Cold War history shaped New Ellenton’s growth
New Ellenton’s population grew unexpectedly after the federal acquisition of a nearby town during the Cold War. The surrounding region was forever altered in 1950, when President Harry Truman announced the development of a new plant in South Carolina to help build materials for nuclear weapons. Locals from other communities, including the now-defunct Ellenton, had to abandon generational homes and rebuild. Many relocated to North Ellenton, which was renamed New Ellenton by its new residents. The decommissioned atomic bomb facility is now known as the Savannah River Site. The plant remains in the region, with cleanup efforts sparking economic growth and job creation. More industrial projects are expected in the area. Kimberly-Clark Corporation plans to expand its largest facility in the nearby Beech Island community.
New builds and popular neighborhoods provide housing variety
New Ellenton contains a mix of homes from midcentury ranch-style houses to more recent New Traditional homes. Properties spanning several acres can have additional structures, like sheds and barns. Some lots are suitable for raising horses, such as those in the Three Runs Plantation subdivision. Cedar Creek, a golf course community, has many custom-built homes near the greens and fairways. Almost half of New Ellenton's previously sold homes were built in the 2020s. Dwellings under 2,000 square feet typically cost between $115,000 and $300,000. Larger homes on multiple acres usually range from $275,000 to $600,000.
The local middle school offers STEAM programs
Greendale Elementary has a C-plus rating from Niche. New Ellenton STEAM Magnet Middle earns a B-plus. The school offers activities like STEAM Bootcamp, BETA Club and Girls in Engineering. Some New Ellenton students travel up to 10 miles to attend Silver Bluff High; the school has a B.
Visiting Evans Park and Cedar Creek Golf Club
Evans Park, located behind City Hall, includes basketball courts and a paved walking track around an open field and playground. Locals venture here for community gatherings like the Back to School Splash Party. The city sponsors youth athletic leagues for football, cheerleading, softball and baseball. Cedar Creek Golf Club provides an 18-hole course and driving range. The club has plans to renovate the golf course in the future. The region supports an equestrian lifestyle, with several horse stables within 5 miles of the town's center.
Main Street restaurants and nearby stores serve locals
Local dining options line Main Street, such as Atomic City Eatery and Billiards. The buffet at Carolina Bar-B-Que includes southern comfort food and smoked cuts of meat. After a round of golf, some locals visit the Pub at Cedar Creek, which has a rotating menu throughout the year. Shoppers find grocery items at KJ’s Market. The New Ellenton Farmers Market, located behind the community center, operates on Fridays during the summer. New Ellenton has free Blessing Box food pantries at City Hall and Greendale Elementary. There’s a Target and a Walmart Supercenter about 10 miles away in Aiken.
Home of the Atomic City Festival
The annual Atomic City Festival brings the community together to celebrate local history. The family-friendly event features vintage automobile shows, live music and fireworks. The market includes food trucks and vendors selling handcrafted items. The event, held at Evans Parks, is sponsored by local businesses and the city.
Drivers use routes like Highway 278 to get around the area
Locals typically travel by car along U.S. Highway 278 and Main Street, also called South Carolina Highway 19. Drivers reach Aiken Regional Medical Centers within 15 miles of most homes. Augusta Regional Airport is roughly 25 miles away.
Crime and weather risks in Aiken County
Aiken County can experience high winds during severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused loss of life, property damage and power outages.
The city's CAP Index Crime score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
