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Friday, July 08, 2022

What to Know about Living in Anderson, SC

Photos of Anderson South Carolina

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 on 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 breaks down what you need to know about Anderson, SC, 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 located in the northwest corner of South Carolina. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Greenville and is beside Lake Hartwell. Nearby I-85 connects locals to cities beyond, with stops from North Carolina to Georgia.

With a 2020 population of 27,000, this town has never been afraid to innovate. Anderson’s other nickname is “the Electric City” for being the first in the world to use alternating current to power all its public street lights. It had the first electric street car and cotton gin. Anderson is also home to one of the world’s first hydroelectric 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 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.

While part of the Upstate region, Anderson does have a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool with occasional snowfall, averaging two inches a year. 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 15% below the US index average and 4% below the South Carolina average. In particular, its housing market was 36% cheaper than the national rate and almost 10% cheaper than the state. Only utility and healthcare costs were above the average.

What is the median housing price in Anderson, SC?

The median house price in Anderson was $250,000 in June 2022, with 642 homes for sale in the greater area. 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, condos, and townhomes were all available.

There aren’t golf courses inside Anderson city limits, but there are two communities in the greater Anderson region. See Pine Lake and Stone Creek Cove for 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 the Six and Twenty branch side of Lake Hartwell. 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 northwest corner of the city and has a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. This is an excellent option for people who want to be close to nature as it’s adjacent to several parks. The community 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, primary 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 the Upstate region. 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 located in the northwest corner of South Carolina, about halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. It’s also a short drive from Greenville, SC.

The closest towns surrounding Anderson are Northlake, Centerville, Homeland Park, and West Anderson. These are all similar small towns and cities that are almost like the suburbs of Anderson.

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. This is a great place to live if you want access to a big city’s amenities but with a smaller town feel. Clemson is definitely a college town.

Greenville is the largest city near Anderson and is about 40 minutes away. This city has a lot to offer, including a thriving downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining options. There are also several parks, green spaces, a zoo, and an aquarium.

Living in Anderson, SC

Anderson is a great place to live for its southern charm, low cost of living, and proximity to other major cities. It’s also a perfect city for families as it has 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 in Anderson, so there are plenty of options for those looking for a new place to call home. You can also find a vacation property or lakeside living near Anderson.

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Preston Guyton

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