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.
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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Aiken, SC sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Aiken, SC over the last 12 months is $304,900, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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.
New HVAC Feb 2026 & home has been appraised .Wonderful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home on a Spacious 0.52-Acre Lot! Roof replaced in 2023, giving peace of mind for years to come! Welcome to this beautifully maintained home! Nestled on over half an acre, this property offers both space and comfort inside and out! Step through the foyer entrance into a bright and inviting living area with newer LVP flooring
Now Move In Ready! The Augusta II Plan by Designer Homes offers a charming ranch-style home, designed to meet your family's needs. Featuring an additional bedroom, bath, and flex room upstairs that could easily serve as a 5th bedroom. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a beautifully trimmed open floor plan that seamlessly links the spacious living room with the kitchen and dining area. The
Discover this beautifully updated home in the highly sought after Sage Creek community. Recent renovations include fresh interior paint, a brand‑new roof, updated bathroom flooring, and new carpet throughout, creating a truly move in ready space. The open floor plan features hardwood floors in the kitchen and dining room, complemented by stainless steel appliances and elegant granite
The Jordan is an open floor plan with a large great room and dining/kitchen area. Three bedrooms upstairs with walk-in closets. Perfect size for any lifestyle.
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
Spectacularly elegant, top-to-bottom renovation in this historic home and guest cottage known as ''La Folie'', just steps from The Willcox and downtown Aiken's shops and restaurants. The main residence, dating to circa 1890, offers 3 bedrooms and 21⁄2 baths and is 3561 square feet; the separate 944 square foot guest cottage provides 1-2 bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen, and laundry Renovated in
The Karamea is a great floorplan for any family size. The owners bedroom is on the main floor with an open kitchen and family room area. Upstairs is a cozy Loft for entertainment and three additional bedrooms with large walk-in closets. Two full baths and a powder bath.
The Harper floor plan combines smart design with modern comfort, creating a home thats both functional and welcoming. The first floor opens with a covered porch and foyer that lead into a bright kitchen with a central island and pantry, flowing into a breakfast area and spacious family room. The owners suite is also conveniently located on the main level, featuring a private bath, walk-in closet,
Don't miss this three bed one and a half bath ranch in Aiken! Completely updated with fresh paint and new fixtures throughout.Recent improvements include:New roof: 2026New HVAC: 2026Fresh PaintNew Doors and blindsNew Water HeaterModern finishes really standout, with updated kitchen and bathrooms. Wood burning fireplace in the large living area. Everything has been
The Karamea is a great floorplan for any family size. The owners bedroom is on the main floor with an open kitchen and family room area. Upstairs is a cozy Loft for entertainment and three additional bedrooms with large walk-in closets. Two full baths and a powder bath.
Hillside lot overlooking Freeman Lake in the desirable subdivision of The Ridge at Chukker Creek. Up to five lots available. Choose your builder and your dream. Up to five lots available. On a private cul-du-sac
Move-In Ready! McGuinn Homes Cedar floor plan makes the most of its 1,783 square feet with smart design and everyday comfort. This two-story layout offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, along with open-concept living that brings people together. The kitchen features a large center island, walk-in pantry, and breakfast bargiving you the space and storage you need to cook, gather, and enjoy. Youll also
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.
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
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!
Executive Home on a 50-acre private oasis. Recently renovated and ready to move in. This custom-built home with three bedrooms and three full baths is full of features. Kitchen with breakfast area overlooking the fields, separate formal dining room, large Livingroom with fireplace. Owner's suite with double bath and walk-in closets. two additional bedrooms with hall bath. big laundry room, Large,
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!
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house for rent is located in Aiken and features a practical, well-designed layout. The main level includes a comfortable living area, a functional kitchen , and three bedrooms with two full bathrooms. Upstairs, a large loft provides additional flexible space that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a home office, media area, or general living space. The home
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
Charming townhome in excellent central location, minutes from Whiskey Rd and all Southside Aiken has to offer. This unit has all wood or tile floors throughout, NO CARPET! Open concept design maximizes the square footage to make living easy here, living room features vaulted ceiling, spacious master with walk-in closet! Adorable backyard with pergola and brick paver patio for enjoying outside
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!
Available for immediate occupancy! Five bedroom, 3.5 bath home located in Chukker Creek Landing off Whiskey Rd. Covered, rocking chair front porch opens to foyer with stairs and flex room that can be used for office/study, formal living area, children's play area, etc. Foyer leads to open concept living, dining and kitchen area. Kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, kitchen island
Andrea CarrBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beazley Realtors
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
Quiet, well established sub-division located mid-town and convenient to both downtown and the South Side. Near shopping and restaurants. Freshly painted throughout. Features living room and dining room combination, hardwood floors throughout, master bedroom with newly added full bath, large, fenced backyard. Pet considered with pet deposit. Non-smoking home.
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
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
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
48/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®®
66/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
