The Ultimate Guide To The Best Lake Murray Neighborhoods (2026)
Lake Murray’s 650-mile shoreline is as diverse as the people who call it home. With four distinct sides spanning multiple counties, finding the right "fit" is often a matter of balancing your commute, your budget, and the specific vibe you want for your morning coffee.
While the lake offers plenty of independent estates, the community and amenities found within established neighborhoods are hard to beat. From golf course living to gated peninsulas, here is a breakdown of the top neighborhoods across Lake Murray.
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The South Side | Lexington & Gilbert
Known as the gold standard for luxury lakefront living, the South Side offers the fastest commute to Columbia and a high concentration of upscale amenities.
Spence Plantation Widely considered one of Lexington’s most prestigious addresses, this gated community is the definition of "grand scale." The neighborhood is characterized by massive estates on multi-acre lots, many of which offer expansive shoreline frontage on the main channel. The architectural diversity is a hallmark here, with styles ranging from traditional brick manors to Mediterranean villas. It remains a heavy hitter in the luxury market, recently home to a record-breaking $8,250,000 sale on Captains Watch.
Kingston Harbour Located off Old Cherokee Road, Kingston Harbour perfectly blends high-end living with a vibrant, active social scene. It is a very golf-cart-friendly community centered around an impressive lakefront amenity center, featuring a resort-style pool and a community marina. The demand here is undeniable—even off-lake homes are seeing record-breaking numbers, like a recent sale on Windmere Drive that topped $1.1M.
Turners Pointe This exclusive peninsula offers some of the most breathtaking views on the lake, as it is surrounded by water on three sides. Because of its unique geography, many homesites offer "big water" panoramas that are hard to replicate. The community is strictly custom-built, emphasizing architectural detail. In 2025, the neighborhood set a new bar with the highest lakefront sale in its history at $2,440,000, alongside record-setting off-lake sales.
Pilgrim Point & Cherokee Shores For buyers who want a more traditional, "Old Lake Murray" vibe, these two neighborhoods are the answer. Pilgrim Point is prized for its deep-water lots and mature tree canopy, while Cherokee Shores provides a laid-back atmosphere with a mix of permanent residences and weekend getaways. Both offer community boat ramps, giving you the lake lifestyle without the "resort" overhead.
The Landings Located near the Lake Murray Dam, The Landings is a stable, classic suburban choice. It is a favorite for professionals who need to be in downtown Columbia or Irmo in under 20 minutes. The single-family section features well-maintained homes on generous lots, many tucked into protected coves with private docks.
Hammock Bay A newer, gated addition to the Lexington scene, Hammock Bay offers an intimate, boutique feel. The homes here are modern and high-end, designed specifically to maximize views of the cove and the main channel. It’s the perfect spot for buyers looking for newer construction with a sophisticated edge.
Harbour Watch (Gilbert) This premier, gated resort-style community feels more like a private vacation club than a standard subdivision. It holds records for some of the highest sales in the Gilbert area, including a landmark $2,050,000 closing. Amenities are top-tier, including a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a meticulously maintained community marina.
Pintail Point (Gilbert) Pintail Point is one of the most social and established neighborhoods in the Gilbert area. It is known for its wide, manicured streets and a layout that prioritizes lake access for everyone. One of the biggest draws is the availability of dedicated community boat slips for interior homeowners, ensuring the lake is always within reach.
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The North Side | Chapin & Prosperity
The North Side is the "Capital of Lake Murray," offering deeper water, wider coves, and a more rural-upscale atmosphere.
Timberlake Timberlake remains the only community on Lake Murray with its own golf course, making it the premier destination for those who want to live where they play. The community is a vibrant social hub centered around the Timberlake Country Club. Properties here range from fairway-frontage homes to massive lakefront estates. Recently, we’ve seen high demand for newer construction within the community, such as homes on Lake Summit Drive, which often include transferable equity memberships to the club—a $10,000 value that grants immediate access to the 18-hole championship course, pool, and fine dining.
Forty Love Point Located on a sprawling peninsula off Old Lexington Highway, Forty Love Point is one of Chapin’s most coveted addresses. It is defined by custom-built homes situated on exceptionally large, wooded lots that provide a level of privacy rarely found in suburban developments. Many properties here feature private docks on "big water," while the interior homes benefit from a quiet, upscale atmosphere and community amenities like lighted tennis courts and a private boat ramp.
Palmetto Shores A more recent addition to the Chapin landscape, Palmetto Shores was designed with a "state park" aesthetic. It successfully blends the natural beauty of the shoreline with modern, family-friendly amenities. The neighborhood offers a diverse range of housing, from low-maintenance garden homes to large, multi-story "statement" estates. Residents enjoy a luxury pool, cabana, and dedicated kayak storage, fostering an active, outdoor-centric lifestyle.
Stewart Landing (Prosperity) Prosperity’s "crown jewel," Stewart Landing, is a meticulously planned development built on the site of a historic family estate. It features a unique "historic Charleston" vibe, anchored by a fully restored 1800s-era clubhouse. This neighborhood is perfect for buyers looking for the prestige of a brand-new custom build combined with the character of an established estate. Its private marina and fitness center offer a resort-style experience in a peaceful, rural setting.
Plantation Pointe (Prosperity) Situated on a massive peninsula, Plantation Pointe is known for its wide-open "big water" views and quiet, winding streets. This established community offers larger-than-average lots, ensuring that even interior homes maintain a strong sense of seclusion. It is a stable, high-end neighborhood that appeals to families and retirees who want expansive water access without a crowded feel.
Woodside Shores (Prosperity) Woodside Shores is a gated, boutique community that prioritizes the rugged beauty of the Newberry County shoreline. The development emphasizes the preservation of mature hardwoods, giving the entire neighborhood an upscale-rustic feel. The homes here are exclusively custom-built—often in modern farmhouse or craftsman styles—and are designed for those who want a private, "hidden gem" retreat on deep water.
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The East Side | Irmo & Ballentine
This is the "close-in" side of the lake, offering unparalleled convenience to I-26, shopping, and downtown employers.
Yacht Cove This is a one-of-a-kind gated community located just off the Lake Murray Dam. It is famous for housing the largest private marina on the lake, making it a dream for boaters who want the convenience of a slip without the maintenance of a private dock. The community offers a diverse mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family residences, creating a high-energy "marina life" atmosphere where your boat is always just a few steps away.
Beacon Point Representing the modern luxury standard for the Irmo area, Beacon Point is an exclusive gated enclave of high-end custom homes. Its location near the dam ensures some of the most impressive "big water" views on the East Side. These properties are designed for maximum impact, often featuring deep-water docks and architectural details that cater to the most discerning buyers seeking privacy and prestige near the water's edge.
Lakeside at Ballentine Lakeside at Ballentine is exceptionally popular with families, offering the "new construction" look and feel that can be hard to find so close to the dam. It features a polished, sidewalk-lined layout that encourages neighborhood interaction. The amenity package is a major draw, boasting a luxury pool, clubhouse, and a community dock, making it a perfect entry point for those seeking a modern, move-in-ready lake lifestyle.
Regatta Shores & Wexford These established communities off Old Bush River Road provide a stable, residential feel with an incredibly short commute—you can often be home from the office and on the boat by 5:15 PM. Regatta Shores is a standout for luxury on this side; we recently saw a landmark sale at 527 Regatta Road for $1,925,000, illustrating the high demand for premier waterfront properties here. Wexford offers a quieter, wooded atmosphere with protected coves and a community pool, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat close to the city.
The Patrick O’Connor Team - Top Lake Murray Real Estate Team
The Patrick O’Connor Team - Top Lake Murray Real Estate Agent
The West Side | Saluda & Leesville
For those seeking maximum privacy, larger lots, and a more laid-back pace, the West Side is the ultimate retreat.
River Bend & Palmetto Pointe These are the undisputed luxury leaders on the western end of the lake. River Bend is famous for its dramatic, rolling topography and massive custom estates that command impressive views of the main channel. Palmetto Pointe is a meticulously maintained gated community that offers a very polished feel with some of the most consistent deep-water lots on the lake. Both neighborhoods provide a level of elite, serene living comparable to the high-end communities in Lexington, but with significantly more peace and quiet.
Buffalo Creek & Wyses Ferry If your priority is "space to breathe," this is the area for you. Characterized by rustic-luxury, these communities feature expansive tracts of land where it is common to have several acres of wooded privacy between you and your neighbors. Located near the popular Buffalo Creek Marina (now Na'cho Margarita), these properties often have very light or no HOA restrictions, making them ideal for those who want to build a family compound or a significant estate with room for detached shops and guest houses.
Hutto Island & Keck’s Cove These "hidden gems" offer a lifestyle centered on the natural beauty of the water. Hutto Island provides a unique, island-style living experience that feels like a private getaway every time you pull into the driveway. Keck’s Cove is a quiet, highly sought-after pocket known for its gentle slopes and calm, protected waters. The lack of heavy boat traffic in this area makes it perfect for families who enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming right off the dock.
Lake Murray Estates & Windwood Acres These neighborhoods perfectly capture the nostalgic, "Old Lake Murray" feel. They are established, stable communities where mature hardwoods and wide streets create an unpretentious atmosphere. You’ll find a charming mix of vintage lake cottages and larger, modern renovations. These are the kinds of neighborhoods where residents tend to stay for decades, valuing the natural shoreline and the simpler, quieter side of lake life.
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The Patrick O’Connor Team - Top Lake Murray Real Estate Agent
About Patrick O’Connor at Coldwell Banker Realty.
Patrick O'Connor is the founder and leader of The Patrick O'Connor Team at Coldwell Banker, specializing in real estate across the SC Midlands including Lake Murray real estate. As a top realtor, he has assisted over 1,600 families in buying and selling homes and is recognized as the #1 Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina, Patrick brings unparalleled expertise in the Midlands of South Carolina real estate market, earning accolades for his dedication and success in the industry.