Moving to Laurens, SC: What to Know About Small-Town Living in the Upstate
If you're looking for a smaller South Carolina community with a historic courthouse square, locally owned businesses and a slower pace than the larger Upstate cities, Laurens, SC is worth exploring.
The City of Laurens serves as the county seat of Laurens County and is centered around its distinctive historic Public Square.
For buyers searching for homes for sale in Laurens, SC, the broader area includes historic houses, established neighborhoods, traditional subdivisions, rural properties and acreage.
The Public Square Is the Heart of Laurens
Downtown Laurens is organized around its historic square, with the courthouse at the center and restaurants, shops and businesses surrounding it.
The city describes the Historic Downtown Square as the focal point of the community, continuing its long role as a gathering place for surrounding areas.
Nearby, the Capitol Theatre hosts regular programming, including free movie nights.
Laurens Has Roots Going Back to the Old Ninety Six District
Laurens County was established in 1785 from part of the historic Ninety Six District.
Early maps referred to the town as Laurensville, with the name Laurens appearing in its 1873 town charter.
Agriculture, textiles and local commerce all played roles in the area's development over time.
Community Events Still Center Around Downtown
Laurens continues to use its square and downtown public spaces for festivals and events.
The city's calendar includes seasonal celebrations, Juneteenth activities, Freedom Fest and programming at the Capitol Theatre. Parks and recreation programming also includes events near the historic downtown amphitheater.
What Kind of Homes Can You Find in Laurens?
Near downtown, buyers may find older homes, traditional neighborhoods and properties with architectural character.
Outside the city center, larger lots, country homes and acreage become more common.
Things worth considering include:
- Distance from I-385
- Downtown versus rural setting
- Septic and well systems
- Internet availability
- Property restrictions
- Land maintenance
- School attendance zones
- Commute to Greenville, Simpsonville or other employment centers
Schools in Laurens
The Laurens area is served by Laurens County School District 55, which includes elementary and middle schools along with Laurens District High School.
The district publishes South Carolina School Report Card results annually, and buyers should verify attendance zones with the district for a specific property.
Smaller-Town Living With Access to the Upstate
Laurens isn't trying to feel like Greenville.
Its appeal is in having a recognizable town center, surrounding countryside and access to larger communities when you need them.
I-385 provides a route north toward Simpsonville and Greenville, while rural highways connect Laurens to other parts of the western Upstate.
Is Laurens, SC Right for You?
Spend some time on the Public Square, then drive outside the city limits.
You'll quickly see the transition from historic neighborhoods and traditional streets to more rural settings.
If you're considering moving to Laurens, SC, comparing homes both inside and outside town can help you decide how much convenience, land and privacy you want.