Lake Keowee is one of South Carolina’s most stunning spots for people who love being near the water or out in nature. Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, Lake Keowee is a go-to place if you’re in the market for a luxury home. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or just want a peaceful getaway with mountain views, this area is a perfect mix of laid-back lake life and upscale living.
Finding the nicest homes around Lake Keowee isn’t hard. Between the private, gated communities and neighborhoods tailored to luxury lifestyles, you’ve got options. Some places are known for their resort-like amenities, while others boast massive homes with private docks and panoramic views. Let’s dive into where you should be looking if you want to find the nicest homes around Lake Keowee, starting with the usual big names and then digging into what makes Keowee Key a standout.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee: A Premier Community
If you’re looking for luxury with a touch of exclusivity, The Reserve at Lake Keowee is the kind of place you’ll want to explore. This private community sits on the northern shores of the lake and offers an upscale lifestyle complete with a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a marina, and a club village.
Homes in The Reserve range from multi-million-dollar estates to custom-built lake houses with direct water access. You can expect homes with tons of space, high-end finishes, and outdoor living areas that make it easy to take in those lake views. Beyond the homes, the community is loaded with amenities, from tennis courts to pools and fitness centers, making it a hotspot for active families or retirees who want to stay engaged.
The Reserve isn’t just about the homes—it’s the total experience. The property itself is massive, giving residents a sense of privacy and exclusivity, with neighborhoods that feel more like resort areas than your typical residential streets. So, if you’re into golfing, boating, or just love the idea of waking up to mountain views, The Reserve is hard to beat.
Keowee Vineyards: Nature Lover’s Dream with Luxurious Homes
Keowee Vineyards is another top-tier choice when you’re searching for a luxury home on Lake Keowee. Located on the northern end of the lake, this community leans into nature while still offering all the high-end perks you’d expect. Homes here often feature custom designs with stone, timber, and other natural elements that blend into the surrounding forested areas and shoreline.
One of the coolest things about Keowee Vineyards is its access to nature. There’s a full-service marina for boaters, and for those who prefer staying on land, there are miles of hiking trails. The golf course here, designed by Tom Fazio, is regularly ranked among the top courses in South Carolina, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful lakefront scenery you’ll find.
For those who want a little extra, Keowee Vineyards is home to the Cliffs Wine Consortium, a club where members can enjoy exclusive access to wines, vineyards, and tastings. It’s a nice touch for those who want to add a bit of indulgence to their lake life.

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls: Elegance Meets Adventure
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls is part of the larger network of Cliffs communities, and it sits on the southern shores of Lake Keowee. Like the other Cliffs communities, Keowee Falls is designed for those who want luxury living paired with an active, outdoor lifestyle. It’s got all the bells and whistles, from an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course to a state-of-the-art wellness center.
What makes Keowee Falls unique is the combination of high-end homes with some of the most adventurous outdoor amenities on the lake. Waterfalls dot the landscape here, and the community is known for its hiking and walking trails that meander through dense woods and offer some seriously epic views. Homes in Keowee Falls are typically custom-built, with many featuring private docks, outdoor kitchens, and expansive decks that maximize the lake and mountain views.
Keowee Key: The Underdog With Plenty of Perks
Now, let’s talk about Keowee Key. This community doesn’t always get the same level of attention as The Reserve or Keowee Vineyards, but it absolutely deserves a place at the table when you’re searching for luxury homes on Lake Keowee. In fact, if you’re looking for a blend of luxury, lifestyle, and affordability, Keowee Key might just be the sweet spot.
Keowee Key is located on the central part of Lake Keowee, and while it’s a bit older than some of the other communities mentioned, it’s a standout for several reasons. First off, it’s incredibly well-established. The community was built with lake life in mind, and it has all the amenities you could ask for—golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness centers, pools, walking trails, and a marina. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for all things active and outdoors.
Homes in Keowee Key are diverse in both style and price, which is part of its charm. You can find multi-million-dollar waterfront estates with private docks and stunning views, but you can also find more affordable options that still offer access to all the community amenities. The value you get in Keowee Key is hard to ignore—especially when you consider the range of amenities you’re getting.
Another reason Keowee Key shines is its sense of community. The social scene is strong here, with clubs and activities for residents of all ages. From boating clubs to art groups, there’s always something going on, and the residents are known for being welcoming and friendly. If you’re looking for a place where you can plug into the local scene, meet people, and really become part of the community, Keowee Key is where it’s at.
Keowee Key may not have the newness of some of the other lake communities, but it more than makes up for it with its mature, tree-lined streets, beautiful views, and a solid sense of community. Plus, the homes here are anything but cookie-cutter. You’ll find a mix of traditional Southern styles, modern lakefront homes, and everything in between.

Other Notable Areas Around Lake Keowee
While the gated communities get a lot of attention, there are also some neighborhoods and areas around Lake Keowee that are worth exploring if you’re in the market for a nice home.
Waterside Crossing
Located on the west side of Lake Keowee, Waterside Crossing offers a laid-back, family-friendly vibe with large lakefront homes. The neighborhood is known for its natural beauty, with homes situated among mature trees and rolling hills. The homes here are custom-built, and many feature private docks, large decks, and outdoor living spaces.
The community itself is tight-knit, and it offers plenty of amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. If you’re looking for a peaceful neighborhood that still offers luxury and water access, Waterside Crossing is a solid choice.
Peninsula Ridge
If you want a more secluded, exclusive feel, Peninsula Ridge is a newer development that offers luxury homes with a contemporary edge. This neighborhood is all about maximizing the lake lifestyle, with homes designed to make the most of the waterfront views and outdoor living. Peninsula Ridge homes tend to be a bit more modern in style compared to some of the more traditional lake houses you’ll find in other communities.
Crescent Communities
Crescent Communities are a collection of neighborhoods scattered around the lake, each offering its own unique style and vibe. These neighborhoods are not as exclusive as some of the gated communities, but they still offer beautiful homes, many of which are waterfront or have lake access. Crescent Communities are ideal if you’re looking for luxury without the gated-community lifestyle.

Finding the Right Home: Where to Look
If you’re ready to start your search for the perfect home on Lake Keowee, there are several ways to go about it. You can check out luxury real estate websites, like The Cason Group’s site, where you can browse listings of homes for sale in these premier communities. They specialize in finding top-tier properties around Lake Keowee, and they know the ins and outs of each community, so they can help guide you to the right spot based on what you’re looking for.
Alternatively, you can spend some time visiting these communities in person. Many of them offer tours or allow potential buyers to explore the neighborhoods and amenities. It’s a great way to get a feel for the area and figure out which community fits your lifestyle.
Lake Keowee is packed with some of the nicest homes you’ll find in the South, and the communities around the lake cater to a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to the exclusivity of The Reserve, the natural beauty of Keowee Vineyards, or the balance of luxury and value in Keowee Key, there’s a home here for you. The trick is to know what kind of lifestyle you want—whether it’s a quiet, nature-filled retreat or an active community with tons of amenities—and then start your search accordingly.
With so many luxury homes available, from sprawling estates to sleek, modern lake houses, finding your dream home on Lake Keowee is more about narrowing down your preferences than finding the right spot. Whatever your choice, you’ll be living in one of the most beautiful and serene areas in South Carolina, with the lake and mountains as your everyday backdrop.