The Most Expensive Lakes in South Carolina to Buy a Second Home

Owning a lakefront house on one of South Carolina’s most expensive lakes has many attractive advantages. Immerse yourself in stunning scenery and soothing surroundings while living a peaceful and ideal lifestyle. 

Enjoy aquatic activities like boating, fishing, and swimming outside your door. These lakes exude exclusivity and status because they are home to some of the state’s most gorgeous and expensive properties. Make unique experiences and have the ultimate vacation where you can relax and escape the rush and bustle of everyday life.

Price is an excellent filter for prime lakefront homes, but individual needs may vary. For example, Lake Jocassee is one of SC’s most breathtaking (and deepest) lakes, but it’s remote and surrounded by state-protected land. Thus, it has lower demand and lower prices on its waterfront properties.

SC’s most expensive lake properties carry a mix of vibrant community life, serene waters, beautiful shorelines, and proximity to towns and cities. The five lakefront properties on our list offer all these features and more.

1. Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee is part of the same system of artificial lakes as Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell and is easily the most desirable lakefront real estate in all of South Carolina. 

The lake offers all the pleasures you would expect from a pristine lake:

• Clean waters from mountain runoff, reputed to be among the cleanest in the country
• Fabulous watersports, including boating, water and jet skiing, paddling, swimming, and many more
• Plenty of fishing and angling opportunities, with largemouth bass, giant catfish, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, crappie, and bream, as well as a massive population of spotted bass
• Plenty of parks and natural scenery for hiking, camping, hunting, bicycling, and even horseback riding
• Twelve unique waterfalls you can visit all year round on boat rides and hikes

The lake is 26 miles long, 3 miles wide, and covers approximately 18,500 acres. It’s pretty shallow, with an average depth of about 50 feet, but it has crystal-clear waters and is excellent for scuba diving and kayaking. 

Duke Power owns and operates the lake. In addition to hydroelectric power, Lake Keowee also provides water to cool the Oconee Nuclear Station.

Plenty to Do Around Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee’s closest urban centers include Clemson (2 miles), Greenville (34 miles), Seneca (8 miles), and Salem (21 miles). These towns offer plenty of work, shopping, recreation, and many modern amenities when you want to get away from the water for a while.

Most people buy properties on Lake Keowee as second homes, but you can live here all year round. Lake Keowee enjoys mild winters and warm summers, with maximum temperatures of 73.5 degrees Fahrenheit and minimums of 49.1 degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely snows, and there’s warm sunshine most of the time.

Like the other two lakes, Lake Keowee occupies SC’s Golden Corner, which covers Seneca, Walhalla, Pickens, Clemson, and Westminster. The Golden Corner is famed for its verdant hills, sparkling waters, and spectacular waterfalls.

The rivers that flow into the lakes are mountain runoff from the Appalachians, and you also get to enjoy sweeping views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. In other words, there’s plenty of beauty and nature away from the lake to occupy your days no matter what season of the year.

Lake Keowee Real Estate

For such a paradise, Lake Keowee homes attract appropriately extravagant prices. Lakefront properties average $707,000, but homes regularly go for over $3 million. That’s even more expensive than villas along Lake Geneva on its French shores.

When Lake Keowee was completed in 1973, the area became an instant hit thanks to its relaxed, crisp mountain air. Many people who grabbed waterfront lots built second homes, so most listings today are mid-century-style homes. These first developments occurred on the lake’s south side, and few homes are available for sale here.

North of the lake, you’ll find modern gated communities with amenities like golf courses, marinas, sports courts, clubhouses and restaurants, wellness centers, horses, hiking trails, and more. One such community offers homes starting at $1 million and covers 2,500 acres of lush forest land.

2. Lake Lanier

Living in the shadow of the more famous and supposedly haunted Lake Lanier in Georgia, South Carolina’s Lake Lanier is a private 140-acre lake with just 6 miles of shoreline. This makes it one of the most exclusive lakefront communities in South Carolina and just as expensive.

Lake Lanier lies between Tryon (NC) and Landrum (SC) and is even older than its counterpart in Georgia. It was built in 1925 as part of a project by the Tryon Development Company and became an immediate hit, with prospective homeowners coming all the way from Atlanta and Charlotte.

Since its inception, SC’s Lake Lanier has enjoyed a rich community history. Sidney Lanier, the famous Southern poet who gave both lakes their names, died in a house near Tryon. Today, 300+ families live along Lake Lanier, most of whom are part of the civic association controlling the lake and its access.

Unlike public lakes, Lake Lanier has strict access protocols. You’ll hardly find watercraft on it, even on sunny days, but this privacy and a laid-back, detached lifestyle give Lake Lanier its exclusive appeal.

Recreational Activities Around Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier is 50 feet at its deepest point but averages 20–30 feet in most places. It’s a calm, clean lake, which makes it excellent for boating, swimming, and water sports. There’s good fishing here, with populations of white and striped bass, largemouth bass, warmouth, green and redbreast sunfish, white catfish, perch, crappie, carp, and walleye.

The lake is perfect for skiing, tubing, and other watersports. Kids can frolic in the water while the adults fish, boat, and enjoy the sights. The shoreline is fully developed, and the Hogback Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the beautiful scenery.

The close-knit community offers all the amenities necessary for a civilized, fun-filled life. The nearby Tryon Town is small, with a population of only 1,565. However, Landrum, Columbus, Dana, Tigerville, Flat Rock, Barker Heights, Inman Mills, Hendersonville, and many others are only a few minutes away by car.

Lake Lanier, SC Real Estate

As expected, it’s tough to snap up a waterfront home on Lake Lanier. The civic association keeps a close watch on things, and most residents, who have lived all their lives here, like it that way. That’s why waterfront and nearby properties start from $850,000. 

3. Lake Greenwood

Until recently, Lake Greenwood was one of the hidden gems of the South. Waterfront properties could be had for $200,000, a dream compared to Lakes Keowee and Hartwell properties. However, a recent surge in popularity has driven property prices north of $1 million, and they’re still rising.

Part of Lake Greenwood’s appeal is its proximity to Columbia, South Carolina’s State Capital, which is about an hour (73 miles) away. Augusta, GA, is about the same distance (74 miles) away on SC-39 S and SC-121, while Greenville, SC, is 71 miles away.

Modern amenities like golf courses, shopping, dining, wellness, and entertainment are a few miles away in any of the several towns and communities that line the lake. The city of Greenwood to the South of the lake is only 20 miles away from the lake and offers a vibrant city feel.

In particular, Greenwood offers fantastic healthcare, dining, shopping, and even cultural experiences such as arts and festivals. With its famous Newberry Opera House, Newberry Town is closer to the lake than Greenwood.

Recreational Activities on Lake Greenwood

Lake Greenwood sits on 11,400 acres and is about 20 miles long, offering 212 miles of shoreline. Managed by Greenwood County Lake Management, it has fewer restrictions than most other lakes. For example, there is only a 50-foot setback requirement, so you can clear the bush and build an approved dock steps away from your backdoor.

Since the lake provides drinking water, the authorities carefully manage water levels and cleanliness. 

This means the lake stays at full pool most of the year and offers unparalleled recreational activities, including:

• Water sports such as skiing, tubing, and use of all kinds of watercraft
• Swimming
• Picnics and camping in the Lake Greenwood State Park
• Hiking and cycling trails
• Fun events organized by the community all year round

Lake Greenwood offers the perfect balance of rustic living with easy access to modern life and amenities. It is ideal for retirees and young families who want to relax before returning to their busy lives.

Lake Greenwood Real Estate

The most luxurious homes along Lake Greenwood, SC, start at about $800,000 up to about $1.5 million. These come with pristine waterfront land, access to public boat ramps (or the ability to build your own), and low maintenance needs. 

However, you can also buy homes for as low as $284,000 for a three-bedroom right on the water. Such deals are becoming rarer as more people move to the area, but the competition here is less cutthroat than in other SC lakes.

4. Lake Moultrie

Lake Moultrie is one of the largest lakes in South Carolina, coming third after Clarks Hill Lake and its sister lake, Lake Marion. It was developed in 1939 by the power company Santee Cooper to control flooding and generate electricity.

Lake Moultrie covers 60,000 acres of land in Berkeley County and has a 200+ mile shoreline. It’s just 31 miles from Charlestown and is connected to Lake Marion via a 6.5-mile diversion canal, forming a wildly popular lake system that brings tourists from all over the country.

The lake has a rich and complex history. It first came to be when the Pinopolis Dam was built to impound the Cooper and Santee Rivers, creating both Lakes Marion and Moultrie. At the time, the land around the river was a rich forest with many families living nearby. 

When the dam flooded, it displaced hundreds of families and entire communities, including a dozen churches and numerous historical sites. The adjacent forests were cleared, but the tree stumps that remained when the lake flooded are still dangerous to boats and swimmers.

World-Class Fishing Opportunities

Lake Moultrie is 10–30 feet deep in most parts, with a maximum depth of 75 feet and a highly contoured lake bed. Its shores have plenty of swamps and submerged vegetation, and these conditions create some of the best fishing in South Carolina.

The lake has large populations of blue and flathead catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, redear sunfish (shell cracker), crappie, and bream. It also boasts bluegill, redbreast, pumpkinseed, white and yellow perch, chain pickerel, and warmouth populations.

The swamps, ponds, live cypress trees, aquatic vegetation, and large open-water areas allow fish to thrive here. Lake Moultrie has produced record-breaking catfish and bass, including a blue catfish that tipped the scales at 136 pounds and 6 ounces.

Other recreational activities on Lake Moultrie include boating, water sports, camping, and hunting in the extensive Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) surrounding both lakes.

The Berkeley Country Club is only a few miles from the lake’s south shore and offers excellent golfing with a clubhouse. Restaurants in nearby Moncks Corner and other towns prepare delicious local cuisine among different modern lifestyles and wellness amenities.

Real Estate Around Lake Moultrie

Despite its swamps and submerged tree stumps, Lake Moultrie is one of the best and most expensive lakes in South Carolina to buy a second home. Although home prices average $254,000, waterfront listings have a mean sales price of $619,214 and can reach several million depending on house size and lot acreage.

Homes on the shores of nearby Lake Marion are slightly more affordable due to a more extensive shoreline, but both lakes offer similar recreational and fishing opportunities. It’s worth noting that Santee Cooper has been facing financial difficulties, and there’s debate about what will happen if the company folds.

5. Lake Hartwell

Regarding total lake property value, Lake Hartwell is only second to Lake Keowee with an average price of roughly $343,000. The two lakes dominate South Carolina’s lake property market and even part of Georgia’s.

Lake Hartwell is popular for the same reasons as Keowee:

• Proximity to urban and metro areas, including Atlanta, Greenville, and Charlotte
• A generous shoreline of about 962 miles enclosing 56,000 acres (87.5 square miles)
• Clean, clear waters and a pristine view of the Blueridge Mountains are said to be one of the most beautiful of the Savannah River Project.
• Freedom to boat, swim, and fish in the lake with few restrictions. However, beware when swimming because Lake Hartwell is infested with snakes, some of which are venomous.

Since its completion in 1961, the lake has been incredibly popular with tourists, vacationers, and those looking for permanent lake life. Water activities such as sailing, water skiing, and river rafting are popular pastimes, with public and private boat docks available for easy lake access.

Lake Hartwell also offers incredible fishing opportunities. In fact, the Bassmaster Classic has recently been held thrice on the lake, making it one of the most competitive bass fishing spots in the South. In addition to bass, the lake also offers excellent angling for trout, walleye, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, and catfish.

Value for Money in Lake Hartwell Real Estate

No doubt, Lake Hartwell offers some of the best fishing and recreational activities in South Carolina. Sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking for luxury living will find ample opportunities to lead an active life here.

But what makes Lake Hartwell truly unique is its vibrant property market. Unlike Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell’s proximity to major metropolitan areas means property values hold very well here. 

There are also opportunities for investment properties, including hotels and rentals, thanks to the many tourists who frequent the lake and historic attractions such as cemetery island and the submerged lake of Andersonville. The nearby Broyles Party Island is especially popular for social activities.

Lake Hartwell is perfect for professionals, young families, and even retirees who want a home in their backyard and city living only a short drive away. This has driven up home prices, and you can expect to pay upwards of $1.5 million for a waterfront property on Lake Hartwell.

Discover More Interesting Lakes You Can Visit

South Carolina has a dozen large lakes and many smaller ones, including Lakes Jocassee, Murray, and Wateree. All are fascinating and provide awesome fun for tourists and residents alike. Embrace the splendor of South Carolina’s most expensive lakes as you find your dream second home, where you can create cherished memories and enjoy a truly elevated lifestyle.

With their pristine beauty and desirable locations, these expensive lakes allow one to own a luxurious waterfront property in a stunning setting. Whether you desire peaceful serenity, exciting water activities, or simply a retreat from the bustling world, these lakes offer the perfect escape.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ezume Images/Shutterstock.com