Western South Carolina: Cost of Living Diaries

A local shares what life is like in the region.

By Rebecca Treon on December 20, 2023

Delany Tavenner

Longtime residents and newcomers love Aiken for its vast amenities. 

This Western South Carolina city boasts a great arts scene, fun events (including some that are equestrian themed), a wealth of outdoor activities and a diverse selection of eateries. 

Delany Tavenner, who moved from Columbia to the city two years ago, shares what she loves about the Aiken lifestyle. 

What brought you to Aiken? 

Aiken is a city that’s predominantly centered around horses, and my work background is in equestrian sports and barn management, so many equestrians, including myself, are drawn to Aiken for that reason. 

What do you love about your community? 

I feel like Aiken is one of those best-kept secrets. It’s a lovely city. There’s so much charm to it. If you want to have a lot of variety and options for things to do, there’s always something going on. 

How would you describe Aiken to someone who doesn’t know the area? 

I would describe Aiken as a very polite, Southern type of city where people are very friendly. Even though it’s a smaller community, it has a lot of extras that you wouldn’t find in some small towns but that you’d expect in larger cities, like a performing arts center that offers art classes, and we have a symphony. I’d describe it as one of those little communities you’d expect to see in a Hallmark movie. 

What is your favorite restaurant and what does dinner for two cost? 

I really like to go to a local place called The Feed Sack for dinner. It has a gorgeous little courtyard, and they’ll have live music. It’s also dog friendly, which is important for me because I take my big dog with me everywhere. A burger runs about $16, and shrimp and grits is about $28, so it’s not terribly priced. I can get a drink or two, and my total will be around $40 with the tip included. 

What is your average grocery bill? 

I like to cook a lot at home and don’t go out to eat very often. We (she bought a home with her siblings) normally go to Sam’s Club and will pick up food for the next two weeks, and it’s around $300 for three adults in the house eating homemade meals. 

What’s your go-to coffee shop, and what is your typical order? 

We have a great little French bakery here called La Parisienne that has a great selection of teas. I’m a big tea drinker, and I like to go there in the morning after I take a walk in the woods. I’ll go to the bakery for a tea, which is about $4, and a scone or breakfast sandwich, which is about $10. It’s a little family-owned place with a nice patio outside so you can sip your tea and listen to the birds and hang out.