Anderson County Real Estate
Located just south of Oconee and Pickens, Anderson County sits in the northwest corner of the upstate with Lake Hartwell as its veins and the Electric City as its heart. If you’re looking for affordable living with southern charm or lazy lake days under the sun, Anderson County awaits.
This part of the upstate is a lovely place for both families and retirees to find the home of their dreams, and it’s been referred to as one of the top ten best places in the country to retire. The majority of residents are homeowners, attracted to the area’s picturesque farm and lake landscapes and close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, foodies, and beer and wine lovers all have ample opportunities to enjoy lake life, recreation centers, a wide variety of restaurants, and the fantastic breweries and wineries this area has to offer.
History
Established in 1826, Anderson was named after Revolutionary War general and South Carolinian, Robert Anderson. Not only a prominent area during the Revolutionary War, Anderson County was also significant during the Civil War as a center for the production of ammunition for the Confederate Army.
The city of Anderson sits smack dab in the center of the county and was named “The Electric City” in 1895 due to its hydroelectric plant that pioneered long-distance power transmission. It also was the first city in the world to use hydroelectricity to power a cotton gin.
Since then, Anderson has grown in popularity and expanded to a population of 208,695 within a total of 757 square miles. Its economy has continued to thrive off livestock and agriculture thanks to over 100,000 acres of fertile farmland. It’s home to the upstate’s pride and joy, the Piedmont Plateau – the region of South Carolina with the most fertile soil and most farmable land. Fan of horses? Anderson County is also known for raising prize-winning racehorses and dressage horses and has been since the Civil War Era.
Scenery
This Piedmont region in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers some of the most scenic views of Lake Hartwell, the Saluda River, and the Savannah River. There are plenty of watersport activities to indulge in such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and tubing.
Sadlers Creek State Park and Rocky River Nature Park are both great places to take the family or to enjoy by yourself in beautifully preserved nature. Located on a peninsula, the Sadlers Creek State Park extends into Lake Hartwell and provides picnic areas, fishing coves, hiking and biking trails, swimming and boating docks, and bird-watching areas. You can also reserve one of the many scenic camping sites on the shore of the lake for a fun family weekend. Somewhat smaller than Sadlers Creek, Rocky River Nature Park still offers pristine acres of well-preserved nature trails and tranquil views of the wetlands.
Community
The Piedmont area of upstate South Carolina is the epitome of southern hospitality. There is a wide range of communities from the larger city of Anderson to the smaller historic town of Pendleton. Other areas such as Powdersville, La France, Townville, Williamston, Pelzer, Sandy Springs, Belton, Iva, Starr, Centerville, and Northlake are a mix of suburban and rural towns that offer affordable homes and plenty of southern charm.
The Anderson County Museum provides historical information on the effects of war in the area as well as 25,000 artifacts in inspirational exhibits. It has a well-maintained 12,000-square-foot gallery and its exhibits are constantly changing, making it one of the most interesting war museums in the upstate.
Looking for some light-hearted and hands-on Southern education? The Palmetto Distillery is a craft whiskey and moonshine distillery in Anderson that demonstrates old distilling traditions and combines them with more modern innovations to create great-tasting and unique products. The Palmetto Distillery produces South Carolina’s first legal moonshine, so experiencing it first-hand is witnessing history in the making. There’s also the Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery and Winery that originated in Anderson, but now has a taproom in Greenville, and it’s easy to see why they’re expanding. They brew delicious and creative beers in a cozy barn-style taproom. People from all over the upstate come to enjoy live music and great drinks in a fun and homey atmosphere.
If you’d rather visit a community staple that the kids can also enjoy, seek out Split Creek Farm and you’ll find an unexpected gem in the rural landscapes of Anderson. This charming dairy farm produces grade-A goat dairy and has won several awards for its milk, cheese, and fudge. The tours are self-guided and the kids are welcome to pet and feed the goats and cows. Enjoy a day on the farm that’s fun for everyone!
Every season in Anderson County has something to offer. Visit Denver Downs Farm in the fall and delight in their pumpkin patch and exceptional corn maze. Stop by the Palmetto Distillery to warm up in the winter. Walk the historic and ever-expanding Pendleton Square to admire the springtime flora at the perfect temperature. And whether you’re looking for a lazy day on the lake or an outdoor adventure in your kayak or on your paddle board, Lake Hartwell is the perfect summer spot to put a smile on your face.
Cities & Towns In Anderson County
