I have been doing some research on NW part of South Carolina for possible areas in which to purchase land for future retirement. Either lakefront property or scenic property (hills and trees) would be ideal. I came across Rock Hill but I am afraid it may be to residential. Any suggestions on NW South Carolina? I have been doing research online with US Census etc.. but nothing beats info from locals or people familiar with the areas.
Thank you for your input. The email address above is real so if you like you can either post here or email or both!

Hi Katherine -

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by North West SC. To me, that would entail more of the Greenville, Spartanburg, Oconee, Pickens Counties rather than the area around Rock Hill (which is pretty-much a suburb of Charlotte, N.C.) If Charlotte is the area you are interested in, then you can ignore the rest of this post....

I live in northern Greenville county and it is gorgeous. Rolling hills give way to the Blue Ridge mountains as you head toward the N.C. line (nearer to Hendersonville NC) There are several related developments that spring to mind. The Cliffs properties have subdivisions on a mountain top (Glassy Mtn), in a valley with mountains surrounding , and on Lake Keowee. They are all quite pricey. I'm not really a fan of developments, but these guys seem to do it right. If I wanted to live in a subdivision (golf course community) I would look at Cliffs Valley.

Of course, you can still buy land fairly reasonably if you do not need to be too close to town. I could ramble on quite a bit more, but why don't you post back if you are interested in this area.

Just my opinion, but Rock Hill in my mind is more of a bedroom community to Charlotte, and not especially high on charm factor- it is handy to highways and shopping, but that's about it. If you're considering SC, take a look at Aiken. It is a pretty community, and has a good mix of business/amenities. Look at www.aiken.net.

I live in Charlotte - Rock Hill is extremely red neck. I hate it there. I had to stop to get gas and in the parking lot across the street there was a fist fight between two teenage girls and their mom's. That is the epitome of Rock Hill...I would never live there.

Thank you for your replies, I really appreciate them. We are not interested in subdivisions. We want to buy out in the country. I was thinking that the West part of North and South Carolina would be idea because of the hills. South Carolina seems to have lower taxes overall and cheaper cost of living. The following counties I did research with the US Census and here is what I came up with:
Greenville
Spartanburg
Lexington
Anderson
York

Of these counties which would be more likely to have the topography of rolling hills and trees?
I have to say I am envious of you. I live in Fort Worth Texas. It just is not pretty here (although the people are fantastic). It would be nice to retire to somewhere where there would be more of 4 seasons.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

If you're set on living up in the NW corner of SC, look at properties along Lake Hartwell around Anderson near I-85. Just my opinion, though; I'm not too fond of the Greenville-Spartanburg area due to the heavy truck traffic on I-85. I reiterate the suggestion on Aiken- it's a good location, close enough to Augusta or Columbia for the amenities they provide, and a pretty town in its own right. I'm sure you plan to visit SC prior to any investment; yes, taxes, etc. are lower, but you also need to examine the education level, state services, etc. May not be to your liking. Hope this is helpful.

RB yes actually at Christmas we are driving up. My husband's sister lives in Camden, SC. I have asked her but she is relatively new to SC. She is from Birmingham AL. My husband and I spent a lot of time in North Carolina although it was primarily in Raleigh. He was up on a project that lasted a year. We would make day trips and weekend trips. Although we drove the Blue Ridge Pkwy we did not really explore surrounding areas. Anyway I will check out Aiken and surrounding areas around it. Thanks RB for your help. The Realtors I am talking to are not very informative. Also being from out of state it is hard to know the nuances of each area.

You are considering a nice area of the South. I grew up in Charleston, have family in central South Carolina and have lived in N.C.
The area around Greenville/Spartenburg is nice. Also consider in N.C. around Hendersonville and Brevard. Gorgeous scenery. Laid back lifestyle.
Also consider near a town/city with a college. Get good cultural advantage.

Thanks John I will take a look at it. Just talking about it makes we want to leave today and drive up and explore..
I am greatful for your respones.

Ah...a woman after my own heart. It should be lots of fun looking for beautiful land out in the country. Greenville and Spartanburg, especially the northern parts of each county are much more beautiful than the other counties you mention, IMHO.

As a personnal example, I live on 42 acres of rolling pasture 17 miles NNE of downtown Greenville. (a 30-35 minute commute) I have a gorgeous view of the mountains. As you go further north from my house, the population continues to diminish. If I ride my road bike north on the weekend, I can sometimes go without seeing a car for more than 20 minutes.

Greenville began as a textile town, and is not exactly a beacon of culture, dining and shopping...but it's not terrible. Charleston and it's beaches are 3.5 hours away. Pisgah National Forest is about 45 min from my house and is a destination for hikers, mtn bikers, paddlers, etc.

Just across the NC line are Hendersonville and Asheville. I go to Asheville just about every weekend. There we find the exciting restaurants and independent films that Greenville is lacking. These are very popular retirement communities...and I understand the real estate prices are rather high.

You might try Top Gun Realty. They specialize in mountain properties in this area.

I've included my real e-mail (leave out the "nospam" part) if you have other questions.

Thanks Danna!

Katherine-

You've chosen a wonderful area to consider retiring! I go to school at Clemson University, which is a gorgeous college town of about 15-20,000 on the border of Oconee and Pickens Counties, right on the shores of Lake Hartwell. I have often thought how wonderful it would be to retire here...

I really have to disagree with Danna's post that "Greenville is a textile town without good culture." Granted, its no Asheville, but Greenville has done wonders with its downtown. There is alfresco dining, waterfalls, a riverwalk, and some nice architecture. Nice bars and restaurants too!

I really suggest living in Clemson. Its got a very cool, relaxed atmosphere and the univ. provides a lot of culture. Welcome to SC!

Seneca, SC might be right for you as well.

Thank you for your replies. Now I have somewhere to start. I have already bought some maps of the different areas. I really appreciate the input. As I had previously mentioned, it is hard to know an area when you are not from that area. If you ever need info on Fort Worth or Dallas feel free to post and I will respond.
Again thanks...isn't the internet great!

I can't beleive no one mentioned Lake Keowee (I slaughtered the spelling, pronounced Lake KeeWee). It is hands down the most gorgeous lake I've ever seen. Rolling hills and mountains in the background with this gorgeous blue green water. Not your normal mud lake. Very deep.

Anyone know what/where Ninety-Six, S.C. is?