When the railroad that connected Columbia to Georgia added a stop at Gilbert Hollow in 1869, the early settlement of Gilbert began. The town grew to 400 people by 1927, and growth slowed until around 1970 when the addition of interstates and later highly rated schools began drawing new residents to the neighborhood. Today, it’s a rural town of nearly 700 people who primarily commute to work in nearby Lexington and Columbia. The northern end of the area reaches Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre manufactured lake with a surrounding population of full-time residents and vacationers. “Lexington County has seen a lot of growth in recent years due to the addition of new subdivisions,” says J.R. Fennell, Director of the Lexington County Museum. “As of yet, Gilbert hasn’t seen as much as its surrounding towns have, but the whole area is growing, which means the whole area is changing.”
Country bungalows in Gilbert and luxury estates on Lake Murray
Gilbert is a relatively sparse town, and its listings vary greatly. Many are empty lots, but some are already developed, and the prices of these depend on several factors, including acreage and proximity to the lake. Some houses in Gilbert are mobile homes, and a three- to four-bedroom offering on about an acre of land will go for about $200,000. Most country bungalows and ranch-style homes on one to five acres will go for $300,000 to $400,000, and houses on larger lots list upwards of that. Lakefront real estate is the most valuable here. It ranges from $500,000 for a historic home needing renovation to $800,000 for a luxury two-bedroom new build to $1.2 million for a five-bedroom custom-built country estate. “A lot of people live on Lake Murray full-time, but, of course, some are summer houses,” says Fennell. “It’s a mix.” The average listing price in Gilbert between the lots and these developments is about $315,000.
Housing in Gilbert is mostly single-family homes.
Gilbert is home to many bungalows.
Gilbert's downtown homes are well-maintained.
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Fourth-best school district in South Carolina
Students in Gilbert attend schools in the sought-after Lexington County School District One, which was recently ranked the fourth-best school district in South Carolina on Niche’s 2024 Best Schools list. They start at Gilbert Elementary School before continuing to Gilbert Middle School and Gilbert High School, all of which scored Bs on Niche.
Gilbert Elementary School is a public school in Gilbert, SC.
Gilbert Middle School is a public school in Gilbert, SC.
Gilbert High School is a public school in Gilbert, SC.
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Take US Route 1 to Lexington and Interstate 20 to Columbia
Gilbert sits between US Route 1 and Interstate 20, which take residents to nearby communities like Lexington and Columbia. The closest airport to Gilbert is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which is 19 miles east, and the nearest hospital is the Lexington Medical Center, which is 20 miles east. There is no public transit in or around Gilbert, so residents rely on cars to get around.
Mexican pastries, country breakfast and buffet-style barbecue
Though shopping within Gilbert is minimal, residents have easy access to essentials at local shops like Price’s Country Store, which sells animal feed, The Auburn Mermaid Boutique, a gift shop and clothing store, and Dollar Tree. For any shopping beyond that, they head nine miles west to Batesburg-Leesville, which has a Walmart, or 11 miles east to Lexington, which has extensive big-box retail options, like Target, Kohl’s, Lowe’s and The Home Depot. Luckily, there’s an IGA in Gilbert, so locals don’t have to travel to grocery shop; plus, they can get Mexican groceries and pastries from the local shop Tienda Mexicana La Guadalupana, a family-owned business that also serves up fresh tacos. Breakfast is dined in or taken to-go from Tha’ Store at Gilbert, a classic small-town country store, and lunch gets served at the old-timey Joey’s Sub & Sandwich Shop or Price’s BBQ, which serves buffet-style barbecue from some of the friendliest faces in town. The cozy, authentic Mexican restaurant La Mesa is a popular choice for dinner, or Hwy 378 Bar and Grill, which was recently renovated and has live music and pool.
Weekends in town at Gilbert-Summit Sports Complex and on the water at Lake Murray
A family-friendly town, Gilbert has two main parks at its center: Gilbert Community Park and Gilbert-Summit Sports Complex. Gilbert Community Park is adjacent to the elementary school and is a peaceful, wooded neighborhood hangout with paved walking trails, a playground, and picnic shelters. On the weekends, families find themselves at Gilbert-Summit Sports Complex, a well-maintained facility where kids play football, soccer, baseball and softball. The neighboring town of Summit also has a centrally located park, Summit Park and Playground, with a playground, a thick rubber running trail and large oak trees that provide plenty of shade. Residents note how well-maintained this park is and often see friendly facility managers taking care of the land. The northern part of Gilbert borders Lake Murray, so residents with boats take advantage of its facilities like Siesta Cove Marina, a full-service marina with some of Lake Murray’s lowest fees for ramps, storage and supplies. The marina also has a campground so visitors can spend a weekend at the lake and amenities like a swimming pool and picnic areas. There are several barrier islands off the Gilbert shore, so residents will take their boats out and explore before settling on a spot to catch the best sunset views in town.
Gilbert Community Park is located in the center of the town.
Gilbert residents can take their dogs for a walk in the park.
Gilbert Community Park is the heart of the Gilbert community.
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Gilbert hosts the annual Lexington County Peach Festival.
Gilbert’s Lexington County Peach Festival brings community together
“The Lexington County Peach Festival draws a lot of visitors to the community,” says Fennell. “There will be politicians, parades, peach flavored ice cream. It really brings people together.” Every year on the Fourth of July, residents from all over Lexington County gather at Gilbert Community Park for the Lexington County Peach Festival, which begins with a parade, followed by a car show, pageants, live music and vendors, and, of course, farm-fresh peaches. At night, the festival’s fireworks light the sky over Lexington County. Each September and October, locals stop by Stutman Hollow, an immersive haunted forest trail that’s brought to life by live actors, music and décor. Gilbert also has a free Town Museum, which locals and visitors can check out to learn more about the town’s history. An extensive collection of historical memorabilia is on display, primarily focusing on the history of the railroad that runs through Gilbert and led to its initial prosperity at the time of its founding. For a broader understanding of the history of Lexington County, residents can head to the Lexington County Museum in nearby Lexington, which also puts on community events like holiday celebrations and history presentations.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Lisa Dachsteiner
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Gilbert, SC sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Gilbert, SC over the last 12 months is $236,499, down 49% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
TWO HOMES! Rare opportunity in peaceful Gilbert, SC offering privacy, flexibility, and country living just minutes from Lexington. Situated on a private 1-acre lot with beautiful mature trees, this property includes two single-wide homes, both de-titled, creating excellent potential for multi-generational living or rental income. The primary residence is a 2023 Clayton home model with modern
Welcome home to 4652 Two Notch Road in Gilbert! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 1.64 acres with a fully fenced backyard—horses are welcome here! The spacious kitchen has been completely renovated with new granite countertops, stylish backsplash, new cabinets, and upgraded flooring. The primary suite offers a handicap-accessible bath for added convenience. Fresh paint
Located in a quiet neighborhood, this well-maintained home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1,264 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. The functional layout offers a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for everyday living. Step outside to a spacious backyard with plenty of room for outdoor gatherings, gardening, or future improvements. Situated in the Lexington 1 School District, this property
*MOVE IN READY* **$8500 in closing costs available when using partner lender and preferred attorney**The Durham Plan is a spacious one-level home with a bedroom upstairs, that includes closet and bath, offering a total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Designed for easy main-level living, the fourth bedroom is located upstairs, providing a private retreat or flexible space. The home features
Welcome to the Tillman in Shell Pointe! This home features durable Hardie Plank exterior and either a covered front porch or a double stacked front porch, depending on the elevation. The Tillman is a spacious, two-story floorplan featuring 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Downstairs, you will find the open concept living and kitchen areas, finished with Revwood flooring, white quartz countertops,
*MOVE IN READY* The Pickens with Elevation B is a two-story home that offers a flex room just inside the front door. An open kitchen, eating area, and great room leads out to your covered back porch. The primary bedroom offers a vaulted ceiling, a beautiful primary bathroom, and a generous walk-in closet. Each bedroom upstairs also has a walk-in closet, and they share another full bathroom. In
**UP TO $8500 IN CLOSING COSTS WHEN USING PARTNER LENDER AND PREFERRED ATTORNEY**Discover the Monroe plan in Winston Point. This spacious five bedroom, three and a half bath home in the heart of Gilbert. The primary suite is on the main level features a tiled shower and vaulted bedroom ceilings, while the open great room with cozy fireplace creates an inviting living space. The kitchen offers a
Welcome to the Westerly floorplan at 642 Shining Sun Court in Shell Pointe, a lake-side community in Gilbert, SC! The Westerly is a unique home with plenty of living space and a standard 3-car garage! There are so many ways to customize this home to fit your needs. The impressive kitchen features lots of cabinet and counter space with a large floating island and walk-in pantry. Expansive family
Welcome to the Dover in Sease's Pond! This beautifully designed single-story home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a versatile flex room perfect for a home office or formal dining room. The open-concept layout boasts a large living area that seamlessly connects to the dining area and a modern kitchen with a center island, ideal for entertaining. The kitchen space comes finished
Welcome to the Harbor Oak floorplan at 320 Still Shores Drive in Shell Pointe, a lake-side community in Gilbert, SC! This home sits on a spacious lot at nearly a quarter of an acre. The Harbor Oak plan features lots of windows and open space, creating a bright and inviting home. There is a bedroom and full bathroom on the main level that would be great for guests. The first floor also features a
The Trivecta in Shell Pointe is an impressive home finished with durable Hardie Plank siding. Inside, the floorplan layout offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and flexibility with its thoughtful open-concept design. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage, this home provides ample room for both everyday living and entertaining. At the heart of the home, the spacious kitchen
Welcome to the Litchfield in the lake-side community, Shell Pointe! This home features durable Hardie Plank exterior and a covered back patio. As part of our Traditions Series, the luxurious features in this home are sure to impress. The kitchen is the heart of this home with a large island that overlooks the open living area and is finished with sleek white quartz countertops and tile
MOVE IN READY!!!! The Guilford plan is a two-story, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half- bath home featuring a home office or flex space at entry. The kitchen offers a tile back splash, stainless steel appliances including a smooth cooktop range, and opens to the great room. Enjoy outdoor living on the covered porch. Luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the main level, which features a spacious
Welcome to the new construction Cali at 150 Ruby Prince Road in Sease's Pond! The Cali provides a beautiful and functional ranch design with a spacious family room that expands to a casual dining area. The kitchen is the highlight of this home with plenty of room for everyone to gather around the open kitchen island. It is also finished with modern Quartz countertops and tile backsplash. The
The Harbor Oak is a luxurious two-story home designed for both comfort and style, offering a spacious and thoughtfully planned layout that caters to modern living. The home welcomes you with a charming covered front porch. Inside, the open-concept design seamlessly connects the dining, kitchen, and living areas, creating a warm and inviting space. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen,
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS!Gorgeous home in a beautiful neighborhood! This spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom single-family home in Gilbert features: Keyless Locks, Smart Thermostat, Primary Suite, Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Open Concept Layout, Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups, and Two-Car Garage. Kairos Living has no pet restrictions and is happy to
Hutto Hills is the next most desired community located in Gilbert, just outside of Lexington and will feature newly renovated 2/2 patio homes. Spacious homes feature open floor plans with high ceilings. Great room has built-in shelving and cabinets surrounding a beautiful gas fireplace. The dining area is positioned perfectly in front of a large bay window to create a brightly seated eating area.
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS!Gorgeous home in a beautiful neighborhood! This spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom single-family home in Gilbert features: Keyless Locks, Smart Thermostat, Primary Suite, Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops, Open Concept Layout, Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups, and Two-Car Garage. Kairos Living has no pet restrictions and is happy to
Beautiful Lake Murray Furnished Home in a neighborhood that is surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Murray. This tranquil home sits on a .74 acre lot. It has an open floor plan and offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The updated eat-in kitchen has granite counters with tile backsplash, island and stainless steel appliances. Relax by the fireplace in the living room or lounge on
Hutto Hills is the next most desired community located in Gilbert, just outside of Lexington and will feature newly renovated 2/2 patio homes. Spacious homes feature open floor plans with high ceilings. Great room has built-in shelving and cabinets surrounding a beautiful gas fireplace. The dining area is positioned perfectly in front of a large bay window to create a brightly seated eating area.
Welcome to 1277 Holiday Haven in Gilbert, SC! This charming cabin offers a year-round waterfront experience on Lake Murray, complete with a private dock for your enjoyment. This is partially furnished for easy transition! While the current lake drawdown affects water levels temporarily, the deep-water cove promises full lake access as levels return to normal by spring.Situated on a spacious
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