Relocation guide
Moving to Aiken, SC
A relocation guide for horse people, and everyone else.
Why Aiken
Small-city living in one of the South’s great horse towns
Aiken pairs small-city living with one of the South’s most established equestrian communities. This guide covers where to live, how commutes work, and the steps that make an out-of-state purchase go smoothly.
Shelby knows the relocation side personally: her family moved across the country to Aiken and had all three of their horses flown here.
Where to live
Neighborhood types at a glance
Downtown & the Horse District
In-town living near shops and restaurants, with clay roads, polo and the Training Track close by.
Near Hitchcock Woods
Homes close to about 70 miles of sandy trails, open to riders and walkers from dawn to dusk.
Equestrian communities & rural acreage
Planned horse communities such as Three Runs and Bridle Creek, and larger farms and land in Wagener, Montmorenci and beyond.
Commutes
Getting to work from Aiken
Drive times vary by neighborhood and time of day. Horse properties to the east and south of Aiken often trade a longer drive for more land.
Taxes & residency
Apply for the 4% legal-residence rate
In South Carolina, a home you own and live in as your legal residence is assessed at 4% of its value instead of the 6% rate for second homes. In Aiken County you apply with the County Assessor; the county says to file as soon as you move in, and before January 15, when taxes are due. Once approved, you don’t need to reapply unless the deed name or the use of the property changes.
Agricultural-use assessment is a separate special assessment: you file an application with the Assessor, and legal deadlines apply. Ask the Assessor whether a farm qualifies.
Buying from out of state
Make a long-distance purchase go smoothly
Start with your must-haves for both your family and your horses, set up financing early, and line up local inspections that include the barn, fencing and well. Shelby can help you plan the timeline around travel and horse transport.
Shelby previews homes and farms for you with video tours and live FaceTime walkthroughs, checks barns, fencing, footing and arenas in person, shares her trusted local vet, farrier and horse transport contacts, and can handle inspections and closing remotely with e-signing.
Sources: SRS Visitor Guide 2026 · Fort Eisenhower visitor information · Aiken County Taxpayer’s Guide · Aiken County Assessor
Get the free Aiken Relocation Guide
Neighborhoods, commutes and a step-by-step plan, sent to you by Shelby.