Clemson/Seneca for retirement (Anderson, Easley: Home Depot, college, living)

[normie]

Anybody know anything about the Lake Hartwell area of South Carolina? I have friends who are considering it as a place for retirement. They like the idea of being on a lake, near a college, and in a relatively inexpensive state like SC. Also, they like the mild weather in the SC mountains.

Most of the threads here discuss Clemson as a college town (makes sense). But does anybody have an opinion how it might be as a retirement town? If you know the aera, would they be better off being in a nearby town like Lake Keowee (they are a little afraid of being in a 24/7 party zone during football season).

[pgriss]

Lake Keowee is great for retirees. They have a lot of activities through the newcomers club and garden clubs etc. My mother-in-law (late 70's) moved here 3 years ago and she remains quite active through these organizations. She lives in Seneca, which is not too far from Anderson when she wants to go it is a short drive. She also enjoys the size of Seneca as opposed to the traffic in Anderson. I guess it depends on the amount of money they want to spend. Naturally deep water is more expensive so if they go boating that is something they want to consider.

[normie]

Originally Posted by pgriss

Lake Keowee is great for retirees. They have a lot of activities through the newcomers club and garden clubs etc. My mother-in-law (late 70's) moved here 3 years ago and she remains quite active through these organizations. She lives in Seneca, which is not too far from Anderson when she wants to go it is a short drive. She also enjoys the size of Seneca as opposed to the traffic in Anderson. I guess it depends on the amount of money they want to spend. Naturally deep water is more expensive so if they go boating that is something they want to consider.

Thanks, sounds very nice. Actually, they are into kayaking, not power boating. If the lake is busy with a lot of boats, they would probably prefer being near shallow water, side rivers, inlets, things like that. Any thoughts?

[pgriss]

There are a number of power boats during the summer however there are a lot of coves in which to Kayak. We prefer the south end of the lake near Keowee Marina. The north end is beautiful and has beautiful waterfalls but seems busier. You may want to search Oconee county and should get some good information. My mother in laws neighbors go kayaking almost daily in the spring and summer.

[rxlynn]

Well, if they live right in Clemson then they would be impacted by the football - 6 or 7 Saturdays in the fall would be extreme traffic. Also, might see traffic with basketball games. The rest of the time - the partying scene is pretty much confined either on campus or just off campus in downtown Clemson on college ave. I'm certainly biased since I'm a Clemson grad, but I think it would be a great place to retire!

[normie]

How is shopping in the area? While cutesy stores for tourists are fun, my friend really wants to live in a town with a nearby Home Depot (or Lowes), a good grocery store, a mall, a place to get computer items, and maybe even a Nissan dealer.

[Rggr]

Originally Posted by normie

How is shopping in the area? While cutesy stores for tourists are fun, my friend really wants to live in a town with a nearby Home Depot (or Lowes), a good grocery store, a mall, a place to get computer items, and maybe even a Nissan dealer.

Clemson is not a big shopping area, but as far as Lowes etc. if it's not in Clemson is would be in Easley or Seneca which would be about 10-15 minutes away.

[ellagrace]

If they are looking for a lake and mountain setting, Keowee. Clemson during football season is rough. I'm in Easley and the traffic affects me.

[dwsc]

I believe a property on either Lake Hartwell or Keowee would be great for your friends. Keowee properties tend to be more expensive, but lake living can be ideal for retirees, and our lakes are absolutely beautiful. Also, if they stay closer to Clemson, Seneca, West Union areas, they will be close to shopping (Seneca has Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart as well as grocery stores), restaurants and Oconee Memorial Hospital that's currently expanding in size & services. Hope this helps!