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 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Gilbert, SC over the last 12 months is $235,999, down 64% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 4BR/3BA home on nearly 10 acres in the highly sought after Gilbert school area. This property features a full basement with partially finished spaces and a rear entry 2 car garage. The main level has a functional layout with spacious bedrooms and living areas. Great open floor plan with amazing 19 foot ceiling. Enjoy a screened porch overlooking the private property. Seller is provide a
Up to $15,000 in closing costs with preferred lender. Choice of free blinds or refrigerator. Talbot II at Peachtree Hills is a one level ranch style home! This adorable one level home with 3 Bedroom and 2 Full Bathrooms. Luxury Vinyl Plank welcomes you into a beautiful open floorplan. Tankless water heater, granite countertop in the kitchen, garage door opener, landscaped yard and irrigation
Calling all lake lovers! Don’t miss this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath all-brick home located in the desirable lakefront community of Martins Crossing. This custom-built beauty features soaring 18-foot coffered ceilings and two fireplaces on the main level, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious kitchen overlooks a family room—a cozy space perfect for relaxing, watching TV,
Enjoy the Lake Murray lifestyle with a deep-water boat slip INCLUDED with this beautifully maintained Craftsman-style home in Pintail Point. Located on the desirable Lake Murray, this community offers the perfect blend of lake recreation and neighborhood amenities including a community marina with courtesy dock, boat ramp, pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse. The property includes a HIGHLY
This charming 1,871 sq ft ranch-style home, located in Gilbert’s desirable Finlay Farms community, offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and small-town appeal. Built in 2020, the residence features a spacious open-concept layout with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an inviting covered patio perfect for relaxation. The spacious kitchen serves as the heart of the home, boasting upgraded
Meticulously cared for, two-story 3-bed, 2.5-bath home is nestled on a spacious corner lot. The open floor plan allows you to move easily from the kitchen to the breakfast area and large living room. Enjoy easy to care for living with LVP flooring throughout the entire main level. The kitchen includes 36” upper cabinets with crown molding and hardware, granite countertops, stainless steel
Skip the wait for new construction and step into a home built in 2025, ready for you to move right in. Located in Winston Point in Gilbert, this single story home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a thoughtfully designed open concept layout. From the moment you enter the foyer, you are welcomed into a spacious family room that flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen, creating an
The Forrester in Shell Pointe is a stunning two-story home that combines luxury, functionality, and modern design. From the moment you arrive, the charming covered front porch welcomes you with its inviting ambiance, making it the perfect spot to relax or greet guests. Step inside to discover a dining area and open concept living area, where the spacious kitchen living spaces come together
Beautiful 4BR/3BA home on nearly 10 acres in the highly sought after Gilbert school area. This property features a full basement with partially finished spaces and a rear entry 2 car garage. The main level has a functional layout with spacious bedrooms and living areas. Great open floor plan with amazing 19 foot ceiling. Enjoy a screened porch overlooking the private property. Seller is provide a
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,
The two-story Tillman floorplan welcomes you home at 328 Still Shores Drive. It features Juniper Berry-colored Hardie Plank siding and a double stacked front porch, with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and over 3,200 sqft of space inside. The main level welcomes you with a charming, covered porch and inviting foyer that opens into a bright, open-concept layout. The front foyer opens up into the impressive
Welcome to the Dover on the pond at 329 Babcock Way! This home features durable Hardie Plank siding and brick on the exterior and a covered front porch. It also features a screened-in extended back porch. Inside, 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
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
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
The Litchfield floorplan is a beautifully designed new construction ranch home offering single-level living, an open-concept layout, and modern finishes. This home features Coastal Fog colored Hardie Plank siding and a covered front entry. Inside, there are 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a 2-car garage, and over 2,000 sqft of living space. It is perfect for those seeking comfort and functionality. At
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, Stone 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
ONE year young home in Gilbert! This beautifully crafted new construction offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, combining modern comforts with timeless farmhouse charm. The main level features luxury vinyl plank flooring, 9’ ceilings, LED recessed lighting, and elegant Venetian marble countertops that add a touch of sophistication throughout. The open-concept kitchen is perfect for
Susan CrosbyProperty Consultants
$1,500 per month
Lake Front With Gazebo on Lake Murray - Call Lexington Office for info 803-359-0793
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in Gilbert, SC featuring fresh paint and new carpet throughout. The living room includes a fireplace and window AC units provide additional climate control. Cable TV and internet are available. Enjoy lakefront living with lake access, a pier and gazebo, and scenic waterfront views. Renters insurance is required.
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
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