10 Things to Know Before Moving to Aiken, SC

Aiken, South Carolina has built a reputation as one of the most charming small cities in the South — a place where thoroughbred training tracks sit blocks from downtown antique shops, and where "Winter Colony" history still shapes daily life. Before you make the move, here's what you should actually know.

1. The cost of living in Aiken is low

Aiken consistently ranks as one of the more affordable places to live in South Carolina. Estimates vary by source, but median home values generally fall in the $200,000–$262,000 range, well below the national median, and average rent runs somewhere between $1,000 and $1,400/month depending on the source and neighborhood (a few sources show higher figures closer to $1,700–$1,800, so it's worth checking current listings). Overall cost-of-living indexes put Aiken at roughly 89–90 compared to a national baseline of 100.

2. You're not far from Augusta, a much larger metro

Aiken sits about 15–20 miles east of Augusta, Georgia — roughly a 25–30 minute drive — and is officially part of the Augusta-Richmond County metropolitan area, which has a combined population of over 575,000. That means small-town Aiken living comes with easy access to a bigger city's hospitals, shopping, airport, and entertainment (including the Masters Tournament crowd every April) without actually living in it.

3. Horse culture is a genuine, deeply-rooted thing here

This isn't a "there are some horse farms nearby" situation — Aiken is one of the most historically significant equestrian communities in the country, dating back to the 1880s "Winter Colony" era. If you're moving to the area, it's worth knowing why it's called that: wealthy Northern families — Vanderbilts, Astors, Whitneys among them — started wintering in Aiken to escape the cold and to train their horses on ground that never froze. They built winter estates, laid out polo fields, and platted the unpaved roads in what's still called the Horse District today, specifically so horses' hooves wouldn't wear down on pavement. Most of what makes Aiken's horse culture distinct now traces directly back to that era. This isn't a recent trend; it's 140+ years in the making.

• Trials — The Aiken Trials date to the early 1940s and kick off the Aiken Triple Crown each March at the Aiken Training Track.
• Steeplechase — The Aiken Spring Steeplechase draws crowds estimated at over 30,000 and is billed as the largest single-day sporting event in the region.
• Polo — Whitney Field has hosted polo continuously since 1882, making it one of the oldest polo grounds in the country still in use.

4. There are a lot of opportunities for golfers

Aiken's golf scene rivals its horse culture. There are roughly 17–21 golf courses within a 15-mile radius of the city, about a third of them public. That includes real history: the Palmetto Golf Club, designed in part by Alister Mackenzie (the architect behind Augusta National) and dating to 1892, and the Aiken Golf Club, a Donald Ross-designed course from 1912 rated among the best places to play during Masters Week. Augusta National itself sits just 20 miles away.

5. Things close earlier than in larger cities

Aiken is a small city with a small-city rhythm. Downtown restaurants, shops, and businesses generally wind down by early evening, and there isn't a large-scale nightlife or late-night dining scene the way you'd find in Charlotte, Atlanta, or even nearby Augusta. If you're used to a big city's around-the-clock options, expect an adjustment.

6. The demographic skews a bit older

Aiken's median age generally lands somewhere in the mid-40s — estimates range from about 41 to 46 depending on the data source — noticeably higher than the U.S. median age of around 39. Around a fifth to a quarter of residents are 65 or older. This tracks with Aiken's long history as a retirement and "winter" destination.

7. There's no commercial airport in Aiken itself

Aiken has its own general-aviation airport (Aiken Regional/AIK) for private aircraft, but no commercial passenger service. For flights, most residents drive to Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), about 20–25 miles away, or Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), about 45–55 miles away, for more flight options.

8. The job market goes well beyond horses and golf

Aiken's economy has a serious industrial and government backbone. The Savannah River Site (SRS), a nuclear research facility a short drive from town, employs more than 10,000 people. Bridgestone operates two plants in the area employing close to 1,800 people, and Kimberly-Clark adds around 1,200 more, alongside a growing healthcare sector.

9. You'll have enormous outdoor space right in town

Hitchcock Woods, a roughly 2,100-acre forest with more than 70 miles of sandy trails, sits within the city limits and is one of the largest urban forests in the country. Between the Woods, Hopeland Gardens, and the general low-density layout of the city, green space and trail access are a built-in part of living in Aiken.

10. Most people here own rather than rent

Aiken and the surrounding county lean heavily toward homeownership — roughly three-quarters or more of occupied housing units are owner-occupied, above the national norm. If you're planning to rent long-term, know that the rental market here is comparatively smaller and more competitive than in cities built around a large renter population.

Moving to Aiken, SC? Let Storage Star Help

Between the lower cost of living, the proximity to Augusta, and the horse-country charm, it's easy to see why more people are choosing to put down roots in Aiken. If your move involves downsizing, staging a house to sell, or just needing a place to keep your things — including storing horse equipment, trailers, and tack if you're settling into horse country — Storage Star has facilities across the Aiken area to make the transition easier.

• Storage Star on Whiskey Rd
• Storage Star on Richland Ave W
• Storage Star on Hamilton Dr

Reach out to your nearest Storage Star facility to find the right unit size and start your move off on the right foot. Looking for storage unit prices in Aiken, SC? Read our latest price guide!

Cost of living, housing, employment, and demographic figures in this post are estimates based on publicly available sources as of 2026 and are subject to change. This post is intended as a general relocation guide, not financial or real estate advice.