Strong community ties and equestrian culture in Aiken
Located 19 miles west of Augusta near South Carolina’s state line, Aiken is the most populous city in Aiken County, with nearly 33,000 residents. The city is known for its equestrian heritage, outdoor activities and a strong sense of community. “It’s a place where everybody cheers for everybody else,” says Aiken Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Tunison. “Anyone you talk to is involved in two or three nonprofits. It’s a very engaged community.” Locals gather in downtown’s crisscrossed streets for antique shopping, local dining and seasonal events. The iconic South Boundary, canopied with green live oak trees, offers a scenic route towards Hitchcock Woods on the western side, where historic horse shows and festivals occur. The Savannah River Site and Aiken Regional Medical Centers are major employers here.
Welcome to the beautiful town of Aiken, recently named the he best small town in the South.
The City of Aiken is steeped in horse history and culture.
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Finding lower South Carolina price points
The city has grown steadily over the last decade, but Tunison says the cost of living has remained low compared to cities like Columbia or Charleston. The median selling price for single-family homes is about $318,000, with a very slight increase over the past few years. Midcentury ranch-style homes and early 2000s bungalows, scattered throughout the northside and middle of the city, typically sell below the average. Larger New Traditional and brick colonial homes sell higher than the average, especially in gated communities that include pastures fit for training horses and are close to walking trails and golf courses.
Aiken's new neighborhoods provide suburban appeal with proximity to downtown amenities.
Aiken neighborhoods with traditional designs provide a quiet, suburban feel near the city.
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Exploring the historic Hopelands Gardens
Aiken has 14 parks and nature preserves that feature playgrounds, athletic fields, and plenty of open space. Hitchcock Woods, located on the west side near Palmetto Golf Club, features 70 miles of sandy trails for walking and horseback riding; the longstanding prestigious Aiken Horse Show takes place in the woods, where spectators watch jockeys compete. Further south is the city’s beloved 14-acre Hopelands Gardens, a historic estate site known for its live oak meadow, wetland preserve, and The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Aiken hosts dozens of horse-related events every year; the 50-year-old Spring Steeplechase takes place near Hitchcock Woods and draws around 20,000 people annually to watch local equestrians compete. Horse lovers from all over the U.S. come to Bruce’s Field in Aiken’s historic district for premiere dressage and jumping events. Every fall, the Chamber of Commerce hosts Aiken’s Makin’, a colorful art and craft show downtown where thousands of people walk through 3 city blocks bursting with art.
The Doll House at Hopelands Gardens contains antique toys and furniture and is open Sundays.
Hopelands Gardens’ fountains and sculptures reflect Aiken’s rich artistic culture.
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A look into local business on Laurens Street
Laurens Street, located in Aiken’s downtown, has locally owned boutiques, small businesses and mom-and-pop restaurants. Aiken County Farmers Market—the oldest year-round farmers market in the state—offers locals fresh produce and specialty goods on select days. Several other shopping centers and grocery store chains, like Kroger and Walmart Supercenter, can be found two miles south of downtown off Whiskey Road.
Vendor at the Farmers Market sell homemade crafts, fresh produce, meats, and honey.
Locals enjoy a casual lunch at Electric Eats, where a full bar is also available.
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Investing in student skills at Aiken County Public Schools
The city is served by Aiken County Public Schools, rated a B by Niche. Joye in Aiken, a local nonprofit founded in 2008, offers outreach programs for aspiring middle and high school student musicians. The annual four-day Jazz Camp held at the University of South Carolina Aiken campus gives students a chance to learn from successful music graduates of The Julliard School.
M.B. Kennedy Middle School is one of several middle schools in Aiken county.
South Aiken High School has over 21 AP classes making it a top school in the county.
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Crime statistics for Aiken
According to FBI data, Aiken has slightly higher property and violent crime rates than the national average. Property crime has declined by about 5% since 2020, while violent crime has remained about the same. Tunison says the city works closely with Aiken County Public Safety to keep strong citizen and police relationships.
Aiken’s Best Friend Express
North Augusta is 16 miles west of Aiken via US Route 78, while Columbia is 56 miles northeast via Interstate 20. While many residents drive to get around town, the Best Friend Express vans, part of Aiken County’s Transit System, stop in the city and circulate throughout the county every two hours. Using downtown as a center point, Aiken Regional Medical Center is 3 miles away, and Aiken Regional Airport is 7 miles north via US Route 1.
Aiken residents using the Best Friend of Aiken bust service can board anywhere on a route.
Aiken Regional Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of specialties and services.
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Cleaning up the Savannah River Site
Over the last few decades, Aiken citizens have raised concerns over the 36 metric tons of nuclear waste produced at the Savannah River Site. In late 2020, a settlement was reached between South Carolina and the U.S. Department of Energy. The DOE will clean up any remaining plutonium near the site by 2037, or it will be required to pay more monetary penalties to the state. When it comes to annual weather, Aiken experiences hot summers and very mild winters.
New Ellenton’s history is deeply connected to the Savannah River Site, a massive Cold War nuclear reservation built to produce tritium and plutonium for national defense.
The Savannah River Site Museum in Aiken shares stories of Cold War technological feats.
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Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacquelyn Christensen,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Aiken, SC sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Aiken, SC over the last 12 months is $307,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gracefully set amid mature landscaping and timeless Southern surroundings, this recently remodeled estate offers the rare blend of refined luxury, generous scale, and true multigenerational versatility.The main residence spans 5,857 square feet, thoughtfully designed for both grand entertaining and everyday living. An open-concept layout is anchored by expansive living spaces, including a
This whimsical 12.73-acre farm in The Paddocks, on Aiken's desirable south side, is thoughtfully designed for both horses and people, offering a rare chance to finish and personalize your dream setup. The 1,407 sq ft cottage features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a separate office, and beautiful upgraded living spaces with open ceilings, 8' doors, and a large master suite with walk-in closet. The kitchen
Updated two bedroom one bath cottage just 3 minutes from downtown Aiken, featuring a large front porch, newer roof, windows, HVAC, and flooring ( all replaced in 2024). Crawl space has been insulated and vapor barrier added. Kitchen and bathroom have been updated. Granite countertops, gas stove, tiled backsplash, all stainless appliances. large dining/breakfast area. Large laundry room/mudroom.
Gracefully set amid mature landscaping and timeless Southern surroundings, this recently remodeled estate offers the rare blend of refined luxury, generous scale, and true multigenerational versatility.The main residence spans 5,857 square feet, thoughtfully designed for both grand entertaining and everyday living. An open-concept layout is anchored by expansive living spaces, including a
The Nile floor plan offers a spacious and inviting layout that perfectly balances open living areas with private retreats. The first floor features a bright, open-concept design connecting the kitchen, breakfast nook, and family roomideal for entertaining or relaxing with family. A formal dining room at the front of the home adds an elegant touch for gatherings, while the kitchen includes a large
This whimsical 12.73-acre farm in The Paddocks, on Aiken's desirable south side, is thoughtfully designed for both horses and people, offering a rare chance to finish and personalize your dream setup. The 1,407 sq ft cottage features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a separate office, and beautiful upgraded living spaces with open ceilings, 8' doors, and a large master suite with walk-in closet. The kitchen
Sprawling & spacious Georgian-style ranch in Woodside Plantation's coveted Estate enclave, this 3-bedroom home is nestled in a park-like setting, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and a stunning resort-like pool. A lofty entryway with custom coffered ceilings in the dining room and built-in bookshelves in the library/office. Bright and spacious living room with gas-log fireplace.
The Karamea floor plan showcases a spacious, open design that combines comfort, style, and functionality for modern living. The first floor features an inviting family room that flows seamlessly into the breakfast nook and kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry and easy access to a covered patio for outdoor relaxation. The owners suite is conveniently located on the main level, offering a
A classic example of the Winter Colony's Golden Age, this marvelous residence has been exquisitely updated yet in keeping with its 1930s origins when Mary Croft arrived from Long Island and built the home she was to call ''Walnutcroft.'' The first floor features hardwood floors, high ceilings and extensive millwork with formal living and dining rooms, second dining room, incredible kitchen with
Nestled beneath the iconic live oaks of South Boundary, this charming downtown 3,500 sq ft cottage has been meticulously restored to honor its circa-1895 origins while seamlessly incorporating luxurious modern amenities. Completely renovated with exceptional attention to detail—and offered fully furnished, including a well-appointed kitchen, barware, linens, and all indoor and outdoor
Move-In Ready! The Birch is a home that feels welcoming the second you step inside. With an open main level and extra room upstairs, its designed to keep life feeling comfortable, connected, and easy. This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,883 square feet of thoughtfully planned living space. When you enter through the foyer, you're greeted by a convenient powder bathroom before
The Karamea floor plan showcases a spacious, open design that combines comfort, style, and functionality for modern living. The first floor features an inviting family room that flows seamlessly into the breakfast nook and kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry and easy access to a covered patio for outdoor relaxation. The owners suite is conveniently located on the main level, offering a
Peaceful and quiet. Double wide on almost 2 acres. De-Titled and on Permanent foundation. Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Open floor plan, with a spacious great room that flows into the kitchen and dining rooms.Cozy up by the fireplace.Kitchen features all stainless appliances and a tiled backsplash.Enjoy the fenced backyard from the covered back deck. Long, private paved
The Riviera F floor plan offers a bright, open layout designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining. The first floor welcomes you with a spacious dining room that flows into a modern kitchen featuring a large island, quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances to include a gas stove and refrigerator with direct access to the expansive
Available now, $2,000 per month for 1 year lease, $3,000 for monthly lease. There are up to 8 stalls available with three 0.5 acre paddocks for an additional fee. There is an additional 6 acre pasture available November 1, 2025 for an additional fee. Come to Ligara Farm in the heart of Aiken's Horse corridor - One bedroom guest house on private pristine horse farm! Sleeps 2. Spiral staircase loft
Charming Aiken Cottage with shiny hardwood floors and fresh paint. Two Bedrooms with one full bath, living room, dining room, kitchen with large flex space and large screened porch overlooking private landscaped back yard with outbuilding with storage and a finished room for projects or home office. Great mid town location!
Discover our pet-friendly one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Aiken, SC-designed with spacious floor plans, stylish kitchens, and plenty of room to make your own. Conveniently located near the University of South Carolina Aiken, our community offers easy access to all the fun and excitement the area has to offer. Ready to see for yourself? Schedule a tour today!
Great Brick Ranch in a wonderful location close to downtown Aiken. Large Brick Fireplace in spacious Den. Plenty of natural light through several picture windows. Large Private Back yard with covered patio. Large Eat-In kitchen with laundry area. Nice Floor Plan
Conveniently located just south of downtown Aiken, SC, The Ashton Apartment Homes offer all of the conveniences that you are looking for. Every apartment home provides large, fully equipped kitchens, with all wood cabinets, and loads of counter space. In addition, our homes are equipped with full sized washer/dryer connections, and a private patio or balcony. As a resident, you are able to enjoy
This is beautiful 3 bed 2 bath home in a nice neighborhood. It has laminate flooring throughout the house. There is a large 10x40 ft covered patio in the back yard. The back yard is fully fenced in. Yard service once a month included in rent.
The Huntley Apartment Homes is nestled in the beautiful Aiken SC. Offering pet friendly, 1. 2 + 3 apartments and townhomes with granite counters and modern touches. Located conveniently minutes from Hitchcock Pkwy, with resturants and shopping at your footsteps! We know, you love it too!
This is a lovely 2 bed, 1 bath house on the north side of Aiken. It's been updated, freshly painted, beautiful hardwood flooring and new laminate in the kitchen and laundry room. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and plenty of counter space. The washer and dryer stay.
We don't just rent apartments. From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff contributes to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to develop
''The Green House.'' Wonderful peaceful furnished cottage in superb location in Aiken's downtown historic district. Updated kitchen and bathroom. New siding, & windows in 2024. Wood floors. Living room, office, library, dining room and kitchen. Large stone patio with pergola. Laundry & pantry beside the kitchen. Covered front porch. Dog door & fenced yard. 1/2 block to Hitchcock Woods, with 2200
David StinsonKeller Williams Realty Aiken Partners
Welcome to The Parker Aiken, where the grace of equestrian heritage meets modern luxury. Nestled in the heart of Aiken, SC a town renowned for its vibrant horse country our brand-new apartment community invites you to experience a lifestyle unlike any other. Here, every detail is thoughtfully designed to blend sophisticated comfort with the spirit of Aiken's rich equestrian tradition, creating
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS! Welcome to Rivers Crossing! This brand-new single-family home boasts 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, a modern open layout, stylish Shaker cabinets, granite countertops, W/D hook-ups, backyard patio, and a two-car garage. Stainless steel appliances installed upon move-in. Rivers Crossing is located 5 minutes from downtown and is easily accessible
Woodside is a private, master-planned community, in historic Aiken, South Carolina that provides buyers with a home and a built-in community through multiple amenities. Woodside features over 60 member-created clubs, resort pools, championship golf and over 20 miles of walking trails. “It’s just a great community, and there is something for everyone,” says David Seawell, a Realtor and broker with Woodside Development and a member of the Woodside community. “Being able to find that sense of community here and things to do, the options are plentiful.”
Behind the protection of a gate, Woodside features rolling streets lined with trees. Multiple golf and manufactured lakes give buyers picturesque views outside their doors. The community offers varying homestyle options, from townhouses to vibrant, colorful cottages and brick-facade Colonial Revivals. With about 2,300 homes, homes are spaced closely together but feature well-manicured yards. Prices in Woodside range from $180,000 to $1.1 million, but buyers can expect a two-bedroom cottage to be listed at around $320,000, while a four-bedroom Colonial Revival will go for approximately $520,000. “The market is still healthy, and I'd consider it a seller’s market. Homes are moving quickly because finding inventory is still challenging,” Seawell says.
Woodside is zoned for Aiken County Public Schools, which scores a B-plus on Niche and is the third-best school district in the Augusta area. Students attend Chukker Creek Elementary School, Aiken Intermediate School for sixth grade, Kennedy Middle for seventh and eighth grade, and then earn diplomas from South Aiken High School. According to Niche, the elementary and high schools score a B-plus, while the intermediate school grades a C-plus and the middle school gets a B. A third of South Aiken students participate in Advanced Placement courses and have opportunities to earn college credits through dual enrollment with local college and university systems.
Recreation is at residents' fingertips as Woodside has a collection of seven parks and green spaces, four golf courses and more than 20 miles of trails. The Reserve Club has an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center and the Reserve Park, a social hub with a quarter-mile track, pet space and bar. Other parks include Summer Hill Park, which has a stone gazebo picnic pavilion that overlooks the pond at the center, and the park is a connector to the trail system. Featuring more than 20 miles of trails, hikers and bikers can take on challenges like the 7-mile Perimeter Trail, the most well-known in the community and feature beautiful views of the lakes and golf course, or a quick jaunt through the half-mile creek walk, a flat path crosses over Cottonwood Creek. Woodside is a golf lover's dream with four different and challenging courses, including the signature Reserve Club Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and that has consistently ranked highly amongst private clubs.
While the Reserve Club is one of the many places residents can dine, the area outside Woodside has plenty to offer. Locals can find groceries and household supplies at Publix in the East Gate Shopping Center or the Food Lion in the Centre South Shopping Centre. Locals can grab breakfast or lunch at the Village Café or catch the game with friends at Grumpy Sport’s Bar. The community is a little more than a 5-mile drive to downtown Aiken. “Aiken is a small town, but it's far from sleepy,” Seawell says. Dating back to the 1830s, Aiken is within three hours of Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina, Columbia, Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina and Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, Georgia. The downtown area is the place to be as it features around 20 locally owned restaurants, including Whiskey Alley and The Wilcox Restaurant.
With over 60 member-led clubs throughout Woodside, finding a group with shared interests is easy. Clubs range from every walk of life, from automotive to book clubs or more segmented clubs, like the Women of Woodside. Not only are there social clubs, but there are plenty of weekly and annual events throughout the community. From weekly events like Winey Wednesday at the Summer Hill Park gazebo to yearly events like the Village Grill ‘N Chill Weekend at the Hollow Creek Social.
While the community is accessible by bike or foot, it is bordered by US-78. The route runs from Charleston, SC, to Memphis but is a crucial connection to Interstate 520, which allows commuters to reach the South Carolina and Georgia state line.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Aiken Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
32,448
Median Age
48
Population Density
138 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,921
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$87,600
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
39.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.2%
% Population in Labor Force
55.9%
Below the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly friendly
Bike Score®®
40/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
50/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
