$455,763Average Value$223Average Price per Sq Ft69Homes For Sale
A city intertwined with its namesake university
In many ways, Clemson is a classic college town, one of many across the South. The school color — a trademark bright orange — adorns businesses, homes and the sprawling campus, and its paw print logo trots along the highways running through Upstate South Carolina. However, Clemson does have one unique factor: The school and the city are two separate localities. The city of Clemson nearly surrounds Clemson University, yet the campus is its own municipality, meaning the school can make its own decisions. “It’s a really hard balance because you have two different municipalities operating, but there are a lot of ways that, not only do we want to be collaborative, but that we are collaborative. And that’s the key to balance it out,” says Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre. “It makes it a little more difficult, but not difficult in a bad way. It just makes it a little more challenging.” Regardless, the city of Clemson intertwines with its namesake institution, particularly since students, faculty and staff make up most of the population. Even residents unaffiliated with the school benefit from its events and energy, and many Clemson grads return to live nearby.
Clemson University sits in the center of Clemson County.
Clemson is a college town with a strong academic curriculum.
Tilman Hall has a striking profile and can be seen from the road in Clemson.
Students can be found all throughout the Clemson college town.
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Increasing demand for Clemson homes
While Clemson University dominates the local landscape, residents enjoy more than collegiate culture. “Clemson is a college town, but it’s also surrounded by lakes,” says Mary Beth Shealy, a Realtor and broker with the Mary Beth Shealy Group of Keller Williams Western Upstate. “I do a lot of business there for people who want to be on the water, or they have kids that go to Clemson, and they’re buying condos while they go to school.” Homes near the lakefront and campus in modern and Craftsman-influenced styles can go from the mid-$600,000s to just north of $1 million, while ranch or new traditional style houses further from downtown sell between the low $400,000s and mid-$600,000s. Prices have gone up due to increased demand, with the median price now at $410,000 — up 21% over 12 months. “It’s such a desirable area that it’s increased our prices and made it not as attainable for most families,” Halfacre says. “To me, it’s harsh words, but it’s literally disheartening because I grew up here and I want everyone to be a part of it.” The city is working on initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing, including discussions with Pickens County and the university to fund workforce housing. Student housing has also been a hot topic. In a tight vote, the city council recently approved the Hub Clemson development, a multiuse development that will include apartments, condos and retail space.
Craftsman style homes can be found in more secluded areas in Clemson.
Many students chose to live in apartment complexes near Clemson University.
Ranch style homes are quite common throughout the Clemson area.
Many modern lake-front homes can be found around Clemson.
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Highly rated Clemson schools
While a small portion of Clemson is in Anderson School District No. 4, rated an A-minus by Niche, most of the city is zoned to the Pickens County School District, also rated A-minus. Clemson University is the second largest school in the state, with over 28,000 students. As such, the city quiets down over the summer when many students are out of town on break.
Clemson has a rich history and was essentially built on top of a plantation.
The D.W. Daniel High School offers a premium education for students living in Clemson.
Clemson Elementary is the first stop for young students in Clemson, SC.
Students living in Clemson can attend the R.C. Edwards Middle School.
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Access to Lake Haswell from city parks
Much of Clemson’s outdoor recreation revolves around the lake, including multiple parks with public boat ramps. Twelve Mile Park was once administered by the Army Corps of Engineers before the city took over management. “They were planning on closing down that park, and we were like, ‘No, we want to continue to have that,’" Mayor Halfacre says. "We made it work because it’s a great park and it has access to the lake.” Residents of Clemson can also use university green spaces, such as the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Trails blaze through 295 acres of forests and gardens on school campus.
Clemson is known for the many lakes that surround it.
The Reflection Pond in Clemson offers a relaxing spot for students to study.
The Caboose in the Botanical Gardens has been present since the 1800s.
Clemson locals can swim at Lake Hartwell via the Twelve Mile Park.
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Student hangouts along College Avenue
On gamedays, football fans draped in orange and purple descend on College Avenue’s strip of bars, restaurants and shops directly across the street from campus. Families dip into eateries like Palmettos Smokehouse and Backstreets Pub and Grill, while spots like Tiger Sports Shop sell spirit wear. When the sun goes down, College Avenue becomes a hub for student nightlife. Tiger Town Tavern and TD’s of Clemson are staples, offering cheap eats and cheaper drinks for the young crowd. Those looking for a night away from student life can head to Patrick Square Town Center, with restaurants like Rick Erwin’s Steakhouse and the city’s only brewery, Kite Hill Brewing. Tiger Boulevard has fast-food joints and a Publix for groceries.
The Evolve Kitchen offers great comfort foods in Clemson downtown.
Kite Hill Brewing is Clemson's only brewery and is located at the Patrick Square.
The Tiger Sports Shop is a great place to pick up some Clemson memorabilia.
Clemson locals can head to Publix to pick up some groceries.
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Cheering on the Tigers at Death Valley
For many people, Clemson means college football. The Tigers have won three national championships, and they play at one of the most iconic venues in the country: Memorial Stadium, better known as Death Valley. Gamedays are sacred, as thousands of tailgaters set up shop in the parking lots on and around campus. Plenty of Clemson locals enjoy the football festivities, and even more attendees come from out of town. As in many football-crazed college towns across the South, gameday homes have impacted the local real estate market. “Gameday housing has become very prevalent,” Mayor Halfacre says. “If we had this conversation 15 years ago, or even 10 years ago, that would be the predominant thing. But the way Clemson University has adapted with all of their sports and activities, it’s year-round now. There are a lot of reasons to come to Clemson not only in the fall but throughout the year.” Downtown hosts non-sports events like the Clemson Music Fest, which attracts big names like T-Pain and Mt. Joy. The Clemson Area African American Museum also puts on concerts and lectures, along with exhibitions on topics like desegregation in the South.
Students enjoy a number of great hangout spots around Clemson during gameday.
"Death Valley" is the nickname of the Howard Memorial Stadium in Clemson.
Football is the bread and butter of Clemson sports.
Clemson University has a mix of baseball, basketball, and football programs.
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Getting around town with CATBus
The CATBus service offers free rides throughout the area, most days between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. Otherwise, residents mostly drive, many commuting to the university, which doubles as the city’s largest employer. About 40 miles away, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport serves over 20 destinations across the country, and the city is directly between two of the Southeast’s biggest cities, Charlotte and Atlanta, each roughly 130 miles away via Interstate 85.
Clemson University is one of the largest local employers in the area.
The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is 43 miles away from Clemson.
Charlotte is roughly 130 miles away from Clemson via Interstate 85.
The CatBus Transit system is the most readily available public transport in the area.
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Clemson community safety
Safewise ranks Clemson as one of the Top 10 safest cities in South Carolina. “Not only do we invest in the police, but our officers do an awesome job reacting to two different environments: During the day is what I see, but I have been out with our officers and our chief at night, and it’s a different dynamic,” Mayor Halfacre says. “It’s pretty amazing what they do on a day-to-day basis, how they react. It’s like two different worlds.” According to FBI crime data from December 2023, Clemson’s violent crime rate was 61 instances per 100,000 people, compared to 134 in South Carolina and 121 in the United States. The property crime rate was 106 offenses per 100,000 people, compared to the state average of 172 and the national average of 180. Climate includes hot summers and mild winters, though the lakeside location opens it up to flooding concerns, with 100-year floodplains along many of the area waterways. Clemson can also experience tropical storms, including heavy rain and gusty winds.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Viktor Zagorevskiy
Video By
Mark Barakat
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Clemson, SC sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Clemson, SC over the last 12 months is $390,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Refined design. Unmatched walkability. Elevated Clemson living. Completely reimagined with a sophisticated, modern aesthetic, 117 Riverpoint Drive offers a rare opportunity to own a fully renovated home in one of Clemson’s most coveted locations. The thoughtfully redesigned open floor plan creates effortless flow between the chef-inspired kitchen, expansive living area, dining space, and an
Spacious 4BD/3.5BA Home on Double Lot in Clemson!Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience. Sitting on a rare oversized lot, the property provides plenty of space for outdoor living with a huge deck, gazebo, and a light-filled sunroom overlooking the landscaped gardens. This property offers privacy,
Beautiful 5BD/4.5BA with bonus room, full basement, and 3 fireplaces...this home has everything, including MOTIVATED SELLERS. Newly painted throughout much of the house, hardwood floors throughout the main level, plush carpet upper level and berber carpet in the basement. The main level has a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full pantry, and plenty of
Beautiful one of a kind 4 bedroom 3 bath unit at 99 Wyatt. Amazing opportunity for investment property in Clemson. Units 212 and 213 have lower level to each other for one large lower level living space. One large living area on lower level offers large living space with open kitchen, laundry and third bath. Two separate stairways lead to separate bedroom quarters with two bedroom and one bath on
Ashley Estates | Clemson, SC - Welcome to 107 Ashley Road. There's something timeless about a well-built brick ranch in an established neighborhood, and this stately home in Clemson's beloved Ashley Estates delivers exactly that — with a few modern surprises that make it feel like it was just freshly reimagined for today's buyer. Tucked quietly into one of Upstate South Carolina's most
Beautiful one of a kind 4 bedroom 3 bath unit at 99 Wyatt. Amazing opportunity for investment property in Clemson. Units 212 and 213 have lower level to each other for one large lower level living space. One large living area on lower level offers large living space with open kitchen, laundry and third bath. Two separate stairways lead to separate bedroom quarters with two bedroom and one bath on
This is a fantastic property, currently zoned Rm-1 and Rm-2. Highest and best use would be Hotel, or Multi-Family Dwelling in the City of Clemson. Over 800 feet of road frontage. 7 Plus Acres, No flood zone. Great opportunity to provide much needed housing for the ever expanding community of Clemson University. Great for Student Housing, Family Housing, Faculty Housing and so much more. Easy
Beautiful 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath former model townhouse in desirable Patrick Square, just minutes from Clemson University. This well-appointed home features high ceilings, 8-foot doors on the main level, a spacious living area, and designer finishes throughout. The property also offers a two-car detached garage with a private backyard space between the home and garage. As a former model, the
The Baltic offers an impressive 2,773 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, combining elegant functionality with room to breathe. This sophisticated floor plan features three spacious bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a versatile loft area that adds both flexibility and character to the home.Step inside to discover the Baltic's stunning open-concept design, where boundaries
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Welcome to this inviting and wonderfully maintained home in desirable Calhoun Forest. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the comfortable layout and thoughtful design that make everyday living and entertaining a pleasure. A dedicated formal dining room sits just off the entry, offering the perfect setting for gatherings.The generous eat-in area opens to a beautifully updated
**OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, March 7 FROM 12-3pm****Newly refinished hardwood floors!!**Welcome to this charming traditional style 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located in the established neighborhood of Ashley Estates. Features of the home include a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and primary bedroom with ensuite that boasts a generous step-in shower. Currently utilized as an office,
Attending Clemson University gets a little easier when you live with us here at Clemson Edge! Not only will you be part of a fun and vibrant student community, but you'll also have less to worry about because our Clemson student apartments showcase modern features and first-class community amenities.
If you are seeking a newly renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom house to rent perfectly situated in the city of Clemson, this is a must see. The landlord has completely remodeled the entire house i.e. new flooring, new appliances, upgraded the driveway, upgraded the porch area and much more. It sits on a 1.4 acre lot and is a mere three miles from Clemson University. The location provides quick
Rosewood at Clemson presents an array of spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans, ensuring that relaxation at home becomes your favorite pastime. Discover our expansive apartments, fully equipped kitchens, and a sparkling saltwater pool with an inviting sundeck. We are pet-friendly, offer ample parking, and provide flexible lease terms. Conveniently situated just three miles from Clemson
Set in expansive grounds, our In Town location is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of campus, but close enough to walk or bike! Not feeling the commute? No worries, we are conveniently located on the CAT bus route with a stop on site! Our Old Central location is only 2 miles down the road from our In Town apartments, offering quick access to Old Greenville Highway! Our two to four story
Available for August 2026 Move-in! Welcome to The Retreat of Clemson! This unique student development is located just a few miles from Clemson University, only 4 miles from Southern Wesleyan University, and 5 miles from Tri-County Technical College. This property features a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom all-suite home, with two en-suites on the main level and two en-suites upstairs. Each bedroom includes
Dockside Clemson is the newest Luxury Living apartment community to hit Clemson, SC. With first-class interiors and unique amenities that are only possible when you live on the lake. Jump on board, before it’s too late. The fully-furnished apartments mean you have everything you need to live the good life. Luxurious wood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, and stunning tile
For Rent, Updated ranch home with hardwood floors, fresh paint, and new fixtures throughout. This home is within walking distance to restaurants, planet fitness,Clemson Elementary, and Clemson University. Split floor plan with two living space areas and separate laundry area for extra storage with washer/dryer. The backyard is fenced and offers plenty of space to enjoy quiet evenings by a fire
Cambridge Creek offers thoughtfully designed Craftsman-style townhomes located less than two miles from Clemson University, providing the ideal off-campus housing option for students seeking comfort, convenience, and space.Our spacious two- and three-bedroom floor plans feature open-concept living areas, private bedrooms, upscale finishes, and up to 1,431 square feet of living space.
Unit comes with pest control as well. Village Green is right behind Walgreens on main, it is walking distance to campus and several food chains and stores.We have 4 units available for August 2026 rental
The Collective at Clemson offers off-campus townhome and cottage apartments near Clemson University. Choose from 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom floor plans; each featuring private bedrooms and bathrooms, walk-in closets, chic modern finishes, ample storage space, a full-size washer and dryer, and a bonus 1/2 bath on the first floor for your guests. Our pet-friendly apartments boast stained concrete
Available NOW! Well maintained 2 bedroom/ 2 bath unit for rent in The Woodlands of Clemson, a gated community with amazing amenities and on the Catbus Route! This unit is on the upper floor, so you will not have overhead noise from your neighbors. Both bedrooms have a private bathroom. The Woodlands is a gated complex with fantastic amenities for relaxing and social interaction: pool, clubhouse,
Bordering Lake Hartwell to the west and anchored by a college of the same name, Clemson is a waterfront community with a surprising amount of activity around it. Aside from its apparent location near Clemson University, the neighborhood features an intersection between Routes 76 and 123, connecting it to the nearby restaurants and retail storefronts. Equidistant between Charlotte and Atlanta, it would be easy to overlook this area by accident, were it not for the beautiful waters it surrounds. There’s also a sense of community and welcoming. “You have a community of individuals who grew up in Clemson, moved away, and then returned to their family homes and renovated them,” says Kathy Fulmer, Realtor with Dunlap Team Real Estate and 6 years of experience. “When you walk the University campus, there are people traveling through who make it a point to visit, so you end up engaging with people from all around.”
Clemson University’s streets are a bit chaotic in their layout compared to the more straightforward cul de sacs and parallel, pseudo-planned outlying areas. Mid-twentieth century bungalows, Colonial Revivals, and ranch styles are the most prevalent closer to the University while remaining outside it. These slightly older homes have an antiquated charm due to their relative seclusion and yards of a couple of acres. Pricing ranges from roughly $175,000 to $555,000. The cost does creep higher to $800,000 if more square footage is needed. Condos are also viable, fetching somewhere in the mid $150,000s for two-to-four-bedroom units. Farther east lie majestic Colonial Revivals, many clustered immediately north of Nettles Park. $550,000 to $1.1 million will fetch the more discerning buyer a three-to-six-bedroom home. These builds hail from the early 2000s but evoke architectural elements from another era.
Kids in Clemson attend Clemson Elementary, as one might expect. The school receives an A overall from Niche. When they reach the A-minus rated R. C. Middle, these panthers can try the performing arts with drama or band. D. W. Daniel High’s new building was completed in 2012, and Niche rates them an A.
Aside from being the area's focal point, Clemson University offers a signature attraction for locals and visitors: the South Carolina Botanical Garden. This place is home to unique flora habitats like carnivorous plants, Carolina Bay, and mountain bog, all located along the Natural Heritage Trail. Folks would be remiss if they didn’t explore the more than a dozen garden areas that populate the landscape. Though the Gardens now measure about 295 acres, they started as a camellia preserve in 1958. Today, locals can reserve the Gardens’ venue for a maximum attendance of 400 people. With stroller struts and STEM days, kids also have plenty to do. Other family-friendly events like forest tours are frequent.
Folks in Clemson know how to pull together. “When Covid hit, the city began hosting outdoor dining and music events to support businesses, which they’ve continued doing. They call it On the Ave,” says Fulmer. If the crows are too much, consider the University’s Symphonic Band, which occasionally performs live for a small admissions price. Other showings, like Experience the Aurora, are an accessible way to experience the night sky with friends and family. Local businesses in the greater Clemson area provide their own hands-on workshops so folks can spend a Saturday bonding over handmade crafts and projects.
Fine dining is within reach in Clemson. Folks love Rick Erwin’s, a chain of upscale sit-down restaurants. Savor oysters on the half shell or a filet mignon over a glass of wine. A more casual venue is right across the street at Joe’s NY Pizza. In addition to traditional slices, they serve calzones and garlic knots. Locals can shop at the Ingles Markets on the northeast end for groceries. There’s also a Lowe’s down Issaqueena Trail for any DIY needs.
Locals can either drive their own cars to get around or utilize the Clemson Area Transit’s Red Line. The bus loops around the University and travels northeast, making it optimal for students. For commuters and those going out of town, a car is essential.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Clemson Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
20,228
Median Age
27
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,607
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$72,390
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.5%
College Graduates
60.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly friendly
Bike Score®®
50/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
