Greenville metro, SC relocation guide
Moving to Central, SC
About Central
Central is a small Pickens County town of about 5,200, best known as the home of Southern Wesleyan University (300-acre campus founded 1906). Its name reflects its railroad heritage: it was the central point on the Atlanta–Charlotte Air Line Railway. Located minutes from Clemson University, it shares in the college atmosphere and game-day energy while staying a quiet community with a walkable historic downtown of preserved buildings and antique shops. Population growth since 2000 has been driven largely by student-housing apartments for Clemson, SWU, and Tri-County Tech.
Home prices in Central
The median list in Central is $369,900.
Top places in Central
- Southern Wesleyan University campus — green spaces, fine arts centers, Correll Hall (shown in the Commons photo below).
- Central History Museum — railroad and textile heritage in the old depot.
- Historic downtown — antique shops and preserved architecture.
- Central Railway Model and Historical Association.
- The ESSO Club (just across the Clemson line) — legendary dive bar on ESPN's College GameDay.
- Nearby: SC Botanical Garden, Lake Issaqueena, Table Rock State Park.
Commuting from Central
- Approximate drive to downtown Greenville: ~30–35 minutes (about 25 miles via US-123/SC-93; per geocoded coordinates and corridor; approximate).
- Approximate drive to downtown Anderson: ~20–25 minutes (about 15 miles; per geocoded coordinates; approximate).
- Car-dependent; shares some Clemson-area transit options.
Schools in Central
Public schools: School District of Pickens County. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Central FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Central, SC?
The median list in Central is $369,900. Median listing price · Sep 2026 - How is the commute from Central, SC?
Approximate drive to downtown Greenville: ~30–35 minutes (about 25 miles via US-123/SC-93; per geocoded coordinates and corridor; approximate). - Which school district serves Central, SC?
Central is served by School District of Pickens County. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.