Lake Living in SC (Columbia, Greenville: condo, hotel, houses)

[wrightflyer]

First things first, my parents have giving up their dream of living on the ocean. It's just too expensive. To them, a two bedroom condo is just too close to the neighbors and too much concrete. They want something where grandkids and visitors have a place to sleep besides a nearby hotel.

So they arrived at this conclusion. Why not live on/near a lake? Thus, why I am here. Which lakes in South Carolina are decent? Where can they find a home (roughly 1700-2200 sp ft, 3bd, 2ba) for 200-350K? They would like to have public or private boat access for a jetski or small fishing boat. They realize they probably won't get waterfront, but if they can, they'll pounce. They've also been looking at buying/building a log home on a private lot and master-planned communities both so either one goes. Also, are basements big around the lakes? Any feedback would be greatful.

One place in particular was Lake Greenwood and the Grand Harbour developments. If anyone has information on those as well, it would greatly be appreciated.

[scyogi]

Lake Thurmond is really nice. It is located in Mccormick Co. and the lake borders GA and SC. Not a ton of boat traffic, amazing homes on the lake and neighborhoods nestled in also with lake access. The down fall to the area, IMO, is that it is rural. Not great grocery stores, dining, or entertainment choices. All that being said when we are melting here in TX I sure do miss that lake! I am sure the Greenville peeps will also sound in about that area. I have no Greenville lake experience but Greenville is a great town. Also, Lake Murray near Columbia--very nice. Lexington and Irmo are both towns that kinda hug Lake Murray. Home prices in general in SC are very affordable and taxes property taxes are affordable as well.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Lake Murray in Columbia/Lexington is a possibility but for that price they'd probably be getting a small fixer upper unless they went more rural. Lake Murray is a popular retiree area among other things.

[bobgardner22]

I am a Realtor in Hartsville,SC. We have a nice small lake here called Lake Robinson. You could be Waterfront for the price range you have quoted. Hartsville is a small quiet town, perfect for retirees or just someone wanting to slow down a bit. Feel free to contact me if I can help you. I am on myspace at bobgardner22 or you ca reach me at 843-383-5199 at the Hartville office of Century-21 Professional Realtors.

[fisher33]

you could find a house close to lake hartwell for that price. there's a 3 bed, 2 bath in a NICE subdivision the lake (has it's own deeded boat slip, walking distance to lake) that's $360k and probably could be a little less. it could have sold by now but if you want more info, just let me know. this house doesn't have a basement but could be expanded upstairs. houses have basements near the lake, most are walk out (at least in my neighborhood). smart of your parents, the lake is so much better than the ocean! good luck!