Saluda blends rural charm and new businesses on Main Street
Small and circle-shaped, Saluda is a bullseye in the center of Saluda County, where rural and small-town vibes comingle. While the town offers its roughly 3,000 residents everything from groceries to green spaces, it’s starting to see some new kinds of businesses crop up, especially along Main Street. “[Residents are] excited for the growth happening here,” says Janet Mannel, a 10-year county resident who opened the Saluda Yoga Center in 2023. “At the same time, they still really appreciate the small-town feel.” With its local businesses, proximity to shopping and dining in Columbia, and recreation at Lake Murray, residents in Saluda have the best of both worlds in the Midlands.
Ranch-style homes on private lots
Quiet, residential roads branch away from the town center and quickly become dotted with single-family homes. Front yards are large and landscaped with shrubs, while tall, mature trees fill backyards. Midcentury ranch-style homes, manufactured homes and front-porch bungalows are common here. As the roads meander toward the county line, there are undeveloped, wooded plots and farmhouses on anywhere from 1 to 240 acres. The median single-family home price is around $300,000, slightly higher than Columbia but lower than the national median.
Saluda County public schools are getting an upgrade
Saluda families have a full public school pipeline in town. Saluda County School District earns an overall B from Niche and oversees a primary school, two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. In 2022, the town approved a $49 million bond referendum to rebuild or renovate all campuses. Saluda Primary and Saluda Elementary will soon get a combined campus. Athletics are a highlight for Saluda High; the softball team recently competed in the state championships. The district also helps adult learners earn GEDs and prepare for the workforce.
The essentials are in town; more in Columbia
Several downtown storefronts are unoccupied, but new businesses, such as Saluda Yoga Center, are finding a home on Main Street. The dining scene includes fast food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King, and local Mexican, Chinese and casual American spots. Three Maria's serves authentic Mexican-style tacos topped with onion and cilantro. Residents don't mind making the 50-mile trip to Columbia and its distinct shopping districts.
Saluda Park for green space and Lake Murray for boating
Saluda Park is the town's only green space, located on the south side. It has a paved walking trail that loops around the park, a gazebo where neighbors can hang out in the shade, and a large open field for exercise or play. Residents can also rent the soccer and baseball fields at the county recreation complex just east of town. Lake Murray, about 40 miles east, is a state-wide recreation hub for fishing, boating and waterskiing.
Small-town spirit at Friday night football games
Friday night football games are a big deal in this small town, and parents and community members cheer on the Tigers. The team will soon have a new home venue at the freshly renovated Bettis Herlong Stadium at Matthews Field. The high school hosted its first annual Fall Festival in 2024, featuring a cake walk, vendors, trunk-or-treating and a s'mores station. While this community doesn't host any signature events, the nearby town of Ridge Spring also hosts a Harvest Festival featuring arts and crafts activities, a beauty pageant, a car show and fireworks display.
Highways, hospitals and airports
Saluda is between Columbia, about 50 miles east, and Augusta, Georgia, about 50 miles south. Highways 121 and 378 cross through town and lead to Columbia. The county and city do not provide public transportation services. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport, about 40 miles away, is the closest option for catching a flight. It offers 10 nonstop routes to destinations across the U.S. Family Healthcare offers primary care and specialty services on the north side of town. For emergency care, residents have a longer trek to surrounding towns.
