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Central

Central

Located in Pickens County

$314,204 Average Value
$186 Average Price per Sq Ft
79 Homes For Sale

Growing community with a rural feel near Clemson University

Central’s rural feel makes it easy to forget that it is bordered by a university with almost 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Named for its central location along a since-defunct railway line in the 1870s, the neighborhood has deep roots in Pickens County. “The university, Clemson, is a big draw, plus Lake Hartwell and the climate,” explains Jon Vosburgh of RE/MAX Results, an agent with dozens of home sales in the area. Now home to about 5,000 full-time residents, Central provides an easy commute to Clemson and Greenville, small-town charm with local businesses on its main commercial strip and natural beauty along its borders.

Condos and houses in University Village and The Grange

With condos and single-family homes throughout the neighborhood, residents can decide between amenity-rich living and space to sprawl out. Though the area has a primarily rural feel, “it’s growing like crazy. The university owns so much land, so there’s not a lot of land to go around,” Vosburgh says. Condos appeal to those working at or attending Clemson University, while the neighborhood’s bi-level, traditional and ranch-style homes interest those seeking a place to settle down long-term. Newly constructed properties are popping up throughout subdivisions like The Grange—one of the communities with amenities like lawn maintenance and private walking trails, but not every home is part of a homeowners association. Condo units range from $158,000 to $185,000 in University Village and the Woodlands of Clemson, and three-bedroom homes from the 1960s and 1970s typically cost between $200,000 and $300,000. Newly built four-bedroom homes and houses on larger lots, like those in Stratford Estates, can exceed $400,000.

Central has many ranch-style houses.
Central has many ranch-style houses.

Top-rated schools in Pickens County School District

Part of Pickens County School District, the neighborhood benefits from one of the top 20 districts in South Carolina, according to Niche. Students begin their education at Central Academy of the Arts, a B-graded school, and transition to R.C. Edwards Middle, an A-minus school ranked as the best public middle school in Pickens County. From here, students attend D. W. Daniel High, an A-graded school with Career and Technology Education courses in horticulture, agricultural science and natural resource management.

Central Academy of the Arts is where elementary students attend.
Central Academy of the Arts is where elementary students attend.

Bus lines to campus and highways to Greenville

Clemson Area Transit’s Red Route links Central to the Clemson University campus and its accompanying downtown area, with stops every 30 minutes. Highway 93 serves as the main thoroughfare if driving south, while trips 30 miles northeast to Greenville require a trip along Route 123. For travels outside South Carolina, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport can be reached in about 40 miles via Interstate 85.

Local restaurants and popular chains in Central and Clemson

Walmart Supercenter can be found just off Calhoun Memorial Highway, and local restaurants line West Main Street. Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant has served the community for over 20 years, and both Bake & Cook Thai Restaurant and Tiger’s Pizza & Subs have also been local staples for several years. If residents want additional shopping and dining options, from Publix Super Market to Cook Out, the commercial hub of Clemson can be reached in less than 5 miles. “Clemson and Central kind of merge together, so it seems like the same place but is two separate little towns,” Vosburgh explains.

Businesses line West Main Street in Central.
Businesses line West Main Street in Central.

From Waldrop Stone Falls to Lake Hartwell

With multiple lakes and creeks to the west and nature-rich communities to the east, Central is surrounded by recreational activities. Mountain View Park and the Twelve Mile Recreation Area offer sandy shores and trails along Lake Hartwell. About 5 miles north, additional trails offer views of waterfalls, like Waldrop Stone Falls and Todd Creek Falls. For cooler weather or rainy days, Central-Clemson Recreation Center includes water fitness classes and weight room access a block from Central City Hall and the local library branch.

Activities at The Collaboration Station, games at Memorial Stadium

Central keeps its residents entertained with local programming and nearby activities at the university. The Collaboration Station offers courses for all ages throughout the week, with options ranging from pottery to yoga. For sports enthusiasts and Clemson University fans, Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium can be reached in about 5 miles, right off Highway 93.

South Wesleyan University in downtown Central

Though Southern Wesleyan University maintains a student population below 2,500, the private university is located in downtown Central. Locals may notice the community is busier during the fall and spring semesters, especially when coupled with the impact of nearby Clemson University.

Southern Wesleyan University's Welcome Center is a relaxing spot.
Southern Wesleyan University's Welcome Center is a relaxing spot.
Southern Wesleyan University is located at the heart of downtown Central.
Southern Wesleyan University is located at the heart of downtown Central.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jeffrey Parks, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Central Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$419,900
Median Sale Price
$403,490
Median Single Family Sale Price
$419,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$360,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
248
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$186

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
79
Months of Supply
3.80

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jul 12
    12 - 2pm

    327 Grange Valley Ln, Central, SC 29630

    $395,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 327 Grange Valley Ln
    • New 8 days ago

    This is not your average townhome. The best part first- fully furnished with the exception of the desk in the master. This property features 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, a generous sized office, and a bonus room. Let's begin. Upon entry, you will find an office behind the french doors on the left. The entry hall then leads into an open concept kitchen/dining/living area with soaring ceilings.

    Sherry Rhodes Keller Williams Seneca

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  • Saturday, Jul 12
    10am - 12pm

    139 Ridgeline Row, Central, SC 29630

    $790,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,600+ Sq Ft
    • 139 Ridgeline Row

    Just minutes from Clemson University and a quick golf cart ride to Patrick Square, Welcome to 139 Ridgeline Row! This stunning custom-built Basement home sits on the premier lot in The Estates section of The Grange, offering breathtaking views of protected land and every builder upgrade you could want. This upgraded Kendrick model offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, plus a finished walkout basement and

    Kayla Palmer Blackstream International RE

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Central Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,830
Median Age
29
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$26,445
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,472

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87%
College Graduates
36.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.6%
% Population in Labor Force
59.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

29 / 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.
Central