South Carolina

Lake Greenwood

Aerial view of Lake Greenwood
Published on August 3, 2020

Serene, relaxing, and above all hospitable, Lake Greenwood is an ideal location for those who love boating, camping, and fishing. Established in the late 1930s, Lake Greenwood has become a key part of the community of Greenwood, South Carolina, and a peaceful destination for anyone searching for affordable lakefront property or waterfront gated communities. Lake Greenwood features scenic views, a historic national park, and several friendly waterfront communities. With opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities, there are countless ways to enjoy Lake Greenwood.

Approximately 10 miles outside of downtown Greenwood, and an easy drive to the cities of Greenville, Atlanta and Charlotte, Lake Greenwood has become one of most popular places to retire in the southeast. The lake is an ideal location for bass fishing, boasting responsibly maintained populations of crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish, and the 212 miles of shoreline provide several excellent fishing spots. Lake Greenwood differs from other lakes nearby because it is completely owned and run by Greenwood County. This means that there is very little variation in the water level, even during droughts when other lakes in the area have substantially lower levels. Lake Greenwood boasts a wide variety of real estate, including gated golf and boating communities, large-acreage communities, traditional neighborhood developments, and lock-and-leave cottage developments. Lots and homes are offered at a wide range of prices.

Lake Greenwood’s nearest town, Greenwood, has a charming small-town environment that provides the perfect compliment to the serenity of the lake itself. Greenwood is home to several delicious and locally-owned restaurants, giving the town its own unique flavor, in addition to venues for musical and theatrical performances for patrons of the arts. Lake Greenwood is also the home of the annual Festival of Flowers Triathlon that takes place every June. The Festival has several associated events which provide excellent summer entertainment and fun for all ages.

ARTS AND CULTURE 

The neighboring town, Greenwood, is home to a vibrant music scene comprised of many local acts who perform regularly at free or affordable events. The Greenwood Community Theatre presents a full and varied season of theatre every year, in addition to hosting many different touring artists, providing entertainment for a wide range of audiences. For those interested in the visual arts, Greenwood’s Arts Center has a large professional gallery in addition to several smaller studios. People interested in local history will enjoy Greenwood’s Museum and Railroad Historical Center, which features a full-scale restoration of a Steam Engine and train cars.

CLIMATE

Lake Greenwood has a pleasantly warm climate, with an average temperature of 68 degrees. The summers in the area are sunny and can get humid, while spring and fall remain delightfully mild and beautiful. The winters at Lake Greenwood, like much of South Carolina, rarely bring snow or any other kind of winter precipitation, and the temperatures remain comfortable year-round.

LIFELONG LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Greenwood is home to the Lakelands LifeLong Learning Network, which provides a variety of different learning opportunities, both practical and recreational. These opportunities include classes related to arts and history, technology, finance, music, and much more. These classes take place in the fall and range from single-meeting events to regularly scheduled classes.

MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE

Greenwood’s Self Regional Healthcare serves and provides healthcare to the area surrounding Lake Greenwood. Their facilities include a high-quality cancer center, rehabilitation services, and a women’s center. Self Regional Healthcare has been awarded the Gallup Great Workplace Award a total of 13 times and is verified as a Level 3 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Lake Greenwood has five marinas which offer fuel, food, and rentals (jet skis and pontoon boats). There are also several golf courses surrounding Lake Greenwood, including The Patriot, an award-winning course designed by Davis Love III.  In addition to this, Greenwood Parks and Recreation offers football, baseball, tennis and more. Greenwood is also home to a chapter of the YMCA, which includes exercise equipment, a pool, and many specialized programs for members.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Greenwood has many different places to shop for whatever you may be interested in, including the Greenwood Mall which houses department stores, outlets for accessories, and gift stores. Shopping in Greenwood ranges from Uptown’s locally-owned boutiques to larger retail brand stores.

Aside from the many dining options in Greenwood, including larger chains and local restaurants (including Oaken Barrel and and Stone Creek Dining Company) the lake itself is home to Break on the Lake, a steak and seafood restaurant that provides quality food, scenic views, and “boat-in” service.

HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES

Lake Greenwood real estate is priced on average in the lower 300s, and in general, provides many more affordable lakefront options than other lakes in the area.

Population: 10,000
Median State Property Tax: 0.50%
State Sales Tax: 6%
State Income Tax: 0% to 7%
Airports
  • Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
Arts & Culture
  • Greenwood Community Theater
  • Arts Center of Greenwood
  • Main & Maxwell
  • The Greenwood Museum
  • The Railroad Historical Center
Events & Festivals
  • Festival of Flowers
  • Festival of Discovery - Barbecue and Blues
  • Uptown Greenwood Holiday Open House
  • Lights on the Lake Concert
Hospitals & Healthcare
  • Self Regional Healthcare
Colleges & Universities
  • Lander University
  • Piedmont Technical College
  • Presbyterian College
Shopping & Retail
  • Uptown Greenwood
Sports
  • The Patriot Golf Course
  • The Links at Stoney Point
  • Festival of Flowers Triathlon
State & National Parks
  • Lake Greenwood State Park
Top Employers
  • Self Regional Healthcare
  • Fuji Film
  • Eaton Corporation
  • Lonza
  • Velux
  • Colgate-Palmolive