Iva South Carolina

Iva is a town in southern Anderson County in Upstate South Carolina. It is known as "The Gateway to the Freshwater Coast" because of the many lakes and rivers in the area. According to the 2000 census the population was 1,156 and a population in 2007 of 1,189. Iva is very small with only 0.9 square miles within the city limits.

The community was named after Iva Cook, pioneer. Iva residents are friendly folk proud of their rural heritage and their progressive town. It is often referred to as Starr-Iva because of being so close to the Starr community.

But just because Iva is small do not think there is nothing to do! Remember dynamite comes in small packages and the residents of Iva keep themselves busy between fishing trips on Lake Seccession with with annual events such as Depot Days, the Iva Christmas Parade, the recently added Iva Chili Cook-off and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Town of Iva will introduce several new events to enjoy in 2009 to include:

• Miss Iva Pageant
• Spring Flower Sale
• Spring Festival, to include an Art and Craft Show
• Community Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 11, 2009 (Elsie Evans Memorial Park)
• Farmer’s Market – To be held each Wednesday and Saturday beginning in June 2009.
• Safe Harbor Marathon and Bicycle Ride

  In addition to new events coming to Iva, several new Enhancement Projects will start early in 2009.

• Medians will be installed on Hwy 81 in 5 locations along the corridor.
• Decorative Streetlamps will be installed at each location along with landscaping. New sidewalks, streetlamps, and parking will also.