There’s nothing quite like lakefront living, especially when the lake and its surroundings have much to offer. If you’re considering buying waterfront property and are searching for an excellent place for your lake home, it’s time to learn about Lake Keowee communities and why you’ll fall in love with all the area has to offer.
Start by Learning Lake Keowee’s Story
Lake Keowee has a fascinating history, not just as an expansive lake but also because it’s a bit of a workhorse—quite literally. This man-made lake was built to cool Duke Energy’s three nuclear reactors located at the Oconee Nuclear Station. It also generates hydroelectric power as falling water propels a renewable form of energy. In other words, it has an integral role in energy production for the area.
While the lake’s job is massive, so is its size. Measuring 26 miles in length, 3 miles in width, and at an average depth of 54 feet, the lake covers more than 18,000 acres of land and boasts nearly 300 miles of shoreline. This expansive area means plenty for everyone to enjoy, and it ensures Lake Keowee communities along those shorelines are perfect for everyone.
Keowee is a Cherokee word meaning “Place of the mulberries.” Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake extends into two counties in South Carolina—Pickens and Oconee—and features breathtaking mountain views.
On the northern side of the lake, you’ll find peaceful places for exploring thanks to the nearby Keowee/Toxaway State Park, which offers 1,000 acres of hiking, waterfalls, and idyllic views of the lake. Because of its parks and the nearby Eastotoe Park, a natural wildlife preserve, fewer people call that location home or even use the lake for summer fun. It’s great for a serene getaway.
Meanwhile, Lake Keowee’s southern end is closer to residential locations—and just minutes from Clemson University—making it perfect for those looking to be closer to the energy and comforts of larger towns and communities.
And, of course, the lake is filled with much to do. The lake is a fisherman’s dream—packed with largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, catfish, and brown and rainbow trout. Adventurers love stopping their boats at Jumping Rock, a 30-foot boulder on the lake where people are frequently seen jumping off the rock into the lake. It also offers the main channel, side channels, and coves to explore, with nine public boat ramps and a waterfall for plenty of summer fun. And that’s just some of what the area has to offer.
Our favorite Lake Keowee Communities are as distinct as Lake Keowee itself. Here are three communities we know you’ll love.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee
The Reserve at Lake Keowee
If you’re looking for a home that offers more than lakefront living alone, consider The Reserve at Lake Keowee. Established by Greenwood Communities and Resorts in 2000, it’s a private waterfront golfing community with a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and a community clubhouse.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee was designed to harness the lake’s natural beauty and resources. Its meticulously maintained roadways, stacked stone bridges, and natural surroundings blend through the entire community. With members-only amenities, including lake access, a tennis center, the village center and market, pools, and a fitness and yoga center, it’s the right location for sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
The Reserve offers a historical presence with timeless appeal, with everything from cozy cottages to stunning estate homes to call your own. It’s a natural, stunning community you’ll love calling home.
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is genuinely a lakeside retreat, yet there’s much to entertain your entire family. Whether you’re young or young at heart, you’ll have an enriching lifestyle here.
This family-friendly community offers the famous Keowee Springs Beach Club, wellness centers, tennis courts, and marinas. It also has a Tom Fazio golf course, designed as three sixes, which is the home course of the Cliffs’ ladies’ golf group, the Sassy Sixers, and the place for tournaments and youth programs.
The Cliffs also offer incredible amenities like a summer kids’ camp, wine and culinary programs, hundreds of social programs, and even a surf shop where kids teach parents how to paddle board. You can dock your boat and enjoy a cool drink at the grille while the kids sneak off to the community’s snaking water slides.
Exciting lakefront living is available here, priced from $700,000 to nearly $5 million. Come for the lake, but stay for the entire experience.
Total Quality custom built home at Waterford Pointe, Lake Keowee
Waterford Pointe
Waterfront Pointe is one of Lake Keowee’s largest, most active communities. Designed by Crescent Communities, it’s an expansive, 400-acre community nestled along four miles of Lake Keowee shoreline. It also features many family-friendly amenities, like a lakeside clubhouse and pool, playgrounds, lighted tennis courts, a paved walking trail, and a common area with docks and boat slips.
This community is truly created for waterfront living. Many of its homes are surrounded by water on three sides, and most lots have waterfrontage. Interior lots typically come with leased boat slips upon the sale of the land, ensuring you have easy access to the lake.
Here, you’ll find a mixture of traditional craftsman-style and contemporary homes with stunning views of the mountains. It’s a breathtaking place to call home.
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