From the idyllic shores of Lake Hartwell to friendly faces on the street, Anderson County offers peaceful, small-town living in addition to its rich history. Located in the southwestern corner of the greater Greenville-Spartanburg area, Anderson County lies along Interstate 85 and shares a border with Georgia. It is ideally located halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte.

Due in part to the growth of the Greenville-Spartanburg area, Anderson County’s population increased 14.1 percent between 1990 and 2000 and is estimated to have a population of 176,000 today. Housing costs in the county are well below the national average, and the low cost of living adds to the region’s magnetism. From lakefront living to a small-town atmosphere, Anderson County offers a diverse range of real estate and apartment options.

Anderson County is named after Revolutionary War general Robert Anderson and was settled by Scotch-Irish farmers who migrated from Pennsylvania and Virginia in the 18th century.

Founded in 1826 when Pendleton District was divided into Anderson and Pickens counties, the city of Anderson was established to serve as the county seat. The original courthouse, too small to serve its growing community, was torn down in 1897, and a new one rose in its place. After undergoing numerous renovations throughout the years, the Historic Courthouse still houses several county offices.

Pendleton, the oldest town in the county, was founded around 1790 and was a resort for low country planters in the nineteenth century. Located on the edge of the county, Pendleton was too close the border to be established as the county seat. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pendleton is one of the largest historical districts in the nation.

In addition to its rich history, Anderson County offers an environment that facilitates outdoor recreation as well as an atmosphere of leisurely pursuits. Ball fields, neighborhood parks and tennis courts abound in dozens of parks and recreation areas.

Lying on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell offers Anderson County an abundance of water activities including fishing, water skiing and boating, as well as camping and hiking in its surrounding areas. With over 1,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Hartwell is one of South Carolina’s largest recreational lakes.

Although most golfers avoid the winter months, Anderson County’s temperate climate allows the option of golfing year-round. The county boasts a dozen of the Upstate’s finest golf courses, including many that are public or semi-private.

If shopping is your form of recreation, Anderson County offers 40 shopping centers, the largest of which is Anderson Mall, featuring five department stores, a food court, movie theaters and over 75 specialty shops. Additionally, the mall hosts monthly talent and seasonal fashion shows.
Numerous festivals illuminate Anderson County throughout the year. Celebrated on Memorial Day weekend, Freedom Weekend Aloft involves a competition of more than 100 hot-air balloons as well as performances by top entertainers.

In October, the Anderson County Fairgrounds bustle with a number of events—including a demolition derby, games, rides, food, children’s activities, a hypnotist and livestock exhibitions. The Belton Standpipe Festival, held in October, features music, arts and crafts, a 5K run and a classic car show.

Anderson County Schools are separated into five districts. The largest, Anderson School District 5, encompasses the schools in and around the city of Anderson. Seeking to create lifelong learners, Anderson County Schools provide a rich academic curriculum in addition to serving students’ individual needs. The Palmetto’s Finest Competition named Anderson’s T.L. Hanna High School the top high school in the state in 1999. Beyond its superb public schools, the county also offers over 15 private schools.

The community is benefited by three colleges that offer various degree programs. Anderson College, a private, four-year liberal arts institution, enrolls 1,600 students from across the country. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Anderson College provides education within a Christian community. Recognized by Time magazine and the Princeton Review as one of the country’s most selective colleges, Anderson College establishes a learner-centered classroom environment that is “intentionally Christian.”

Forrest Junior College is a private college that provides initial training and skills enhancement in the pursuit of a two-year associate degree. Small in numbers, Forrest College prides itself on individualized and personal instruction. The school celebrates 50 years of education in 2006.

Serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties, Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton is a public community/technical college that offers degree programs and continuing education courses for commuting students. The fourth largest in the state, this technical college imparts knowledge in 65 major fields of study in more than 100 sites across the three counties. In 2007, Tri-County Tech will open a new branch in Anderson.

Located right across the county line, Clemson University offers a stellar academic program as one of the best universities in the Southeast. Additionally, Clemson draws Anderson County residents in its passion for extracurricular activities. Clemson’s football stadium, Death Valley, is one of the 10 largest stadiums in the country.

Powdersville, one of the fastest-growing communities in this bustling area, is a nontown with a post office and a growing shopping district along S.C. 81 and 153, but no particular boundaries. Unincorporated and sprawling into Anderson, Greenville and Pickens counties, it has no government of its own and thus levies no city taxes.

With a population that has increased significantly in recent years, Powdersville offers a small-town atmosphere with low taxes, excellent schools and large lots that are reasonably priced.

The incredible growth that Powdersville has seen has resulted in the development of its own business center with grocery stores, restaurants and retail shopping. Its location makes Powdersville within reach of Greenville and Easley malls.

Quiet, accessible, and with a feel of open space left from its very recent farmland heritage, Powdersville is a community of neighbors bonded by a common interest in maintaining the area’s uncitylike distance from all that makes for uptight living, while at the same time building quality into schools and services.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PENDLETON DISTRICT COMMISSION