Pickens County Real Estate
As a beacon of upstate South Carolinian beauty, history, and adventure, Pickens County is a wonderful place to call home. Located right in between scenic Oconee and bustling Greenville, Pickens itself is the best of both worlds.
Pickens is a fun and relaxed area and is great for retirees, families, and college students. It’s home to the famous Clemson University, so prepare for fall to be teeming with sports fans and plenty of purple and orange! Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous private lake house or a low-acreage college townhouse, there are plenty of options in this thriving part of the upstate.
History
Pickens was originally Cherokee Indian territory but after the Revolutionary War, it was won over and named for militia leader, Andrew Pickens. The railroad made the communities in Pickens County flourish with commerce and trade and the town of Central was given its name because it was the central point on the railroad between major cities Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA.
The railroad wasn’t the only innovative jewel of the area. Cateechee Mill, located in the town of Norris, was the first cotton mill in Pickens. It offered lucrative jobs for many people and became the source of a booming textile industry.
Steadily growing each year, Pickens is currently 512 square miles and is home to 135,058 people. Once known for its trains, trade, and textiles, Pickens is now better known for its renowned educational facilities, scenic state parks and highways, waterfalls, lakes, and numerous opportunities for outdoor excursions.
Scenery
Pickens is a county of small cities surrounded by lakes and mountains. More populated areas like Greenville and Spartanburg are located directly to the east, but if you’re looking to stay local, there are many activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Looking for some stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains? South Carolina’s highest peak – Sassafras Mountain – is located right under the North Carolina border, and offers an observation tower for sightseers, hikers, and mountaineers to take in breathtaking views of the mountains of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, also known as SC 11, winds through the most scenic areas of Pickens. Great waterfalls and lookouts branch off this highway, but the most popular views can be found at the peak of Table Rock Mountain in Table Rock State Park. The trail is a strenuous 6.9 miles, so the hike requires a full day’s dedication, but the stunning landscape view at the top is incredibly rewarding. Make sure to pack a snack!
Pickens County is also home to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, located right next to Clemson University, where students studying botany, geology, and environmental science help grow and protect 295 acres of display gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, and historical buildings. And to make it even more attractive, it’s free and accessible to everyone 365 days a year.
Community
In addition to beautiful and exciting landscape views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, what makes Pickens such a fun and desirable place to live is its laidback and fun-oriented community. The city of Easley hosts holiday events and farmers markets. The Doodle Trail is a great 8.5-mile trail for walking, biking, or rollerblading, and connects Pickens to Easley, so it’s a great way to visit both cities for an outdoor day trip.
Central has a quaint downtown area right next to the railroad tracks and is all about its railway history. Every October, the community hosts the Central Railroad Festival where there’s live music, delicious local food, and free activities for kids. Central is also home to Grand Central Station – the #1-rated disc golf course in the state! Disc golf is a great hobby to pursue and this course is one of the best in the nation to play.
Not only is the city of Clemson a beautiful place to live – rich in both history and community – but it’s also home to Clemson University. This university is renowned for its spectacular engineering and agriculture programs and is the leading research institution in the upstate. Clemson is a college town that shifts from quiet, hot summer days spent on Lake Hartwell or sipping drinks with friends at a local downtown bar to a fall season fully focused on football! After winning two National Championships in the past 10 years, Clemson football dominates this city. Expect an average of 80,000 football fans to flood in on home game weekends. The energy is high, the tailgating is a necessity, and win or lose, Clemson fans will always believe their Tigers are #1.
Norris, Liberty, and Six Mile are other communities in Pickens that provide many acres of productive farmland, soothing foothill sunsets, and close-knit neighborhoods. Every community in Pickens County has rich southern history and surprising scenic landscapes and it doesn’t take long to see how much they value fun, family, and friendships.
Cities & Towns In Pickens County
