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Central

Central

Located in Pickens County

$316,898 Average Value
$184 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 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 Barbara Dansby, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing 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
$435,950
Median Sale Price
$399,999
Median Single Family Sale Price
$432,850
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$202,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
174
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$184

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,401
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,766
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,726
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,553
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
32,670

Open Houses

  • 108 Grange Valley Ln, Central, SC 29630

    $739,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,505 Sq Ft
    • 108 Grange Valley Ln

    Welcome to the award winning neighborhood, The Grange. Perfectly situated in a location that combines unbeatable convenience with tranquility, this home offers a blend of style, comfort, and high-end amenities. Enter and be greeted by a spacious open floor plan that integrates living, kitchen, and outdoor areas seamlessly, perfect for hosting everything from large gatherings to an intimate

    Agent Photo
    Robert Boozer
    Encore Realty
    (864) 714-0487
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  • 898 Church St, Central, SC 29630

    $100,000

    • 898 Church St

    2.80 acres. minutes from Central and Clemson. Utilities available. Perfect for development or homes site. 360 feet of road frontage.

    Agent Photo
    Jody Cann
    Cann Realty, LLC
    (864) 648-8625
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  • 415 Silver Creek Rd, Central, SC 29630

    $2,499,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 8 Baths
    • 6,200+ Sq Ft
    • 415 Silver Creek Rd
    • New 4 days ago

    A truly unique residential estate on the Twelve Mile River less than 20 minutes from Clemson University! This secluded property encompasses almost 120 acres, and features a stately brick home, pond, storage barn, multiple creeks with waterfalls and rock formations, and almost a mile of frontage on the Twelve Mile River! The residence is a large brick Greek Revival-style home situated at the end

    John Stillwell Reedy Property Group

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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
Barbara Dansby
Bracken Real Estate
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