Anderson, South Carolina

Setting:

Anderson has a population of 25,514 people and is the county seat of Anderson County South Carolina which has a total population of 171,510 people.

Located in the northwest corner of the state, Anderson is about fifteen minutes east of the Georgia border and fifteen minutes south of Interstate 85. In addition to the Interstate, South Carolina Route 29 runs southwest to northeast and Route 28 provides access to the northwest and southeast regions. Anderson is also only forty-five minutes from Greenville, South Carolina.

Although it has a healthy economy of its own, Anderson's proximity to Greenville is a great incentive for commuters. Residents of Anderson typically pay about $30,000 less for similar homes and enjoy lower taxes than people living in Greenville.

The northwest corner of South Carolina is one of the most beautiful areas in the state, with four distinct seasons, including a fall that explodes in a palette of colors not found in any Crayola box.

Anderson is aggressive in cultivating business relationships to benefit the town. Efforts such as bringing in advisers to work with local small business owners helps to foster a sense of confidence that Anderson is a good place to do business. Once the recipient of All-American City honors,

Anderson's population consists of a great mix of people of different ages and backgrounds, which all come together to form a friendly, complete community. Anderson's downtown is rich in history. The streets are lined with statues honoring heroes, and trees and steeples reach to the sky. The sidewalks are lined with manicured shrubs and greenery, linking shops, restaurants and people.

Attractions:

Lake Hartwell is just outside the Town and is one of the largest lakes in the southeast, with 300 miles of shoreline in Anderson County alone.

There are twelve golf courses in Anderson County with golf course communities for those who want the convenience of having a course in their backyard. Having Greenville nearby provides an opportunity to enjoy city entertainment, such as national touring acts performing at the Bi-Lo Center.

Clemson University is half an hour away and has a huge sports following, especially in football. In town, Anderson has more than enough to keep people happy as well. Through the year there are many festivals. During Freedom Weekend Aloft, hot air balloons float through the sky and there is the National Disc Dogs Competition as well. Lovers of the arts will find satisfaction with Anderson's offerings from community and youth theater, to the Symphony Orchestra Association and the shows at the Electric City Playhouse. Shopping is abundant in the area.

About an hour away, fittingly in Commerce, GA, is one of the largest outlet centers in the Southeast. In town, there are tons of shopping options, from men's and women's fashions, to antiques, florists, furnishings and jewelry.

Drawbacks:

Although there is Lake Hartwell for water fun, the beach is a bit of a drive.

Education:

Anderson students are split between two high-schools; Westside High School and TL Hanna High School. Out of Westside High School's 326 seniors 89 percent graduated, 55 percent went to a four-year college, and 25 percent went on to a two-year college.

Westside's seniors scored an average of 1033 on the SAT's. Out of TL Hanna's 283 seniors, 99 percent graduated, 56 percent went on to four-year colleges, and 29 percent went on to two-year colleges. TL Hanna's seniors scored an average of 1031 on the SAT's.

In comparison, the statewide average on the SAT's is 993, and an average of fifty-five percent of South Carolina's student's graduate from high school.

Within thirty miles there are two colleges. Tri-County Technical College has an enrollment of about 2,300 students and is located twelve miles away in Pendelton. Clemson University has an enrollment of about 16,000 students and is located about twenty-four miles away in Clemson.

Housing Costs:

The median home price is around $88,000. A home with two bedrooms and one bathroom, on half an acre sells for approximately $65,000. A home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, on about an acre of land, sells for approximately $165,000.

Who Your Neighbors Will Be:

Many of Anderson's people are involved in the schools of the area. Others commute to Greenville or spend the day in town running businesses. About twenty-two percent of the population works in educational, health or social services, with another twenty percent working in manufacturing, and about fifteen percent working in the retail industry.

What You'll Do in Your Free Time:

Hanging out by the lake. Grab a cup of, "joe" at eCity Java or a bite to eat at Pete's Downtown Cafe. Paint your face orange and scream all day at a Clemson football game. Listen to the birds chirp while replacing your divots at one of the great golf courses. Stop by and chat with the DJ's at AM 1390's headquarters.

Medical Care:

Anderson Area Medical Center serves Anderson's health care needs, with a main facility of 461 beds. The system of hospitals also includes a 40 bed rehabilitation hospital, a 27 bed chemical dependency hospital and a 72 bed women's health and children's hospital.

Getting There:

Greenville-Spartanburg Airport is about forty miles away in Greenville and is the best option for flying in and out of the Anderson area. Passenger airlines include:

• American Eagle Airlines
  (800-433-7300)
• Continental Airlines
  (800-525-0280)
• Delta Airlines
  (800-221-1212)
• Northwest Airlines
  (800-225-2525)
• United Express Airlines
  (800-241-6522) and
• US Airways
  (800-428-4322)

Rental car companies operating out of Greenville-Spartanburg include:

• Alamo/National
  (864-877-6447, 800-328-4567)
• Avis
  (864-877-6458, 800-331-1212)
• Budget
  (864-879-2134, 800-527-0700) and
• Hertz
  (864-879-0181, 800-654-3131)

For More Information:

• Chamber of Commerce: www.andersonscchamber.com
  (864-226-3454)
• Visitors Bureau: www.visitanderson.com
  (877-282-4650)
• City Site: www.cityofandersonsc.com