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
Tonia Coleman-Klein,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Aiken, SC sell after 68 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 $318,400, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Divinity Farm, a peaceful mini horse property tucked along a quiet dead-end street on 2.32 unrestricted acres. With county taxes only and an incredibly convenient location approximately 10 minutes from both Downtown Aiken and Aiken's south side, this thoughtfully developed property offers modern comfort, privacy, and an easy equestrian lifestyle.The bright, open-concept 2021
Fences included. Builder is offering a $10,000 incentive for upgrades or closing cost!Located in the desirable Summerton Village community in Aiken, the Jefferson 7 blends timeless style with modern comfort in a thoughtfully designed ranch floor plan offering 2,281 square feet of beautifully crafted living space. This stunning home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and Easy
Fences included. Builder is offering a $10,000 incentive for upgrades or closing cost! Welcome to the Thornhill 5 E.L. in the highly sought-after Summerton Village community in Aiken, SC. This beautifully designed Easy Living ranch home offers 1,796 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious double garage.Enter through the front door and
Discover this beautifully updated home. Recent renovations include fresh interior paint, 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 countertops. An inviting electric fireplace adds warmth and charm to
Set on a spacious double lot in Deodar Plantation, this beautifully refreshed four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home offers plenty of room to live, work and entertain--all just three minutes from downtown Aiken. The home has been completely repainted, the upstairs hardwood floors have been refinished, the landscaping has been refreshed, and the garage floor has been painted, making it truly
Flexible living space, comfortable finishes, and a convenient Aiken location come together at 173 Tahoe Drive in Powderhouse Landing. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers 2,223 square feet with a smart layout designed for everyday life. The main level features engineered hardwood floors, a front bonus room that works well as an office, sitting area, hobby space, or flex room, plus a formal dining
Welcome to 613 Dressage Court, an idyllic equestrian retreat where gracious country living and thoughtfully designed horse facilities come together on 6.05 acres in Buckleigh Farms, a private gated community.Built in 2019, the inviting two-story home offers four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a spacious, flexible floor plan. The main-level primary suite provides everyday convenience,
Welcome to 17 Inverness, where comfort, character, and a golfer's dream lifestyle come together. Perched at the peak of a quiet cul-de-sac and tucked just off Hole #9 of Houndslake Golf Course, this one-level ranch offers a rare setting that's both peaceful and convenient. Inside, you'll find beautiful hardwood floors flowing throughout the entire home, creating a warm and timeless feel from the
Charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa in desirable Houndslake! Features a spacious living room centered around a cozy fireplace and brand-new carpeting in the living room. Enjoy a large eat-in kitchen, a sun-drenched porch perfect for relaxation, and the convenience of an attached single-car garage. HOA does include yard maintenance. Unbeatable location close to everything Aiken has to offer. Schedule
If your idea of the perfect property includes privacy, woods, wildlife, and room to enjoy the outdoors, this 8.36-acre retreat deserves a closer look. Located on parcel 135-13-01-002, the property offers the space and seclusion to create your own hunting getaway, weekend escape, or future homesite. A creek runs through the land, providing a peaceful setting for fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the
The Congaree home design offers generous space and flexible living areas designed for modern family life. The first floor welcomes you with an open layout featuring a stylish kitchen with a large island and pantry, flowing seamlessly into the breakfast nook and spacious family roomperfect for gatherings and everyday living. The owners suite is conveniently located on the main level, offering a
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated downtown Aiken cottage, where timeless charm meets modern style. Located at 406 Edgefield Ave NW, this move-in-ready home has been completely transformed from top to bottom with thoughtful updates throughout.Step inside to discover fresh interior and exterior paint, brand-new luxury vinyl plank (LVT) flooring throughout, all-new doors and
BETTER THAN NEW! Welcome to 520 E. Frontage Road--your dream homestead! This immaculate, three-year-old home is situated on 8.22 beautiful acres in Aiken, SC. With three established pastures, creek frontage, a large chicken coop, and plenty of room for animals, this one-of-a-kind property is ready to make your homestead, hobby farm, or equestrian dreams a reality!This thoughtfully
Move-in ready doesn't begin to cover it. This updated, bright, and airy brick home has seen more than $60,000 in improvements in the past year: a new HVAC system, all-new Andersen front and back doors with a lifetime warranty, a full interior repaint including ceilings, a new fireplace, new lighting and fans, and plantation shutters across the front. The roof was replaced in 2021 with 30-year
The Jordan home design offers a beautiful blend of modern design, open living, and everyday functionality. The first floor welcomes you with a spacious family room that flows into the breakfast area and contemporary kitchen, complete with a large island, pantry, and convenient access to a patioperfect for outdoor dining or entertaining. A powder room and attached two-car garage add convenience to
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,
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,
Live where the grass is greener at The Canter at Aiken Towne Park. Perfectly nestled beside Aiken Towne Park’s vibrant new community hub, home to lively restaurants, boutique shopping, and a centerpiece amphitheater, you’ll always be close to entertainment and everyday convenience. Inside, choose from spacious studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom apartments with quartz countertops, oversized closets, and
Market Street Station Apartment Homes offers modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Aiken, South Carolina, delivering a comfortable lifestyle in a connected, convenient setting. Each pet-friendly home features open-concept layouts, 9-foot ceilings, in-home washer and dryer, modern kitchens with sleek black appliances, pantry storage, spacious walk-in closets, and private patios or
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
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!
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
Welcome to Viera Aiken Apartments, where the quiet beauty of nature meets timeless southern sophistication. Here, every corner feels curated for comfortfrom breezy mornings on your private balcony to sunny afternoons by the pool. Whether youre unwinding under the trees or rallying friends for a game of sand volleyball, life at Viera Aiken invites you to slow down and savor it all.Set within a
Looking for value, space, convenience and comfort in the heart of Aiken, SC? You have found it with Verandas on the Green! Come home to a charming community surrounded by natural beauty. Enjoy some of the largest apartment homes in the city, in addition to a full menu of resident perks! Take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool, or soak up the South Carolina sunshine on the spacious poolside
The primary suite offers a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet, and private bath, while the second bedroom is perfect for guests, family, or a home office. Large windows bring in natural light, and the thoughtful layout ensures every square foot is functional.Outside, enjoy a private patio and landscaped yard, ideal for relaxing mornings or entertaining friends. With its brick exterior,
Parkside at The Village, Aiken's newest Luxury Apartments, gives you access to all the wonderful amenities of The Village at Woodside but also offers exclusive amenities like a pool, meeting areas and office space, a coffee bar, outdoor cabana, fire pit, grilling area, TV area with bar, and much more! All apartments include upgraded luxury finishes such as quartz countertops, walk-in closets with
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
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
99
Median Rent
$1,879
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,950
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,075
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,500
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,825
Median Condo Rent
$1,200
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$950
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
$79,597
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 bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
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.
