Lake Murray of Richland offers convenient and scenic lakefront living
Lake Murray of Richland sits some 20 miles from downtown Columbia on the northern shore of the titular lake. This area features country roads that wind through pine forests and homes on heavily wooded peninsulas. “Lake Murray is a playground for jet skis, sailing boats, bass boats, cigar boats and pontoons alike,” says Donna Arvay, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and longtime local. “And during the Fourth of July, there's a huge, coordinated firework display on both Dreher Island and Spence Island.” The lake has several islands, popular for birdwatching and picnicking. Aside from waterfront living, Arvay says the community is sought-after for its excellent schools and proximity to Interstate 26.
Courtesy docks at Lakeport offer additional space for visitors and boating enthusiasts.
Some homes boast expansive porches, perfect for enjoying evenings with family and friends at Lake Murray of Richland.
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Lake Murray is a massive recreational hub named for a dam engineer
At roughly 50,000 acres, featuring 650 miles of shoreline, Lake Murray is a popular destination for outdoor fun. “It’s a manmade lake, and the Saluda River runs through it,” Arvay says. “And it's 200 feet deep in some parts, so you can only imagine how big some of the fish get.” The lake was named after William Murray, the engineer who designed the dam on its east side, controlling the flow of the Saluda River.
Parks are on either side of it, roughly 10 miles from Lake Murray of Richland. Both feature boat ramps. From the top of the dam, visitors can view the glittering lake to the west and Columbia’s skyline to the east. “On Monday mornings when I’m driving across the dam, I’ll see sailing club kids learning the ropes on their little boats,” Arvay says. “They look like tiny little paper boats from up there. It’s so cute.”
Kayaking along the peaceful coves of Lake Murray is a favorite pastime for locals.
The unmistakable Lake Murray sign welcomes visitors to the 50,000 acre lake.
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Custom homes with private docks on Lake Murray’s shores
Lake Murray of Richland features many large custom homes. Waterfront options boast private docks. Sales data is limited, but the median price is just over $480,000, roughly $60,000 more than the national median. Popular styles include Cape Cod, Minimal Traditional and Craftsman Revival.
Many homes feature private docks, allowing homeowners to set sail right from their backyard.
Properties range from luxury lakefront estates to charming single-family homes.
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A community central to major healthcare and manufacturing employers
Richland County’s leading industries include healthcare and manufacturing. The closest major employer – Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital – is also the closest major hospital, roughly 10 miles away. A handful of small manufacturers are along Dutch Fork Road, but most of the industry’s major employers are on the west side of Richland County.
The top-rated school district has a school choice program, and Spring Hill High is nearby
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties earns an A on Niche and is second on the website’s list of South Carolina’s best school districts. It has a choice program, so students can apply outside their attendance zone. Thanks to its choice program, Lake Murray of Richland students can apply to one of the best schools in the Columbia area, less than 5 miles away. Spring Hill High earns an overall A-plus and offers career pathway programs for engineering, entertainment, entrepreneurship, environmental and exercise science.
The community is served by School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, a top-rated district.
Families choose the area for its excellent schools and commitment to student success.
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A small selection of shopping and dining options
U.S. Route 76 – locally known as Dutch Fork Road – runs along the north side of the community, lined with restaurants, private practices and other locally owned businesses, as well as a few chains. A couple of restaurants can be found on the lakefront, too. The only grocery store is Food Lion on the east side, but more shopping and dining options are less than 10 miles away in Irmo.
Hair One Family Salon offers a range of hair care services for the entire family.
Chick-fil-A in Ballentine offers outdoor seating and top-tier customer service.
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Simple commutes to Columbia Metropolitan Airport and downtown
U.S. Route 76 is the quickest way to Irmo. The nearest highway, Interstate 26, is a couple of miles north. Travelers can take I-26 to Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 20 miles away. Columbia commuters can take I-26 to I-126 for a straight shot into downtown, 20 miles away.
Columbiana Center is the dominant shopping center in the Columbia metro area and a short drive from Lake Murray.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is only a short drive away, ideal for frequent travelers.
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Crime rates are going down in Richland County
Lake Murray of Richland is served by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the most recently released crime statistics show a decrease in violent and property crimes between 2022 and 2023.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lori Carnes,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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