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.
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.
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