A small community near Camden with simple highway commutes
East Camden offers quiet countryside living and proximity to rustic recreation in rural Kershaw County. The unincorporated community has a population of just under 9,000 and, true to its name, is located east of Camden, a small historic city. The two areas make up one big community, says longtime local, Jeffrey Graham, broker and owner of Graham Realty. “It’s a more rural part of Camden,” he says. “Going down Highway 1, there’s no sign that says ‘East Camden’ or anything; it’s just a geographic difference.” East Camden’s main road, U.S. Route 1, connects to nearby highways, making for simple commutes to major employers, including Shaw Air Force Base and local manufacturers.
East Camden residents find the short commute to Columbia for work to be well worth it.
Camden’s clock bell tower is a focal point of local pride, resonating with echoes of the city’s cultural and historical roots.
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Midcentury homes and ranches built for mill workers
Homes don’t sell too often in East Camden, but when they do, prices roughly fall between $145,000 and $330,000. “Most of the neighborhoods were established in the 1960s and ‘70s,” Graham says. “These were mill workers’ homes; it was a working community. We still have some textile mills around.” Vintage midcentury cottages and ranch-style homes are common, as are more contemporary Minimal Traditional and New Traditional designs. While most lots are smaller than an acre, multi-acre properties are around the edges of the community. Special flood zones are also near the community’s perimeter, and properties touching them may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages. Additionally, noise pollution is a factor for properties around Woodward Field Airport, which is on the north side.
East Camden offers country neighborhoods with easy access to the shops and culture of Camden.
Midcentury ranch homes reflect East Camden’s working roots and simple Southern style.
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Camden schools offer solid options and a top-rated military academy
Kershaw County School District has a B on Niche. Jackson School, an elementary school, and Camden Middle School both have B-minuses. Camden High earns a B. Camden Military Academy is a private option for boys in Grades 7 through 12. It boasts an A-plus rating. Central Carolina Technical College has a dual enrollment program for high school juniors and seniors. The campus is just under 30 miles away. Students can also complete the program online.
Jackson School anchors early education for many children in East Camden.
Camden Military Academy trains young men through discipline and leadership.
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Canoeing, fishing and golf are just minutes from the neighborhood
Camden has several nearby parks with classic amenities like paved walking tracks, playgrounds and sports facilities. East Camden is a short drive from those options and close to out-of-town choices, such as the locally owned and operated Pine Creek Golf Course, featuring 18 holes and a driving range. Goodale State Park is less than 5 miles away with a Civil War-era mill pond-turned-fishing lake where anglers can hook catfish, bass and bream. The over 750-acre park surrounds visitors with South Carolina wilderness. It has a short hiking trail, but the real draw is the 3-mile Cypress Canoe Trail, which follows a creek through scenic, swampy pinelands. As for hunting, there’s a lot of protected land around East Camden, but McBee Wildlife Management Area is within a 30-mile drive, and Sand Hills State Forest is just a few miles farther.
The locally owned Pine Creek Golf course welcomes golfers of every skill level.
Fishing, kayaking, and picnics make Goodale State Park a favorite outdoor retreat.
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Southern comfort food and tacos along U.S. Route 1
U.S. Route 1 is the go-to for eating out and errand runs. The road is lined with a few restaurants, including Bill’s Country Kitchen, a homey, family-owned spot that serves a classic Southern menu for breakfast and lunch. Tacos Ray is a popular food truck up the road. It offers authentic Mexican fare and shaded outdoor seating. IGA is also along the road, and more shopping options, such as Piggly Wiggly, can be found in nearby Camden. The city also has the closest hospital, MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center.
Locals gather at Bill’s for classic breakfast plates and comfort food.
La Fiesta adds bold Mexican flavors to the Camden dining scene.
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I-20 connects residents to Columbia and beyond
Interstate 20 is a direct route to Columbia, and residents are just over 5 miles from the nearest access ramp. The major city is roughly 37 miles away, while Columbia Metropolitan Airport is closer to 50 miles away.
East Camden residents find the short commute to Columbia for work to be well worth it.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Video By
Chris Freeman
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