Small-town pride and a vision for Allendale’s future
"Allendale forward" is the slogan and the hopeful direction for Allendale, a proud South Carolina community working through challenges. Sitting in the rural area between Augusta, Georgia, and Charleston, this community was once heavily visited by tourists along U.S. Highway 301. The construction of Interstate 95 and the downsizing of local industry dealt this region major economic blows and set off lingering systemic challenges. Ongoing municipal projects could pave the way for positive changes. Allendale's University of South Carolina Salkehatchie campus remains a key point of pride, among others. "You've got the small-town feel, a lot of agricultural and recreational land and close proximity to a ton of nice places," says Jake Sullivan, founder and CEO of the Veteran Owned Real Estate Team with eXp Realty.
Manufactured, ranch-style and Victorian homes with spacious lots
Sullivan says the rental market is strong here, as most residents lease out homes. Manufactured homes, brick ranch-style houses and older Victorian properties are among the home styles. "There are no cookie-cutter communities or anything like that," says Sullivan, who has about 25 years of experience in the industry. "These are your early communities and then your 1960s and '70s build-outs, so most of those have half-acre to 1-acre lots. Nothing is built right on top of each other." The median price for single-family homes is about $80,000, less than a fifth of the national median.
Allendale schools improve while USC supports lifelong learning
Allendale County Schools, rated C-minus overall by Niche, serves about 900 students with one elementary school, one middle school and one high school. Student test scores have improved in major benchmarks since the state Department of Education took over control 2017. Today, high schoolers can participate in STEM classes, dual enrollment classes through the local university and career and technical education classes.
The USC campus in Allendale offers associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in elementary education and nursing. Students can pursue other bachelor's programs from other USC campuses or online. University facilities and programs add to everyday life in Allendale, from leadership workshops to community interest courses to free youth summer camps to a community garden. "I think everyone in that community knows that USC Salkehatchie is one of the biggest highlights there, and they're giving back and trying to continually help the community grow," Sullivan says.
Parks, trails and wildlife areas offer space to play and explore
Winthrop Park offers green space in town, with play equipment, benches and a picnic pavilion. Locals may walk or run at the USC Salkehatchie campus. The Allendale Community Center project is poised to add additional green space and programs across a 20-acre former high school campus. The project could include sports fields and courts, a walking trail, healthcare and childcare facilities, a recreation center and a Clemson University outreach building. Hunting and fishing are also popular in the surrounding spaces, such as the Savannah River and Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area.
Dining options expand in nearby Fairfax and Barnwell
Fresh food remains a wish list item for Allendale residents. Allendale IGA and Dollar General are the go-to grocery options. The seasonal Allendale Farmer's Market also offers fresh produce throughout the week. It's based on the town's southeast side along U.S. Highway 278. Hardee's and Subway are available for a bite to eat. The Allendale Community Vision Plan proposes downtown streetscape improvements, murals and converting downtown buildings into an open-air food court. In neighboring Fairfax, Govan's is a popular soul food restaurant with regular live blues bands. Barnwell has additional restaurant and retail options about 20 miles north.
Allendale’s spring event offers safe fun for local families
The Unity Festival is Allendale's signature event in May. This recent tradition was created to provide additional activities for residents and a safe space to gather. The festivities include a parade, carnival and vendors from across the region. The Unity Festival fills the shoes of the former Spring Cooter Fest, which is no longer held.
Highways, pedestrian improvements and public transit serve commuters
Allendale has been identified as a space where many locals have longer work commutes, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. About 22% of residents are without cars and may depend on walking to get around town, according to the 2016 Town of Allendale Pedestrian Master Plan. U.S. Highways 301 and 278 are the main routes through the area. The ongoing University Mile Project aims to create pedestrian-friendly streetscapes on U.S. 301 from downtown Allendale to the U.S.C. Salkehatchie campus. Palmetto Breeze Transit provides fixed routes to Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
Community leaders still working to combat crime trends
Allendale County's per-capita firearm fatality rate ranks as one of the highest in the state, according to 2025 data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. A series of shootings in 2024 prompted local concern. Allendale County Schools implemented new metal detectors as an added security measure in the 2024-2025 school year.
