The Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Homes in South Carolina

The Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Homes in South Carolina

Deciding you want to live along one of South Carolina’s many gorgeous waterfronts isn’t a tough decision. From rivers to lakes to the Atlantic coast, South Carolina waterfront homes fit all types of water enthusiasts.

Whether you’re looking for fishing, boating, jet skiing surfing or a combination of these exciting aquatic activities, South Carolina waterfronts have some of the highest quality of living in the entire country. With so many types of waterfronts and waterfront homes to choose from, how do you decide which waterfront home in South Carolina is the best for you?

That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to waterfront homes in South Carolina. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know when buying a waterfront home in South Carolina.

What to Consider When Buying a Waterfront Home in South Carolina

Before we dive into the different waterfront homes for sale in South Carolina, it’s important to go over a few things to consider when buying a South Carolina waterfront home. South Carolina is comprised of three distinct regions. Each one’s unique topography results in different types of waterfront living.

• The Upstate

The Upstate consists of the counties located in the top northwest corner of the state. It includes the cities of Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson to name a few, and features parts of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and its foothills. You’ll love matching the breathtaking mountain views with the riverfront and lakefront homes for sale in the Upstate.

• The Piedmont (Central)

The central Piedmont region consists of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the coast. The Piedmont is comprised of several counties such as Chester, Lancaster and Richland, and the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina. The Piedmont plays host to a wide variety of waterfront, riverfront and lakefront homes.

• The Lowcountry (Coastal Zone)

The Lowcountry, or coast, is easily the most popular and desirable region to own a waterfront home in South Carolina. The Lowcountry features a combination of rivers, lakes and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean. A few of the most popular destinations across the South Carolina Lowcountry and coastal zones are Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Pawley’s Island, Hilton Head, and Kiawah Island.

Once you have an idea of which South Carolina region matches best your perfect waterfront lifestyle, consider a few more unique factors of waterfront living before settling on the property that’s right for you. These additional considerations include:

• Common Flooding Issues

Flooding is definitely a concern when you’re considering buying a waterfront home. Many times, riverfront and lakefront homes are especially susceptible to flooding issues from heavy rainstorms and the fast-rising water levels that accompany those storms.

Likewise, oceanfront homes in South Carolina can experience flood threats from seasonal hurricanes and tropical weather. Although this is where hiring a top-level real estate agent comes into play, be sure to cover your bases and ask about common flooding issues ahead of settling on a riverfront, oceanfront or lakefront home. Of course, common flooding issues also impact other expenses associated with buying a waterfront home, including homeowner’s insurance rates and the types of policies or coverages available.

• Type of home construction

The type of home construction is another important consideration when looking at various South Carolina waterfront homes for sale. Understanding whether the home is constructed of brick or brick composites, metal or wood is important and will help you decide whether or not a certain waterfront home is right for you. Beyond this, you’ll want to consider other waterfront construction aspects such as lot drainage, built-in views, and water access.

• Bulkheads

Another unique feature of waterfront homes in South Carolina are bulkheads: artificial constructed barriers built between your land and the water. Bulkheads are designed to help prevent erosion and most waterfront properties in South Carolina need one to be up to code. If the South Carolina waterfront home you’re looking at doesn’t have a bulkhead already in place, you’ll want to ask about this and check local regulations before making an offer or moving forward with a purchase.

• Docks

If you’re looking for a South Carolina waterfront home where you can store your boat or enjoy other activities, then you’ll want a dock or easy access to one. After all, what fun is owning a South Carolina waterfront home without a dock for swimming, lounging and boating? Docks are not a given when buying a waterfront home in South Carolina so you’ll want to ask about this. Not all homes come with a private dock, but some communities have private marinas for their residents.

For homes with a dock installed, ask about its condition, size and age. If there isn’t already a dock in place but you want one, inquire about any permits you’ll need. The general process for building a dock in the city or county depends on where the home is located.

Remember, you can always improve the property to fit your lifestyle or meet the unique needs of your waterfront home.

Types of Waterfront Homes in South Carolina

With three distinct regions across the state and no shortage of bodies of water to choose from, there are plenty of options for anyone looking at a waterfront home for sale in South Carolina.

The three main types of waterfront homes to choose from are:

• Lakefront Homes
• Riverfront Homes
• Oceanfront Homes

Of course, there are variations of each of these waterfront home types such as creeks for rivers and inlets or bays along the coast. This will all come down to your personal preference and flexibility in the type of waterfront home you’re looking for.

Lakefront and Lake Homes in South Carolina

Lakefront homes in South Carolina are some of the most sought-after types of waterfront properties in the southeast. You can find lakefront homes in all three regions of the state – the Upstate, the Piedmont and the Lowcountry.

Although you’ll find lakefront homes in all regions of South Carolina, they’re widely available across the Upstate and Piedmont, or the central part of the state.

Lakefront Homes in Upstate South Carolina

Popular areas in the Upstate for lake homes and lakefront properties include:

• Greenwood, SC 
• Clemson, SC
• Greenville, SC

While lakes are scattered across the Upstate, a couple of the most popular lakes for waterfront homes in Upstate South Carolina include:

• Lake Hartwell

Lake Hartwell is located in Anderson County, South Carolina, and is owned and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. With more than 50,000 acres, Lake Hartwell spans from South Carolina to Georgia and serves as a border between the two states. The lake is a popular weekend destination for many water-based activities such as boating, wakeboarding and fishing.

Thanks to its size, find many homes for sale on Lake Hartwell.  Or, you can find lots for developing and building your own home. Currently, there are more than 300 homes and lots listed for sale on Lake Hartwell with a median price of $55K.

• Lake Greenwood

Lake Greenwood is near Ninety Six, South Carolina, and is one of the most popular lakes for buying a waterfront home in western Upstate South Carolina. With over 11,000 acres, 200+ miles of shoreline, and 20 miles of serene lake waters to enjoy, you are sure to find a home on Lake Greenwood that suits your waterfront lifestyle.

Lake Greenwood is a great place for boating enthusiasts as there are several marina and boat launches that allow easy access to the water. For even more access, visit to the south is Lake Greenwood State Park for water and land activities. Currently, there are 18 homes listed for sale on Lake Greenwood with prices ranging from $200K to $1.8M.

Lakefront Homes in The Piedmont

You’ll also find a variety of lakes and lakefront homes for sale in the Piedmont. The Piedmont is a short drive to both the mountains of the Upstate and the beaches of the coast, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to escape for the weekend and enjoy some natural scenery. While the Upstate and the coast each have beautiful natural environments, the central Piedmont is an excellent area of South Carolina to raise a family and run a business or pursue your career. It has multiple small towns and the capital city of Columbia.

This part of South Carolina has several lakes and lakefront homes for sale. A few of the most popular lakes for lake homes in South Carolina include:

• Lake Murray

Named for the lead engineer on the Saluda Dam project, Lake Murray is a reservoir lake owned by SC Electric and Gas with over 650 miles of shoreline. The lake covers four counties – Lexington, Richland, Saluda and Newberry – and are open to water activities like boating, swimming and fishing.

There are currently 74 waterfront homes for sale on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina. With prices ranging from $200K to upwards of $2M, Lake Murray is not the cheapest waterfront option in South Carolina.

• Lake Monticello

Situated only about 40 miles from Columbia, Lake Monticello’s 7,000 acres are owned by South Carolina Electric and Gas. Although Lake Monticello does not permit motorized watercrafts such as boats and jet skis, it is a top destination for anyone who loves fishing and nature walks.

Currently, there are eight homes and lots for sale on Lake Monticello. As one of the more affordable waterfront housing options in South Carolina, Lake Monticello homes range from under $100K to over $200K plus. Lake Monticello’s untapped natural shoreline and water-based activities to create a slow laid-back vibe and serene waterfront lifestyle.

• Lake Wateree

Lake Wateree is prized for its convenience as it is only 30 miles from the capital of Columbia. With over 13,000 acres of lake to enjoy your favorite activities, it spans three counties – Lancaster, Fairfield and Kershaw.

Currently, there are 29 waterfront and lakefront homes for sale on Lake Wateree with a median list price of $299K.

Riverfront Homes in South Carolina

South Carolina is home to many beautiful and naturally winding rivers, streams and creeks. Riverfront homes in South Carolina can be found in every state region including the Lowcountry or coast where many tributaries run out to the Atlantic Ocean. With so many different rivers, streams and tributaries to choose from, finding riverfront homes in South Carolina is not difficult.

Riverfront Homes in South Carolina Upstate and Piedmont

As we’ve discussed, the South Carolina Upstate is home to parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many waterfront homes here are lakefront or riverfront homes. Two of the most popular rivers for riverfront homes in the South Carolina Upstate and Piedmont are:

• The Saluda River

The Saluda River is a tributary of the Congaree River. It runs through the Upstate of South Carolina down to Lake Murray, the Santee River and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. With homes all along the Saluda River and its tributaries, there are multiple places to find riverfront homes. The Saluda River is also an excellent place for water-based activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Find access points to enjoy paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor watersports along the Saluda River.

• The Broad River

The Broad River is another tributary of the Congaree River and runs through parts of the Upstate and down to the Piedmont. It has luxurious riverfront homes in South Carolina across several counties such as Richland and Jasper. The Broad River originates in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows southeasterly through the Upstate and Piedmont of South Carolina. People come to the Broad River for tubing, rafting, fishing and kayaking, among many other water-based activities and sports.

• The Congaree River

The Congaree River is a 53-mile-long river that runs from Columbia to the coast of South Carolina. It runs through Congaree National Park and is a popular river destination for tubing, kayaking, fishing and more. One of the highlights of the Congaree River is the Blue Trail, an exciting adventurous way to explore a large portion of the river.

You can find riverfront homes for sale in South Carolina across all three of these rivers and many of their tributaries, creeks and branches. South Carolina riverfront homes are some of the most exciting pieces of property available in the Southeast. There are currently 43 riverfront homes available in South Carolina.

Other places to find riverfront homes in South Carolina include the Savannah River and Seneca River. Many of the rivers in South Carolina also run into and out of the most popular lakes in the state. Narrow down your choices using EZ Home Search’s complimentary tools to find waterfront properties with riverfront access in South Carolina.

Oceanfront Homes in South Carolina

The coastal region of South Carolina has some of the most breathtaking and serene properties along the eastern seaboard. Aside from oceanfront living, there are a variety of inlet homes, coastal homes and other waterfront homes available along the coast of South Carolina. Some of the most popular beaches for oceanfront homes in South Carolina are:

• Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is perhaps the most popular of the South Carolina beaches for oceanfront property and building homes. Sitting in the middle of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the top destination for family fun, championship golf, dining, shopping and generally enjoying the beach lifestyle.

The good news is there are currently more than 3,000 homes for sale in Myrtle Beach with many of them being beachfront and oceanfront properties. The median home price in Myrtle Beach is approximately $300k and the median sold home price is around $272k.

• Kiawah Island

Located just 21 miles south of Charleston is Kiawah Island. From boating to fishing and championship golf courses, Kiawah Island has a little bit of everything for outdoor and water enthusiasts. It is home to the renowned Kiawah Island Golf Resort and is known for luxury oceanfront living in South Carolina.

Kiawah Island is exploding in popularity amongst home buyers as the housing market has skyrocketed an incredible 102% over the last year. With a median home price of $2.4M, Kiawah Island oceanfront homes are some of the most valued in the state and across the entire Southeast.

• Surfside Beach

Part of the Grand Strand, Surfside Beach is a laid-back beach town with two miles of oceanfront. The oceanfront gives way to surrounding neighborhoods and quaint beach lifestyle. One of the neatest features of Surfside Beach is that your home or condo can be rented out for extra income during the busy tourist months.

With over 200 listings, there is no shortage of homes for sale in Surfside Beach. The median listing home price for Surfside Beach is approximately $385K, which is up 35% year-over-year.

• Litchfield Beach

Just a short drive south of Myrtle Beach sits Pawley’s Island and that’s where you’ll find the neighborhood of Litchfield Beach. The oceanfront homes in Litchfield Beach are suited to those seeking a quiet, serene beach lifestyle. Litchfield Beach has two resorts including the heralded Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort. Other nearby attractions include Huntington Beach State Park along with a variety of dining and shopping options for residents.

Currently, there are 71 homes for sale in Litchfield Beach with a median home price of $485K, according to Realtor.com. Although the median price indicates a high-priced housing market, homes for sale here range from $32K to $2.8M.

Summary of Waterfront Homes in South Carolina

As you can see, you’ll have a well over a thousand options available when searching for waterfront homes for sale in South Carolina. Choose from lakefront homes, riverfront homes and oceanfront homes for sale in South Carolina. With sprawling mountains, bustling metropolises and gorgeous shorelines, South Carolina definitely has whatever type of waterfront home you’re looking for.

Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent With The Help of EZ Home Search

The key to discovering the waterfront home of your dreams is partnering with an experienced real estate agent who understands what you’re looking for in a home. With the help of EZ Home Search, you’ll have access to up-to-the-minute waterfront home listings as they hit the market and become available to purchase. Be sure to register for a free account and stay current on all the waterfront listings in your favorite areas of South Carolina.