PICKENS COUNTY
County Offices
222 McDaniel Avenue
Pickens 864-898-5844
www.co.pickens.sc.us
Chamber of Commerce
222 West Main Street
Pickens 864-878-3258
www.pickenschamberofcommerce.com
Pickens County has been called the state’s most economically and geographically diverse region, the area and bordering Blue Ridge region provides a naturally beautiful backdrop for area attractions such as Table Rock State Park, scenic Highway 11 and the SC Botanical Garden. The county is home to more than 119,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life. The county seat is the city of Pickens.
Lifestyle
As one of the main tourism destinations in the state, Pickens County offers beautiful lakes and rivers, Blue Ridge Mountain foothills and premier golf courses for most any form of recreation. The county offers a variety of cultural activities from The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University to the Pickens County Museum of Art and History and the Hagood Mill historic site. Pickens County also affords immediate access to other world class amenities such as The Greenville Bombers, “A” minor league baseball team, the Peace Center, the centerpiece for the state’s cultural and performing arts, the Bi-Lo center, a 70 million dollar entertainment complex featuring the performers from rock to country to gospel and the facility also hosts the ECHL’s Greenville team, The Greenville Growl. The county’s interest in recreation has also helped attract The Big League World Series, an international baseball tournament for boys 18 and under held in the city of Easley in Pickens County. Clemson University offers a broad range of sporting events from both their women and men’s athletic teams. The university is known not only for its top-rated football but also for its golf team being the first school in NCAA history to win its conference championship, NCAA regional title and National Championship in the same year (2002/2003).
For those interested in less strenuous activity, great shopping opportunities can be found in the myriad of shops found throughout the area. Everything from major national retailers to small hometown stores, boutiques and unique shops can be found in the cities and small towns that make up the county. Dining choices in the region are varied and dynamic, limited only by personal tastes, whether dining lakeside on a cool summer evening or in the bustling heart of a university town.
Services
The county has several features distinguishing it from other areas its size. From Clemson University and its renowned research to its scenic lakes and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Pickens County has the perfect mix of business and living amenities. Pickens County is home to Clemson University. Known as Time Magazine’s 2000 “Public School of the Year,” and U.S. News & World Report’s Top 20 Engineering school-Clemson University and its focus on academics and applied research-has been a major draw for industry. The community’s economic diversity stems in large part from the university’s support of industries through applied programs and research and development. Manufacturing is the county’s primary source of economic growth, with approximately 150 facilities in the Easley, Liberty and Pickens areas. Pickens County and the surrounding communities in the Upstate of South Carolina are an emerging automotive hub. With Clemson University’s world class ICAR (International Center for Automotive Research) facility and the North American BMW manufacturing plant located nearby.
Education is important in the county, and students are offered a quality educational program that excels in academics. The School District of Pickens County remains one of the top rated school systems in all of South Carolina. Pickens County Schools have ranked in the top 10 in the Upstate of South Carolina for several years running for SAT and ACT scores. In 2005, The School District of Pickens County was ranked #1 in the Upstate and state of South Carolina for ACT scores and #1 in the Upstate and state for average SAT scores. Pickens County is home to Clemson University. Clemson is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive, a category comprising less than 4 percent of all universities in America. Clemson is also the institution of choice for South Carolina’s brightest students.
Healthcare resources in the area are vast and varied, offering residents the absolute best in care. Palmetto Health Baptist Easley and Cannon Memorial Hospitals are the two medical facilities located in Pickens County. Palmetto Health Baptist Easley is a 109-bed general acute care facility providing services such as surgery, lithotripsy, MRI, CT scan, sleep lab, and emergency and outpatient care. Cannon Memorial Hospital is a 55 bed facility that provides emergency department, surgical services, nursing services, outpatient services, physical therapy, restorative care, respiratory care, critical care, radiology, laboratory, wellness and Lifeline services.
Easley
City Offices
205 North 1st Street
Easley 864-855-7900
www.cityofeasley.com
Chamber of Commerce
2001 East Main Street
Easley 864-859-2693
www.easleychamber.net
Easley is a small city located in both Pickens and Anderson Counties. Most of the city lies in Pickens County, with only a very small portion of the city in Anderson County. The city has a population of just over 20,000 residents.
Easley has been hosting the Big League World Series for several years. The Upper South Carolina State Fair is located about 2 miles east of Easley. With magnificent lakes, the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, and great year round weather, there are many outlets for outdoor recreation in Easley. Pickens County is home to Sassafras Mountain, the state’s highest point at 3,548 feet. The three lakes Hartwell, Keowee, and Jocassee that line the western edge of the county are close to the city and offer a great chance for water based recreation. At the north is Lake Jocassee, the deepest, with mountains ringing the northern end. Lake Keowee with 18,500 acres has a 300 mile shoreline and is popular for boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, camping and picnicking. The largest lake, Hartwell, covers 56,000 acres with a shoreline of 962 miles, and is one of the most popular public recreation lakes operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Nearby Table Rock State Park and Mile Creek County Park are popular destinations for camping, hiking, swimming and picnicking. Kayaking is popular in the area due to the proximity to the whitewater rivers along the Georgia-South Carolina border. Easley has a world class baseball complex in the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex, which has hosted the Big League World Series for eight years. Smithfields Country Club is located in the city of Easley. Like many of the other towns in this region, Easley has festivals and events throughout the year, many in the downtown area. The housing mix is vast with large homes on a local private golf course and in gated mountain communities, apartment complexes, older homes in established neighborhoods, and attached and detached one-story patio homes. Residents will find everything they need close to home or within a short drive away.
Central
Town Offices
1067 West Main Street
Central 864-639-6381
http://cityofcentral.org
Central is a small town located along highway 93. The town received its name from its geographic location, being the halfway or central point between Atlanta and Charlotte along the former Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway line. The town is home to more than 3,500 residents. The streets of Central reflect its friendly, small-town charm. Its home to many shops and restaurants that offer everything from down-home Southern favorites to upscale Italian fare. Railroad buffs will enjoy exploring Central. As the midpoint between the major population centers of Atlanta and Charlotte, the town found itself the focus of a railroad boom in 1873. The Atlanta and Richmond Air Line Company set up shop and even gave the town its name. Shops, hotels and other businesses cropped up to meet the social and commercial needs of the burgeoning community. Much of the town’s character today is directly tied to the railroad. It’s obvious that the railroad tracks run through the middle of town. The towns historic past is obvious as much of the town’s architecture is representative of the Victorian era. Although the downtown area is thriving, care has been taken to preserve the original storefronts. History lives on in Central’s many well-preserved homes and commercial buildings. Central offers a small town community and wonderful atmosphere for those looking for a quiet, relaxing location. With larger cities less than 30 minutes away this town is the ideal place to settle and call home.
Clemson
City Offices
1250 Tiger Boulevard
Clemson 864-653-2030
www.cityofclemson.org
Chamber of Commerce
1105 Tiger Boulevard
Clemson 864-654-1200
www.clemsonareachamber.org
Clemson is a college town located in Pickens and Anderson counties. The city is best known as the home to the Clemson University campus. The population is a little over 13,900 and the city is the center of an urban cluster with a total population of almost 50,000. Most of the city is in Pickens County and a small portion is in Anderson County. The City of Clemson is a modern thriving college town with all the quaintness and charm of a historic southern village. It’s a combination that provides something for everyone’s interest, including several historical sites—Fort Hill, Ashtabula House and more. Cultural options can be found at Clemson University’s Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and several community organizations. There are museums and Botanical gardens as well waiting for new visitors and old. Clemson sits on the banks of Lake Hartwell, in the heart of the South Carolina Upstate it offers easy access to almost endless possibilities. Three world class lakes: Hartwell, Jocassee and Keowee, the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River and numerous waterfalls and Hiking Trails mean that there are lots of outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. Newcomers to the area will find zip-lining, whitewater rafting, rowing, boating, hunting, fishing, mountain & trail biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, golf, disc golf, and more. Residents have a broad variety of housing types to choose from including every imaginable home configuration. The quality of life in Clemson is very high and locals enjoy a wide variety of activities. The fact that Clemson is a college town adds to its unique and vibrant feel.
Liberty
City Offices
206 West Front Street
Liberty 864-843-3177
www.libertysc.com
Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 359
Liberty 864-843-7533
www.libertyareachamber.org
The City of Liberty is nestled at the base of the foothills of South Carolina, just south of the natural wonders of the Joccasee Gorges Natural Area and the Table Rock Caesars Head portion of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Liberty is centrally located within Pickens County between Clemson University and the Greenville/Spartanburg Metropolitan Area. This ideal location gives residents and visitors easy access to a wide range of attractions ranging from a Clemson College football games, the cultural events of the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, or a hiking trip through Table Rock. The community is home to several restaurants, unique and quaint shops for finding that perfect item. The city is all home Freedom Park, which attracts many visitors, from the city and from surrounding areas, who bring their families to picnic and play at the parks facilities. Liberty’s Rosewood Center is the community center for the city and the center for many of its organized activities. Liberty is a part of the School District of Pickens County and local students enjoy some of the best education in the state. Liberty is an ideal choice for those looking to settle into a community that offers a lot of natural beauty and convenience for its residents.
Pickens
City Offices
219 Pendleton Street
Pickens 864-878-6421
www.cityofpickens.com
Chamber of Commerce
222 West Main St
Pickens 864-878-3258
www.pickenschamber.net
The City of Pickens maintains the small-town qualities of beauty, friendliness, quaint charm, and family orientation, while encouraging planned economic growth. Recreational opportunities for residents of all ages are available in Pickens. The YMCA of Pickens County has a beautiful facility with pool programs, youth teams, and a full fitness studio. Senior citizens enjoy many activities in our local Senior Center and through the Pickens County Seniors Unlimited programs. The City Recreation Department has a full program of children’s sports teams and volunteer opportunities for the sports minded adult. Outdoor activities are an important of any community in this part of the start and Pickens is no different. The community is home to the Town Creek Trail which is located adjacent to the Pickens Playground of Promise, the Trail offers beautiful vistas along Town Creek and a nice leisurely stroll through the woods. An easy 2.5 mile walk, the trail showcases native plant and animal life as well as picturesque shoals in the creek. In addition all of the activities that can be found in the nearby forests and lakes, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing are all a short drive away. Residents also enjoy the Pickens Recreation Center which consists of the Recreation Department offices, two full size gyms, meeting rooms and a full service concession area. Quiet comfort, strong community spirit and beautiful natural surroundings make Pickens an ideal place to call home.
