Lake Murray offers housing at all price levels, suggest local Realtors, and at over 41 miles, plenty of opportunity for waterfront housing.

"Beautiful Lake Murray is near Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina," says Realtor Mel Coker. "Nearby towns include Irmo, Lexington, Chapin, and Prosperity. Live on or near Lake Murray and enjoy fishing, boating, sailing, water-skiing and exploring 620 miles of shoreline."

Coker explains, "Lake Murray has the reputation of being one of the most popular and beautiful lakes in the Southeastern United States. It's a big lake... approximately 41 miles long, 14 miles wide at the widest point and over 600 miles of shoreline. And, it's a clean lake as several municipalities draw drinking water from the lake. Lake Murray is popular for boating, fishing, sailing and water-skiing. There are many marinas and a number of waterfront restaurants on Lake Murray.

"The lower half of Lake Murray is closest to the Lake Murray dam and downtown Columbia. Nearby communities include Chapin, Ballentine and Irmo on the north side of the lake and Lexington on the south side. Prices are higher in this area, but, medical and shopping conveniences are closer too. The upper part of the lake is closest to the communities of Prosperity, Newberry on the north side of the lake and Saluda on the south side of the lake. These areas are much more rural in character and prices tend to moderate a bit."

He advises, "To enjoy Lake Murray, you may live on the lake or near the lake. You may choose to buy an existing home or buy a lot and build your dream home. For waterfront lots at Lake Murray, there are currently 110 active listings for Lake Murray lots with at least 100 feet of water frontage. The price range is $50,000 to $1,250,000. The average price is $227,537. Lake Murray waterfront lot prices are impacted by location (generally nearness to the Lake Murray dam); community amenities, if any; view and waterfront in feet; and year-round water conditions. For waterfront homes at Lake Murray, there are currently 65 active residential listings with at least 100 feet of water frontage. These may include single family homes, condos, cottages, mobile homes. The price range is $119,000 to $3,400,000. The average price is $685,457. Lake Murray home prices are impacted by style, quality and age of construction, location (generally nearness to the Lake Murray dam); community amenities, if any; view and waterfront in feet; and year-round water conditions."

Says Realtor Rose Marie Averhoff, "Lake Murray is much larger than most people imagine. It was man-made and has many islands and coves. You better get a map, or you will get lost! We have wonderful properties on deep year-round water and on quiet coves that are more affordable. There are also some condominiums with lake access and view. The better the water, the higher priced the property. The further out you go the better the chances of finding something "affordable".

Averhoff continues, "On the map it looks like a Christmas tree. Irmo, Chapin and Lexington are considered "close-in" to downtown Columbia when it comes to lake living. They are also in the schools that rank highest and most desirable. Growth is everywhere. We call Columbia the "Best Kept Secret in the Country.

"Lake Murray level is almost at it's "regular" level again," advises Averhoff. "The 1.5 mile-long dam is being re-enforced and Hwy 6 is being widened. The four-lane Highway 6 will start 2005. Very few lots and homes are available. Values are up as property "close-in" becomes rare to find. With the still low rates, it's a great time to buy your dream home on Lake Murray."

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Published: February 11, 2005

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