6 Truths About Living In Aiken, South Carolina As A Young Adult
Start writing a post
Sports

6 Truths About Living In Aiken, South Carolina As A Young Adult

Depending on your age, Aiken can either be a decent, quiet town or one of the most boring towns that you'll ever step foot in.

3053
6 Truths About Living In Aiken, South Carolina As A Young Adult
Natasha Kotto

Aiken is a small town with a population of a little more than 30,000 people. You can see these people most days either driving along Whiskey Rd. excited that they finally got a Krispy Kreme, or driving along Pine Log Rd. since that's the only road that seems to lead out of Aiken.

Living in Aiken, South Carolina, there are definitely ups and downs. Depending on your age, Aiken can either be a decent, quiet town or one of the most boring towns that you'll ever step foot in. Being young in Aiken is definitely interesting.

Here are just some of the struggles you'll face while being young and in Aiken:

1. Everything closes by midnight

Unless you want to go to Waffle House or IHOP every time that you are out past midnight, then Aiken is not the place to be. Everything closes by midnight with the exception of these two restaurants.

2. The biggest competitors are grocery stores

Everyone, instead of taking stands over their favorite football teams, they argue whether or not the grocery store that they shop at is better. Don't get me wrong, there is a large football community in the town, but everything is either Clemson or Gamecocks. No one cares about the NFL until the Superbowl is on.

3. Downtown is the only place with cool shops

Downtown Aiken is the best part of the town. It holds the play house, the best restaurants and the best scenery.

4. You never know when your friends will leave

Because it's inevitable. If it's not you wanting to leave the city, it's a good 45% of your friends that want to get as far away from the town as soon as possible. Not all are successful (like me who has to return for school breaks), but some manage to never return.

5. Gas may be cheap, but you definitely will be using it.

Since everything closes early in Aiken and there isn't a whole lot to do in the first place, you definitely drive a lot. The best places to find things to do aren't exactly nearby either. Depending where you live in Aiken, Augusta can be a 45-minute drive and Columbia is an hour commute.

6. Everyone knows everyone.

The town is so small, either you know someone at the place that you are going to or whoever you are with does. You can't walk into Publix without seeing an old friend or teacher. You can't go to the gym without seeing an old face. You can't go out to eat without being greeted by a friendly face that you recognize. This is good and bad, depending on how much time you have.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71038
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132607
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments