Two things drive the housing market in the charming small town of Chapin, South Carolina, according to Terri Scheper, Realtor with NextHome Specialists – “One is the stellar school district, the other is the jewel of the Carolinas, Lake Murray.” The town was once a booming area for the cotton and lumber industries and has since adopted a true lake lifestyle, eventually garnering the title of ‘Capital of Lake Murray.’ The small town just west of the state capital of Columbia had a population of about 1,800 according to the 2020 census and has seen a small but steady increase throughout the years.
Chapin is know as the capital of Lake Murray.
Artists make their mark in Chapin by charming boat shaped sculptures throughout the town.
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Waterfront amenities at Lake Murray
Lake Murray received the title of ‘The Jewel of South Carolina,’ spanning over 48,000 acres with over 600 miles of shoreline. Because of the area’s extensive waterfront access, fishing, boating and swimming are common pastimes. Public and private access points are scattered throughout the town, including Eptings Landing and the Rocky Point recreation area. In addition to the many lakeside parks, there are several greenspaces nearby. Crooked Creek Park opened in 1994, boasting an abundance of amenities, including a community center, disc golf and walking trails, among others. Melvin Park notably had a baseball complex with six fields and four pickleball courts.
Lake Murray Marina is the go-to place in Chapin for boating and waterfront fun.
The charm of Lake Murray living in Chapin makes it a top choice for waterfront dreams.
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Lexington-Richland School District No 5 receives high marks
Well-regarded public schools add to the area’s appeal. Chapin is part of the Lexington-Richland School District 5, which received an overall A grade from Niche. All of the schools are located in Chapin, so students won’t have to travel outside of town to get to class. U.S. News and World Report ranks Chapin High School ninth for best high schools in the state. The high school offers 26 Advanced Placement classes and a 96% graduation rate in its 2023 class. Most of the other schools in the district have Niche ratings of A- or better. To enroll at Spring Hill High School, an all-magnet school, students select from five career paths: engineering, entertainment, entrepreneurial, environment or exercise science.
Chapin Middle School is one of the town's public school options.
Chapin High School is a public option for teenagers in the lake town.
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Contemporary homes and lakeside properties
Chapin’s residential areas stem from the town’s main thoroughfare, with single-family homes being the primary option. Homes in the heart of town are clustered along residential roads, and many homes were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Chapin has its fair share of homes that are priced under the national average of $416,000, but some homes cost slightly over that average. Homes closer to the lake are priced much higher, sometimes ranging between $700,000 and $1.5 million.
A Chapin neighborhood home is a great place to raise a family on Lake Murray.
Lake front homes are abundant in Chapin, on Lake Murray.
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Chapin Road restaurants and shops
Much of Chapin’s restaurants and shopping centers are along or around the main thoroughfare of Chapin Road. Chapin Crossing has a Publix, along with restaurants and shops. The town has its fair share of local spots, including the Tipsy Toad Tavern and Bakon Southern Eatery. Catfish Johnny’s is a lakeside restaurant with an expansive outdoor patio space. Liberty Tap Room, in neighboring Irmo, serves American fare and also has outdoor spaces to dine with a view.
Catfish Johnny's is a popular lakeside spot in Chapin on a marina at Lake Murray.
Chapin’s La Fogata Mexican Restaurant is a staple for authentic flavors and good times.
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Important to Know
Like the rest of Lexington County, Chapin has humid summers and its share of rainy days. According to FEMA, Lexington County has a relatively moderate risk index, receiving relatively high risks from strong winds and tornados. Though the crime rate fluctuates, Chapin has reported violent and property crime rates higher than the US average during several months of the past few years. The town’s small population size is a big factor for the higher rates. Lexington County Sheriff’s Department reported a 16% decrease in overall crimes in 2023, going from 5,771 in 2022 to 4,859.
Crooked Creek Park in Chapin features a shaded Disc Golf course.
Chapin youth can take to the ball fields at Melvin Park.
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Easy access to Columbia
Interstate 26 is the area’s major highway and leads to Columbia, about 24 miles away. Chapin Road, the town’s main road, leads to neighboring communities like Irmo or White Rock. With little to no public transportation around, Chapin and surrounding communities are car-dependent. Residents use I-26 to commute, and it can also be used to get to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which provides commercial services throughout the country.
Celebrating the holidays with Old Saint Nick at the Old Timey Christmas event
Chapin welcomes the holiday season with the annual Old Timey Christmas celebration, which starts with a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa Claus himself. The night caps off with live music and plenty of caroling among residents. Chapin hosts other seasonal events, like the Fall Night Out hosted by the town’s police department, as well as a Labor Day weekend parade that’s filled with local vendors, live music and food trucks.
Chapin SC’s Old Timey Christmas is a celebration of joy, unity, and tradition.
Families treasure the memories made at Chapin SC’s Old Timey Christmas festival.
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Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
Lisa Dachsteiner
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Odell,
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
On average, homes in Chapin, SC sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Chapin, SC over the last 12 months is $375,499, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY Feb 1st. from 1pm- 4pm. PRICED TO SELL. (WELL BELOW APPRAISED VALUE). Take advantage of this STEAL OF A DEAL before someone else does! Over 50k in upgrades to the home in the last 2 years. Enjoy pristine move in ready condition on three fully finished levels, and over 3700 sq ft of living space. A Holiday Builders former model home, within Eagles Nest subdivision, is ready
Welcome to The Highly Sought after living of the Palm’s. Enjoy peaceful lakeside living in this charming 4 bedroom and 2 bathroom home providing a master on the Main floor with spectacular views of Lake Murray . The open Floor Plan with High Ceilings flows effortlessly from the living and dining areas to the Large Modern kitchen with beautiful lake views . The Kitchen offers beautiful quartzite
* Open House scheduled for 1/31 has been rescheduled to 2/7 due to weather* Welcome to 108 Pennsylvania Court — a well-maintained, move-in-ready home tucked into a walkable community in Lexington County. Built in 2012, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,878 square feet of comfortable living space with thoughtful upgrades throughout. The functional floor plan is ideal for everyday living and
Builder offering up to $8,000 in closing costs assistance with use of builder's preferred lender and attorney! From the moment you step onto the charming covered front porch, you'll feel the unmatched quality and thoughtful design. Step inside The Jefferson Plan to discover a main level perfectly crafted for both sophisticated entertaining and effortless daily life. Enjoy memorable dinners in the
Built in 2022 and thoughtfully designed for modern living, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Chapin’s highly sought-after Portrait Hill offers a true move-in-ready experience. The main level features an open, light-filled layout anchored by a chef-inspired kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, a large island, tile backsplash, and a butler’s pantry with wet bar—ideal for both everyday
Welcome to 212 Willowood Parkway in Chapin, SC!This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and lifestyle in one of Chapin’s most desirable communities.Step inside to a large, high-ceiling living room featuring oak hardwood flooring and a cozy fireplace, creating a warm and inviting space for relaxing or entertaining. The spacious kitchen also
Welcome to 2019 Ludlow Place, an executive-level luxury rental offering 3,316 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in the highly sought-after Palmetto Shores neighborhood in Chapin, just steps from Lake Murray. Built in 2020, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home blends modern upgrades, elegant details, and abundant natural light throughout.The main level features a primary suite
Come see this beautiful 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths home located in the highly Desired Chapin South Carolina (Capital of lake Murray)and Chapin Schools. The home is Minutes from lake Murray access. Convenient to route 26 and downtown Columbia and Downtown lexington. The home Boasts recessed lighting crown molding, blinds, tankless water heater, and one car garage. Oversized master with ensuite and walk
Immerse yourself in comfort and charm at 149 Kerry Gibbons Drive, Chapin, SC 29036, where your dream rental awaits. This delightful three-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers a generous 1,422 square feet of living space.Step inside freshly renovated property that includes all new LVP flooring, fully painted, new fixtures and so much more.You will enjoy a nicely sized family
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