Chesnee offers community and country living with city connections
In Upstate South Carolina, the rural city of Chesnee appreciates both small-town living and growth. The community preserves its historic character, from its rumbling railroad to its thriving old-fashioned downtown full of new and old local staples. Neighborhoods are quiet and established, but new construction is also embraced. And while most locals are longtime residents, the city’s events planner, Shellie Main, says there’s been an influx of newcomers. “Cost of living is a major factor, especially for those moving from other regions, such as northern states,” she says. The community’s proximity to cities like Spartanburg and Gaffney also makes it an attractive spot for those who want quick commutes but a slower pace of life. Community events bring neighbors together regularly, and local schools mean kids see familiar faces every year.
Contemporary new construction joins quiet traditional neighborhoods
Neighborhoods have a tranquil atmosphere. Lots are moderately spacious, and homes are set back from narrow, two-way roads that don’t see much through traffic. Lush trees shade most yards, adding an extra layer of privacy. Ranch-style houses, bungalows and Craftsman-style homes are common, with the occasional two-story home popping up. New construction leans more contemporary, with modern architectural lines, grayscale color palettes and stone accents. Prices often fall between $110,000 and $370,000 depending on the home’s condition and age. Houses built in the past five years usually sell in the $200,000 to $335,000 range, while some investment properties cost less than $100,000.
Highway 221 has a historic downtown, restaurants and a big flea market
Downtown Chesnee lines Highway 221. Vintage-looking lampposts with Hometown Hero banners stand in front of brick buildings housing locally owned businesses. Sweet Magnolias and Hometown Relics sell home goods and antiques, while boutiques like Harley’s Dress Shoppe sell clothing. Restaurants are farther down the highway. Pizza House Restaurant serves Greek and Italian fare, while Bantam Chef Restaurant is known for its over-the-top 1950s diner décor and classic American dishes. A Food Lion and a few fast-food chains are also nearby. On the north side of town, the Chesnee Flea Market opens every Monday and Thursday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hundreds of vendors sell clothing, handmade items, fresh produce and more.
Community events at CADA Park, ball fields and Cowpens Battlefield
CADA Park sits between Chesnee’s railroad and downtown. People can easily stroll to local shops, watch trains go by or attend social events, like outdoor performances and annual celebrations. At Chesnee Community Center, people exercise in the fitness room while kids play together on the playground. The center is adjacent to Chesnee Park, which has multi-purpose ball fields. The private Chesnee Country Club offers a nine-hole golf course.
Cowpens National Battlefield, one of Chesnee’s big attractions, is about 3 miles outside city limits. The historic site commemorates the Battle of Cowpens, a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can see live reenactments at the site, as well as explore several monuments and natural areas.
Chesnee schools have A-minus and B-plus Niche ratings
Students attend Chesnee Elementary and Middle schools, which both have A-minus ratings from Niche. Older kids head to Chesnee High, which has a B-plus. The school is most known for its athletics programs, but students can also get involved in visual and performing arts programs.
Commutes are quick, with Spartanburg nearby and railroad detours
Residents are car-dependent, relying on Highway 221 and its alternative route to reach Spartanburg, Gaffney, and Forest City, North Carolina, which are within a 20-mile radius. Main says some people even make the 50-mile — or 1 hour — commute to Greenville and Asheville, North Carolina. The city has a healthcare facility, but the closest hospital is Spartanburg Medical Center roughly 14 miles away. The nearest airport is Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport about 35 miles away.
An active industrial railroad passes through the city, but traffic doesn’t stop when trains roll through. “There’s a detour, and you’re not here long before you find out about the detour,” Main says. “Even if the train gets stopped on the tracks, it’s easy to get around.”
Halloween and Christmas are major events on Chesnee’s calendar
The city hosts many events throughout the year, from the May Music Festival to barbecue fundraisers and yard sales. During Halloween, families pour into the streets to trick or treat. “It’s like thousands of children that walk from one end of the town to the other,” Main says. “And every downtown merchant stops business and comes out to their storefront to do trick or treating with the children.” Following the ghoulish parade, locals gather at CADA Park for the Boo Bash, which features live music and wagon rides. Chesnee rings in the Christmas season with a week of winter activities. It starts with a downtown tree lighting and live nativity and ends with a Christmas carnival. Santa visits the city on a big red firetruck instead of his sleigh, and people mill between downtown stores during the Sip and Shop event.
