rates. As of July 2021, the current unemployment rate was 4.4%, which again was below the state and national reported figures.

The Oconee County Community Profile projected that from 2016 to 2026, there would be a 10% growth in the job market. The industries expected to see the most growth in their employment numbers are transportation and warehousing, administrative and support roles, real estate, health care, and accommodation and food services. 

Oconee County Real Estate Market

The Western Upstate Association of Realtors covers Oconee County. This association does not publish a breakdown of the data for its tri-county area but contact EZ Home Search if you would like to know more specifically about Oconee County real estate or any of its local cities. We will provide you with the most current data on the local real estate market you are interested in. 

The July 2021 data published by the association says that the Western Upstate region had a median sales price of $228,000, an 18.8% year-over-year increase. Single-family homes had a median price of $235,000. The inventory was down 7.5% year-over-year, but new listings did rise 5.1% 

Oconee County Population 

The population in Oconee County has been steadily growing since the 1970s. The latest data about Oconee County’s residents put its population at 78,607 as of April 2020, a 7.1% increase over 2010. The projected number of new residents by 2030 is 91,000.

Demographically, the age bracket with the most number of residents was the 50 to 59-year-old group. The US Census reported the average age of a resident as 45.7 years old in 2019. Around 89% of Oconee County residents identified as white, while 7.5% identified as black. Approximately 21% of the residents reported a bachelor’s degree or higher for their education. Another 29% said they had some college or an associate’s degree. 

Oconee County Education

Oconee County School District runs 17 public schools to serve its 10,000-plus student base. The district divides the school into three attendance zones:

• Seneca area has three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school
• Walhalla area has four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school
• West-Oak area has three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school

The public school district also runs a Career & Technology Center and an alternative academy. 

Approximately ten private schools were available in 2021 for Oconee County residents. The top schools were Cherokee Creek Boys School, Faith Christian School, and Foothills Christian School.

The area had one higher education provider, the Tri-County Technical College, which operates an Oconee campus. The technical college offers job skills training or pathways to earn a two-year degree for transfer to a four-year school. 

Oconee County Health Care

Prisma Health is the primary provider of health care in Oconee County. The Oconee Memorial Hospital is a 245-bed facility whose major services include radiology and imaging, surgery, breast cancer care, pediatric services, and obstetrics center. 

Oconee County Things to Do

Nature draws people to Oconee County. Whether it’s boating on Lake Hartwell or Lake Jocassee, canoeing or kayaking on the Chauga River or the Keowee River, or hiking through the Oconee State Park, the area is abundant with natural resources and beauty. You can catch stunning views from the tops of Rich Mountain, Oconee Mountain, or the other mountain tops in the area. 

Residents take advantage of fishing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, water sports, and other outdoor opportunities. Devil’s Fork State Park has some of the best trout fishing in South Carolina. The only public access point to the Lake Jocassee gorges and waterfalls is through Devil’s Fork, but you’ll need a boat to get there. 

Oconee County is also a jumping-off point for white water rafting and kayaking. The Chattooga River is a popular destination for adrenaline junkies. 

For those looking for more developed outdoor recreation opportunities, Oconee has five golf and country clubs available. Notable courses are the Cliffs at Keowee Falls and the Chickasaw Point Golf Club.

Oconee County Local Attractions

Chau Ram County Park runs alongside a bouldered mountain river. It offers picnic tables, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. 

Issaqueena Falls is a stunning 100-foot cascade off of Cane Creek. It is near a picnic area and Stumphouse Park. This park spans 440 acres and includes the famous Stumphouse Tunnel, which was dug using hand tools before the Civil War. Approximately a quarter of the tunnel is open to the public. You can also access the Stumphouse Passage of the Palmetto Trail from the park’s center or jump on the Blue Ridge Railroad Hiking Trailhead. 

Another local attraction near this park is the Yellow Branch Falls, which features dozens of cascades coming together in a picturesque, charming waterfall. It is definitely rainfall-driven, so plan a visit after rainfall.

Oconee State Park has the perks of a mountain getaway with rustic cabins and a lake with a swimming hole. Rent a canoe for paddling or fish along the shore. The park is also the southern trailhead for the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile wilderness hike on the Blue Ridge escarpment.

South Cove Park is along the 18,500-acre Lake Keowee. It has a campground area and other day-use facilities for ceiling, water skiing, and boating. Other amenities include tennis courts, playground areas, and an accessible fishing pier. Enjoy the waterfront sand beach during the summer. 

For those that enjoy a slice of history, the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum focuses on the history and contributions of local African Americans. The Lunney Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features educational content on Seneca’s history. The Museum of the Cherokee is in Walhalla and has permanent exhibits of Cherokee artifacts. Finally, the Oconee History Museum offers a broad picture of the county’s history from the Native American era up through its textile production period.

The Gateway Arts Center in Westminster is a community organization that offers formal exhibits, art classes, and free events. 

One unique attraction is the World Of Energy, which is located along Lake Keowee at the Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca. The attraction illustrates how electricity is produced. 

Oconee County Dining

The Oconee County area has variety when it comes to eating out. You will find fast-food chains and bountiful local options that make use of the area’s farms. Several microbreweries and wineries operate in the area. Here is a taste of what’s in store:

• Strickland’s is a classic breakfast and lunch diner located in Seneca. 
• Dimas Brothers Cafe serves some delicious fast and casual southern-style cuisine 
• Bonterra is a Latin-inspired grill in downtown Seneca 
• Vangeli’s offers an upscale dining experience that highlights local and seasonal ingredients
• Keowee Brewing Company is the local microbrewery serving craft concoctions.
• Belle’s Bistro has stunning views of the rolling hills at its Long Creek location 
• Hershberger’s Bakery offers Amish-style confections and bakery items in its Fair Play location 

Oconee County Shopping

Find the stores to service your daily needs in stand-alone locations and shopping centers, such as the Oconee Shopping Center and Hartwell Village. Here you will find big-name box retailers that have everything you could possibly want.

When you’re looking to find something unique and special, go local. In Seneca, Ram Cat Alley is the destination for local dining and shopping. For example, M. Tannery and Sons offers vintage and antique furniture, home decor, and gifts. Green Springs has handmade art and trade products. The Red Door has Southern-themed gifts and unique items. 

For more unique furniture and antique finds, try Rediscovered Treasures which is outside Seneca in Gilstrap. 

Oconee County Local Favorites

Do you enjoy square dancing? Then you will want to get over to Oconee State Park on Friday nights throughout the summer. There are Friday Night Square dances at the bar near the park offices.

Ram Cat Alley hosts Jazz on the Alley, a party atmosphere on the streets with live music.

Living in Oconee County

Oconee County is a place to play and a place to stay. After all, why go on vacation when you can live where people vacation. You’ll be close to countless outdoor recreational opportunities, scenic mountain living, lakefront homes, and much more. The people are friendly and welcoming, and you’ll be rewarded with an enriching small-town lifestyle. Search in Oconee County for your next place to live.