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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On average, homes in Seneca, SC sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Seneca, SC over the last 12 months is $375,995, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the best of Lake Keowee luxury with the everyday convenience of being just minutes from town. Perfectly positioned in a Lake Keowee community, this beautifully finished 3,000 sq ft residence sits on a peaceful 1.15-acre lot with your own boat slip #3 on sparkling Lake Keowee—the ultimate perk for lake-life lovers. Experience the best of Lake Keowee luxury with the everyday convenience
It is possible to be "Better than brand new"! Completed in July 2025, this less than 4 month old home that has all the upgrades that your family wound want! Located in Wells Crossing, the location of this new development is ideal for quick and easy access to both Clemson University and the town of Seneca located at the base of gorgeous Lake Keowee. Designed for living entirely on one level, this
Donald Gardner beautiful custom style home on 2.96 acres and just a short drive to Lake Keowee. Open floor plan featuring hardwood floors, cathedral red cedar tongue & groove ceilings, large kitchen with double range ovens, granite countertops, a large island & Wellborn cabinets. Easy access to a large private back deck. The great room has a stunning rock gas log fireplace with built in
Welcome to Waterford Pointe, one of the premier Lake Keowee waterfront communities featuring curbed and guttered streets with lights, clubhouse, tennis courts, pool, kids play area and more. Waterford Pointe is close to everything being just 10 minutes to Seneca, 20 minutes to Clemson, 40 minutes to Easley, an hour from Greenville, SC and Commerce, GA and 2 hours from Atlanta (give or take).
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 Single Family Home built in 2024 boasts an open floor plan, 3 large bedrooms, plenty of pantry and storage space, and a spacious garage. The master suite features a large walk in closet, a walk in shower, and its own covered porch. The open kitchen living area comes with all appliances. Includes washer and dryer, and a tankless water heater. Tall ceilings and windows, Granite counters,
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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