Wedding & Event Venue Near Anderson, SC

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The National Association of Realtors announced 10 top hot spots for the 2025 housing market based on economic, demographic and housing factors predicted to significantly impact local markets as detailed in NAR’s newest report, Housing Hot Spots for 2025: Top Markets Amid Stabilizing Rates.

NAR Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Lawrence Yun revealed 10 top housing hot spots, provided a 2025 real estate and economic outlook and reviewed the 2024 housing market during NAR’s sixth annual Real Estate Forecast Summit: The Year Ahead.

“Important factors common among the top performing markets in 2025 include available inventory at affordable price points, a better chance of unlocking low mortgage rates, higher income growth for young adults and net migration into specific metro areas,” said Yun.

The 10 Top Housing Hot Spots for 2025

In alphabetical order, the following 10 markets have been identified as the top performers for 2025 due to their strengths across several indicators.

NAR officials said all areas offer a favorable financing environment – either with lower proportions of locked-in homeowners or lower mortgage rates. In addition, the officials said most of these markets outperform the national average in at least six of NAR’s 10 criteria (details in methodology below).

NAR expects the Federal Reserve to maintain a gradual approach to easing monetary policy in 2025.

While concerns about federal deficits and rising public debt may cap the extent of those rate cuts, borrowing costs are anticipated to stabilize overall, offering some relief to prospective buyers. NAR forecasts that mortgage rates will stabilize near 6 percent in 2025, likely establishing a new normal.

At this rate, more buyers are expected to come back to the market, boosting activity, and the association projects 4.5 million existing-home sales in 2025.

The association also predicts that home prices will continue to increase in 2025, but at a slower pace compared to previous years – with increases likely to be around 2 percent – reaching a $410,700 median existing-home price.

While the national housing shortage remains, inventory levels are gradually improving and poised to increase further in 2025, NAR officials said.

This uptick is anticipated to result from a combination of new construction projects and homeowners deciding to list their properties, encouraged by stabilizing mortgage rates and improving market conditions, the officials said.

NAR expects this to lead to increased construction, with housing starts reaching 1.45 million units in the next couple of years, just shy of the historical average annual level of 1.5 million units.

“Home buyers will have more success next year,” said Yun. “The worst of the affordability challenges are over as more inventory, stable mortgage rates and continued job and income growth pave the way for more Americans to achieve homeownership.”

Methodology for Housing Hot Spots for 2025

NAR identified the 2025 housing hot spots by analyzing how each area performs relative to the national level across the following 10 key economic, demographic and housing factors: 1) Share of locked-in homeowners; 2) Average mortgage rate; 3) Job growth; 4) Share of millennial renters who can afford to buy a home; 5) Net migration to population ratio; 6) Share of households reaching homebuying age in the next five years; 7) Share of out-of-state movers purchasing a home; 8) Share of homeowners surpassing the average length of tenure; 9) Share of starter-owner occupied units and; 10) Home price appreciation.

A missing South Carolina woman has been found dead.

Shelia Thompson, of Greenville, was last seen on the evening of Monday, Dec. 2, and was reported missing by her family a day later on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

According to the sheriff’s office, Thompson, 54, was reported as having “serious medical conditions,” although her specific medical history was not made available.

Around 10:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 8, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office responded to a call that a vehicle had been found submerged near West Church Road and Alpen Road in Easley, Fox affiliate, WHNS reported.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office later confirmed on social media that she was "found deceased" in the car.

According to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, the 54-year-old’s drowning death has been ruled accidental, reported WHNS, NBC affiliate WYFF and CBS affiliate WSPA.

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The corner said that it appeared Thompson lost control of her car while driving on West Church Road, then traveled off the road and into the creek, according to the outlets.

Representatives from the Anderson County Coroner’s Office and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

At the time the car was discovered, Thompson’s family was also searching the area after learning that her cellphone “pinged” in the vicinity, reported WYFF.

“My sister is the sweetest person you would want to know," sister Toni Fuller told WHNS in a statement. "She has 4 loving children, 7 grands, she was very spiritual and loving. She is the glue that holds the family together and she is already missed by the entire family."

An investigation into Thompson’s death is currently ongoing by both the Anderson County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. —

For many children, Christmas morning is filled with joy and excitement, but for some, it can be a season of unmet wishes and disappointment. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up with its annual Operation No Angel Left Behind to ensure every child in the community experiences the magic of Christmas.

The program, now in its third year, was started by Sheriff McBride to address the realities faced by many children in the community.

“It’s hard to imagine kids not having a Christmas, you know? And I know that is the reality of it,” said Carrie Miller, public information officer for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.

This year, the initiative aims to provide Christmas gifts to more than 90 children in Anderson County.

“Sheriff McBride came up with the idea three years ago. He is wanting to help the older kids that don’t get picked off the angel trees that they have at department stores, grocery stores or churches,” Miller added.

The sheriff’s office is making sure each gift is tailored to a child’s specific needs and wishes.

“Maybe this jacket might not fit, maybe that’s not their shoe size, but this is exactly what they want. Exactly their size, you know, exactly the Barbie doll they want. I can list 100 more things. Just to know that they’re getting exactly what they want for Christmas warms my heart,” said Miller.

The children’s wish lists have been uploaded to an Amazon wish list created by the sheriff’s office.

“I hope they’re excited,” Miller said as the team waits for the community to join in. "There are some things on our list still that are bigger items for these kids. And the reality of it is they may not get it if we don’t have the people donating their time and their money,” Miller added.

The deadline to donate is Friday, Dec. 13. To view the Anderson County Sheriff's Office Amazon wish list, click here.

Top Picks

Greenville, South Carolina has been getting quite a bit of buzz lately—and for good reason. Its emerging food scene, array of museums, and walkable downtown are just a few of the reasons it was named the South's Best City on the Rise in 2022. But travel 45 minutes southeast towards the South Carolina-Georgia border, and you'll find another town more than worth a weekend away. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson is a small town with big energy that you need to add to your Southern travel bucket list today.

Once known as the Electric City thanks to its pioneering use of hydroelectric power, Anderson has retained every bit of that spark more than 100 years later. Its location near the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the Southeast's largest recreation lakes means there's no shortage of outdoor recreation to explore, from freshwater fishing and boating to hiking and biking.

When you're ready to slow your roll, a leisurely stroll around Anderson's historic district shops and restaurants is a great option. Then, you can round out your trip by hunting down all the local treats of the Piedmont region, from handmade truffles and homegrown honey to craft whiskey and farm-fresh goat cheese. Here are eight things you must do on a visit to the Friendliest City in South Carolina.

Do A Tour And Tasting At Palmetto Distillery

The fun started more than a decade ago when brothers Trey and Bryan Boggs opened South Carolina's first legal moonshine distillery in Anderson. Since then, they've grown the collection of spirits at Palmetto Distillery to include not only award-winning flavored moonshines (Try the Pina Colada, Peach, or Salted Caramel), but also a line of craft whiskeys and ready-to-drink cocktails. Tours are free (no reservations required) and typically end with a choose-your-own-adventure tasting where you can decided between a traditional tasting (9 flavors for $10 with a $5 credit for whatever you decide to take home), flight ($5), or single sample ($1).

palmettodistillery.com; 200 W Benson St, Anderson, SC 29624; 864-226-9917

Spend A Day On Lake Hartwell

Ask any Anderson local where their favorite place to spend a day is and they'll likely reply with Lake Hartwell. The 56,000-acre lake is one of the biggest recreation lakes in the Southeast and is well-known for its world-class fishing. Catch catfish, bream, crappie, and bass from the 100-foot fishing pier at Sadlers Creek State Park, or book a trip with one of many local fishing guides who are guaranteed to have you reeling in trophy bass in no time. If fishing isn't your fancy, head to Big Water Marina and take your pick of watercrafts. They've got everything from kayaks, paddle boards, and hydrobikes to pontoon boats.

Immerse Yourself In the Arts At The Anderson Arts Center

Art enthusiasts should plan to spend ample time at downtown's Anderson Arts Center. The massive complex is a hub for the visual and performing arts. The complex features several rotating exhibitions, as well as the Bay 3 Artisan Gallery, a cooperative gallery of local artists who represent a variety of different mediums. If you'd like to get a little more hands-on, sign up for a workshop or class hosted regularly at the center. The center is also home to The Market Theatre Company, a community theater group that pulls off an impressive year-round schedule of musicals, plays, and productions for the public.

andersonarts.org; 110 Federal St #6, Anderson, SC 29625; 864-222-2787

Explore The Historic District

One of Anderson's crowning jewels is its bustling 16-block Historic District. Allot a few hours to explore this area and see where your whims take you. History buffs will want to look out for Anderson County Courthouse, the P&N Railroad Depot, the Anderson County Museum, and a 1764 Revolutionary War cannon called Old Reformer. Modern mavens will love the eclectic mix of locally owned specialty shops, boutiques, breweries, and restaurants. Just off Main Street, pay a visit to Carolina Wren Park, a hub for community activity including open-air concerts, block parties, movie screenings, and other outdoor events. Don't forget a sweet treat at CocoBon Chocolatier, an artisan truffle and chocolate shop that's been a local favorite since opening in 2007.

Stay At The Bleckley Inn

When visiting Anderson, there's no better home base than The Bleckley Inn. The city's only boutique hotel, the Bleckley offers 22 well-appointed rooms in the heart of downtown. The renovated historic building features dramatic 10-foot ceilings, original heart pine flooring, and classic Southern décor. For the full experience, book reservations at the hotel's Restaurant 151, a Southern American eatery with a special emphasis on South Carolina-grown ingredients and produce.

bleckleyinn.com; 151 E Church St, Anderson, SC 29624; 864-225-7203

Visit Split Creek Goat Farm

At its heart, Anderson is a rural community. For a foray into the farm fresh, a visit to Split Creek Goat Farm is a must. The goat dairy is home to 350 goats who provide the milk for Split Creek's nationally acclaimed, award-winning goat cheese, fudge, and yogurt. The farm shop is open every day except Sunday, but if you'd like to take a self-guided tour of the operations be sure to visit between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday or Saturday. In addition to finding Split Creek's legendary products, you can also find produce and food from other South Carolina businesses.

splitcreek.com; 3806 Centerville Rd, Anderson, SC 29625; 864-287-3921

Get Delicious Eats At A Local Restaurant

No vacation—and especially no Southern vacation—is complete without a meal to write home about. In Anderson, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill is the place to go for an upscale evening out. With its white tablecloths and elegant architecture, you'd never know the building opened as a hardware store in the late 1800s. Dinner options range from Lowcountry classics like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Sullivan's Hush Puppies to Italian-inspired Short Rib Bolognese and Black Truffle Ravioli. For top-notch cooking in more casual digs, head to Mama Penn's for a Southern-certified meat 'n' three experience and Creekside Bar-be-que for slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and pork using recipes passed down for generations.

Go Brewery Hopping

Make a toast to a trip well spent with a pint at one of Anderson's hip craft breweries. Carolina Bauerhaus uses local yeasts, regional hops, and seasonal fruit to create an ever-rotating menu of small-batch beers, ciders, and wines. Be on the lookout for seasonal brews like the Bradford, a sour ale brewed with Bradford watermelons. Complete your downtown brewery tour at Magnetic South, a brewery on downtown's Main Street that opened in September 2021. The brewpub encourages visitors to stay for a while with a large taproom featuring arcade games, a pool table, and plenty of room to relax over a pint and specialty cast-iron pizza.

Looking for holiday events in Anderson, SC? You’ve found the right place! We have information on parades, ice skating, shopping, where to find Santa, and more are all waiting for you in this list of holiday events and things to do in Anderson, SC.

Holiday Fun In Anderson County

Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day | 5:30 – 10 PM 150 Rose Valley Boulevard, AndersonAnderson Lights includes 2.5 miles of light displays, a Christmas village, an opportunity to see Santa, and unique entertainment scheduled on select nights. $15 a car.

Holiday Ice in Carolina Wren Park– AndersonOn select dates from December 2nd 2024 – January 5th 2025, Enjoy ice skating in the park! Admission is $5 per person ages 6 and older (skates included). Kids 6 and under skate free on the kiddie rink .

Free Fun To Have During The Holidays In Anderson

The holidays can stress our wallets, so free and cheap fun is always a welcome sight! We’ve found ways to celebrate the holiday season that won’t break the bank.

November 20th through November 23rd, 2024View the decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces available to purchase to benefit the Anderson Free Clinic. Viewing the decorations is free but there are many ticketed special events.

There are plenty of places to sit along the parade routes, and it’s always a good idea to bring a bag to catch any candy thrown out to the kids from floats. Also, don’t forget that hot cocoa and a comfy chair and blanket to stay toasty depending on the weather!

Libraries are always a great source of free fun! While you’ll need an Anderson library card to check out books, you don’t need one to attend the fun, free events they have planned.

See Santa in Anderson

We asked the elves for Santa’s appearance schedule this season. Here’s a list of places where you find Santa this year in Anderson. Snap a photo, enjoy some cookies, and don’t forget to share your Christmas wish list!

See more places to see Santa on our Santa Guide to the Upstate!

More Christmas Events in Anderson County