Lauded for its tranquility and natural beauty, Keowee Key is a rapidly growing gem in South Carolina’s Upstate region. Offering a picturesque quality of life for its residents, this lakefront community boasts ample outdoor recreation, privacy, and scenery. While popular with retirees looking to live the good life, Keowee Key is open to all. Offering a variety of home sizes and styles, finding the perfect residence when moving to Keowee Key is a breeze.
Where is Keowee Key?
This serene gated community is located in Oconee County within Salem, South Carolina. It is situated approximately 13 miles north of Clemson, and about 36 miles southwest of Greenville. One of the main benefits of living in Keowee Key is being surrounded by lakefront on every side.
The total area of Keowee Key is 6.12 square miles. It is part of the Salem zip code (29676), and is closest to Six Mile, Walhalla, Seneca, and Fairview. Two main roads run through town — the Pickens Highway and Stamp Creek Road.
Map of Keowee Key
Keowee Key History & Overview
The population of Keowee Key is 2,757 (as of the 2020 Census). Thanks to its continued growth, it is now categorized as a census-designated place (CDP). However, Keowee Key was first established back in 1972. The community is now governed by a Property Owners’ Association, and offers resident-exclusive amenities. Despite being a CDP, access to Keowee Key is restricted via gated entryways.
Keowee Key demographics:
- Keowee Key population: 2,757
- Household income: $101,399
- Educational attainment: 90.9 percent high school diploma (or higher), 63.1 percent bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median age: 67.3
- Foreign-born population: 4.5 percent
- Racial & ethnic composition: 99 percent White, one percent Hispanic
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What’s it Like Living in Keowee Key?
The reasons to move to Keowee Key are abundant. In total, there are 1,240 homes in Keowee Key. Individuals who are lucky enough to live in one of the community’s properties have access to an unparalleled number of amenities and conveniences, as well as special events that are held throughout the year.
Although Keowee Key is largely known as a retirement community, anyone can live here. In fact, families appreciate the area for its family-friendly amenities, including boating, bicycle trails, and a heated indoor pool.
While the neighborhood has amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy, those who are 65 and older get the most out of living in Keowee Key. The lifestyle in this gated community is especially tailored to individuals who are looking to connect with their neighbors, and enjoy some of their favorite pastimes every day of the week.
Residents have access to a myriad of sports facilities, social clubs, classes, workshops, and events. Popular social groups and things to do in Keowee Key include Monday Morning Painters (art class), golf, Foothills Garden Club, Mah Jong, Aquacize class, Bible Study, gatherings with the Keowee Key Jewish Community (KKJC), Pickleball, Wine Appreciation Club, Key Rollers (bowling), Keowee Sailing Club, and the Monday Kayakers group. Have interests that could be considered niche? Keowee Key is also home to unique and interesting groups such as the Barbershop Chorus and Clogging club.
Overall, life in Keowee Key is easygoing, yet active and vibrant. You can take life at your desired pace, enjoy top-tier privacy, and live out your retirement years to the fullest.
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Things to Do in Keowee Key — Best Restaurants, Attractions & Shopping
What are some of the main things to do in Keowee Key? Thanks to the community’s commitment to creating one of the best places to live in Upstate South Carolina, there are plenty of amenities and conveniences on property. Check out some of the top places for locals to shop, eat, and visit when living in Keowee Key.
Restaurants
Hands down, the best place to dine out in Keowee Key is The Bistro at Keowee Key. Praised for its excellent selection of American fare and top-tier customer service, The Bistro has a perfect rating on Google Reviews. Residents are permitted to bring visitors to this restaurant. Individuals who are planning a morning or afternoon of golf find this restaurant to be especially convenient, as it is located steps from the Keowee Key Golf Course.
Shopping
Need to pick up the essentials? On Keowee Key, there are several shops that residents routinely visit. Wine enthusiasts appreciate living minutes down the road from The Wine Emporium. Home to a vast selection of vintages and varietals, finding the perfect wine to pair with your upcoming meal is always effortless.
Want to attract birds to your yard after moving to Keowee Key? For The Birds is a wonderful place to grab all the supplies you need to do exactly that. Find a handpicked selection of top bird foods, bird feeders, home decor, and more. This store also hosts wine & design classes to help you bring out your inner artist.
Things to do & attractions
In addition to the numerous social clubs and gatherings available to Keowee Key residents, locals also have access to on-site facilities every day of the week.
Highlights include The Club at Keowee Key (which is known as the hub of the neighborhood), Lake Keowee, and Keowee Key’s George Cobb designed championship golf course. There are also pickleball courts, tennis courts, a fitness center, boat docks, an indoor heated pool, and walking trails.
- The Bistro at Keowee Key, 1 Country Club Rd, Salem, SC 29676, 864-944-0603
- The Wine Emporium, 1229 Stamp Creek Rd, Salem, SC 29676, 864-944-1015
- For The Birds, 1229C Stamp Creek Rd, Salem, SC 29676, 864-944-1265
Schools in Keowee Key
Keowee Key is part of the Oconee County School District. Although there are not many schools in the immediate area, families and students have several quality options.
One of the best schools near Keowee Key is Keowee Elementary School, which is located at 7051 Keowee School Road in Seneca. Other nearby public schools include Walhalla High School, Walhalla Elementary School, and Oconee Academy. There is also one private school near Keowee Key — Oconee Christian Academy.
Is Keowee Key Safe?
Keowee Key is a very safe place to live. Because it is a secure gated community with 24/7 security, the area is private and cannot be accessed by those who do not have permission. In Salem (the town that Keowee Key is encompassed by), the overall, violent, and property crime rates are 100 percent lower than the national average.
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Keowee Key Real Estate
Homes for sale in Keowee Key range significantly in style, size, and price. There are lakeview properties, houses nestled in the woods, and homes that are close to the Keowee Key Golf Course. There are also quite a few estates available that top the $1 million purchase price. Currently, the median home price in Keowee Key is $429,000. Multi-level and single-level homes can be found throughout Keowee Key in your preferred location.
Because of the community’s set up, properties are almost never available for rent. Therefore, there is no average rent price for consideration.
Keowee Key has a one time fee of $3,200 paid at closing of your home and the annual HOA fees for improved property is $4,408 per year.
Preparing for your move to Keowee Key? Let our Keowee Key movers at Auston Moving make the experience one that is stress-free and hassle-free. With over 50,000 customers served, and 73 years in business, we know what it takes to deliver exceptional relocation services. Contact us today for your custom moving service quote.
