Anderson, SC

Anderson, South Carolina, named for the Revolutionary War hero General Robert Anderson, was founded in 1826 and incorporated in 1833. The county seat of Anderson County, this thriving city is currently home to more than 25,500 residents. Anderson is located in South Carolina's northwest corner, approximately 132 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 127 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Anderson Historic District, Boulevard Historic District, Downtown Historic District and Westside Historic District are four historic districts all within the city limits of Anderson. Each one encompasses distinct neighborhoods with historical significance.

Many different styles of architecture are displayed in the historic districts including Victorian and Colonial and Greek Revival. These districts include mostly residential buildings with a few churches scattered throughout.

In addition to these neighborhoods, Anderson's suburban areas offer new single-family housing developments, ranging from starter homes to executive country club and golf course homes. The area also enjoys the potential for new home development. Apartment complexes, condominiums and retirement communities are also housing options for Anderson residents.

Anderson has an urban population. Neighborhoods and districts of Anderson accommodate around 12,100 houses, out of which more than 10,500 are occupied. A little over half of the residents of Washington are homeowners. The median home price in Anderson is slightly less than the statewide median.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing is the largest industry in Anderson and there are more than 230 manufacturers in the city involved in a plethora of industries, such as automotive, plastics, textiles and industrial machinery.

Anderson has unemployment rate of 7.9 percent. Some of the most common industries for the residents of Anderson include manufacturing, educational, healthcare, social services and retail trade.

Anderson's top employers include AnMed Health, Techtronic Industries, and numerous automotive suppliers.

FAMILY FUN

Anderson is home to 11 parks and six athletic fields, offering residents such amenities as picnic areas, playgrounds, lakes, walking trails, basketball courts, tennis courts and ball fields. Darwin Wright Park features a disc golf course, a boat ramp and dock, a fishing pier and a beach area for swimming. Additionally, two swim centers, each with a 25-meter pool and a diving pool, are available for use by the community.

Anderson Recreation Center is a membership-based facility offering two gymnasiums, basketball and volleyball courts, a fitness center with cardio- and weight-training equipment, and meeting rooms available for rental. Anderson's recreation department also operates a second facility, Jim Rice Center.

Youth recreation programs available in Anderson include basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, cheerleading, volleyball, and a golf clinic. Adult sports include basketball, flag football, tennis, softball, and tennis baseball. Shag dancing classes are also offered.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

A variety of visual and performing art venues are available to Anderson residents. These include:

• The Anderson Arts Center: This nonprofit organization offers art exhibits, public art projects, and art classes to the Anderson community.
• Anderson County Museum: Located in downtown Anderson, the museum's exhibits feature historic artifacts and collections.
• Electric City Playhouse: Theatrical performances including dramas, comedies and musicals in a six-performance season are presented by the playhouse annually, and a youth drama camp is offered in the summer.
• Gallant Art Gallery: This gallery, part of Anderson University, exhibits student and faculty art.
• Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium: The consortium includes nine performing groups; among these are a chorale, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, a chamber orchestra, a boys' choir, and the Electric City Big Band.
• Rainey Fine Arts Center: Also a part of Anderson University, the Rainey Fine Arts Center includes three performing arts venues: Henderson Auditorium, Daniel Recital Hall, and Belk Theater.
• Vandiver Gallery: Located on the Anderson University campus but showcasing professional art, this gallery features a diverse array of exhibits.
• Visitor Center Photography Gallery: The works of professional photographers are featured at this gallery within the Anderson Visitor Center.

EVENTS

Residents of Anderson, as well as visitors, enjoy the myriad events that are offered in the community, such as:

• Anderson Christmas Parade: Held annually, the Christmas parade includes bands, floats, and an appearance by Santa.
• Anderson County Farmer's Market and Electric City Depot: Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Farmer's Market features only locally grown fresh produce.
• Anderson International Festival: Held every two years, this monthlong festival features the culture of various regions of the world, with each festival focusing on a specific region.
• Anderson Jockey Lot and Farmers Market: Located in the nearby town of Belton, this flea market is open weekends year-round and offers a wide range of items for purchase, including fresh produce.
• Anderson Soiree: This annual street festival includes food, live music, street performers, crafts, and activities for children.
• Chili Cook-Off: Open to restaurants and independent cooks alike, the Chili Cook-Off is an annual event featuring chili tastings and cash prizes.
• Downtown Sounds: This weekly concert series in downtown Anderson offers a variety of musical performances.
• Great Southeast Balloon Fest: This event welcomes more than 80 hot-air balloons and offers a car show, food, rides, entertainment and a kids' play area.
• Greek Festival: Held every October at the Anderson County Farmer's Market, this festival features Greek cuisine and dance.
• Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting: This event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Anderson, with the lighting of the Christmas tree and activities downtown.
• Main Street Car Show: Unique and antique cars and trucks can be seen at this event held every year on the Saturday before Father's Day.
• Red Ribbon "Walk in the Park": This free event takes place during Red Ribbon Week to celebrate a drug-free community and to commemorate fallen police officers and firefighters.

EDUCATION

The city is home to Anderson University, a private liberal arts institution offering more than 40 undergraduate degrees, as well as business and education graduate programs. The Trojans athletics department offers students the opportunity to participate in a number of men's and women's sports.

Also located in Anderson is Forrest Junior College, which offers associate's degree programs in nine areas of study, including business administration, allied health, and criminal justice. The college also offers diploma programs to its students.