Why We (& You!) Love Calling Aiken Home

There are hundreds of reasons why we think that living, working, and playing in Aiken is the very best, and we are fascinated by all the reasons people choose to call Aiken home. We asked our community why they love Aiken so much, and here’s what they had to say:


Aiken’s slow pace gives you a small town feel but has activities for any age group, from polo on Sundays to live music in The Alley on Thursdays. There is always something to do. I like to think of my town as the South’s best-kept secret.
– EMILY M.


I like that the city is big enough to have good amenities but small enough that I run into people I know wherever I go.
– SUSANNA K.


Aiken is the most genuinely friendly place I have ever been to. Aiken has a heart. People are never too busy to stop and say hi, catch up, meet new friends. The people are what makes Aiken so wonderful!
– BEST LIFE AIKEN


I would probably say all of the finest restaurants, activities, equestrian events, and everything that is in common with the big cities. I really appreciate what Aiken does for South Carolina and am very proud of the happenings which Aiken is involved in.
– WILLIAM U.


I love the small town charm, the southern roots, and the history that you see every day in Aiken, but mostly, I love the equestrian heritage that you can find around every corner in town. From the Imperial Cup and Holiday Cup to Sunday afternoons at the polo field, Aiken has a long tradition of thoroughbred training and racing. Plus, where else can you find horses and their riders casually strolling through the streets of downtown?
– RILEY M.


I think Aiken is such a charming, quaint town with so much character. We love the downtown area and all it has to offer, from the restaurants to the shops. There are always fun events happening and we feel it’s a great place to raise a family! It will most likely be our forever home!
-NIKKI E.


Our family loves exploring Hitchcock woods! It’s a beautiful, unique place to enjoy nature right in the heart of our small town!
– POLLY R.


I love going to The Alley on a nice evening with family and friends! Sitting in a rocking chair and visiting with those who pass, playing shuffleboard at the Taproom or oversized checkers at the municipal building, and listening to live music make downtown Aiken the social place to be for the young, the young at heart and anyone in between.
– RACHEL C.


I love the downtown area. The shops and restaurants downtown give Aiken a quaint small town feel, while still providing the same variety of shopping and food options that you would see in a larger city! SUZANNE H . I love Aiken for its small-town southern feel and historic charm. From the dogwoods and live oaks to the quaint downtown, it’s a beautiful place to be.
– JOSH C.


Aiken has been my home for the better part of 37 years. I grew up here and have seen Aiken grow into what it is today. What I love about Aiken is the historic charm. Even with the new developments that come to Aiken, there are so many people that are revitalizing the older homes and buildings and maintaining the charm of an old southern town. The downtown development over the last couple of years has completely revitalized the downtown scene, and has really brought people out and boosted the local economy! I love my town and the people in it!
– SCOTT T.


One of my favorite things about Aiken is Steeplechase in the Spring! It’s always such a fun day, with everyone donning their best spring outfits, pastel colors are never in short supply, and the hats are always a sight to see! Gathering together to enjoy a day at the races with friends and family symbolizes much of what Aiken is all about—hospitality, happiness, and horses!
– LINDSAY C.


I love that we live in a city that is so full of history. You can drive through Aiken and see all the old winter colony homes and historic sites. Aiken is such a blend of the past and present and it never fails to amaze and entertain.
– ERIN T.


I love Aiken! I have lived here for five years and I can’t think of a better town. There is something happening every weekend whether it be a horse show, a play at the university, live music in The Alley, or a festival downtown. A lot of restaurants have theme nights during the week where you can go and play trivia or bingo or get a really good deal on an awesome meal. Aiken is a diverse town that fits the needs of families, retirees, and college kids. Everyone treats you like family so it doesn’t take long for Aiken to feel like home.
– YASMIN B.

I like the quaint, traditional, small town feel. The oak trees, magnolias, and gardens remind me of that.
– JENNY C.