Residents enjoy lakefront living in Keowee Key
Most people move to Keowee Key for the nature. The east Oconee County planned community of about 2,700 residents sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by Lake Keowee, a man-made reservoir known as a top destination for swimming, fishing and boating. “It’s phenomenal. It’s mountain water, so it’s clear and clean,” says Mike Roach, a real estate agent and co-owner of Top Guns Realty, who has been selling in Lake Keowee Key and the surrounding areas since 1989. While nature is a main draw, people also move to Keowee Key for the community they find on the golf course, at the fitness center and in its many social clubs.
A mix of home styles with lake views and quiet winding streets
Single-family homes are a mix of styles including rustic A-frames, ranch-style, New Traditional and lake house-styles with oversized windows and porches overlooking Lake Keowee. They sit on spacious lawns landscaped with grass, mature trees and shrubs. Residential streets are quiet and wind through the neighborhood. Prices range widely from $300,000 to $2 million. Lower-priced homes are typically 2,000 square feet or less and higher-priced homes often exceed 3,000 square feet and feature panoramic water views. Condos and townhouses are also available, ranging from about $300,000 to just over $500,000. Higher-priced units sit on the lake. A small number of lots are available, ranging from a half-acre to an acre and priced between $25,000 to $188,000.
Zoned schools earn high ratings and offer transfer options
The School District of Oconee County (SDOC) serves the community, offers intra-district transfer and rates an A-minus on Niche. The schools zoned to the area are B-plus-rated Keowee Elementary, A-minus-rated Walhalla Middle and A-minus-rated Walhalla High. For the 2025-2026 school year, SDOC is participating in the USDA Community Eligibility Program, which ensures that all students who are eligible for one daily reimbursable breakfast and lunch.
Golf, pickleball and boating are part of everyday life
The community offers multiple amenities. There is an 18-hole golf course with three on-site instructors, a dog park, and a fitness and racquet center with tennis and pickleball courts, pools, fitness classes and walking trails. Three marinas provide room for boat docking, and for residents who don’t own boats, the community has rentals available. “So, if you’re retired and don’t want to spend a lot of money [on a boat], but your kids are coming into town and you want to take them out, you can,” Roach says. High Falls County Park sits along the shores of Lake Keowee nearby and features 10 waterfront campsites, a swimming area, boat ramps, a playground, and mini golf.
Essentials found along Stamp Creek Road and in Clemson
Residents head to the clubhouse for its mix of casual and formal dining options. California’s Mexican Grill is a casual, family-owned spot on the community’s south side and serves classic dishes like tacos, fajitas and burritos as well as breakfast options. Sister’s is another locally owned spot that is loved for its big breakfast menu, salads and sandwiches. Stamp Creek Road, the community’s main roadway, is dotted with local businesses, the fire station and a Dollar General location. Clemson is about 15 miles away and where most residents go for groceries, shopping at Walmart and more dining options. Major metropolises like Greenville, Atlanta and Charlotte are about 40, 130 and 150 miles away, respectively. Roach says this is a perk for many residents. “You can have the big city experience for the day and then come home to the peace and quiet.” The closest hospitals are AnMed Canon and Prisma Health Oconee Memorial, both less than 25 miles away.
Clubs and holiday events bring neighbors together year-round
The community offers many ways for residents to socialize. “If there is any kind of club you can think of, Keowee Kee has it. They have everything under the sun,” Roach says. Clubs often have their own events, and the community typically has holiday events. Clemson Tigers fans attend games in Clemson.
Stamp Creek Road connects to major highways
Due to the community’s lack of public transportation, residents get around by car. Stamp Creek Road leads to nearby cities and major highways. The closest international airport is Greenville-Spartanburg, about 55 miles away.
Buyers near the lake may want to consider flood insurance
Keowee Key’s location inland often protects it from hurricanes, but it can receive tropical storm-style winds during storms. While the area is not prone to floods, buyers may want to consider flood insurance, especially if they are on the water.
