Why You Should Consider Living in Clemson, SC

Clemson is an energetic college town that offers visitors and residents alike endless possibilities to live life to the fullest. While known for the historic Clemson University that can be found right in the heart of the city, there are many other reasons people are drawn to this charming Southern town. 

Let’s discover seven reasons why you should consider living in Clemson, and how you too can make it your home in the Carolinas.

1. It’s Temperate Climate

Located in Upstate South Carolina, Clemson has a temperate climate year-round –– making it an ideal place to live if you spend the majority of your time outdoors. In the summer, temperatures reach the upper 80s. During the winter months, low temperatures average in the low 30s and reach the mid-50s during mid-day. While snow is possible, Clemson only sees an average of two inches of snowfall per year. So, if you prefer mild winters, this is the city for you!

2. Clemson University Sporting Events 

Living in Clemson means you’ll never miss a game day! Home to the Clemson Tigers, this college town is full of school spirit throughout the year. During the fall months, you can visit Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium, popularly known as “Death Valley,” to watch college football firsthand. The Tigers have won three NCAA Division I Football National Championships, the most recent being in 2019. 

Another popular sport to watch at Clemson is basketball. The Clemson Tigers men’s basketball team plays at Littlejohn Coliseum, which was renovated in 2016. The Tiger’s women’s team has won the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament multiple times, most recently in 1999.

3. The Walker Course at Clemson University

If you are an avid golfer, living in Clemson makes it easy to practice and improve your game at The Walker Course –– home to the Clemson Tigers golf team. Designed for players of all skill levels, the scenic course has five holes along the shores of Lake Hartwell. Here, there are also various practice facilities, including a full-service driving range, putting green, and chipping green. Golfweek ranked The Walker Course at Clemson as one of the Top Campus Courses in the country. 

4. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Found on Clemson’s campus are the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. The 295-acre sanctuary showcases the diverse landscape of the region and boasts a collection of site-specific, nature-based sculptures. These gardens are dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the plants, animals, minerals, and culture that make up the South Carolina Piedmont ecosystem. Also located within the gardens is the Bob Campbell Geology Museum which houses a collection of gems, minerals, and fossils of the region. 

Throughout the year, events are held on the grounds, including monthly walks and educational programs for children. The gardens are open to the public every day from dawn to dusk and are free of charge. 

5. Brooks Center for the Performing Arts

Established in 1994, the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts hosts world-class professional dance, theatre, and musical performances on Clemson University’s campus. The 87,000 square-foot facility seats 979 in its proscenium auditorium and another 100 in its black box theatre. With both professional and student performances taking place throughout the year, there’s always a show to catch when you’re living in Clemson. 

6. Lake Hartwell State Park

About half an hour from Clemson, near the South Carolina-Georgia border, you’ll find Lake Hartwell State Park. The 56,000-acre lake has excellent fishing with striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream, and catfish species living in its waters. In addition to fishing, there are also campgrounds and camper cabins to experience camping along the shores of the lake. 

7. Numerous Outdoor Activities in the Area

With its temperate climate and its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, living in Clemson opens the door to numerous outdoor activities. If you are looking for a getaway from urban life, lace up your boots and hit some of the best hiking trails in the Southeast. The trails range from novice to more advanced hikes and lead to spectacular viewpoints of waterfalls or panoramic overlooks of the mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. Some parks even include mountain cycling trails, so don’t forget to bring your bike along for another way to enjoy the scenery. 

Make Clemson Your New Home

Who wouldn’t want to live near a college town that is filled with the adventurous spirit of the great outdoors? When you make The Cliffs home, all of the wonderful amenities that Clemson has to offer are found in your own backyard.  

Our Lake Region can be found along the shores of South Carolina’s beautiful Lake Keowee. With three private communities to choose from, the opportunities our lake-living experience offers members is unparalleled. Two of these lake communities are a mere 20 minutes from downtown Clemson –– The Cliffs at Keowee Falls and The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. 

One of the most family-friendly communities at The Cliffs, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs has a Beach Club with pools, winding waterslides, and a grille. It is also where members can find our Outdoor Pursuits team who lead The Cliffs Watersports Program. They are always ready to offer their expertise in the many water sports you can take part in on the lake. 

Down by the shores is our Surf Shop with kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the water and explore the private beaches and coves found within the community. Not to mention the well-kempt Tom Fazio golf course, designed with three loops of six holes and a set of family tees –– great for players of all ages looking to improve their golf game. 

A short boat ride away is The Cliffs at Keowee Falls community. Inside its gates are 10 miles of private nature trails, 20 miles of private shoreline, and a signature Jack Nicklaus golf course –– sure to give even the most experienced golfers a challenge. 

Our third lake community, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Clemson. Characterized by the vineyards of muscadine grapes that wind through the community, this community marries mountain and lake vistas to create a picturesque experience throughout the grounds –– especially the pristine golf course designed by Tom Fazio. With an equestrian center, a full-service marina, and a stately clubhouse this community offers exclusive amenities that members from all of our communities enjoy. Whichever community at The Cliffs you choose to call home showcases the wonders of living in the Carolinas. 

Ready to find your luxury lake home and become a club member at The Cliffs? Begin by browsing available listings online. Or, if you would like the opportunity to make your dream home a reality, take a look at the available homesites, perfect for building your custom home. 

If you need help getting started, simply contact us by clicking the button below and a member of our team will reach out with additional information regarding our seven premier communities.