Every so often someone tells me they want a small town with real history, a walkable downtown and easy access to Clemson, and I smile, because I already know where I'm going to take them first: Pendleton.
We've been helping buyers and sellers around the Upstate since 2011, and Pendleton is one of those places that wins people over the minute they park on the Village Green. Here's my local's guide to living in Pendleton, SC, especially with the holiday season right around the corner.
A Town With Deep Roots
Pendleton isn't just old, it's one of the oldest towns in the Upstate. According to the Town of Pendleton, it was created in 1790 as the seat of the newly formed Pendleton County, and it was named for Judge Henry Pendleton, a Virginian who fought in the American Revolution. The town's official founding date is April 8, 1790.
A lot of that history is still standing. The Pendleton Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the heart of it all is the Village Green, where a more permanent courthouse was built back in 1797. You'll also find:
Farmers' Hall, built by the Pendleton Farmers' Society and one of the town's best-known landmarks.
Hunter's Store and Warehouse, another piece of the town's 1800s story.
Woodburn and Ashtabula, two historic plantation homes that are now open as house museums.
The building where William Steele opened one of the town's first stores, which today is home to the Village Café.
If you love older homes, mature trees and a downtown that feels like it has a story to tell, Pendleton is worth a long look.
Life Around the Village Green
What I love about Pendleton is that the history isn't behind glass. The Village Green is where the town actually gathers. Locally owned restaurants and shops ring the square, and it's an easy place to spend a Saturday morning walking around with a cup of coffee.
Pendleton also sits right next door to Clemson, so a lot of buyers like it for a quieter, small-town home base that's still close to campus, game days and everything Clemson has going on. Lake Hartwell is close by too, which makes it easy to get out on the water.
Holidays in Pendleton
If you want to see Pendleton at its best, come during the holidays. In recent years, the town has kicked off the season on the Friday after Thanksgiving with its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on the Village Green. The town lights a 30-foot tree, and the same evening the Pendleton Christkindlmarkt opens, a European-style Christmas market with white tents and twinkling lights that has run on Friday and Saturday evenings into December. Both have been free to attend.
The 2026 schedule wasn't posted yet when I wrote this, so check the Town of Pendleton events page for this year's dates before you head out.
Schools in Pendleton
Pendleton is served by Anderson County School District 4, which is headquartered right in town on East Queen Street. According to the South Carolina Department of Education, the district includes La France Elementary, Mt. Lebanon Elementary, Pendleton Elementary, Townville Elementary, Riverside Middle and Pendleton High. School assignments go by address, so I always recommend confirming zoning for a specific home directly with the district.
Buying a Home in Pendleton
Pendleton offers a mix of older homes near the historic district, established neighborhoods, and homes with a little more land as you head out of town. Because it's one of the oldest towns in the area, I encourage buyers of historic homes to pay extra attention during inspections and ask good questions about past updates.
At JW Martin Real Estate, we live by a simple idea: "Be the kind of Realtor you'd want your Mother to have." That means telling you the good and the not-so-good about a house and helping you make a decision you'll feel great about years from now. You can learn more about the area on our Pendleton community page.
Pendleton, SC FAQ
What county is Pendleton, SC in?
Pendleton is in Anderson County, in the Upstate region of South Carolina.
What school district serves Pendleton?
Anderson County School District 4, which includes Pendleton High, Riverside Middle and several elementary schools. Always confirm the zoning for a specific address with the district.
When is the Pendleton Christmas tree lighting?
In recent years it has been held on the Friday after Thanksgiving on the Village Green. Check the Town of Pendleton's website for the 2026 date.
Thinking About Pendleton?
If you're thinking about calling Pendleton home, I'd love to show you around. Reach out to us here or call our office at 864-722-5558. And if you already own in Pendleton and are wondering what your home might be worth, start with a free home valuation.
Photo: Farmers' Hall in Pendleton, SC, by P. Hughes, licensed under CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
