Camden is the oldest inland city in South Carolina, a title it preserves and cherishes. Now the county seat of Kershaw County, the city of 7,700 saw some of its earliest settlers in the 1750s. Historic landmarks highlight the town, including Revolutionary War sites and a historic district. “We’re a city full of history,” says Lisa Cobb Moore, the broker in charge of Montgomery and Moore Real Estate and a lifelong resident of Camden. “We’re all about historic preservation and saving areas that should be preserved.” In addition to historic sites and museums, Camden also invests in the here and now, with a thriving art scene and an array of restaurants and retail.
Cape Cod designs with steep roofs and dormers are popular in Camden's historic district.
Camden’s Historic City Hall stands as a testament to mid-20th-century architecture, symbolizing the growth of Kershaw County over decades.
1/2
Camden's Downtown Cultural District and local eateries
Though Camden celebrates and cherishes its past, it also invests in the present. The downtown cultural district features galleries and arts education centers including the Arts Center of Kershaw County, which has rotating exhibits and theater events. Downtown Camden also has an array of local restaurants, like the Steeplechase Sports Bar and Grill and quaint spots like Candy’s at the Granary. There are also fast-food options, chain restaurants, and retail options along US Route 1.
Enjoy Sam Kendall’s southern charm and creative menu after a day exploring Camden’s shops.
The Arts Center of Kershaw County nurtures creativity with galleries, shows, and classes.
1/2
Camden Revolutionary Days and horse racing in the Carolina Cup
Camden is known across the region for the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup horse racing events. The Colonial Cup has been running for nearly 50 years as an event for people from around the country to tailgate and watch exciting races. The Carolina Cup Steeplechase Races, known as the “rite of spring,” features horse racing, local vendors and family events. Camden Revolutionary Days celebrates the town’s past with weeklong festivities, including a battle reenactment and a barbecue fest. Camden has its share of annual holiday events, including the Kershaw County Christmas Parade. “Halloween is big here. We’ll have hundreds and hundreds of kids trick-or-treating,” Moore says. The city also has an array of historic churches with various denominations. “We have a big church presence, with everything from Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, nondenominational and more. In the downtown area, there are a number of churches all within short walking distance of each other,” Moore says.
The Camden community preserves rich Revolutionary War history through annual reenactments.
The Colonial Cup benefits Kershaw County's health services, showcasing community spirit.
1/2
Historic homes and new builds
Camden has a variety of historic properties as well as newly built contemporary homes. Downtown in the historic district, some homes were built as early as the late 1700s and early 1800s. "I’d say that’s pretty typical," Moore says. "My home was built in 1980, and most of the homes around me were built around that time.” Many homes in Camden are priced below the national average of $416,000. However, some historic homes on oversized lots are priced between $600,000 and $1.1 million. “Housing prices have gone up recently, but it’s still a very affordable place to live,” Moore says.
Colonial-style homes are prominent, reflecting Camden's early 18th-century settlements.
Farmhouse-inspired new builds bring charm with modern open layouts to Camden neighborhoods.
1/2
Relaxing at Kendall Lake
Camden has several municipal parks, many in the heart of town, as well as neighborhood pocket parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 67% of residents in Camden live within a 10 minute walk of a park. Residents can head to Kendall Lake for a day on the lake. The city is also home to the Camden County Club, a private institution with an 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross.
Kendall Lake is part of the historical district and tied to the city's textile mill history.
The neighborhood pocket parks in Camden create intimate spaces where locals can unwind while enjoying the city’s historic charm and Southern hospitality.
1/2
Kershaw County School District and private school options
Camden is part of the Kershaw County School District, which received an overall B grade from Niche. Camden High School has won state championships for several sports, including girls and boys basketball, football and baseball, among others. There are also several private schools such as the Camden Military Academy, which was founded in 1958.
The Kershaw County School District supports Camden’s youth with a dedication to academic excellence, arts programs, and sports initiatives.
The Kershaw County School District offers high-quality education and is known for its commitment to nurturing young minds within Camden’s tight-knit community.
1/2
Important to Know
Like most of the South, Camden has hot summers and mild winters. FEMA gives Camden and Kershaw County a relatively low-risk index, with the highest risk coming from strong winds. According to FBI stats, Camden has had higher property and violent crime rates than the U.S. average. However, Moore says residents feel safe around town. “It’s a safe place to live. The police department is really on top of things,” she says.
Easy access to Columbia
U.S. Route 1 runs through the heart of Camden and serves as the main commuting route. Interstate 20 is also close and leads directly to Columbia, about 34 miles away. Camden has little to no public transportation, so residents are mainly car-dependent.
Interstate 20’s proximity to Camden ensures seamless travel for residents heading to metropolitan Columbia or beyond for work and leisure.
U.S. Route 1 in Camden offers travelers a scenic drive through South Carolina’s oldest inland city, connecting history and modern life.
1/2
Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cicely Walker,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and future potential. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed layout complemented by newer appliances and a gently lived-in feel that reflects pride of ownership throughout. The spacious, unfinished basement already includes plumbing, providing a blank canvas for additional living space, a guest
Move in Ready! The Dean floor plan by Great Southern Homes is a beautiful 2 story floor plan with 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms. Low Kershaw County taxes and close to Hwy I-20. Upstairs is the owner's suite and it features a double vanity, shower, and dual closets. Also there are 3 secondary bedrooms, bathroom, laundry, and a loft and office/study room. Downstairs has a spacious great room that
This well-designed home provides the perfect blend of comfort and functionality, featuring 3 bedrooms on the main level, including a spacious primary suite for easy everyday living. Upstairs, a large loft provides flexible space for a 4th bedroom, home office, or additional living area. The thoughtfully designed layout creates a seamless flow between living spaces, making it ideal for both
Lake Wateree Living! A home with more than meets the eye! Maybe it's the SEPARATE 910 SF Finished Room Over Garage (built in 2022), complete with a full kitchen, bath and laundry that will entertain a studio, a rental or private retreat. Maybe it's the open floor plan with lake views or the cozy cove with easy access to big water. And a private dock and boat ramp. And then there's the covered
Take advantage of this RARE opportunity: 4.99 ASSUMABLE VA LOAN + NO REAR NEIGHBORS. Best value in Carriagebrook at just $121/SF. Like-new 2023 home with 2,500+ sq ft, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, open layout, large kitchen, and a TRUE dining room. Flexible layout with HOME OFFICE options in loft, formal living, or bedroom. Spacious primary suite with DUAL WALK-IN CLOSETS. Flat, fenced backyard with added
New price with 16.56 acres with option to purchase an additional 6.44 acres. Welcome to Hunt Country Heaven in Camden, SC! Tucked away on a quiet road, this 16.56 -acre equestrian estate blends timeless Southern charm with modern luxury. The 3,110 sq ft home has been beautifully renovated with an entertainer's eye--featuring inviting porches, a chef's kitchen with high-end finishes and
On of the few lots left in Rutledge Place in Camden! Cleared and ready to build. Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
One of the few lots left in Rutledge Place in Camden. Cleared and ready to build! Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and future potential. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed layout complemented by newer appliances and a gently lived-in feel that reflects pride of ownership throughout. The spacious, unfinished basement already includes plumbing, providing a blank canvas for additional living space, a guest
One of the few lots left in Rutledge Place in Camden! Cleared and ready to build. Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
Beautiful Friendship Hill Farms home on the water with rare walk-out basement! Sunny 4BR/2.5BA/2,210HSF built in 2023 includes 922SF unfinished walkout basement leading down to wooded pond. Open floor plan includes kitchen with SS appliances, quartz countertops throughout home, large island, gas range, walk-in pantry, deck with view of pond, and gas fireplace. All bedrooms, laundry room, and
On lake Wateree, 3 bed 2 bath manufactured home on a .85-acre lot. Large deck on Lake side. newer HVAC system. Home has been rented and needs a good bit of work. Being sold in its current condition Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
1.4 acre Waterfront lot in the Sailing Club neighborhood, Dockage and boat ramp available with membership. Come build you dream home Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings. $250 per year fee for ramp and HOA
Welcome to Persimmon Ridge in Camden, South Carolina, a private luxury and recreational estate on over 84 acres. Built in 2018, this 2,670 square foot home features 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 1 half bath, designed for both comfort and functionality just minutes from Camden. Privately positioned behind a near half-mile driveway, the setting provides exceptional seclusion.Inside, enjoy beautiful
Fall in love with the warmth and charm of Southern living in this beautifully renovated Camden home, where classic character blends seamlessly with modern comfort just minutes from downtown. Located at 1201 Campbell Street, this remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers 1,476 heated square feet featuring a formal living room, bright kitchen with granite countertops, new appliances, updated
Camden's newest and nicest apartment community… truly the best apartment living in town! Welcome to Fox Run Apartments, an upscale community located in charming Camden, SC. Our community is nestled in a quiet, peaceful, wooded surrounding convenient to historic downtown Camden, Columbia, Sumter, and easy access to Highway 521 and Highway 20. We offer modern 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments,
Welcome to this charming brand new home! Minutes from Shaw and Ft. Jackson. Beautiful home with 3 bedroom and 2.5 baths, open kitchen with eat in area, granite countertops. This house offers a comfortable and inviting living space! Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
Explore a new place to live at Lafayette Square Apartments! We offer two bedroom layouts that include all the appliances you will need in your home, plush carpeting, updated vinyl flooring, high speed internet access, and cable ready. Our friendly staff is there to help you with anything you may need, from package receiving to 24-hour emergency maintenance help.Lafayette Square is
Move by 5/15, Save $1,000 on Move-in costs. Limited-time Offer! Kendall Lake Walk offers peaceful living in Camden, SC, just off E. DeKalb St near dining and shopping. Enjoy 42-acre Kendall Lake Park, scenic trails, and small-town charm—close to history, culture, and everyday convenience. In a lakefront setting.
Now leasing: this professionally renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on Belton Ct in the Kingswood subdivision of Camden. We are pet-friendly! Your dogs and cats are welcome at 1213 Belton Ct.With recent updates, this property offers an inviting, up-to-date living space. Key features include whole-home Air Conditioning, a refrigerator, and washer/dryer connections. The kitchen is
Discover this freshly renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on Lake Shore Dr in the Kendall Mill Village subdivision of Camden. We are pet-friendly! Your dogs and cats are welcome at 2100 Lake Shore Drive.A contemporary feel awaits in this recently refreshed home. Modern amenities feature whole-home Air Conditioning, sits on a private lot stove and oven, and a refrigerator. The
Property Id: 2016399Welcome to this spacious and modern single-family home located in the desirable Camden area. Built in 2021, this well-maintained property offers comfort, style, and plenty of room for families or professionals alike. Property Highlights:4 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half)2,488 sq ft of living spaceSingle-family homeBuilt in
Experience the charm and elegance of Southern living at 1313 Campbell Street, Camden, SC 29020. This delightful rental property boasts 1,836 square feet of inviting space, perfect for creating lasting memories. With three spacious bedrooms, you'll have all the room you need for comfortable living and relaxation. The home features a full bath and a convenient half bath, making mornings smooth and
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.
