NAR: Anderson Area Housing Market Fifth Best in U.S.

Observer Reports

The Anderson area is in the top ten on another list.

The National Association of Realtors has ranked the Anderson-Greenville-Mauldin area as the fifth most affordable place to buy a home in 2023.

Even with rising homeownership costs squeezing out buyers, some real estate markets will remain hot in 2023, mostly due to their relative affordability compared with the rest of the U.S., a new forecast finds.

The top places have something else in common, too: They’re all located in the South.

Based on a variety of factors, including home affordability, job growth, migration gains and housing supply, the NAR analyzed 179 markets to determine which will offer the most value to buyers. The data looks back one year from October 2022 and reflects expected demand from buyers in 2023.

The median price of homes in some of these markets isn’t cheaper than the national median of $398,500. However, these cities scored high on other metrics such as job growth or housing supply.

Here are the 10 best places to buy a home in 2023, according to NAR: 

1. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia 

Median home price: $371,200  

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Median home price: $460,500 

3. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas 

Median home price: $390,100 

4. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas-Missouri 

Median home price: $328,400 

5. Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina 

Median home price: $335,400

While housing affordability is on par with the national average, job growth in this area is strong, especially for high-paying information technology jobs like computer programming or web development.  

There are more houses to choose from, too, as the supply of homes in 2022 was more than twice the national average. 

6. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina 

Median home price: $416,800 

7. Huntsville, Alabama  

Median home price: $327,500 

8. Jacksonville, Florida

Median home price: $398,000 

9. San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas 

Median home price: $342,700 

10. Knoxville, Tennessee 

Median home price: $331,100

S.C. House Bill Would Curtail Teaching on Race in Schools

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A bill that would limit certain teachings on race in public schools and allow parents to challenge educational materials is moving through the Republican-controlled South Carolina House of Representatives.

The proposal is the latest iteration of a GOP-led nationwide effort to crack down on what some conservative politicians have dubbed “critical race theory." The South Carolina measure — cosponsored by several members of the Legislature's newly formed Freedom Caucus — would bar curricula from including or promoting certain concepts around race and other demographics.

Prohibited ideas include the notions that “an individual, by virtue of the race, sex, ethnicity, religion, color, or national origin of the individual, inherently is privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously” and that a person “bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members” sharing their identity.

Similar measures have been proposed in other Republican-dominated statehouses. The language in the South Carolina bill mirrors sections of a law signed last year by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a likely 2024 presidential hopeful who has made “critical race theory” a frequent target. A federal judge in Florida has issued a temporary injunction preventing the law from taking effect in colleges after previously blocking its implementation in businesses. This week, DeSantis' administration rejected the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course.

Critical race theory is a way of thinking about America’s history through the lens of racism, which subscribing legal scholars say is systemic in the nation’s institutions. But it also has become a catchall phrase to describe concepts some conservatives find objectionable, such as white privilege, systemic inequality and inherent bias.

AU Online Criminal Justice Program Ranked Top in S.C.

Observer Reports

Anderson University's online criminal justice program is rated at the top in South Carolina and 41st nationally, according to the latest "U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Programs" rankings for 2023.

The report also ranked the school’s online bachelor’s; master’s in business administration; master’s in business (non-MBA); graduate education; and graduate nursing programs.

For 2023, Anderson University ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs as follows:

Here are the AU ratings in the report:

Best Online Criminal Justice Programs: #41 in the nation

• #1 in South Carolina
• #1 among private institutions in South Carolina
• #1 in Upstate South Carolina

Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs: #68 in the nation

• #2 in South Carolina
• #1 among private institutions in South Carolina
• #1 in Upstate South Carolina 

Best Online Master’s in Education Programs: #89 in the nation

• #4 in South Carolina
• #2 among private institutions in South Carolina
• #3 in Upstate South Carolina 

Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA): #131 in the nation

• #2 in South Carolina
• #2 among private institutions in South Carolina
• #1 in Upstate South Carolina 

Best Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs: #162 in the nation

• #3 in South Carolina
• #2 among private institutions in South Carolina
• #2 in Upstate South Carolina 

Best Online Bachelor Programs: #171 in the nation

• #6 in South Carolina
• #4 among private institutions in South Carolina
• #1 in Upstate South Carolina

Belton Museum Kicks Off New "Snow" Exhibit

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Winter brings dreams of snow, mostly to Southerners, and the Belton Area Museum wants to help. 

The museum’s latest exhibit, “Let it Snow,” kicked off Sunday at the historic Belton train depot with the goal of bringing a winter wonderland to the area. 

The snow-and-ice themed exhibit brings features collections of snow globes of all types and ceramics with snow themes, vintage items needed to play and dress for snow days, sports memorabilia from icy sporting events and antique and vintage photos of landmarks in the snow. 

Visitors can walk through icicles and snowflakes to find an igloo made from recycled gallon jugs, and for the kids, there’s a possible mock snowball fight indoors. T 

The exhibit runs through March 4, and can be visited during regular museum hours (Wednesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – noon), or by scheduled appointment for groups.

Rotary Club of Anderson Hosts Casino Night for Charities

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

It was Vegas for a cause as the Rotary Club of Anderson kicked off its inaugural "Casino Night" Friday art the Anderson Arts Center.

The night featured cards, roulette, dice tables, food, beverages as music and concluded with a raffle drawing for a 2022 Nissan Rogue from sponsor Grainger Nissan. Kaylyn Bonds was the winner of the vehicle.

The funds raised from the event will be distributed to the AnMed Foundation; AIM, United Way of Anderson, Habitat for Humanity, Coins for Alzheimer Research Trust Fund, Senior Solutions, Foothills Alliance, First Flight, PlaySafe, Hospice of the Upstate and the Anderson Cancer Association.

Christopher Chosen as SCDOT Commission VP

Greg Wilson/Anderson County 

Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Pamela Christopher has been named Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission.

The Commission is the administrative and governing authority of SCDOT, and is composed of nine members: one member from each Congressional District and two at-large members. District members are appointed by the governor, subject to approval of the legislative delegations of their respective districts. The at-large members are appointed by the governor, subject to approval by a separate confirmation vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“I’m excited to serve as the Vice-Chairman of the Commission,” said Christopher. “We have an outstanding team at SCDOT and I’m looking forward to working together with staff to continue to improve our transportation system in South Carolina.”

Christopher, who has been a member of the SCDOT commission since 2020, represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Abbeville, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens and Saluda counties. 

"This is a good selection for South Carolina and for Anderson County," said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. "While as vice president she is responsible for the needs of the entire state, it is important that she also has a comprehensive understanding of the needs of Anderson County and the other counties in the third congressional district."

Prior to her current position as President & CEO of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, Christopher worked as a chamber and economic development executive to support local, regional, and state economic development efforts in three states— South Carolina, Georgia and Wisconsin.

She is a graduate of the Leadership South Carolina, the Leadership Anderson Class, and the Riley Institute’s South Carolina DLI (Diversity Leaders Initiative). Christopher is also a member of the Carolina Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Anderson County Municipal Association, and the Upstate Chamber Coalition.

Dunn Clarifies Statements on Council from Tuesday Meeting

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn issued a statement today to clarify his comments from last night's meeting regarding the rejection of a requested zoning change on Hurricane Road.

Dunn said that the two councilmen who recused themselves from the vote, Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders and Councilman John Wright, Jr., are "men of high integrity, as anyone in the community who knows them can confirm. They are two of the most honorable and ethical people I’ve ever known. They are public servants, and there is no doubt in my mind that they always put the citizens of Anderson County first in everything they do. Because of their integrity, they recused themselves from the vote last night. I would never expect any less of them."

Dunn praised Sanders as a "once-in-a-generation entrepreneurial and business mind...one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the history of Anderson County," and Wright for his wisdom, business acumen and for exemplifying "everything that is good about our community."

Here is Dunn's complete statement:

"At last night’s County Council meeting, Council denied rezoning around 35 acres at Hurricane Creek Road and Pine Lane in the Sandy Springs area from C-2 (Highway Commercial District) to IZD (Innovative Zoning District). Due to conflicts of interest, Vice-Chairman Brett Sanders and Councilman John Wright, Jr. recused themselves. The rezoning failed on a 3-2 vote.

Regarding this vote and any confusion about my statements during the meeting, I want to make clear that Vice-Chairman Sanders and Councilman Wright are men of high integrity, as anyone in the community who knows them can confirm. They are two of the most honorable and ethical people I’ve ever known. They are public servants, and there is no doubt in my mind that they always put the citizens of Anderson County first in everything they do. Because of their integrity, they recused themselves from the vote last night. I would never expect any less of them.

Mr. Sanders is a once-in-a-generation entrepreneurial and business mind. He holds three degrees, including a master’s degree from Clemson in financial management, and has done post-graduate work in entrepreneurial leadership. He is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the history of Anderson County, and he is well-known as a man of his word. To say we are lucky to have him on Council is an understatement.

Mr. Wright has also found great success in business, and he, his wife, and his family exemplify everything that is good about our community. Mr. Wright is wise far beyond his years. He approaches every issue that comes before Council with a carefulness and a steadiness. He does his constituents proud, and the future of Anderson County is brighter because of his commitment to moral and purposeful leadership.

I look forward to working with Vice-Chairman Sanders, Councilman Wright, and all of Council in the months and years ahead. We have accomplished a lot on behalf of the citizens of Anderson County, and there is still much work ahead to be done."

Council Lauds Local Aviation Legend with Unusual Resolution

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Hugh Oldham, who was inducted into the International Council of Air Shows Foundation Hall of Fame in December received another honor Tuesdsay night, one which recognized his contributions to the Anderson Regional Airport and the community.

It was an award from Anderson County from those who know Oldham well, as is reflected in the good-natured wording of the resolution honoring his work.

Written by Oldham's friend, Anderson County Governmental Affairs and Special Projects Director Steve Newton, the resolution notes the aviator's reputation as a "troublemaker" and "gadfly," stating that Oldham's invaluable services to his community, ranging from volunteer work at local schools, ongoing advocacy for his fellow veterans, and support for local aviation interests, including the manager of Anderson Regional Airport are, in part, "perhaps in hope of earning atonement for his sins."

Oldham smiled broadly as the document was read aloud at the council meeting.

The resolution reads:

WHEREAS, Anderson resident Hugh Oldham has been referred to by many as a “gadfly”, “troublemaker”, “pot-stirrer”, “specialist in subterfuge”, and various other epithets which decorum prohibits describing in this forum; and

WHEREAS, in spite of his shortcomings, of which there are many, Mr. Oldham has managed to amass a measure of goodwill among his fellow Andersonians; and

WHEREAS, perhaps in hope of earning atonement for his sins, of which there are many, Mr. Oldham has provided invaluable services to his community, ranging from volunteer work at local schools, ongoing advocacy for his fellow veterans, and support for local aviation interests, including an involuntary term of service as the manager of Anderson Regional Airport; and

WHEREAS, today we honor Mr. Oldham for his 60 years of work in the Air Show industry, for which he was recently inducted into the International Council of Air Shows Foundation Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, in their recognition, for which they no doubt received unreported financial consideration, the ICAS Foundation noted Mr. Oldham’s work as a safety advocate, columnist, mentor and leader in the air show community, and thanked him for his passionate and consistent advocacy for a stronger, more sustainable and safer air show industry; and

WHEREAS, over the years, tens of thousands of Anderson County residents have been thrilled by the sounds and spectacle at one of the many shows held at Anderson Regional Airport courtesy of Mr. Oldham’s generous contributions of his time, talent, and treasure;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Anderson County Council hereby offers its congratulations to Mr. Hugh Oldham for receiving the highest honor awarded by an industry he worked so long and hard to support, and by way of this resolution does hereby authorize the display of Mr. Oldham’s ICAS Hall of Fame plaque in a place of honor in the Anderson Regional Airport terminal.

RESOLVED in a meeting duly assembled this 17th day of January, 2023.

Council Narrowly Denies Hurricane Road Zoning Change

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council narrowly defeated a zoning change on 35.16 acres on Hurricane Road on Tuesday night in a meeting that drew neighbors on both sides of the issue.

Council voted 3-2, led by County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn who moved to reject the change in zoning and with the votes of Councilwoman Cindy Wilson and Jimmy Davis. Councilmen Glenn Davis and Greg Elgin vote against rejecting the change. Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders, who owns part of the property and Councilman John Wright, Jr., whose company is listing the property, recused themselves and left the room for the vote.

The proposed change would have changed the property from Highway Commercial District to Innovative Zoning District.

Dunn said he was voting against the change because of the perceived impact the rezoning could have on the community and to protect "the integrity of the Anderson County Council," since two council members, even though they recused themselves and even though he in no way questioned their integrity,  have interests in the property. 

Several dozen residents from the area at and around Hurricane road were at the council meeting to express concerns or support. I counted a nearly even count among those who stood up who opposed the project and those who supported it, with perhaps a slight edge to the opponents of rezoing.

Those who spoke in opposition the move said increased traffic and changing the character of the neighborhood was the chief concern. Those who favored the rezoning to Innovative Zoning District sited tax benefits to the county and said the new zoning would protect the neighbor from far worse development allowed under current zoning.

The current zoning of the land, Highway Commercial District, allows the development on major thoroughfares of commercial land uses which are oriented to customers traveling by automobile. Establishments in this district provide goods and services for the traveling public and also for the convenience of local residents.

Examples of businesses allowed in this type of zoning include hotels, bars, restaurants and entertainment establishments. Automobile-oriented services such as car washes, truck and auto repair, recreational vehicle support and services, machinery, and gas stations are also allowed, as are retail and wholesale goods, sales and services, offices, day care centers and nursing homes.

An Innovative Zoning District is mixed-use development for portion of land that generally cannot be classified through conventional zoning methods. It allows for flexibility in what can and cannot be constructed on the property and sometimes allows reductions in density or total square footage; increases in landscaping, open spaces and setbacks; minor changes to landscaping, lighting, location of land uses, parking and signage; and minor changes to site plans such as reorientation of structures, realignment of approved access, and a shift in approved density from one area of the district to the other. A mix of residential and commercial are often part of this zoning.

Also on Tuesday night, council approved the sale of the building which houses the Iva Branch of the Anderson County Library to Anderson School Dist. 3, which will use the property to consolidate operations for the district. Using a $500,000 grant, secured by S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell, and funds from School Dist. 3, the library will open a new, modern, branch in downtown Iva.

Anderson County Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders recapped the meeting for the Anderson Observer.

Belton Museum Welcomes Winter with Latest Exhibit

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Winter brings dreams of snow, mostly to Southerners, and the Belton Area Museum wants to help. 

The museum’s latest exhibit, “Let it Snow,” kicks off Sunday at 3 p.m. at the historic Belton train depot with the goal of bringing a winter wonderland to the area.

The snow-and-ice themed exhibit brings features collections of snow globes of all types and ceramics with snow themes, vintage items needed to play and dress for snow days, sports memorabilia from icy sporting events and antique and vintage photos of landmarks in the snow.

Visitors will walk through icicles and snowflakes to find an igloo made from recycled gallon jugs, and for the kids, there’s a mock snowball fight indoors. The event seeks to educate as well, with  quick tutorial on how to best prepare your car for inclement weather will be offered by personnel from Advance Auto Parts 

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits will also have offers give aways at Sunday’s event. Vampire Penguin-Anderson will also be on hand, offering unique snow dessert treats for $8. 

The event is free for the public to enjoy.

“In addition as a tie in event to this exhibit, we are so excited to be bringing back our Home School Days program” said Abigail Burden, BAMA executive director. 

On Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., BAMA educators will be hosting a class on the science of snowflakes. Students will learn about Wilson Bentley, who was the first to photograph individual snowflakes, and the categories of snowflake shapes scientists found from those photographs. 

“We will also look at how snowflakes can eventually form glaciers and why glaciers are important to the world’s climate,” Burden added.   

Students will participate in hands-on activities and crafts through this class. The cost for this event is $2 per student, ages 7-12. To register, call the museum at 854-338-7400 or email beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net. 

The exhibit runs through March 4, and can be visited during regular museum hours (Wednesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – noon), or by scheduled appointment for groups.

Senate Accelerates Plan to Fine Slow Left-Lane Drivers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A bill allowing police to charge a bigger fine for people driving slow in the left lane of interstates and other multilane highways is one of the first to be taken up at the South Carolina Statehouse in 2023.

A Senate subcommittee Tuesday approved increasing the fine from $25 to up to $100 and giving most of the increased amount to the state Highway Patrol. The full Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to take up the bill Wednesday. 

Lawmakers passed the so-called “slowpoke" bill in 2021. Over roughly a year, state troopers wrote nearly 500 tickets. It requires drivers in the left lane to move over if a car comes up behind them and the right lane is clear. 

The fine is not a criminal penalty and doesn't get reported to a driving record.

The senators on the subcommittee said they noticed compliance when the law was first passed, but slower drivers have started to creep back into the left lane, necessitating a tougher penalty.

“Would the committee entertain a motion to make this retroactive — to this morning — maybe a blue Camry?” joked Republican state Sen. Wes Climer who has about a 70-mile (113 kilometer) commute from Rock Hill to the Statehouse on Interstate 77.

King Celebration Speakers Bring Challenges to Event

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Leaders from Anderson's faith and elected officials echoed the message of Dr. MLK Jr. Monday night at the Anderson County Ministerial Association's annual salute to the late civil rights leader.

City of Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts called on those in the crowd to honor MLK's legacy through service. 

"What I would encourage everybody to do, is to reach to the community...and volunteer," said Roberts. "Give of your time, treasure and talents."

Meanwhile Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns offered a reminder of why there is a holiday to celebrate King's legacy, praising his message of non-violence. The message was fresh on the mind of Burns, who said he attended the funeral of 18-year-old T.L. Hanna Senior Imani Clemons, who was the victim of a shooting.  

"We need to start taking care of each other and saying nice things," said Burns. "And as my grandmother would say, quit acting the fool." 

The challenges continued with the keynote speech, by actor, director, choreographer, producer Darrin Henson: 

"I say to you today, we have work to do," said Henson. "Our history is not yet fully written."

YMCA Fields, Dist. 5 Cross Country Facility to Open in Fall

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Plans are running smoothly for the completion of the new 62-acre facility at the Anderson Area YMCA Ducworth/Tucker Athletic Complex, which includes not only new fields for sports, but a state-of-the-art cross country facility aimed at attracting regional meets for high schools and colleges/universities.

The $7 million effort, which should be complete by fall, is also expected to provide a economic boost for Anderson County by hosting regional events.

Located off S.C. 81 North, the complex will feature four baseball fields, five multi-purpose fields for football, soccer and lacrosse, and a large cross country track, as part of a partnership with Anderson School District 5, which is providing $1.9 million track to serve T.L. Hanna and Westside high school cross country teams.

The goal is for the track, which features the latest digital technology to allow visitors to watch runners at every point in the race, is to attract regional NCAA meets to the facility,  Funding for the track is from the penny sales tax revenue the district receives.

The facility will also provide a safe place for the district's high school cross country teams to practice. Currently, cross country runners practice on sidewalks near their schools, which has raised questions of safety for those students.

“It’s going to be a unique course. It goes through woods, it crosses a couple of streams and some bridges. It’ll be all high tech with digital display boards, PA systems,” said Anderson School Dist. 5 Superintendent Tom Wilson.