Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by Eric
Are you looking for a small town atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor activities and Southern Charm? If so, Walhalla, SC just might be the perfect place for you to move.
With a population of about 4,200, the seat of Oconee County maintains that small-town feel. Plus, there are plenty of things to do along Main Street in beautiful, historic downtown Walhalla.
If the name “Walhalla” reminds you of “Valhalla,” that’s not a coincidence—Walhalla was named by German settlers who thought the area’s beauty reminded him of the paradise of fallen warriors in Norse mythology. That’s why Walhalla’s name translates loosely to “The Garden of the Gods.” Not a bad thing for the town you buy a house in to be named after!
Here are five more things we love about Walhalla:
#1 – Walhalla’s historic downtown Main Street
As mentioned, Walhalla’s downtown area is lovely and historic. It’s worth a walk down main street just to see the old buildings, some of which date back to the 1800s. Walhalla’s wide Main Street is bordered by small restaurants and shops, and even includes a few nightlife options.
Walhalla Oktoberfest is held every year on the third Thursday in October, and it’s a great time to walk the Main Street and try some traditional German foods.
#2 – Outdoor activities abound
There are plenty of things to do outdoors in and around Walhalla. From hiking and camping, to fishing, swimming, and canoeing, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. Oconee State Park is a great place to start, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike the entire Foothills Trail.
The area also is known for its many waterfalls, so be sure to check those out as well while you’re looking for real estate here! If you’re a golfer, you’re in luck—the Walhalla area has several golfing options, including the 18-hole Harry Bowers golf course, the Windsor at Walhalla.
#3 – Great people call Walhalla home
The people of Walhalla are incredibly friendly and welcoming. It’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a stranger, and you’ll quickly feel like part of the community. If you’re thinking about buying a house in Walhalla, you’ll become part of a tight-knit group of neighbors in no time. You’ll also be happy to know that it’s a great place to raise a family. The schools are great as well, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to do with the kids as well.
#4 – Small-town vibe (and not too far from the city)
With its population of just over 4,200 people, Walhalla definitely has that small-town charm. Everyone seems to know each other, and it’s not uncommon to see people out and about downtown or enjoying the outdoors together. There’s a strong sense of community here, and it’s one of the things that makes Walhalla such a great place to live.
And don’t worry about the town being too small—you’re not far from larger cities like Greenville when you want a change of pace. What’s more, Columbia, Athens, and even Atlanta are all within a few hours’ drive.
#5 – Natural beauty
While this region of South Carolina is known for its natural beauty, the mountains and valleys of the Upstate provide a beautiful backdrop for Walhalla. The Blue Ridge Mountains are just a short drive away, and if you head west, you’ll find the Chattooga River.
There’s a reason people have been settling here for centuries—it’s simply gorgeous. The German settlers naming the town after “The Garden of the Gods” isn’t an accident; Walhalla is a pretty special place.
Final Thoughts
There are more than 5 things to love about Walhalla, SC—but you have to stop somewhere. It’s a pretty great place to live, work, and raise a family. If you’re thinking about buying land in Walhalla or making a move to the area, click here to view current real estate listings in Walhalla.
