Last Updated on: 26th August 2023, 10:35 pm
If you’re looking for a classic college town vibe with a family-friendly community, there’s no place better in the state of South Carolina than Clemson, located in Pickens County. Clemson is located in Pickens County, nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains and is part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Metro Area. Best known as the home of Clemson University, the town also offers affordable housing, a variety of jobs, and plenty of warm, sunny weather.
The Home of Clemson University
Clemson owes much of its history and local culture to Clemson University. Founded in 1889 by Thomas Green Clemson, the University was built in what was then called Calhoun, SC. As the city grew and thrived, the University played a major part in bringing newcomers to the area and building the local economy. In 1943, Calhoun was renamed Clemson to honor the school.
Today, Clemson and Clemson University still go hand-in-hand, and the community’s close relationship with the school even earned it the national rank of #6 Town-and-Gown City by the Princeton Review in 2015. In total, Clemson University serves more than 22,000 students across its 80 undergraduate and 110 graduate degree programs. The university ranks in the Top 25 Public Universities nationally and is known for having happy, well-rounded students and a fantastic football team, the Clemson University Tigers.
Who Lives in Clemson?
Currently, the city of Clemson is home to just over 15,000 people, giving the area a distinct small-town feel. Because of the huge number of college students in the area, the city’s median age is just 23 years old. At the same time, about one-third of residents are married, and more than 40% of the local population is made up of families with young kids.
Again owing to the University, Clemson has a diverse mixture of born-and-bred Clemson locals, as well as newcomers to the area, both from out of the state and outside of the US. Around 58% of adults living in Clemson have a bachelor’s degree or higher!
Clemson’s Local Economy
There are about 7,000 people working within Clemson’s city limits. The median household income here is just under $40,000, which may appear low, but that statistic has been growing rapidly year over year. While 81% of locals earn a salary from their employer, about 9% of the population is made up of self-employed entrepreneurs.
Of course, because Clemson University is such a pillar of the community, Education is the leading industry in the city, making up 34% of all employment opportunities. The next largest industries in the area are retail trade and hospitality services, although professional services and manufacturing also play an important role in the local economy.
Need to travel to or from Clemson for work? Click on the links for directions if you need to go from Clemson to Atlanta, Clemson to Charlotte, or Clemson to Greenville.
Clemson Cost of Living
How much does it cost to live in Clemson? The answer is: this community is amazingly affordable! Overall, the median home cost in Clemson is $207,500, which is only slightly higher than the national average. Property taxes here are also reasonably priced, costing most families between $800-$1,500 per year. It’s important to note that while the majority of residents here own their homes, 41% rent instead. The average rent in the district is $829 per month, a savings of more than $100 per month compared to the national average.
In addition to their homes, most Clemson families own 2 vehicles and commute around 18 minutes to get to work. Luckily, gas prices here tend to be lower than the national average, making transportation a less worrisome expense. One living cost to keep an eye on is utilities; with the area’s penchant for humidity, you may find yourself using the A/C more often than you thought.
Clemson SC Neighborhoods
Where should I live in Clemson? Whether you’re looking for a gated, master-planned community, a house on a simple, quiet street or an apartment in a vibrant part of town, Clemson has you covered with plenty of gorgeous homes for sale. The main area code for Clemson is 864, and the local zip code is 29631.
Not sure where to start with your home search? Check out these popular Clemson neighborhoods to see if they fit your needs.
- Ashley Estates: This family-friendly neighborhood has houses of every style and size, from Cape Cod cottages to manor-like estates. Home prices start around $200,000 making this a great choice for families with any budget.
- Calhoun: Looking for even more affordable houses? The median real estate price in Calhoun is $156,868. Renting in this desirable Clemson neighborhood is also reasonable, with a median monthly cost of $918.
- Camelot: Named after King Arthur’s famous land, this wooded neighborhood offers a mix of natural beauty and privacy for those seeking a quiet, tranquil escape. The area is conveniently located close to Route 123, and home prices start at $180,000.
Schools in Clemson
If you’re moving to Clemson with your family or thinking of starting a family while you’re here, chances are you want to make sure the public schools here are to your standards. Well, you’re in luck, because the schools in Clemson are top-notch!
Schools in Clemson are part of the School District of Pickens County. The main high school for the city is Daniel High School, which also serves the communities of Central and Six Mile. In addition to a rigorous standard curriculum, the school also offers honors and Advanced Placement courses for its most ambitious students. Daniel High School is also committed to the arts, with a full string orchestra in addition to their band, chorus and art courses.
The Climate in Clemson
Wondering what the weather is like in Clemson? As part of Upstate South Carolina, Clemson’s climate is much like the rest of the region. During the summer, the weather tends to be hot and humid, sometimes reaching temperatures above 90 degrees. Winters, while wet and cool, rarely dip below freezing, so you shouldn’t have to worry about snow after you move to Clemson, SC. The city also enjoys 222 days of sun per year, which is higher than the national average!
Top Clemson Restaurants
Clemson, SC provides for some very convenient shopping including Lowes, Kohl’s, PetSmart, Academy Sports, and WalMart, but it also has some excellent restaurants to choose from! For your next meal out, consider these popular local options.
Copper River Grill of Easley
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For burgers and brews in Clemson, you’ll want to head over to the Copper River Grill. In addition to succulent burgers, the menu also includes crowd-pleasers like a variety of steaks and BBQ ribs.
- Hours: 11AM-10PM Daily
- Website: http://www.copperrivergrill.com/
- Phone: (864) 859-0086
- Address: 102 Southern Center Ct, Easley, SC 29642
Capri’s Italian Restaurant
Craving classic Italian dishes like manicotti, lasagna, and chicken alfredo? Capri’s has you covered with their delicious and family-friendly menu. The restaurant has been a neighborhood staple since 1944, and we think it will quickly become one of your favorites, too.
- Hours: 4:30PM-8:15PM Sunday-Thursday, 4:30PM-9PM Friday, 4PM-9PM Saturday
- Website: http://www.caprisitalian.com/
- Phone: (864) 859-8545
- Address: 5667 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC 29640
Tips for Moving to Clemson
Now that you’re an expert on all things Clemson, do you think living in Clemson, South Carolina is the next step for you? When making your decision, keep these key points in mind:
- Clemson University plays a large role in local life and culture.
- Living in Clemson is highly affordable.
- Clemson has great jobs in education, retail, hospitality and more.
If you want more information about what it’s like to live in Clemson, or need help with your move, the experts at HD Auston Moving Systems are always here for you. Call our Clemson movers today at 888-883-2795, and let us be the first to welcome you home.
