AIKEN S.C. Info on Developments (North Augusta, North: sales, real estate, low crime)

[bobizzy3]

I looking for anyone that may live or have first hand information about Aiken S.C. especially the developments like Woodside Plantation. I have been doing research on a place to move. We have looked all over the country and have focused on Aiken. We are retired from California and just want to live on the East Coast for the sake of change. Aiken seems to be a very well managed town. The weather is moderate (Hot Summers), low crime rate, good medical facilites etc, etc,,, I have done some research.
What I need is some first hand info about what to expect in the different developments. Information like what kind of people will we find there,, families retirees ??? Are the developments well managed ? Are the folks accepting of newcomers? All the intangible pieces of information you can't get from a realtor.

Thanks,,,

[wsaiken]

Woodside is a gated community with large homes and lots of golf. I've never understood the need for gates, especially in Aiken, but it always appears to be well-maintained. Gem Lakes, Houndslake and Aiken Estates are established subdivisions. There are also several newer subdivisions. Maybe you could post the names of some of the areas you're considering.

Aiken is welcoming of newcomers -- many, many people here are not born and bred Aikenites. Some are holdovers from the Winter Colony days, and many more moved here to work at the Savannah River Site. These days, of course, retirees are looking to Aiken -- lots who've quit a retirement home in Florida and moved halfway back to the Northeast.

[bobizzy3]

The two developments I keep coming back to, are Woodside and Mount Vintage ( I know Vintage is not in town). The only thing I have to go by are the homes posted on the real estate web sites and these two developments appear to have the look we are searching for. The houses seem upscale, well maintained, with nice amenities and limited access. We are planning a trip to Aiken very soon. So we will have to wait until we see the entire region to be able to better guide us in our decision.
But if anyone has any information on any developments in the Aiken area area that are comparable to Woodside or Mount Vintage please let me know.
I looked at several in the Aiken area like Houndslake and Cedar Creek but they do not look a little rough around the edges,, but I may be wrong. Our price range is very flexible. We don't have horses and we don't want a lot of land,, we are most concerned with finding a well maintained and managed development. Thanks again to wsaiken and anyone that can help.

[wsaiken]

It sounds like Woodside may be for you -- it looks like you're interested in golf. I don't know much about Mount Vintage. I know it's in North Augusta and it's only a few years old. My brother-in-law is an avid golfer and I imagine he's played there before. I'll ask him. I've heard it's great.

I haven't been to Cedar Creek in a while. It's been around for a while and looked to have potential when I last saw it. It's fairly far south of town -- I'd not like the drive into Aiken.

I'm not a golfer. When you say "rough around the edges," are you referring to the Houndslake golf course? Maybe it is; I don't know. I wouldn't say that the residential areas of Houndslake are rough around the edges at all. Some parts are newer than others, so when you visit, be sure to see it all.

Off the top of my head, I can't think of other places in Aiken that are comparable to Woodside. There are upscale developments outside of town, but they are for horse people.

Good luck! I hope you enjoy your visit!

[Bill T]

We have spent some time looking in Aiken. We rejected Cedar Creek because it did not have the type of clubhouse where you can easily meet people. We spent considerable time at Woodside. The lots were acutally less costly than at Cedar Creek. The amenities appear very good. We ate and drank at the club and found the setting good and the people friendly. We will be back in October. Probably will buy a lot and start building as soon as my Fl home sells.
Bill T

[estrogen]

I too am looking for a place and so far am limited to internet searches. I hope to go to the area at the end of the month to look at Mt. Vintage. Fox Chase is perfect for what I want, access to trails etc. I am not a horsey person who shows and plays polo. I am just a trail rider. But Fox Chase is a bit more expensive .

What did you find out while there? I'd love to hear your impressions.

[mk1116]

If you go to the Mount Vintage website you can order a brochure. I got mine yesterday. It even has a DVD. Woodside is the same I believe.

[RichCapeCod]

My wife and I have been to Aiken. We like it very much but find the various housing communities available there quite confusing. We know folks in Houndslake and Woodside (which we saw and liked), but are also aware of Cedar Creek and some of the other smaller places. Is there any simple way to figure out the differences among them?

[Racelady88]

My advice to those of you who are considering one of the housing communities would be to work with a Realtor as a buyer's agent instead of trying to work with the sales agents at the housing communities. A good Realtor will be familiar with all of the communities in the area and the amenities that are offered, and can help you to find a builder. They will also know what resale properties are available in each community.

Feel free to PM me for a recommendation for an excellent local Realtor. I do not get any kind of a finder's fee from them, I just know that they will work hard for you.

[miltysmum]

Like many of the bloggers, we too have been looking hard at Aiken or North Augusta, SC. We want a golf course property (for the man of the house), and I need to build for wheelchair access (recent development). We've gotton ALL of the packages, but think we need a realtor as you suggested. I have talked with Meybohm but want your recommendation.

Thank you