Preserved history and a college presence in Newberry
Found in the Midlands region of South Carolina, Newberry is known for its many beautifully preserved historic sites and Newberry College, a highly rated private institution. This city of 10,700 is the county seat of Newberry County and proudly wears the motto "The City of Friendly Folk."
"Newberry has the small-town feeling down, with all the historical buildings and events for the holidays. It's almost like nostalgia," says Ashley Garcia, a Realtor with ERA Wilder Realty with over 20 years of real estate experience. "However, I think the college makes it feel young and fresh. The city is always trying to do something different. It doesn't stay the same forever."
Originally driven by agriculture, Newberry now has a significant manufacturing presence, employing many in the area, along with other industries such as healthcare and retail.
Oscar Mayer operates a plant in Newberry, contributing to the town’s industrial base.
Many new businesses continue to emerge, providing more shopping choices for locals.
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Modern homes in Newberry Landing
Much of Newberry's housing was built in the early-to-mid-20th century and features many ranch styles and Craftsman cottages. At the start of the 21st century, new developments, such as Newberry Landing, filled subdivisions with board-and-batten and new-traditional styles. The median sales price in Newberry is $197,000, lower than Columbia's median of $250,000 and significantly lower than the national median.
Newberry’s Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many historic homes and storefronts on Main Street have been restored while maintaining their original character.
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Exploring the local personality on Main Street
With its carefully preserved historic buildings, downtown Newberry is the city's beating heart of personal flair. Main Street and the surrounding blocks are lined with specialty shops and beloved eateries, the site for hometown parades and the seasonal Grow Newberry Farmers Market. Downtown is one of Newberry's most popular draws for tourists and locals, garnering accolades as one of the "Most Charming Small Towns in America" by Travel Channel. The city's east side has big-box stores and grocers for weekend errand runs.
Newberry’s historic Main Street features well-preserved 19th-century buildings.
Downtown Newberry is a walkable hub of boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants.
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The unique architecture of Newberry Opera House
Newberry has eight parks within the city proper, including a recreation complex and the Wells Japanese Garden, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's one of several sites and districts that qualify for the register here, with some of the most well-known being the Newberry College Historic District and the Newberry Opera House, built in the distinct French Gothic style. Restored in 1998, the Newberry Opera House is still used for theater performances. As of 2025, Newberry is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan, intending to plant hundreds of trees across the city to help mitigate stormwater issues, save energy and foster community.
The Opera House attracts visitors from across the region, drawn by both its architecture and live performances.
The grand interior combines historic charm with modern acoustics, making the Newberry Opera House a premier performing arts venue.
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Top grades at Newberry College
The city is served by the Newberry County School District, which scores a B from Niche. The District School Choice of South Carolina allows students to attend schools outside of their zoned assignments within the same district. The 90-acre campus of Newberry College, a private liberal arts Lutheran college, is located just north of the downtown district.
Alumni of Newberry College have gone on to excel in various fields, from business to education.
Newberry College has invested in sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient buildings.
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Meeting up with neighbors for Moonlight Movie Nights
No matter what season, Newberry has significant events organized for the community. "Newberry does a great job with getting the community involved. Oktoberfest is big there, they have a huge festival. And their Christmas celebrations are very Hallmark," Garcia says. In summer, people gather in Memorial Park for Moonlight Movie Nights, and April brings Pork in the Park, a huge barbecue competition with live music and family-friendly activities.
Flying out of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Major thoroughfares in the area include Route 76 and Highways 121 and 34. Both highways connect to Interstate 26, which runs parallel to Newberry, just a few miles away. The closest airport with commercial flights is Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 44 miles southeast; alternatively, locals can drive 68 miles north to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport for a larger selection of airlines. Newberry Health, the city's general hospital, is in the northern district off Route 76 and has a surrounding medical plaza.
Crime statistics and weather in Newberry
According to Newberry Police Department data, violent crime rates fell between 2021 and 2022 and are the lowest they've been since the 1990s. Property crime rates rose slightly between 2021 and 2022. Overall, crime rates in Newberry are somewhat higher than the national average.
The city generally experiences mild winters and hot summers, though temperatures rarely surpass 100 degrees.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Newberry, SC sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Newberry, SC over the last 12 months is $190,000, up 130% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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