Westminster South Carolina

Westminster is in Oconee County in Upstate South Carolina sitting at the foothills of the beautiful Appalachian Mountians. With a strong economic base that ranges from modern industry to the quaint shops along Old Main Street. It was started mostly as a train depot along the railroad. Then as stores, shops and factories started to set up along the train stop, it bloomed into a decent-sized town. The population was 2,743 at the 2000 census and in 2007 was 2,668. Unfortunately, the train depot burned down in 2005 and the city is now raising money to rebuild it. Westminster is home to several industries; among them are Beacon Blankets (formerly a division of Pillowtex, now a division of Faribault Woolen Mills), a Dunlop Sports golfball factory, and a US Engine Valve plant. Westminster covers 3.4 square miles. Westminster and the nearby community of Long Creek have several commercial apple orchards. Which of course leads to mentioning the South Carolina Apple Festival.

Starting the week after Labor Day and running for two weeks, the South Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple-producing area in the state. The annual festival draws thousands of visitors to the Westminster area every year since 1961. The Apple Festival offers something for everyone in the family and most of the events are free and are planned with the entire family in mind.

Westminster has more than one hundred homes that are unique to the late 1800's and turn-of-the-century. Its residential and business historical districts are a must see.

Main Street has unique shops and a hometown feel. It has seen restoration and renovation of most of the buildings. From the locally-owned drug store to the hometown newspaper office, and all the specialty shops in between, Old Main Street is a not just a wonderful place to spend the day but every day!

The Abbey Street and Isundega Street area has been selected for designation as a "historical" district due to The Westminster Presbyterian Church (The oldest standing church in Westminster), The Ballenger House, The Grubbs House, The McCormick House and many others. These homes show turn-of-the-Century architecture. Some have been renovated, some are in the process of renovation, and still others expected to be on the market in the next few years. This is a neighborhood that Bob Villa would go nuts over!

Retreat Street is a look back in time. These homes deserve driving by to admire. There is also the Mason home which is well worth the time to see. This street is the stuff that Southern Living fans dream of. A rare treat for visitors, Retreat Street is a great example of a neighborhood were pride has overcome the urge to change.

The Mill Hill was created to house mill workers. They are now privately owned, but the area shows a glimpse into the past of the small southern town.

Westminster, with all the different areas, each with a different feel, is a wonderful place anyone can be proud to call home! Please remember that you can use this website to search real estate for sale in Westminster South Carolina!