Lake Homes For Sale South Carolina

South Carolina boasts a wealth of beautiful freshwater lakes, each offering unique opportunities for prospective homeowners seeking serene waterfront living. Below is an overview of some of the state’s largest and most notable lakes, highlighting their locations, characteristics, nearby towns, connections to rivers, and insights into local real estate. If you’re considering buying a home on one of our beautiful lakes here in South Carolina you can learn about each market below of the largest lakes down to our smaller, but still big enough to enjoy a boat on fresh bodies of water.

We will go over all the lakes of South Carolina and provide links to all the real time currently active homes for sale you can search below on all of the lakes of SC.

Lake Marion

As the largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Marion spans approximately 110,000 acres across five counties: Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter. This expansive reservoir was created during the construction of the Santee Cooper Project in the 1940s. Fed by the Santee River, Lake Marion is renowned for its abundant wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities. Towns such as Summerton, Santee and Manning are nestled along its shores, offering a variety of amenities and a welcoming community. The real estate market around Lake Marion is diverse, with median home sale prices around $49,000, making it an attractive option for affordable lake living, but homes on the lake usually start at $400,000. There is also a condo development on Lake Marion for those who want value, and less home maintenance.

There are two upscale “golf & lake” country club communities on Lake Marion as well:

Santee Cooper Resort: Gated country club originally developed in the 1970s with lakefront homes, great amenities, and on the closer side of the lake from Charleston, vs being on the other side of I95 and the lake in Manning where the other golf community Wyboo Plantation is.

Lake Moultrie

Adjacent to Lake Marion and also part of the Santee Cooper Project, Lake Moultrie covers about 60,400 acres in Berkeley County. Connected to Lake Marion by a diversion canal, it ultimately feeds into the Cooper River. The town of Moncks Corner lies nearby, providing a quaint small-town atmosphere with convenient access to the larger city of Charleston. The area around Lake Moultrie offers a range of housing options, from cozy cottages to more expansive properties, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Lakes Marion and Moultrie are located in what locals commonly refer to as “Santee.” While Santee is an actual town, the name is often used to describe the broader region encompassing towns like Moncks Corner, Manning, and Eutawville. If you’re considering buying a home on or near these lakes, it’s important to understand that the area remains largely rural. While the peaceful, waterfront lifestyle is a major draw, access to top-tier healthcare, diverse dining options, and major shopping centers will require at least an hour’s drive to Charleston, SC. These two lakes are probably the most well known, along with Lake Murray because they are on the TV often on bass fishing shows due to their stellar reputation for some of the best fishing in the entire country.

THE UPSTATE OF SC

Lake Jocassee

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Lake Jocassee is a 7,500-acre reservoir known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain vistas. Fed by the Whitewater, Thompson, and Toxaway rivers, it serves as a primary inflow to Lake Keowee below it. The lake is surrounded by protected lands, including Devils Fork State Park, ensuring its pristine environment. While there are VERY limited residential developments directly on Lake Jocassee, nearby towns like Salem provide access to this natural gem. The scarcity of lakefront properties contributes to a higher demand, often resulting in extra high pricing.

Lake Keowee

Located in the northwestern part of the state, Lake Keowee is a man-made reservoir covering approximately 18,500 acres with 300 miles of shoreline. It was developed to serve the needs of power utility Duke Energy and public recreational purposes. The lake is predominantly situated in Oconee County, with portions extending into Pickens County. Nearby towns include Seneca, Sunset, Six Mile, and Salem, offering a mix of small-town charm and modern conveniences. The area is known for its upscale communities, namely the famous The Cliffs’ communities which feature 7 different golf country club like communities, many of which have homes directly on the lake, or access to it with properties ranging from elegant homes to luxurious estates.

Lake Hartwell

Straddling the border between South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is one of the Southeast’s largest lakes, encompassing over 50,000 acres with a shoreline stretching approximately 960 miles and is the 3rd lake in the chain that begins at Jocassee. The lake reaches depths of up to 185 feet and is surrounded by about 23,000 acres of land, much of it managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Nearby towns include Anderson and Clemson, the latter home to Clemson University. The real estate market around Lake Hartwell is robust, offering properties ranging from modest cabins to luxurious waterfront estates, with prices varying based on location and amenities. Because this lake is further down the river and lake system of the upstate of SC, it is known for being “dirtier”, and “murkier” as it collects the silt and mud that flow from above.

The upstate of SC has other lakes, while not as large as the three mentioned above, there are a few other lakes that are big enough to comfortably have a motor boat, pontoon or fishing boat and what many refer to “big water views”. The good thing about Lake Hartwell also is that it is home to a few lakefront condo developments for those who do not want a house to take care of but want to live on the water. Many of which, like Lake Murray have their own marina.

Lake Greenwood

Located in the western part of the state, Lake Greenwood covers approximately 11,400 acres and is fed by the Saluda and Reedy rivers. The lake is known for its recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing. Nearby towns such as Greenwood and Ninety Six offer a blend of historical significance and modern amenities. The housing market around Lake Greenwood is varied, with properties suitable for both modest budgets and those seeking luxury lakefront living.

Lake Bowen

Situated north of Inman SC, Lake Bowen is a 1,534-acre reservoir providing drinking water to Spartanburg County. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking, with several parks and public access points. The nearby city of Inman offers a small-town atmosphere with essential amenities. The real estate market around Lake Bowen features a range of options, from cozy cottages to larger waterfront homes.

Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a small but charming 140-acre lake in northern Greenville County, South Carolina. Often overshadowed by its much larger namesake in Georgia, this Lake Lanier offers a peaceful retreat with scenic mountain views and a tight-knit community feel in Northwestern SC. The lake is primarily fed by natural mountain springs, providing clear, cool waters perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Most of the homes here are nestled along the shoreline in the town of Landrum, offering a mix of historic lake cottages and custom-built residences. Real estate for sale on Lake Lanier is limited due to its small size, making waterfront properties highly desirable and often carrying premium price tags. While the area maintains a quiet, secluded feel, residents can easily access shopping, dining, and healthcare in nearby Greenville, about 40 minutes away.

Other lake of the Upstate of South Carolina include:

• Lake Cooley
• Lake Blalock
• Lake Robinson

THE MIDLANDS

Lake Murray

Situated in the heart of South Carolina, Lake Murray spans approximately 50,000 acres with 650 miles of shoreline. Created in the 1920s for hydroelectric power, it is fed by the Saluda River. The lake is a very popular recreational destination, offering boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Towns such as Lexington, Chapin, Saluda, Prosperity and Irmo border the lake, providing vibrant communities with a range of amenities. The real estate market around Lake Murray is active, with properties varying from affordable cottages to high-end waterfront homes.

This is another lake that is very popular within the fishing community and like lakes Marion and Moultrie, hosts many professional and semi-professional bass fishing tournaments throughout the year. Lake Murray unlike the other two largest lakes mentioned above is in a metropolitan region near the capital of South Carolina, and the University of S.C. so there is very good local healthcare, dining, and activities around which is why it is a huge draw for buyers looking for lake life in SC. The biggest drawback to owning a home on Lake Murray is that the lake (much like Keowee) is a very active lake, and sometimes congested lake with boats everywhere especially during the Spring to Fall months.

Lake Murray also has quite a few single family-attached home communities as well with condos and townhouses for purchase readily available most of the time, and most of these condo neighborhoods on Lake Murray have their own marinas. Where as Lake Marion only has one development, and Lake Keowee has just a couple lakefront condos.

Lake Wateree

Covering approximately 13,700 acres, Lake Wateree is one of South Carolina’s oldest man-made lakes, created in 1919. Located in Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster counties, it is fed by the Wateree River. The lake is a haven for anglers and boaters, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life. Nearby towns include Ridgeway and Camden, which provide historic charm and a relaxed lifestyle. The housing market around Lake Wateree offers a variety of options, from rustic cabins to modern homes, catering to a range of budgets.

LAKE WATEREEVIEW NOW

Lake Monticello

A hidden gem in Fairfield County, South Carolina just outside of the capital, is a 6,700-acre reservoir known for its deep, clear waters and quiet, rural setting. Built in the 1970s as a cooling reservoir for the Monticello Nuclear Generating Station, the lake is fed by the Broad River and remains largely undeveloped, making it a haven for fishing, boating, and wildlife enthusiasts. Unlike some of South Carolina’s more commercialized lakes, Lake Monticello offers a peaceful retreat with minimal boat traffic and pristine shorelines. Nearby towns include Blair, Winnsboro and Jenkinsville, where residents enjoy a slower pace of life with access to basic amenities similar to the lifestyle one would have if living on Marion or Moultrie. Homebuyers looking for lakefront property will find a mix of modest homes and larger custom builds, often at more affordable prices compared to larger lakes like Murray or Keowee. However, those considering Lake Monticello should be prepared for a rural lifestyle, as major shopping and healthcare services are at least 45 minutes away in Columbia.

The Midlands region also has a few smaller lakes like the upstate does which should be considered, especially if price is a factor:

• Lake Carolina
• Edisto Lake (Aiken)
• Arcadia Lakes

Lake Wylie

Straddling the South Carolina-North Carolina border, Lake Wylie encompasses about 13,400 acres with 325 miles of shoreline. It is fed by the Catawba River and serves as a reservoir for Duke Energy. The lake is adjacent to the city of Rock Hill and the town of Tega Cay, both offering suburban living with easy access to the larger city of Charlotte, NC. The real estate market is diverse, with options ranging from townhouses to expansive waterfront properties, appealing to a wide array of buyers.