Welcome to Aiken, South Carolina
Home of Horses, History, and Hospitality! From its historic downtown horse district to its sprawling rural equestrian farms to the Hitchcock Woods riding reserve at the heart of the town, Aiken is a special community that has become one of the country's most important equestrian centers. From its gracious historic estates built by wealthy Northerners as winter retreats to its newly constructed residential neighborhoods, Aiken is a lovely place to live. From its bustling parks and recreation facilities to its busy downtown shops and eateries, Aiken is a fabulous place to have fun.
Historically a popular health resort and “Winter Colony” of Northern horse enthusiasts, Aiken is known for its temperate dry climate, abundant spring water, beautiful natural landscape and the sandy soil that makes excellent footing for horses. Aiken's Hitchcock Woods, its 2,000 acres laced with more than 65 miles of pine scented trails, is the nation’s largest urban forest. Aiken is home to every equestrian discipline imaginable, and also features golf, tennis, soccer programs, excellent shopping and dining, a variety of cultural activities, a regional medical center and the nationally ranked University of South Carolina at Aiken.
Long regarded as a marvelous place to live, Aiken has been recognized as an All-America City, frequently ranked as a top place to retire by national magazines such as Money, Where To Retire and U.S. News, and this year topped the list of Best Boomer Towns. A rich heritage of horses, history and hospitality, balanced with a unique cosmopolitan flair make Aiken a place to call home.
