The Small Towns Around Anderson
Some of the best places to live around here are the small towns just outside Anderson. Here is a quick guide to each one within about 20 miles, with drive times to downtown Greenville and Clemson University, the school district, and a link to the homes for sale there right now.
Right in the middle of the I-85 corridor. Anderson sits almost exactly halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, a little over two hours from each. That makes it easy to catch a flight, see family or take a weekend trip in either direction, while coming home to small-town prices and pace.
Towns Within About 20 Miles
Listed from closest to farthest from downtown Anderson.
Starr
Anderson County
One of the smallest towns in the county, with fewer than 200 residents. Starr began as a railroad stop in the 1800s and today is mostly farmland, quiet country roads and homes on bigger lots, with Lake Secession and Lake Russell nearby.
Anderson School District 3
Belton
Anderson County
Known as the Standpipe City for its 155-foot concrete water tower, built in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Belton has a charming downtown around its restored train depot and history museum, an arts center, and the yearly Standpipe Festival.
Anderson School District 2
Williamston
Anderson County
Williamston grew up around a mineral spring discovered in 1842, and before the Civil War it was a resort town nicknamed the "Saratoga of the South." The spring is still there in Mineral Spring Park, home of the Spring Water Festival every August. A popular pick for anyone working in both Anderson and Greenville.
Anderson School District 1
Iva
Anderson County
A friendly former railroad and mill town in southern Anderson County with a slower, small-town pace. Iva is a short drive from Lake Secession and Lake Russell, and homes here are often more affordable than closer to the city.
Anderson School District 3
Pendleton
Anderson County · includes La France and Sandy Springs
Founded in 1790, Pendleton is one of the oldest towns in the region. Its historic district covers more than 6,300 acres, with a village green at its center and historic homes like Ashtabula and Woodburn. It is only minutes from Clemson University, which makes it a favorite with faculty, staff and families.
Anderson School District 4
Townville
Anderson County
A rural community along Highway 24 in western Anderson County. Townville is a good fit if you want land, a quiet setting and easy access to Lake Hartwell, while staying close to both Anderson and Clemson.
Anderson School District 4
Pelzer & West Pelzer
Anderson County
Pelzer grew up around an 1881 cotton mill on the Saluda River and still has its mill-village feel, with river access for kayaking and community theater from the Mill Town Players in the historic auditorium. Next door, West Pelzer has a small, walkable Main Street with a growing mix of local shops and restaurants.
Anderson School District 1
Honea Path
Anderson and Abbeville counties
"The Little Town with a Big Heart" is home to about 4,000 people. Honea Path has a true small-town feel, a community swimming pool run by the town, and a fall Honey Soppin' contest. A quiet place to come home to, with an easy drive to Anderson.
Anderson School District 2
Clemson
Pickens County
Home of Clemson University and Tiger football, with a lively college-town downtown on the shores of Lake Hartwell. Great for families, university employees and anyone who wants a home they can rent out on game weekends.
School District of Pickens County
Fair Play
Oconee County
A small lake community right off I-85 near the Georgia line. Fair Play is home to Lake Hartwell State Park and lots of waterfront and water-access homes, making it a favorite for boaters and weekend lake-goers.
Oconee County schools
Piedmont
Anderson and Greenville counties
A historic mill town on the Saluda River that sits on the Anderson and Greenville county line. It is the closest town on this list to downtown Greenville and has seen a lot of new neighborhoods and new construction in recent years.
Anderson School District 1 or Greenville County Schools, depending on the side of the county line
Anderson
Anderson County · our home base
The Electric City is the county seat and the hub for shopping, dining, healthcare and jobs for all of these towns, with Lake Hartwell right on its western edge. Most schools in the city are in Anderson School District 5.
Mostly Anderson School District 5
A Little Farther Out
Just past 20 miles, and still an easy drive.
Driving distances and times are approximate and measured from each town to downtown Anderson, downtown Greenville and the Clemson University campus. Traffic and Clemson game days can add time. Atlanta and Charlotte distances are from the City of Anderson. School districts can vary by address, so always confirm for a specific home.
Not sure which town fits you?
Tell us what matters most, like schools, commute, land or the lake, and we will help you narrow it down.