Seneca Real Estate
Seneca is the largest city in Oconee County with a population of 9,029 people living within about 8.3 square miles. It’s a delightful place to live, especially if you’re a fan of the outdoors, a pedestrian-friendly downtown area full of fun and festivities, and live music and dancing! It’s a popular area of leisure and relaxation on the lake, but a variety of exciting events are always just around the corner.
History
Originally called “Seneca City,” this area was a railroad town that grew as a result of its position on the Atlanta and Charlotte Air Line Railway. Before being founded in 1873, Seneca was a Native American village of the Cherokee people beside the Seneca River. The village was called “Esseneca” and was valued because of its fertile land by the water.
Trains made their stop in Seneca for the town’s abundance of cotton. At first, the economy was supported predominantly by agriculture, but once the cotton mills began to pop up, manufacturing quickly replaced agriculture. Today, Seneca’s economy still relies on its textiles, but it also thrives off its affordable housing. There are a number of historic properties with a variety of architectural styles from different eras such as Victorian, Colonial, and Tudor Revival as well as new and modern lake houses, suburban neighborhood homes, and city apartments.
Scenery
Seneca is the official land of laidback lake life and proud of it! With access to both Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, opportunities for outdoor recreation with majestic views of the foothill forests are abundant. Enjoy summertime sunsets on the shoreline with friends and family and even if you’re new to town, it won’t be long until you make friends that feel like family.
Both lakes offer plenty of access areas for boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. This area is also a fishing paradise. It’s renowned by anglers from all over the country because of its abundant population of a slew of fish species.
High Falls County Park on the sandy shores of Lake Keowee is a great public park to bring the family or to enjoy in solitude. There are 46 acres with 100 campsites, a swimming beach, a fishing pier, and two boat ramps. It’s one of the best parks in Oconee County. Another park, South Cove County Park, also offers camping, swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Keowee. The campground sits on a 15-acre peninsula with lovely views of the lake, forests, and Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop from all angles.
Community
As the largest city in Oconee County, it’s no surprise its community has the biggest appetite for a good time. The downtown area continues to grow into a fun-filled and bustling scene for people of all ages.
Beer and wine enthusiasts flock to Keowee Brewing Company for its pleasant outdoor atmosphere, different fun events every night, and unique variety of homemade food and beverages. If you’re looking for more upscale spirits in a more intimate environment, Ram Cat Cellars is Seneca’s top wine and bourbon bar.
Ram Cat Alley is the heart of Seneca’s historic district downtown and the main draw for the city’s locals and tourists alike. You’ll find boutique shops, vibrant restaurants, local dive bars, and if it’s a Thursday evening, “Jazz on the Alley” – an outdoor music event featuring a variety of local musicians. Feel free to dance in the street!
Located just minutes from Clemson University’s campus, you’ll discover Seneca has youthful energy regardless of its predominant demographic. Football games in the fall, warm-hearted festivities in the winter, camping in the spring, and of course, lake life in the summer make Seneca a desirable place to live year-round.