Lake Keowee SC is quickly becoming known as the jewel of South Carolina. Considering the breathtaking backdrop of lake scenery, it’s little wonder why so many people are flocking to the area to buy lake Keowee homes, whether as a primary home, vacation home, or retirement property.

Facts about Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee was created as a man-made reservoir to meet the local energy needs and provide recreation for the area. Situated in western South Carolina, the lake encompasses slightly more than 18,000 acres and covers some 25 miles in length. The lake spans three miles in width. Shaped somewhat like a tree, Lake Keowee features the main channel and multiple side channels on either side. With an average depth of just over 50 feet, Lake Keowee boasts 300 miles of pristine shoreline.

As beautiful as it may be, this reservoir also serves an important practical purpose: providing critical drinking water to the surrounding towns, including Seneca and Greenville. In fact, the lake is actually renowned for its superior water quality. This is hardly surprising considering the crystal blue hue of the water.

Location of Lake Keowee SC

Lake Keowee actually spans the counties of Oconee and Pickens. At the time it was created in 1973, the lakeside setting primarily interested buyers looking for a second home. Many homebuyers were attracted to the lake’s higher elevation, which provided a break from the traditional summer heat of cities such as Charleston and Columbia. For residents of even more nearby cities, like Clemson, Lake Keowee homes make an ideal weekend getaway.

Why Choose Lake Keowee Homes?

Why consider buying Lake Keowee homes? Over the last few years, more and more people have heard about the beauty of the local area. In fact, buyers have begun to flock from all over the United States, having decided that now is the best time to buy lake property in Lake Keowee. This is particularly true of retirees from states such as Texas, California, Colorado, and even more northerly states, like Wisconsin and Michigan. Buyers are typically drawn to the Lake Keowee region for the following reasons:

• Mild four-season climate. While many people want to enjoy watching all four seasons change, they typically do not want to deal with severe winters or extreme summers. The local Lake Keowee area provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy each season while avoiding frigid winters and powerfully hot temperatures in the summer. Compared to other regions in South Carolina, Lake Keowee tends not to be as humid. This is largely due to its higher elevation. While snow and ice are not uncommon in the winter, they are usually are rather mild in nature.
• Crystal clear waters. Due to the fact that Lake Jocassee feeds into Lake Keowee, it boasts some of the most beautifully clear water in the area. In fact, it’s ranked one of the best lakes in the entire state of South Carolina.
• Rolling hills and mountain views. The local topography is post-card worthy. While lounging by the lake, visitors and residents can soak up spectacular mountainside views.
• Fantastic watersports. The span of Lake Keowee makes it ideal for enjoying all sorts of watersports, including jet-skiing, tubing, boating, and fishing. Among the favorite points of interest in the local area are Waterfall Cove and The Jumping rock. Waterfall Cove provides the perfect backdrop for simply sitting back and enjoying the spectacular waterfall, while the 30-ft Jumping Rock is a favorite dive spot.
• Near Clemson University. Given the close proximity to the university, it’s not surprising that many people who choose to make their home in Lake Keowee are actually Clemson alumni. For individuals who want to ensure they never miss one of their beloved Tiger’s games, buying a home in Keowee, SC offers the best of both worlds.
• Conveniently located to Greenville and Spartanburg. As quaint and relaxing as it may be to live in Lake Keowee, it can also come in handy to be near a larger city. Since Greenville is so nearby, Lake Keowee residents can enjoy everything the larger city has to offer, as well. In fact, Greenville has been ranked by CNN as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

Real Estate in Lake Keowee

When looking for Lake Keowee homes to purchase, prospective buyers will find there to be numerous options both directly on the lake as well as in the nearby vicinity. In fact, there has never been a better time to buy lake property in Lake Keowee. Buyers can choose from lake view homes, lakefront homes, or even homes with mountain or wooded views. One thing to keep in mind when searching for homes to buy in Lake Keowee, SC is that there is a smaller degree of residential development in this area. This means that there are actually a few condos and duplexes to purchase. Of course, there is an upside to minimal development, which is that the lake has retained its stunning natural beauty. Given there is such little development in the area; however, prospective buyers should not dally in locating a property and making an offer. Likewise, prospective sellers will find there to be a ready and willing market of interested buyers.

North and South of Lake Keowee SC

Before deciding which neighborhood is the best option for your new home on Lake Keowee, it’s best to take some time to become educated about the layout of the lake itself.

Northern Lake Keowee

The northern end of the lake tends to feature newer development. This also means there may be a greater selection of homes from which to choose.

Southern Lake Keowee

The southern end of the lake is the best option for prospective buyers of Lake Keowee homes who wish to enjoy amenities of convenience. Since the homes in this region were among the first built, buyers will find that homes here may need to be refreshed with renovations.

When searching for Lake Keowee homes to buy, you will naturally want to know more about the local neighborhoods and communities. Below, we will explore the stunning array of neighborhoods in and around Lake Keowee.

Greenwood Communities and Resorts

This community is actually family-owned. Originally developed in the late 1970s, this community is located near Highway 11 on the east side of the lake. It is situated approximately a 20-minute drive north of Seneca and Clemson. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this private community offers a wealth of amenities, such as a restaurant, clubhouse, golf course, and large marina. Additionally, there are such conveniences as a post office, market, dog park, chapel, outdoor pool pavilion, and a park system with several miles of hiking trails. Since more than 550 acres of The Reserve is held in conservation, current and future residents can be assured that the natural beauty will be there to enjoy for many years.

The Cliffs Communities

Located along the northern end of the lake, this community features an entrance slightly north of Highway 11. Property owners here enjoy such amenities as a clubhouse, golf course, gated entrance, restaurant, outdoor pool, wellness center, lake house, marina, equestrian center, and trail system.

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

This lovely community offers two gated entrances for convenience. If you choose to buy a home here, you will enjoy a fabulous wellness center, trail system, tennis courts, golf course, restaurant, and clubhouse.

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

Situated near the lake’s midpoint along the east side, this community boasts such amenities as two outdoor swimming pools, a Beach Club, golf course, hiking trails, and a marina.

Making Your Home in Lake Keowee SC

If you think that now may be the best time to buy lake property in Lake Keowee, you will certainly want to know more about what it’s like to actually live here.

Although sometimes confused as a town, Lake Keowee SC is actually more of a region. In recent years, the region has become a highly desirable locale for active adult communities as well as those who are considering Lake Keowee homes as second homes. Among the towns in the region include:

• Keowee
• Six Mile
• Liberty
• Walhalla
• Seneca
• Clemson

Local Culture and Dining

Due to the fact that this is a resort region, Lake Keowee SC and the surrounding area do not boast a tremendous amount of cultural resources. The good news; however, is that Clemson University is just a short 20-minute drive away, whole Greenville is also a short distance from the region.

Medical Facilities

Most of the smaller towns in this region feature medical facilities. A broader array of medical resources is available in Clemson and Greenville.

Transportation

Although there is not mass public transit around the nearby Lake Keowee area, Amtrak service is available in Clemson, while there is an airport in Greenville.

Local Education

Making your home in Lake Keowee also provides access to an excellent educational system. Families living in Lake Keowee homes situated on the southern side of the lake are in the Seneca school district. The local school district includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools; all of which are very well rated.

Employment Opportunities

Unemployment is typically low in the local region. Most of the people making their homes in Lake Keowee work in manufacturing, retail, or in the food and hospitality industries.

Local Attractions and Entertainment

Lake Keowee and the surrounding area boast a wealth of attractions and entertainment options. When you are surrounded by a beautiful lake and mountainside vistas, it’s easy to find something to enjoy. Beyond the local natural beauty; however, residents can also enjoy close proximity to history, art, and more.

Parks

Situated between Oconee and Pickens Counties, Lake Keowee SC provides easy access to the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. Spanning some 1,000 acres, the area offers the opportunity to hike miles of trails while breathing in crisp mountain area and views of the lake. Anglers will certainly appreciate the opportunity to wet a hook at Sumter National Forest. Even if you’re not into fishing, there are plenty of other pursuits to enjoy, such as swimming, horseback riding, biking, or hunting.

Boating and Watersports

Lake Keowee SC provides an excellent backdrop for all sorts of water sports and boating. Among the sports residents enjoy on the water here include kayaking, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Even if you do not yet have your own equipment, rentals are available year-round. There is also no shortage of places to put your boat or kayak in the water. There are several public access areas available, including:

• Crow Creek Access Area
• Cane Creek Access Area
• High Falls County Park
• Gap Hill Landing
• Fall Creek Access Area
• Mile Creek Park
• Lake Keowee Marina
• Keowee Town Access Area
• Warpath Access Area
• Stamp Creek Access Area
• South Cove County Park

Local Events

There is also certainly no lack of events in the surrounding area. As with any small town, the Lake Keowee region boasts ample opportunities to taste fabulous food, listen to fantastic music, and admire local arts and crafts.

On the third Friday of every other month, residents take advantage of the Downtown Seneca Go-Round, which features gallery openings complete with music. If art isn’t your forte, enjoy a classic movie night on the third Saturday of each month at the Oconee Heritage Center.

The month of April is filled with fun activities ranging from the Azalea Festival in Pickens to the Railroad Festival in Central. Spartanburg and Anderson also both feature their own street festivals, replete with fabulous music, food, and entertainment.

Moving into May, residents of Lake Keowee homes can take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy self-guided tours of galleries, businesses, and artists’ homes in the region.

During the fall, there is the Central Heritage Festival, Drover’s Old Time Medicine Show, Old Time Fiddlin’ Convention, and the Pickens County Upcountry Folk Life Festival. Of course, fall wouldn’t be complete without the state fair.

The Best Time to Buy Lake Property in Lake Keowee

As you can see, now is the best time to buy lake property in Lake Keowee SC. Whether you are looking for a primary residence, a place to enjoy retirement, or a vacation home, Lake Keowee homes are the ideal choice.