The quality of life in this historic Southern city is unparalleled. From recreation to education, it's all here for your family. Aiken is proud of its award-winning public schools, nationally known for academic excellence, as well as its wonderful parks, golf courses, equestrian events, concerts and many cultural activities that are enjoyable for every member of the family. Aiken now has a minor league baseball team and a new 'convention' center which will be a venue for the National Symphony Orchestra, Great American Country (GAC) multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins, The Lipizzaner Stallions, and The Doodlebops Live will have kids and their parents rockin and boppin together. All of these events are scheduled for early 2008! Among Aiken's parks is the Hitchcock Woods, a 2,000+ acre foundation, which is situated within walking distance to Aiken's downtown area. Hitchcock Woods is among the largest urban forests in the country. A wide variety of equestrian activities is available in the area. There are several local fox hunts in the area, hunter/jumper horse shows host exciting Grand Prix events, and recognized horse trails held in the winter attract Olympic athletes. Oh, and don't forget to watch the polo matches held at Whitney Field, the site of the longest consistent period of play on one field in the United States. In Aiken, golf rivals riding as the favorite sport. The Palmetto Golf Course, founded in 1893, is almost as old as golf in America. The Highland Park Country Club course was designed and opened around 1903. Other courses in the area include Midland Valley Country Club near Graniteville, Houndslake Country Club, Woodside Plantation (golf and country Club), The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation, and Cedar Creek (golf and country club). Whether you wish to live in Aiken's Historic Horse District in a Winter Colony Home, a cozy Historic Cottage Downtown, on a Horse Farm in Aiken's horse country, or alongside a grassy Green Fairway, Aiken is an ideal place to establish a new home. Especially appealing is Aiken's cost of living, which is well below the national average. Residents enjoy a moderate climate throughout the year, and are just a short distance from beaches, mountains and lakes. Selected as one of the country's top ten "All-American Cities" in 1997, Aiken is a place where natural charm, character, and Southern hospitality abound. With a low crime rate, a superior health care system and plenty of amenities, Aiken is a community with a quality of life, second to none. Companies from throughout the world are drawn to Aiken's progressive business environment, and the city continues to grow as employees of new industries and visitors appreciate our unique way of life and choose to make Aiken their home. Aiken's convenient location to major cities along the east coast provides easy access to customers and supplies. Aiken is a city with a deep-rooted history and a visionary attitude, a town that cherishes the richness of yesterday, but looks forward to the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you in Aiken!