Set along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Upstate South Carolina, Seneca first developed as a railroad town. Today, the city is better known for its outdoor recreation, including Lake Keowee, which it abuts. “People are drawn here by the quality of life and the natural beauty,” says Mayor Dan Alexander, who grew up in the area and has served as mayor for 26 years. “We’re near three lakes; to get anywhere in the county, you have to go over a body of water. Within 20 or 30 minutes, there are hundreds of waterfalls, small and large, and we’re 20 minutes from the mountains.” With a population of roughly 9,000, Seneca’s active lifestyle, walkable downtown and proximity to Clemson University have helped the city grow.
Keowee Key is one of the private communities in Seneca on the lake.
The Blue RIdge Mountains can be seen from most of the areas in Seneca.
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Seneca's lakefront estates and midcentury homes downtown
While Seneca has a share of homes priced in the seven figures, especially lakefront, its median price is $337,900, lower than the national figure of $406,100 and nearby Greenville’s median of $360,000. Early 20th-century and midcentury homes are typical downtown, including bungalows, cottages and the scattered Victorian-style house. Suburban neighborhoods sit on the city’s edges, often featuring New Traditional architecture.
Large lakefront homes on Lake Keowee are among the most expensive in Seneca.
New traditional style homes in Seneca can cost up to 1 million dollars.
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Fishing and boating at Lake Keowee
Seneca is on the banks of Lake Keowee, but it also has access to two additional nearby lakes: Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee. Each lake offers fishing and boating, while parks like South Cove Park on Lake Keowee offer beaches and campsites. The Blue Ridge Mountains are also close, with hiking trails at Oconee State Park 20 miles away.
Keowee Marina houses boats of all sizes and has opportunities for rentals.
There are campgrounds to rent at the state parks near Seneca.
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Shopping and dining in Ram Cat Alley
Residents and visitors alike frequent Seneca’s walkable downtown, the focal point of which is Ram Cat Alley. The uniquely-named extension of Main Street has restaurants and boutiques. “We’re seeing lots of investment in downtown, especially Ram Cat Alley,” Mayor Alexander says. “It’s an area of town where there used to be a lot of fish markets. They used to say that at the end of the day, there were so many cats that you couldn’t ram another down the alley.” Meanwhile, grocery stores and chain restaurants line Route 123.
Keowee Brewing offers local favorites in downtown Seneca.
Downtown Seneca features storefronts that have been around since 1875.
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Ram Cat Alley's community events
Ram Cat Alley hosts regular events, including the weekly Jazz on the Alley. Attendance regularly reaches 2,000 or more. Seneca also has a vibrant visual and performing arts scene. The city is building a 707-seat auditorium for performances at downtown’s Blue Ridge Arts Center.
The renovated depot space in Seneca has installations form local artists.
Seneca started out as a railroad town, as depicted in the mural downtown.
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Oconee County Schools and nearby Clemson University
The Oconee County School District serves Seneca and receives an A-minus grade from Niche. The system offers a robust school-choice program where students can apply to any district school. Students can also attend the district’s Hamilton Career and Technology Center for vocational training in subjects like health science, construction and information technology.
Seven miles east of Seneca, Clemson University is the second-largest university in the state, enrolling nearly 30,000 students. Over 80,000 football fans converge on the school’s campus on fall Saturdays to watch the Tigers play at Memorial Stadium, better known as “Death Valley.”
Seneca High is the home of the Bobcats, and the only high school in Seneca.
Blue Ridge Elementary school is one of the top rated schools in Seneca.
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Car-reliant transportation through the Upstate
The main road through Seneca is U.S. Route 123, which connects to Greenville, 37 miles northeast. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is 50 miles away, with commercial flights to nearby hubs. Interstate 85 is 14 miles south, heading toward Charlotte to the north and Atlanta to the south. With no bike lanes in town, residents rely on their cars or Clemson Area Transit, a free bus service with routes connecting Seneca with Clemson. Many residents work in Clemson at the university or the manufacturing plants west of town.
Crime rates and environmental risk
According to FBI data, Seneca’s violent crime rate is lower than the state and national rates, while property crimes hover near the state and national figures. Both rates are generally steady. “We have an excellent police department that’s always doing stuff out in the community,” Mayor Alexander says. “We have a strong relationship with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.”
Seneca has hot, humid summers and cool winters. The city can experience intense storms during the warmer months. Though rare, tornadoes have affected the city, including an EF3 tornado in 2020. Seneca is in an emergency planning zone for the Oconee Nuclear Station, which is 9 miles to the northeast; in the case of an emergency at the plant, residents may hear sirens and be advised to evacuate.
Written By
Brendan Doyle
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William Neary
Video By
Jacob McAllister
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This home sits on a quiet culd-a-sac, perfectly Situated home in the heart of Seneca, nestled directly between Keowee Marina and Clemson University. This spacious residence offers comfort and convenience with bedrooms generously sized to easily accommodate king beds. You are greeted by a front covered patio. Step inside to find a beautiful modern feature wall. The kitchen is equipped with
Nestled in the recommendable Bayshore community of Seneca, SC, this expansive 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers approximately 4,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The interior boasts 10 feet ceilings, warm tones and upgraded finishes, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout. A fully finished basement includes a private mother-in-law
Waterfront Dream on Lake Keowee - Move-In Ready with Endless Potential: Discover your private waterfront retreat on pristine Lake Keowee. This custom-built lakefront home combines serene waterfront living with exceptional space. Tucked away behind mature landscaping the circular driveway guides you to the ultimate in lake lifestyle and tranquility. With its large, thoughtful floor plan, this home
Classic Comfort in a Desirable Seneca Townhome Nestled in the sought-after Woodcreek community, this well-maintained end-unit townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living. Step inside to a spacious living room highlighted by cathedral ceilings, hardwood flooring, and a skylight that adds natural light. The thoughtful 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath floorplan
Welcome to your dream home near beautiful Lake Hartwell and just a short drive to Lake Keowee! This property has so much to offer, starting with nature trails running right through your backyard. Spend summers by the sparkling pool complete with a waterfall, fully fenced for safety, or let the kids enjoy their very own built-in playhouse in the basement and the custom playground that stays with
This beautiful home is move-in ready! NO PETS. NO SMOKING. Conveniently located to Clemson University, Downtown Seneca, Oconee Memorial Hospital and easy access to I-85 for commutes. $2,800 security deposit and $2,800 first month's rent required before move-in. Available for immediate occupancy.($40.00 Application Fee with background check required.)
This beautiful home is move-in ready! NO PETS. NO SMOKING. Conveniently located to Clemson University, Downtown Seneca, Oconee Memorial Hospital and easy access to I-85 for commutes. $2,800 security deposit and $2,800 first month's rent required before move-in. Available for immediate occupancy. ($40.00 Application Fee with background check required.)
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