The Ultimate Guide to Waterfront Homes in South Carolina

Deciding to live along one of South Carolina’s many gorgeous waterfronts isn’t a tough decision. South Carolina waterfront homes fit all types of water enthusiasts, from rivers to lakes to the Atlantic coast. The real challenge is how many ways to enjoy the waterfront lifestyle! South Carolina waterfronts have some of the highest living quality in the country. Find ideal properties for fishing, boating, jet skiing, surfing, or these exciting aquatic activities. With so many types, 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 to live your best life with direct access to the water activities and views you’ll love.

What to Consider When Buying a Waterfront Home in South Carolina

Before we dive into the different waterfront homes for sale in South Carolina, a few things to consider when buying waterfront in the Palmetto State. 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 in the state’s top northwest corner. It includes the cities of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. The region 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. Another nickname for the area is “Lake Country” because of the numerous high-quality reservoirs winding between the valleys and mountains.

The Piedmont (Central)

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

The Lowcountry (Coastal Zone)

All the waterfront makes the Lowcountry a popular and desirable region in which 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, Pawleys 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. Riverfront and lakefront homes are susceptible to flooding issues from heavy rainstorms and the fast-rising water levels that accompany those storms.

Likewise, oceanfront homes in South Carolina experience flood threats from seasonal hurricanes and tropical weather. Coastal erosion is another concern for beachfront homes. 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 before settling on a riverfront, oceanfront, or lakefront home. Living in a flood zone impacts 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

Home construction matters when looking at various South Carolina waterfront homes for sale. Construction of brick or brick composites, metal, or wood each has advantages and disadvantages. Wood may be less expensive, but metal and concrete foundations may be more resilient against weather events. Beyond structural materials, consider other waterfront construction aspects such as lot drainage, built-in views, and water access. Some lakefront lots may have restrictions set by other entities like the US Army Corps of Engineers or power companies like Duke Energy. Cities and counties may have additional building codes for oceanfront buildings.

Bulkheads

One unique feature of waterfront homes are bulkheads. These are artificially constructed barriers designed to help prevent erosion. Some waterfront properties in South Carolina need bulkheads to be up to code. If the South Carolina waterfront home you’re looking at doesn’t already have a bulkhead, check local regulations before making an offer or moving forward with a purchase. Installing bulkheads can be a pricey endeavor and involves a lengthy permitting process.

Docks

If you’re looking for a 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, or boating? Docks are not a given when buying a waterfront home. Some communities with limited personal docks may have private marinas with boat slips for their residents. For homes with a dock installed, evaluate its condition, size, and age. Docks can weather quickly in the hot Carolina sunshine, but well-maintained ones can last 20-30 years.

If a dock isn’t already in place but you want one, inquire about any permits. The general process for building a dock in the city or county depends on where the home is located. Certain reservoirs have restrictions about the size and type of dock you can install, and a permit is required.

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 main types of waterfront homes to choose from are:

• Lakefront Homes
• Riverfront Homes
• Oceanfront Homes

Of course, each of these waterfront homes has variations, like creeks for rivers and inlets or bays along the coast. What is best comes down to your preference and flexibility in the type of waterfront home you want.

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. Find lakefront homes in all three regions of the state – the Upstate, the Piedmont, and the Lowcountry. However, they’re more widely available across the Upstate and Piedmont region, 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 few of the most popular lakes for waterfront houses in Upstate South Carolina include:

Lake Hartwell

Lake Hartwell is in Anderson County, South Carolina, and is owned and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Covering 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, like boating, wakeboarding, and fishing. It’s an easy drive from Clemson and Anderson, SC.

Thanks to its size, find many homes for sale on Lake Hartwell of all sizes and architectural styles. Discover getaway lakefront cabins up to palatial executive estates with lakefront views. Or, find vacant lots to develop and build your own home. Currently, more than 700 homes and lots are listed for sale on Lake Hartwell on both sides of the border. The prices ranged from $2,500 to $15 million in September 2024.

Lake Greenwood

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

Lake Greenwood is a great place for boating enthusiasts. Several marinas and boat launches allow easy access to the water. For even more access, visit Lake Greenwood State Park on the shores southern end for water and land activities. Large swaths of the lake are wooded shorelines, perfect for a peaceful morning fishing.

Lake Keowee

The stunning views at Lake Keowee are part of why it’s a top getaway lakefront destination. The Blue Ridge Mountains frame the 18,500 acres of crystal-blue waters dotted with islands. The lake spans 54 miles and is prized for water recreational. Summer days are busy with skiers and tubers making family memories and having a generally great time. Dozens of boat ramps and marinas make it easy to get out on the waters.

Find many luxury waterfront homes for sale in gated communities around Lake Keowee. On land are golf courses and fine dining restaurants. Go on waterfall hikes or visit Duke’s World of Energy Museum.

Other Upstate Lakes

Besides these three massive reservoirs, your dream lakefront home may be at one of these other top Upstate lakes:

• Lake Jocassee
• Lake Bowen
• Lake Blalock
• Lake Robinson
• Lake Cherokee

Lakefront Homes in The Piedmont

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

A few of the most popular lakes for lake homes in central South Carolina include:

Lake Murray

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

In late 2024, there were over 400 waterfront homes for sale on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina. With prices ranging from $20K for a vacant lot to upwards of $3.6M for a 6,334 square foot home, Lake Murray has multiple real estate listings with a prime central location in the state.

Lake Monticello

Situated only about 40 miles from Columbia, South Carolina Electric and Gas also owns Lake Monticello’s 7,000 acres. 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. Lake Monticello’s untapped natural shoreline and water-based activities to create a slow laid-back vibe and serene waterfront lifestyle.

The lake tends to have fewer homes for sale, with 14 on the market in September 2024. Lake Monticello homes are one of the more affordable waterfront housing options in South Carolina, ranging from under $100K to over $250K.

Lake Wateree

Lake Wateree is prized for its vacation convenience as it is only 30 miles from Columbia. With over 13,000 acres of lake, it spans three counties – Lancaster, Fairfield, and Kershaw. Enjoy your favorite activities between mostly undeveloped shores. The Lake Wateree State Park and Shaw Air Force Base protect large swaths of the shore, but there are eight access points to get out on the waters. It’s a popular lake for sports fishing, regularly stocked with bass.

Other South Carolina Lakes

Your choices for quiet lakefront living aren’t limited to the Upstate or central areas. Find lakes of all sizes across the Palmetto State. Other considerations could be:

Lake Marion

South Carolina’s largest lake is part of the Santee-Cooper Reservoir in the coastal Carolina region. It’s a shallow lake, with an average depth of 13 feet, but it covers 90,000 acres. Fishermen prize the lake for its bass and catfish; the shallow depths and fast construction have left multiple fish attractors through dead tree stumps and cypress swamps.

The lake crosses into five counties and has a shoreline that includes a national wildlife refuge and management area. It has 16 boat ramps and 13 fish attractor areas. On shore, there are two golf courses and multiple trails for more recreation. Find homes in the small communities that dot the lake’s vast shoreline, like Eutaw Springs and Santee.

Lake Wylie

Sharing its border with North Carolina, Lake Wylie is one of the oldest man-made lakes in the Carolina region. Its shoreline runs 325 miles from Belmont, NC, down to Rock Hill, SC. Five public boat ramps are on the South Carolina side, giving residents easy access to the lake. Its popular attractions are tubing and fishing. Lake Wylie falls inside the Charlotte, NC, metro, giving residents a combination of urban amenities and lakefront living. Its South Carolina communities are some of the state’s fastest growing and have several top public school districts. Check out Tega Cay, India Hook, and Clover for lakeshore living.

Riverfront Homes in South Carolina

Many beautiful rivers, streams, and creeks, wind their way from the Upstate hills down through the Lowcountry marshes. Riverfront homes in South Carolina are in every state region. 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

The waters flow from the Blue Ridge Mountains down into the rolling hill of central Carolina. Along the way, they change from rushing brooks cascading over waterfalls to wide, free-flowing bodies of water. 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. Its 200 miles run through the Upstate down to Lake Murray, the Santee River, and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The Saluda River is an excellent place for water-based activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Sections of it are designated wild and scenic rivers, while part of it runs through downtown Columbia. Find access points to enjoy paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor watersports along the Saluda River. With homes all along the Saluda River and its tributaries, there are multiple places to find riverfront homes.

The Broad River

The Broad River is another tributary of the Congaree River. It originates in the North Carolina 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. It has luxurious riverfront homes in South Carolina across several counties, such as Richland and Jasper. Nearby towns include Gaffney, Blackburg, Irmo, and Columbia.

The Congaree River

The Congaree River is a 53-mile-long river that begins at the confluence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers in Columbia and continues to meet the Wateree River at Lake Marion. The waters run through Congaree National Park. For Cayce and Columbia residents, the river is a popular destination for tubing, kayaking, fishing, and more. One of the highlights of the Congaree River is the Blue Trail. It starts in the urban Columbia and winds by sand bluffs and old-growth forests into the national park, where it ends.

Find riverfront homes for sale in South Carolina across all three of these rivers and many of their tributaries, creeks and branches. But there’s even more riverfront living, like on the Pee Dee River, Savannah River and Santee River. A total of 30,000 river miles cross the South Carolina landscape. Many of the rivers run into and out of the most popular lakes in the state.

Oceanfront Homes in South Carolina

Coastal South Carolina has some of the most breathtaking and serene properties along the eastern seaboard. Aside from direct oceanfront living, find a variety coastal homes. Live on tidal creeks and sheltered bays, or pick salt marsh waterfront views of the Lowcountry. Choose a sheltered Intracoastal home or a beachfront condo on an island. Some popular locations for oceanfront homes in South Carolina are:

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is perhaps the most popular South Carolina beach for oceanfront property. Sitting midway on the Grand Strand, it is the top destination for family fun, championship golf, dining, shopping, and generally enjoying the beach lifestyle.

The good news is there are plenty of real estate listings, and many have waterfront as an option. September 2024 reported 4,000 homes for sale in Myrtle Beach, with some 1,600 having waterfront. That could be panoramic views of the beachfront or Intracoastal. The median home price in Myrtle Beach was approximately $310k, and the median sold home price was around $320k.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is located just 21 miles south from Charleston. From boating to fishing and championship golf courses, the activities available appeal to outdoor and water enthusiasts. The renowned Kiawah Island Golf Resort draws visitors and future new residents. Kiawah carries a reputation for luxury oceanfront living in South Carolina.

Kiawah Island’s popularity amongst home buyers sustains its median home prices. September 2024 reported a median list price of $2.6M. Kiawah Island 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 a 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 300 listings, find many waterfront homes for sale in Surfside Beach. The median listing home price for Surfside Beach is approximately $399K, which was up 6% year-over-year.

Litchfield By the Sea

Just a short drive south of Myrtle Beach sits Pawleys Island. Right before you get there, you’ll find Litchfield Beach. The oceanfront homes in Litchfield by the Sea are suited to those seeking a quiet, serene beach lifestyle. The heralded Litchfield Beach and the Golf Resort place you near the best golfing with oceanfront access. Other nearby attractions include Huntington Beach State Park, one of the top state parks in South Carolina. Additionally, residents have multiple dining and shopping options.

Charleston

Even though it’s not directly oceanfront, we’re still classifying the coastal city in the oceanfront district because it is close to the Atlantic. Plus, waterfront property in Charleston, SC, is abundant. It sits on a peninsula with the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meeting at Charleston Harbour. The harbor opens directly to the ocean. Within 20 to 30 minutes’ drive are beachfront communities like Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. So many suburbs around Charleston give you instant access to waterfront living, like James Island and Mount Pleasant. Plus, you have all the things to do in Charleston, from dine at its world famous restaurants to browse its historic district museums and art galleries.

Hilton Head Island

South Carolina’s luxury destination for island living is a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and lush natural surroundings. Spanning 42 square miles, Hilton Head Island offers outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Its resorts, restaurants, and shopping areas attract visitors year-round, making it a favorite for family vacations and weekend getaways. Find luxury homes and condos with oceanfront or bayside access. Spring is the busiest time, but engaging activities are on Hilton Head Island all year.

Other Oceanfront Communities

When it comes to access to water, South Carolina is the ideal state. Besides the communities listed above, you have many more options for beautiful waterfront property in destinations like:

• Edisto Island
• Beaufort
• Seabrook Island
• Murrells Inlet
• North Myrtle Beach

Finding Waterfront Homes in South Carolina

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

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 EZ Home Search, you’ll have access to up-to-the-minute waterfront home listings as they hit the market. Be sure to register for a free account and stay current on all the waterfront listings in your favorite South Carolina areas.

Updated September 2024