$127,160Average Value$205Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Investment opportunities close to downtown Sumter
Buyers are free to personalize their homes in South Liberty. Home to a collection of pre-war houses sold at as much as 95% lower than the state average sale price of $388,888, the neighborhood offers abundant investment opportunities. "Cost of living here is less than surrounding cities, so your money stretches a little more here," says Realtor Megan Strickland with ERA Realty. Strickland's been selling homes in the area for nearly 15 years. Sumter is a short drive from Shaw Air Force Base, which Strickland notes as an essential aspect of life here. "Most of my clients are military--the Air Force and Army keep Sumter going." Houses can be renovated to live in or to rent out to military families, which is happening more and more around Sumter.
Front porches are commonly found on Southern homes, especially in South Liberty.
South Liberty has multiple neighborhoods with modernized cottages and ranch-style houses.
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Pre-war homes with budget-friendly prices
South Liberty is an older neighborhood, with most homes built between the 1910s and 1930s. Homes here reflect this early 20th-century style, with options like Craftsman-style bungalows with deep porches, shingle-style cottages, classic brick Cape Cods, stately Four Squares and even a few ornate Victorian-influenced homes. Over the last century, many houses have experienced wear and tear, resulting in homes listing between $15,000 and $60,000. The prices of these homes make them a good option for investors and renovation projects. There's also a small selection of ranch-style houses built around 2005 and refurbished homes costing between $115,000 and $200,000.
Four Square homes usually feature spacious rooms and a large front porch.
In South Liberty, several neighborhoods feature turn-of-the-century homes with spacious rooms.
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Walking distance from shops and restaurants on North Main Street
South Liberty encompasses a section of downtown Sumter, which offers different shops and restaurants along its historic South Main Street. Residents can get barbecue and bourbon at Side Bar, have an upscale celebration at Hamptons or have a weekend beer tasting at Sumter Original Brewery. There's plenty of shopping along Main, like the kitchen supply shop Naomi and Warner, the longstanding furniture shop Kimbrell's and the antique store Bohemian Swan.
One of the neighborhood's main arteries, North Guignard Drive, connects to Sumter's primary retail area along Broad Street. "This is where everyone does their everyday errands and weekend shopping," Strickland says. Grocery stores around Broad Street include ALDI, Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion and Walmart. Big box stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby offer home essentials, and the Sumter Mall has department stores, chain restaurants and classic retail chains. This area is close to the Sumter Farmers Market on the University of South Carolina-Sumter Campus. This popular market offers fresh produce, live music and artisan goods every Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also enjoy German beer at Oktoberfest on Main, experience the Black Cowboy Festival or listen to live music at Fourth Friday concert series during the summer months.
Naomi and Warner is a home furnishing shop in South Liberty.
The Sumter Original Brewery is a multi-level bar and restaurant located in South Liberty.
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Minutes from the well-loved Swan Lake Iris Gardens
The community sits on the edge of Swan Lake Iris Gardens, one of Sumter's most noteworthy public spaces. "Swan Lake is what we're most known for here in Sumter," Strickland says. "It's the only park in the country with a sanctuary for all eight species of swan. The park is also known for its irises and has a yearly Iris Festival." The festival Strickland mentions is a three-day event featuring food vendors, live music, flower displays, vintage car displays and artisan crafts. Strickland also notes the park's playground, lakefront walking trails, butterfly garden and the Fantasy of Lights winter holiday display.
Memorial Park is another way to get outdoors in South Liberty. The park is known for its vibrant display of fall color, and it's popular for family photoshoots and events at its pavilion. The park also features a playground and a shady walking trail. Families will also enjoy taking kids to local splash parks, including those at the Birnie Hope Center and Palmetto Park. Palmetto Park is also home to the Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex and the Palmetto Tennis Center, popular choices for residents looking to get active.
Swans are the featured attraction at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
The families enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens park.
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Sumter School District serves South Liberty families
Students may start at Millwood Elementary School, which scored an overall B-minus on Niche. Students then attend Alice Drive Middle School and then attend Sumter High School. Both institutions earned an overall C-plus. Another option is the open enrollment lottery-based Liberty STEAM Charter School. Serving kindergarten through fourth grade, the school offers personalized, project-based STEAM curriculum models. The school plans to expand to include grades five and six by 2026, grades six through eight by 2026 and grades nine through 12 by the 2031-2032 school year.
Parents and teachers provide support for Liberty Charter students.
Alice Drive Middle School offers advanced classes for students.
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Commuting to Shaw Air Force Base
Located 12 miles from Shaw Air Force Base, the community's largest employer, South Liberty is convenient for military families wanting to be close to downtown. The SWRTA provides shuttle service, on fixed routes throughout the neighborhood, to and from the base. The city’s medical center, Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, is about a mile away. The neighborhood is also a few miles south of Highway 378 and less than 20 miles from Interstate 95, which offers convenience to surrounding communities. Lake Marion is 44 miles away, Columbia is 45 miles, Florence is 50 miles and Charleston is 100 miles. Residents can head to Florence or Columbia for air travel, but Strickland notes another option. "Charlotte Douglas International Airport is only about a two-hour drive, so many folks, including myself, will drive up there because the prices are lower and they offer nonstop and international flights," Strickland says. Charlotte, North Carolina, is about 115 miles from Sumter via Interstate 77.
Shaw Air Force Base is just a short drive from South Liberty.
Visitors heading to Shaw Air Force Base can take Broad Street or Highway 378.
GreatSchools:
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
961
Median Age
48
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$14,950
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$23,600
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.2%
College Graduates
6.9%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
% Population in Labor Force
37.9%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
