On the Rise: Aiken, SC

Welcome to the Palmetto State! This "On the Rise" city profile takes us to Western South Carolina as we explore Aiken, a fast-growing city near the Savannah River and the state's border with Georgia.

One of the main reasons this southern city has seen such amazing growth in recent years - Aiken's population grew by almost 10% between 2010 and 2020 - is the community's extremely low housing costs. The median home price in Aiken County is an astonishingly low $206,000. This low housing cost doesn't mean you lose out on amenities, though! One of the main benefits of living in this community, along with cheap housing, is having access to quality healthcare. Aiken Regional Medical Centers, the main healthcare provider in the area, offers a wide range of quality services from orthopedics, psychiatry, and oncology and has also won awards for its heart failure and stroke programs. It also doesn't hurt that Augusta Regional Airport, a mere half-hour from Aiken, offers flights to hubs like Atlanta and Dallas, meaning residents of this city of roughly 32,000 have easy access to most of the rest of the country.

Aiken also boasts a diverse arts scene. The Aiken Center for the Arts, for example, hosts a variety of art exhibitions, musical performances, and classes. Aiken residents also have the opportunity to attend orchestra concerts and stage performances thanks to The Aiken Symphony and The Aiken Community Theatre, respectively.

While Aiken's indoor attractions are certainly worth moving to this city for, this community's outdoor pursuits don't disappoint, either. The Aiken Arboretum - a unique "citywide" attraction that celebrates the aptly named City of Tree's oaks, pines, and dogwoods - spans everything within a four-mile radius of the city's downtown although the main draw is Colleton Avenue. Also known as the Arboretum Trail, this portion of the arboretum gives residents and visitors alike the opportunity to follow along with a on-phone audio tour. The Aiken area is further enhanced by Silver Bluff Sanctuary, a free-to-visit Audubon-affiliated woodland along the Savannah River that gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to spot various flora and fauna and to take in the area's nature beauty.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Aiken's equestrian culture which helps bring droves of visitors and potential future residents to the area each year and is an important part of this region's identity. One of the most prominent examples of this identity is Bruce's Field, a 66-acre facility south of downtown Aiken that plays host to events such as the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase (which has in the past attracted both spectators and riders from four continents), the Aiken Charity Horse Shows, and October at Bruce's Field. Aiken's equestrian culture isn't just about showing horses, though. Aiken Equine Rescue, one of the largest horse rescue facilities in the Southeast at 80 acres, has helped secure the adoption of over 1,500 horses over the course of its time in operation.

Are you a resident of The City of Trees or are you considering a move there? What for you is Aiken's main draw?

If you're interested in learning more about Aiken and the surrounding region I'd recommend checking out these resources: City of Aiken, SC , Aiken County Government , Aiken Chamber of Commerce , Western SC Economic Development Partnership