Study: Real Estate Hot in West Pelzer, Belton, Iva
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Noticed rapid growth in West Pelzer, Belton and Iva? One study has.
Anderson County has the three among the top 15 fastest-appreciating real estate markets, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
The Zillow Index highlights South Carolina's real estate boom, driven by factors such as low property taxes, favorable weather, and affordability. Among the top 25 fastest-appreciating markets, several towns in the Anderson County area, including West Pelzer, Belton, and Iva, have shown remarkable growth.
Here are the highlights from Anderson County:
• West Pelzer (5th highest appreciation): Strategically located between Greenville and Anderson in the booming I-85 corridor, the “Upstate’s Front Porch” showcased an extraordinary 149.59 percent appreciation from 2016 to 2025. Starting with a home value of $80,188 in 2016, it reached $200,139 by 2025, representing a $119,951 equity gain from a minimal initial investment. The period between 2020 and 2024 saw an exceptional 66 percent surge, despite broader market shifts after 2022. West Pelzer maintains entry prices below $200,000 even after its significant growth.
• Belton (12th highest appreciation): This Anderson County town delivered exceptional investment metrics with a 124.36 percent increase in home values from 2016 to 2025. An initial investment of $105,183 in 2016 grew to $235,992 by 2025, an increase of $130,809. The data indicates accelerating momentum, with a notable 78 percent appreciation since 2020, suggesting current valuations could still be attractive entry points. Belton offers small-town charm coupled with proximity to the economic opportunities of Greenville-Spartanburg.
• Iva (13th highest appreciation): Iva demonstrated significant value creation from a low entry point, achieving a 123.80 percent appreciation between 2016 and 2025. A modest $90,801 investment in 2016 turned into $203,213 by 2025. A remarkable 60 percent surge in home values occurred from 2019 to 2022, indicating that this previously overlooked market experienced a compressed appreciation cycle. Iva provides investors with an affordable entry into the growing Upstate market, with rental yields outperforming larger cities despite its more modest property values.
