Location

Anderson, the county seat and one of the principal cities in the metropolitan area of western upstate South Carolina, is home to approximately 30,000 residents. This history-rich area, located near Lake Hartwell, offers all the big city advantages with the charm of a small southern town. Its proximity to I-85 means residents are easily connected to the Charlotte and Atlanta metro areas. Nicknamed the friendliest city in South Carolina, its diverse population reflects the warmth and welcome that awaits new residents.

History

Cherokee natives roamed these foothills long before the mid-1700s when Revolutionary War General Robert Anderson explored the land that would come to be named for him. There are many historic remnants of this earlier time to explore. During the industrial revolution, Anderson was one of the pioneers of hydroelectricity, earning the name “Electric City”. Smaller towns close by include Pendleton, Sandy Springs, Belton and Williamston, and have become commuter neighborhoods to the Anderson county seat.

Lifestyle/ Area Attractions

Arts are at the heart of Anderson, and with the Anderson Arts Center, several area museums, and locally owned specialty shops, you are never far away from inspiration. The local library system offers weekly music and reading programs for children and adults. or tour historic places like the Belton Train Depot or one of several historic houses located throughout the county.

If you are looking for outdoor fun, bike or hike through the miles of parks or nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, play rounds of golf at Cobb’s Glen, Woodhaven or Pine Lake Golf clubs, or go boating, swimming, or fishing at nearby Lake Hartwell.

General Information

With nearly half of the population in Anderson made up of families with children under the age of eighteen, Anderson has a relatively young demographic. This makes the city a perfect choice for growing families.

In the five local school districts, there are 22 public schools, 48 private schools and one charter school, offering educational options, such as Southwood Academy for the Arts, a grades 6-8 school. Several of the private schools have received commendable reviews for families seeking non-traditional education options.

Higher education opportunities abound close by.  Clemson University, one of the most productive public research universities in the nation and home to the formidable Clemson Tiger ACC athletic programs is nestled on the banks of Lake Hartwell. Historic Anderson University is considered one the nation’s best liberal arts colleges and Forrest Junior College, a private 2-year institution and Tri-county Technical College, serve the greater Anderson metro area with degree and certification programs.

AnMed Health serves the Anderson County area with several hospitals and facilities, including specialty medical centers for Women’s health, pediatrics, a Cancer center, and more.

Fun Facts

The climate of Anderson allows residents to enjoy all four seasons, with an average of 221 sunny days per year. While the average snowfall is low, the Blue Ridge mountain range offers lots of winter sport options.

As one of the largest employers, the research facilities at Clemson and the proximity of the interstate mean that the infrastructure is in place for a thriving economy and employment opportunity. Several nationwide companies such as Bosch and Michelin have taken advantage of the ideal location.

Education

School Name Phone Students*
Cedar Grove Elementary (864)847-3500 627
Concrete Primary (864)269-4571 750
Hunt Meadows Elementary (864)850-3987 555
Palmetto Elementary (864)847-5442 571
Palmetto High (864)847-7311 971
Palmetto Middle (864)847-4333 827
Powdersville Elementary (864)269-4431 653
Powdersville High (864)312-5641 907
Powdersville Middle (864)269-1821 732
Spearman Elementary (864)947-9787 685
West Pelzer Elementary (864)947-6424 425
Wren Elementary (864)850-5950 568
Wren High (864)850-5900 1066
Wren Middle (864)850-5930 908
School Name Phone Students*
Belton Elementary (864)338-7738 422
Belton Honea Path High (864)369-7382 1091
Belton Middle (864)369-4712 550
Honea Path Elementary (864)369-7612 564
Honea Path Middle (864)369-7641 361
Marshall Primary (864)369-4716 492
Wright Elementary (864)296-1776 206
School Name Phone Students*
Crescent High (864)352-6175 722
Flat Rock Elementary (864)296-9191 399
Iva Elementary (864)348-6400 387
Starr Elementary (864)352-6154 491
Starr-Iva Middle (864)352-6146 616
School Name Phone Students*
La France Elementary (864)403-2300 422
Mt. Lebanon Elementary (864)403-2400 493
Pendleton Elementary (864)403-2500 372
Pendleton High (864)403-2100 830
Riverside Middle (864)403-2200 460
Townville Elementary (864)403-2600 283
School Name Phone Students*
Anderson Five Charter School (864)260-5538 57
Calhoun Academy of the Arts (864)260-5090 561
Centerville Elementary (864)260-5100 682
Concord Elementary (864)260-5105 562
Glenview Middle (864)716-4060 784
Homeland Park Primary (864)260-5125 446
McCants Middle (864)260-5145 640
McLees Elementary (864)716-3600 626
Midway Elementary (864)716-3800 748
Nevitt Forest Elementary (864)260-5190 511
New Prospect Elementary (864)260-5195 495
North Pointe Elementary (864)260-5040 602
Robert Anderson Middle (864)716-3890 1315
South Fant School of Early Education (864)260-5225 172
Southwood Academy for the Arts (864)260-5205 373
T. L. Hanna High (864)260-5110 1852
Varennes Elementary (864)260-5215 344
West Market School of Early Education (864)260-5200 200
Westside High (864)260-5260 1664
Whitehall Elementary (864)260-5255 511