Exciting Growth Spurt on Aiken’s Westside!
Hey Aiken! Have you noticed all the hustle and bustle around town lately? It seems like things are really kicking into gear, especially on the Westside! Buckle up, because there are some serious developments coming our way and it looks like this part of the city is about to take off!
Sunny Days Ahead with New Businesses
First things first, let’s talk about the weather this week. We’re looking at sunny skies with temperatures nearing a comfortable 60°F—perfect for all the new projects popping up! So, whether you’re cruising down Jefferson Davis Highway or just taking a stroll in your neighborhood, you’re in for some delightful days ahead.
Recently, several cars were spotted whizzing along Jefferson Davis Highway just past the busy intersection with Robert M. Parkway and Hitchcock Parkway. This area is buzzing with activity, and the changes keep rolling in! A brand new Mavis Tires & Brakes service center is under construction at the Shoppes on Richland, adding to the exciting lineup of developments.
New Services and Living Options
Now, hold on to your hats because that’s not all! There’s a plan for a Take 5 oil change service center as well! This proposed site would be situated on the same Jefferson Davis Highway, and it’s all dependent on the Aiken City Council’s approval. The Planning Commission gave it a thumbs-up on November 13, so we might be seeing some grease and gear shifts in the near future!
If that goes through, it’ll join several other projects making the Westside an ideal spot for residents and visitors alike. Here’s a sneak peek of what else is in the works:
- Parker’s Kitchen—right across the street from that future Take 5.
- 336-unit apartment complex popping up near USC Aiken.
- Another apartment complex along the Gregg Highway.
- Expansion of the Trolley Run subdivision.
- A new Mavis Tire Service center near Walmart.
- A fresh new church near Trolley Run!
What’s Driving the Growth?
So, what’s fueling this explosion of growth on the Westside? Well, it seems like more folks are fleeing the chilly Northern climates and those hefty taxes to bask in our warm sunny Southern lifestyle. Aiken County alone welcomed 8,324 new residents recently—and it appears many are eyeing the lovely Westside for their new homes.
Affordable housing is a big draw, too. Many new arrivals are finding Southside options a bit too pricey, making the Westside and Northside an attractive alternative. It’s all about proximity and prices!
Easy Travel for Commuters
Another big factor is the convenient access to Interstate 20! Both the Westside and Northside make it easy for commuters heading to Fort Eisenhower and Downtown Augusta. Plus, you’ve got Richland Avenue and Hitchcock Parkway weaving through town, making travel smoother than your favorite morning coffee.
Essential Infrastructure Improvements
Aiken City Councilwoman Lessie Price is thrilled about all the developments and so are many residents! Thanks to smart planning and some big investments in infrastructure—kudos to Sen. Lindsey Graham for helping out—Aiken is set up to accommodate this growth beautifully. “The infrastructure’s there,” exclaimed Price. “The city has invested more in infrastructure on the Northside, and it shows!”
With potential for more businesses and happy residents, Aiken’s Westside is on the verge of an exciting transformation. So if you’re looking for fresh opportunities and vibrant communities, keep an eye on all these developments. The road ahead is looking fantastic, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
