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NORTH AUGUSTA |
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hanks to the Savannah River, which forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina, North Augusta enjoys a great asset in its backyard. For many years, North Augusta’s riverfront was privately owned and not available for development but that has changed. Hammond’s Ferry is a new, mixed-use community that provides residents the convenience of recreation, shopping and a home, all in a pedestrian-friendly environment.
For Ron and Anne Johnson, it was the convenience of that design that propelled them away from Sarasota County. “I am from Maine, but we retired to Florida about nine years ago,” he explained. “Before we left, it would sometimes take 20 minutes to drive two miles, to the grocery store or the gym.” They have friends in Aiken, and are renting there while their Hammond’s Ferry home is being built. “I like the laid-back atmosphere in this area,” he said. “The community is clean and safe.” Although he is retired, his wife continues her job as a cardiovascular nurse, working about three miles from their new home.
“I think about aging and how many people don’t want to fight traffic all the time,” he explained. “I am looking forward to the stores and the community where almost everything is accessible on foot.” He also is anticipating taking advantage of the tranquility of the Savannah River and the Greenway surrounding the community of Hammond’s Ferry, which will be great for both walking and biking.
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nother couple, Ed and Nancy Galls, had made several trips from Tennessee to Florida trying to find the right destination for them to put down roots. They were about to give up ever finding that special place when they saw a magazine ad for Mount Vintage. When they drove into the natural peaceful setting of the old plantation site, they knew immediately that this was the neighborhood for them.
Not only was the area beautiful and well planned, but the community’s centerpiece was a nationally-acclaimed golf course. (An added bonus for golfers is that The Masters Golf Tournament is also held every year during April, just across the river at the Augusta National Golf Club.)
“When we drove into Mount Vintage,” said Mrs. Gall, “we just fell in love with the area. It’s peaceful. When you drive in you see the horses, and the golf building is the restored plantation house. Then when you meet the management, you see that their roots run deep in S.C. and what they do is for the good of the area and it will always be that way.”
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North Augusta celebrates its rich heritage by preserving many of the stately old antebellum homes such
as its most familiar landmark, Lookaway Hall which keeps watch over the city.
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The Living History Park at the site of the former city waterworks provides living exhibits and demonstrations of Colonial life throughout the year. During the October event, Colonial Times: A Day to Remember, the park is transformed into an 18th Century town with 100 participants demonstrating candle-making, calligraphy, gunsmithing, blacksmithing and other ancient arts.
The North Augusta-Aiken area also has excellent medical options. With nine hospitals housing over 4,000 beds and 25,000 people employed in health care, it is considered one of the largest medical communities in the Southeast.
Tax incentives, low construction costs, a labor pool of over 270,000 people and the fact that the cost of living is seven percent below the national average make the North Augusta area attractive to companies seeking a location to begin a business.
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Pam Steude spent twelve years as editor
of an award-winning monthly publication for the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
She also is a professional freelance photographer. She holds a BA in English and Journalism
from the University of Kentucky, and a Master of Mass Communications
from the University of South Carolina.
Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.
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