Anderson Core - Anderson, SC Area Guide

Anderson attracted settlers of Scottish and Irish decent in the late 1700s, and in 1833, Anderson became an incorporated city at the site where the historic district lies today. Population in the area has grown in spurts with a boom in the 1960s. Revitalization of the historic downtown district that began in the 1990s has resulted in a vibrant scene downtown. Two museums in Anderson delight history buffs. The Anderson County Museum explores the history of Anderson County, while the city’s Fire Department Museum houses fire trucks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For art lovers, check out a variety of artistic media displayed at the Vandiver Gallery and Pixel Point’s Artisan Gallery. Both galleries are free of charge and open to the public, with the Artisan Gallery’s pieces being available for purchase.

Anderson nightlife clusters around the downtown historic district mostly along Main Street and adjacent side streets, where you'll find favorite local spots like McGee's Scot-Irish Pub, Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill, and Summa Joe's pizza parlor. McGee's serves up beer cheese soup and a shepherd's pie the locals say you should not miss. With three cheeses, lager, and a rich cream base, the beer cheese soup shows a bold beer taste and keeps locals coming back for more. If that doesn't stuff you, be sure to order the shepherd's pie, featuring minced beef and vegetables served under smashed red skin potatoes with slaw, baker's bread, and gravy. With that lineup, you surely won't leave McGee's hungry. Stick around the pub on the weekends and you can hear some live music after you dine. Head down Main Street to Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill for an exquisite experience. From bacon-wrapped quail with a brandied peach sauce and peppered arugula to rosemary duck breast finished with apple-goat cheese fondue, Sullivan's offers a full range of fine dining options. But at Sullivan's the dessert bar keeps locals coming back.Top picks from the bar include any of the cheesecakes and the mocha Heath bar layer cake. Locals say Summa Joe's has the best pizza around, with the Italian Freschetta topping that list. A homemade pie with prosciutto ham, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, balsamic onions, and fresh arugula drizzled with olive oil, it hits the spot. Locals say to add a fresh cracked egg for Sicilian flair. For nightlife, take in a show at the Electric City Playhouse or treat your ears to the orchestra at the Rainey Fine Arts Center. With regular schedules of shows, you can always find something to do in Anderson.

Most of Anderson’s residents drive to and from their destinations and appreciate the free parking provided all around the town of Anderson, even in the downtown historic district. Free on- and off-street parking exists downtown and even includes West Whitner Street Parking Garage, a 250-space garage where you can park for free anytime on the weekends and after 5:00 pm during the weekdays. Yellow Cab serves the area, but it is best to call ahead to arrange a pick-up. Unfortunately, Uber's ride-share service is available in Greenville but not in Anderson. For a cheap ride, catch the public bus. Anderson city operates the Electric City Transit, a public bus system with a one-way ticket costing only 50 cents. Furthermore, bicyclists find it easy to get around and across town, as many of the major roads, including Highway 29, have bike lanes. As for walking, residents enjoy strolling the historic downtown area and the quiet neighborhood streets. Getting in and out of town is a breeze, with Interstate 85 lying less than 8 miles and 15 minutes away.

Operated by the city of Anderson, residents can exercise on the walking trails of DB Walker Park (also known as Jefferson Avenue Park) or shoot hoops at one of the three basketball courts there. The park also features a playground, picnic shelter and grill for family fun. The downtown historic district's Carolina Wren Park attracts locals with a green-space, movie nights in the summer and fall and a light show at Christmastime. Both parks remain open year round and free of charge. Dogs are allowed at both parks as long as they remain on leashes.

The cost of living in Anderson runs lower than in Greenville, the state of South Carolina and the nation. Housing costs in Anderson can run substantially lower, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $620 per month. You can catch a ride on the Electric City Transit for only 50 cents, but if you like to drive, gas prices are also low here, costing about 12 percent less than the national average. Residents also enjoy lower grocery, restaurant and bar prices in their city than in nearby Greenville.

Downtown Anderson attracts locals and tourists who like to shop, offering specialty boutiques, such as Blake and Brady, and unique destinations like the Cabernet Canvas. Blake and Brady keeps local women looking good with its trendy shoes, tops, and dresses for women of all ages. Styles range from the simple black skirt to Aztec and sequin designs. The Cabernet Canvas is an art entertainment studio where you can bring a beverage of your choice and spend the evening creating a masterpiece. Everything is provided for you, from aprons to paints. You can also shop all day at the Anderson Mall, located three miles from downtown Anderson. This mall's anchor stores include Belk, Dillard's JC Penney, and Sears. Specialty stores include Pink Clove, Chico's, Red Couture, Justice, Kay's Jewelers, and Tiki Golf. Many locals turn to Publix and Ingles for grocery shopping in the neighborhood. The Anderson County Farmers Market opens year-round on Saturdays, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer and fall.