What is it about the South that fascinates people?

• In 2021, rural southern counties drew more than 65 percent of people moving south.
• In 2022, did you know that more than one million people traded northern and western cosmopolitan cities for the rural south?
• South Carolina offers 12 large lakes on land stretching from 7,500 acres to over 110,000 acres. Highland Shores on Lake Keowee in upstate South Carolina borders hills. Lakes in the southern part of the state border marshes.
• Picture it: The TV mini-series of the 1980s. You might remember Patrick Swayze’s hair blowing as he stood on the Cooper River cotton dock arguing with his friend George in North and South. You’ll remember people playing, swimming, and doing laundry in the very same river in Alex Haley’s Queen.

These, we have to agree, are attractive reasons for moving south. Perhaps there will be waterfront property for sale in the Highland Shores subdivision? Buyers have a choice between gated communities and wide open spaces.

They have a choice between building the mansion of their dreams (some residents built their idea of many-storied many-room mansions in the area) and lots upon which to build that log cabin they always wanted. Where is this Shangri-la?

Where Is Highland Shores Located?

The northwestern corner of South Carolina is closest to North Carolina. It’s in the hills there that Salem, SC hosts Lake Keowee of the 300-mile shoreline. It’s among the pine trees there that 60 lots await building.

Some of the Highland Shores subdivision lots are waterfront, some simply a water view, but they all have something to do with water. Lot sizes range from less than an acre up to more than two to three acres. The lots sit on a secluded cove that boaters haven’t discovered yet.

With the right permits, buyers can have their own dock. The subdivision is only eight miles from Salem, so transportation to work and shopping will be a snap.

Don’t worry, though. The Highland Shores views aren’t obstructed by convenience stores, fast food joints, or other view-cluttering annoyances. Getting a building permit in the area strictly depends on permissions from the residents, the Native Americans, and dozens (literally) of other state and local entities.

Highland Shores Real Estate

Lest buyers think they’ve stumbled on a wilderness much like the Puritans found, buyers should know that the Highland Shores subdivision is only one development. There are commercial ventures, and vacation homes spread around Lake Keowee’s 300 miles:

• Houses. Since the lake was formed, 2,000 houses have been built on 10,000 lots.
• Parks. One buyer built a dog park, walking trails friendly to pets, and open green spaces.
• Recreation. Another built a recreation complex with swimming, fishing, restaurants, cabins, camping sites, boat rentals, and more.
• Retirees and vacation homes. Many retirees eschew Florida as a desirable retirement locale. They’d rather do their boating, fishing, and gardening in more pleasurable Highland Shores surroundings, the majority of which are still green.

How Are These Lots Open For Building?

There are so many houses in a 380-mile radius that buyers still can’t find their dream homes. Highland Shores subdivision waterfront property is fast disappearing, whether it has a house on it or not. As of January 2023, there were 50 houses for sale and only 68 lots for sale.

How Do Prices Affect Availability?

The five million dollar mark was blasted three times in 2022. The six million mark was overcome not much later. Twice. Lots are available but their scarcity makes the prices soar.

How Did The Pandemic Affect Lake Keowee Real Estate?

A lot of people think that huge, multi-storied houses and lake cabins are vacation homes. When the pandemic hit and people began working remotely, these lake homes came in handy.

They were numerous and spread out over 300 miles of trees. That makes a barrier around coughing and sneezing neighbors. When the illness passed, those who wanted to go home did. The people who worked remotely retired and just kept on working remotely.

Golf courses, boating, and water sports, among other amusements, keep the retirees happy. They don’t mind driving from eight to 15 or 20 miles to the grocery store or other shopping. What pandemic? Life is good here.

Are The 60 Highland Shores Subdivision Lots Wooded?

Yes. You’ll not only have the Blue Ridge Mountain views to enjoy along with your Lake Keowee views, but tall pine trees and leafy shade trees as well. Watch out how the trees are cut down to build your Highland Shores house because you might be cutting down your house’s shade trees.

What Should Buyers Know About Septic Tanks In Highland Shores?

Septic systems are vitally important, especially beside water. They last between 20 to 40 years. They’re made of concrete or fiberglass. It’s normal for a septic tank to run full, but there are circumstances under which this is a bad idea:

• The tank is blocked with sludge. The wastewater still moves but toilet paper and solid waste don’t dissolve.
• When the tank is running full but the wastewater isn’t moving, then the septic system backs up.

It’s easy to understand how this type of circumstance could contaminate the crystal clear, clean lake water. It’s the area’s drinking water, too, so keeping it clean is paramount.

The Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team partners with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to provide funds for Highland Shores subdivision residents when a problem arises that could threaten the watershed.

Regular maintenance is the answer to this problem. Funds are available to residents keeping an eye on their septic systems. Remember that it’s less expensive to maintain a system than it is to repair or replace it

What Should Buyers Know About Highland Shores Subdivision HOA Guidelines?

In all the 90 communities in Highland Shores, their homeowners associations are designed to manage common or shared properties like parks, protect property values, and provide services for residents. When Highland Shores subdivision is finished, a homeowners association will be established to do these things for them.

For instance, HOAs typically prevent existing homeowners from being overshadowed by buyers who want view-blocking homes that are too tall. The HOA oversees requests to change the architecture of buildings in its purview, the placement of docks, landscaping, and more. These rules and covenants are in place so that all residents maintain the same property values.

There are HOA fees, though, and they can be paid either monthly or annually. In condo communities, buyers will pay condo fees. All this is in addition to your property taxes, so don’t forget those.

Reasons Buyers Should Live In Highland Shores Subdivision

When our rivers and lakes are drowned in commercial and human run-off, when our trees are being destroyed to make room for yet more building, and when the air around us is unhealthy to breathe due to commercial pollution, then it’s time to find a spot (if one still exists) that’s clean.

That spot is Highland Shores:

• You can look down into clear water and see the bottom.
• There are trees.
• It’s a gated community.
• Except for summer, there isn’t much traffic.
• The waterfalls and huge climbing rocks.
• Dozens of things to do such as mountain biking, hiking, festivals such as famous performers like Linda Ronstadt and Elton John and Johnny Cash tribute bands.
• Lots of public parks.
• Camping, boating, water sports, fishing, and swimming.
• Near Clemson University.
• A charity bought a lake home for a wounded marine.
• Famous names who live in Highland Shores include Oprah Winfrey, Jack Nicklaus, and Kevin Costner.
• Internet and cell phone reception is not a problem.

Highland Shores Amenities

Buyers are just as interested in community amenities as they are in lots and houses. Highland Shores subdivision has access to some pretty nice amenities in 90 communities:

• The Reserve offers residents an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Niklaus.
• Massive clubhouse with food.
• Swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness center.
• Keowee Key offers residents an 18-hole golf course designed by George Cobb.
• Pickleball as well as tennis.
• Swimming and boating.
• Dog park.
• Fitness center and walking trails.
• The Cliffs at Keowee Springs offers residents golf, water sports, health and fitness, in addition to some interesting food choices.

These are just a few of the communities offering Highland Shores subdivision residents amenities that define the Highland Shores lifestyle. Buyers can float around in one of dozens of pools while sipping drinks from the bar. Buyers can also sample some of the cuisine that makes the South so popular.

Lake Keowee Businesses

If you’re thinking of building a house in Highland Shores subdivision, then you’ll be wondering what businesses are around the area:

• There are car lots.
• Builders and remodelers.
• Teachers.
• Retail sales.
• Management.
• Communications.
• Manufacturing.

You’ll need to eat, so here are a few restaurants you might want to try:

• Joe’s New York Pizza. New York pizza is special. When you can get it in South Carolina, grab it! Joe’s is rated five out of 75 restaurants.
• Vangeli’s. Not many Greek restaurants are around, and this one is rated three out of 75. They also serve American and steakhouse food.
• Paesano’s Italian Restaurant. Rated number one in the area, that makes the Italian food that much better.

Lake Keowee History

The First Dams

The first dam was built in ancient Mesopotamia or modern Jordan. The purpose of the dam was to store water (remember it was in the desert.) The first dam built in America was in Massachusetts. It was called the Old Oaken Bucket Pond Dam and was built in 1640.

Today’s Dams

Today’s purposes for the dams near which Highland Shores is located include irrigation, water for both livestock and humans, energy, and recreation, among others. For the most part, power companies are behind the construction of a large number of dams, two of which are near Highland Shores subdivision.

Duke Energy Dams

Duke Energy foresaw the need for dams and lakes, so it started buying up the necessary land in the 1940s. Duke has since built two hydroelectric units on its two dams. Additionally, since the advent of nuclear power generation, the water comes in handy to cool the three Duke Energy reactor systems.

Duke Energy is the biggest taxpayer in Oconee County, so it pretty much calls the shots. After all, the company uses the land and water every day. Duke Energy manages Highland Shores and its Highland Shores subdivision.

That doesn’t mean that the company plays dirty. Yes, building along the lake means obtaining the right permissions. However, the company works with state, federal, and military entities to ensure the lake is viable and clean.

Local Highland Shores homeowners band together to clean up what pollution is in the lake. These Highland Shores subdivision homeowners are concerned about noise and light pollution, litter, and too much development. It would spoil the overall impression of the lake.

In one instance, the county stopped the development of a high-rise condo complex. Changing the lake’s skyline would have been unpleasant.

Is That All?

Not at all. Whenever people are around water, picnics are packed, swimsuits and sunscreen are brought along, and boats are prepped for a day on the water. Marinas dot the coastline of the lake. Private homes in the Highland Shores subdivision will moor their boats to their own docks.

Fishing the waters of a crystal-clear, clean lake like Keowee is heaven to fisherpersons. Water sports are better on a lake that’s not so deep. The fact that skiers and para-sailors can see right to the bottom is comforting in case they lose it.

For those whose pleasure is gently exercising by walking along the shoreline, there are 387 miles in which to tone those legs and get sand in your shoes. If you’re sharp, you’ll see river otters, perhaps a gentle black bear, the first elk spotted in SC in several hundred years, and plenty of stunning flora.

Keep in mind, though, that wooded areas, especially around water, abound with reptiles and other things that crawl on the ground. Plenty of frogs, salamanders, lizards, and other harmless-to-deadly critters like snakes will address your intrusion into their domain on your walk. Keep an eye out.

Conclusion

Ready to take the next step towards buying your dream home in Highland Shores? Reach out to the experts at Top Guns Realty today!