Lake Murray, South Carolina

Big and beautiful, Lake Murray, SC has become one of the major residential and recreational destinations in central South Carolina. Bordering Lexington, Chapin and Irmo, and only a short drive from Columbia, Lake Murray is enjoyed by thousands of people every week. 41 miles long and 14 miles wide at its widest point, Lake Murray covers an area of 78 square miles with 649 miles of shoreline. The lake forms an impoundment of over 50,000 acres, providing plenty of room for everyone and a wide variety of activities

Initially constructed in the 1930's as a hydroelectric generating facility, Dreher Shoals Dam, which created Lake Murray, was until the early 1990s the largest earthen dam in the world. It is 1.5 miles wide and 208 feet high! Construction of a backup dam immediately next to the Dreher Shoals Dam, completed in 2005, was required by the federal government as a mechanism for preventing flooding if an earthquake of similar magnitude to the 1886 Charleston earthquake was to occur again in South Carolina.

With the widening of S.C. Highway 6 across the top of the dam (in 2007), a walking path was constructed along the top of the dam, offering spectacular views of Lake Murray and the distant downtown Columbia skyline. The walkway, which is utilized by hundreds of walkers and joggers every week, measures 1.7 miles each way for a total walk of 3.4 miles.

Lake Murray Real Estate

As wide as the range of recreational activities is on the lake, real estate on Lake Murray offers as varied an array of homes. There are mobile and modular homes, small homes and cabins, spacious suburban homes in well designed communities and multi-million dollar mansions to be found. Whether you want a single family home or condo, patio home or town house on the lake, you can find them all on Lake Murray. If you are looking for real estate in Lexington, Gilbert, Prosperity, Chapin, Ballentine or Irmo, you will have some choices on or near Lake Murray available to you.

Currently there are listings ranging from $155,000 to $2,990.000. During the first nine months of 2010, homes on the lake sold in an average of 177 days. The average sales price was $421,000; the median sales price was $365,000.

Lake Murray Attractions and Recreation

There are several parks and recreation areas where families and friends can gather to spend the day swimming and sun bathing or a fun cook-out.   In addition, there are restaurants, fishing camps, marinas and boat landings available all around the lake.  

Lake Murray is recognized for having some of the best fishing in the nation and is the site of numerous local, SC and national fishing tournaments held each year! Whether you are a professional or just enjoy a relaxing evening dipping a line into the water, you will enjoy Lake Murray! 

Boating, of course, is one of those many activities enjoyed by many. Whether you are on a sail board or jet ski, a kayak or canoe; from a larger, faster motor boat pulling skiers, a pontoon loaded with friends out for the day, to sailboats in every size and configuration, there is room and opportunity for solitary or group activities on every side of the lake. 

If you have any questions about Lake Murray real estate or any other Columbia SC area contact Earth Available Realty, Inc., or call us toll free (800) 336-1299 or locally (803) 731-0989.

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