What to Know About Living in Anderson, SC

Are you interested in Anderson, a town known as South Carolina’s “friendliest city?” This former “All-America” city winner is known for its hospitality and innovative mindset. AARP ranked it one of its “Best Places to Live and Retire Now” in 2021, citing its southern charm and cost of living. People call Anderson home for many reasons, whether you’re retiring or starting a family.

Our profile includes what you need to know about Anderson, South Carolina, and some of its best places to live to start your home search.

Why is Anderson, SC, such a great place to live?

Anderson is a smaller city in the geographical center of Anderson County in South Carolina’s northwest corner. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Greenville and is beside Lake Hartwell. The nearby I-85 corridor connects locals to cities in North Carolina and Georgia.

With a 2020 population of 27,000, this town has never been afraid to innovate. Anderson’s other nickname is “the Electric City” because it was the first in the world to use alternating current to power all its public street lights. It also had the first electric street car and cotton gin. Anderson County is also home to one of the world’s first hydroelectric power plants, built by George W. Pickens on the Reedy River.

Anderson’s commitment to clean energy continues today. In 2012, Duke Energy built a 648-panel solar farm in Anderson. The city also has an aggressive tree-planting program, intending to plant one million trees by 2028.

Anderson University is based here. This competitive university, South Carolina’s largest private college, has undergraduate and doctoral programs. Its accolades include being a “best value” school, a top regional university, and Apple College of Distinction. The school began in 1848 as a women’s religious school. Through the years, it has been a junior college, became the four-year Anderson College, and become co-educational. The university is an important part of the city’s culture and character.

Things to Do in Anderson

Anderson has several bars, restaurants, and craft beer establishments for a night on the town. Weekly activities such as trivia, bingo, and karaoke welcome the community to one of the numerous participating local businesses.

You are only a short drive from Lake Hartwell, which offers endless water and outdoor adventure possibilities on a sunny afternoon. Families spend many enjoyable days at the lake having a picnic, swimming, sailing, water skiing, and much more. Many people from around Georgia, South Carolina, and other states visit Lake Hartwell and Anderson to enjoy peaceful summers at their lakefront vacation house.

Anderson is located close to other cities like Greenville and Clemson, so it’s a great place to live if you want easy access to urban areas without living in one.

The Downtown Anderson Historic District has the charming old Southern town look, with a wide Main Street and ornate brick buildings. Some of these are the beautiful Anderson University buildings. Come to visit the local business and shop the farmer’s market.

The county and city have multiple parks with recreational fields, sports leagues, and dog parks for locals. Some, like Hurricane Creek Park, have public launch ramps for your watercraft.

Anderson Weather

While part of Upstate South Carolina, Anderson has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool with occasional snowfall. Anderson County averages two inches of rain a year, but it usually doesn’t stick around long. Anderson typically sees 48 inches of rain annually, compared to the US average of 38.

What is the cost of living in Anderson, SC?

The cost of living is relatively low, coming in at 13% below the US index average and 2% below the South Carolina average. In particular, its housing market was 34% cheaper than the national rate and 10% cheaper than the state. The makes it one of the lowest costs in your budget. Only utility and healthcare costs were above the average rates.

What is the median housing price in Anderson, SC?

In May 2024, the median sold price in Anderson was $250,000, with 923 homes for sale in Anderson County. The prices ranged from $2,500 for vacant lots to $3.8 million for waterfront real estate.

Lake Hartwell and its many arms are the primary source of waterfront living options. Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes are all available.

There aren’t golf courses inside Anderson city limits, but two golf course communities are in Anderson County. See Pine Lake and Stone Creek Cove for housing options.

What are the best places to live in Anderson?

A few neighborhoods stand out as the best places to live in Anderson.

Ashley Downs is a great option for families as it’s safe and has good schools nearby. This community has homes constructed between 1970 and 2000 and a few more recent constructions. Several large southern mansions and attractive luxury houses are built on hills with spectacular views.

Northlake is a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of amenities like parks and playgrounds. This northeast corner neighborhood runs along Lake Hartwell’s Six and Twenty branch. Nearby is a popular sailing club. This area has luxury homes, southern mansions, and beautiful lakefront properties.

Lakeside is slightly more affordable than other options but still has good schools. This community was developed in the early 1900s, and you’ll find a mix of Craftsman, Victorian, and Colonial Revival-style homes.

Westview Heights is in the city’s northwest corner and has a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. It is adjacent to several parks, making it an excellent option for people who want to be close to nature. For families, it is near the Southwood Academy of the Arts.

If you’re looking for new home construction, you’re in luck. Anderson had five developments under construction in 2022, primarily for single-family home communities. These included Belvedere, Oak Hill, Hanna Crossing, Bleckley Trail, and Cedar Ridge.

What county is Anderson in?

Anderson is the county seat for Anderson County, a mostly rural part of Upstate South Carolina. You’ll find rolling hills and lots of pasture land. Lake Hartwell is a major tourism draw. Many residents enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle. Living in the city of Anderson or its surrounding towns offers residents a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes.

What areas are near Anderson?

Anderson is about halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. It’s also a short drive from Greenville, SC.

Northlake, Centerville, Homeland Park, and West Anderson are the closest towns surrounding Anderson. These are all similar small towns that act almost like Anderson’s suburbs.

Clemson is a college town about 20 minutes away from Anderson. Activities include tailgating for football games, going to the lake, and exploring the many shops and restaurants. Clemson is definitely a college town. It’s a regional center for health care, shopping, and entertainment.

Greenville is the largest city near Anderson and is about 40 minutes drive away by car. This city’s star is rising as one of the best places to live in the US. The perks include a thriving downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining options. Several parks, green spaces, a zoo, and an aquarium round out Greenville attractions.

Living in Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson is a great place to live because of its southern charm, low cost of living, and access to cities. Families appreciate its above-average schools and plenty of parks and recreational activities. Anderson is home to several historical landmarks and is known for its commitment to clean energy.

If you’re considering moving to Anderson, SC, these are some of the best places to live. New home construction is booming, so there are plenty of options for those looking searching for an Anderson new home. You can also find a vacation property or lakeside living near Anderson.

Updated July 2024