From the Foothills to the Midlands: What Makes Valdese, Landrum & Orangeburg Stand Out

From the Foothills to the Midlands: What Makes Valdese, Landrum & Orangeburg Stand Out

Choosing between Valdese, Landrum, and Orangeburg narrows down to what you value the most: affordability, growth, or lifestyle. Valdese’s median home price stood around $278K in July 2025, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.

Homes for sale in Landrum are witnessing sharper price growth, while Orangeburg has comparatively the most affordable options available. Follow this guide to shortlist residential properties in these cities to choose the best.

Six Reasons To Explore Homes For Sale In Valdese, Landrum, And Orangeburg

Each of these towns has a unique appeal. Valdese, with its small-town charm, Landrum with its equestrian lifestyle, and Orangeburg with its historic character. But what makes them worth your choice? Here are some points to help you choose the ideal house:

1. Affordable Price-to-Lifestyle Value

Valdese, North Carolina, is between Hickory and Asheville. As of July 2025, the median sale price here hit $278K, showcasing a 12.6% year-over-year decline. At $189 per square foot, Valdese offers perfect price-to-lifestyle value.

Prices in Landrum, South Carolina, have surged with equestrian-driven demand. The median sale price touched $465K, at $235 per square foot. Homebuyers here invest in lifestyles that give them access to scenic preserves and the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Orangeburg, South Carolina, has the lowest-cost entry point into homeownership in comparison. The median price marked at $194.5K in July 2025, down by exactly 17.2% year-over-year. At $93 per square foot, homes in Orangeburg support affordable monthly housing.

👉 Searching for low-cost homes for sale in Orangeburg? Find the best deals available with Houzeo, America’s best home buying website. Narrow your search down to the right price, take virtual tours, and book your dream home—all on one intuitive platform.

2. Negotiation Power & Average Days-on-Market

  • Valdese homes stay on an average of 95 days on market and close 4.9% below list price. This creates negotiation opportunities that meet the demand.
  • Landrum homes, however, average at 55.5 days-on-market. Closing to about 4.7% below asking rate, homebuyers at Landrum have some space to negotiate.
  • Orangeburg, in contrast, marks an average of 169 days-on-market with price reductions around 4.9%. Buyers here are willing to wait to secure the property at favorable terms.

For investors, Orangeburg’s higher days-on-market means sellers may be more flexible, while Landrum’s tighter timeline rewards fast, well-prepared offers. Valdese sits in between—offering balance to buyers who want room to negotiate without extended market risk.

3. Employment Access & Economic Anchors

  • Valdese relies on Burke County’s healthcare and manufacturing base. UNC Health Blue Ridge gives employment to approximately 3,000 people, Broughton Hospital to 1,200, and Valdese Weavers to about 1,000.
  • Landrum benefits from its proximity to Greenville-Spartanburg. BMW Plant Spartanburg employs about 11,000 people and supports a larger supplier ecosystem.
  • Orangeburg’s economy leans on its educational institutes like South Carolina State University and Claflin University, which remain long-term stabilizers of housing demand.

These anchors suggest Valdese appeals to healthcare professionals, Landrum to commuters tied to industrial growth, and Orangeburg to students, faculty, and staff looking for affordable housing. Long-term buyers can align their purchase with these job clusters to secure steady appreciation or rental demand.

4. Airport & Corridor Connectivity

  • Valdese provides dual access to Asheville Regional (AVL, 73 miles) and Charlotte Douglas (CLT, 69 miles).
  • Landrum is 22 miles from Greenville-Spartanburg International, giving quick access to I-26 and I-85, making business travel efficient.
  • Orangeburg stretches 39 miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport along I-26. Thanks to this, commuters can enjoy easy regional connectivity without metro congestion.

This connectivity adds a competitive edge to Landrum for frequent travelers, while Valdese offers flexibility to tap into two regional hubs. Orangeburg’s access is less immediate but balances affordability with reasonable commutes to Columbia or Charleston.

5. Lifestyle & Weekend Recreation Activities

  • Valdese Lakeside Park, with 12.7 miles of trails and a kayak launch, is enough to occupy your evening. The Waldensian Festival event in August highlights the aura of the town’s European heritage.
  • Landrum balances natural beauty with equestrian culture. Popular weekend activities include Blue Wall Preserve, FENCE trails, and Tryon International Equestrian events.
  • Orangeburg provides recreation at Edisto Memorial Gardens and Santee State Park on Lake Marion, the perfect spot for boating and fishing.

Buyers who value active outdoor recreation will find Landrum ideal, and heritage-seekers may prefer Valdese. Finally, those wanting budget-friendly leisure near water will appreciate Orangeburg.

6. Utilities and Ongoing Cost Signals

  • Valdese operates under municipal water and sewer systems with a 12-million-gallon-per-day capacity.
  • Landrum relies on Spartanburg Water, where buyers should confirm the rate structure during budgeting.
  • Orangeburg’s Department of Public Utilities manages electric, gas, water, and sewer. Average monthly bills go around $270, which buyers should factor into ownership costs.

Factoring in utilities, Orangeburg’s lower housing costs may be partially offset by higher monthly bills. Valdese and Landrum buyers, meanwhile, benefit from stable service providers but should compare local tax rates and HOA fees to assess true affordability.

Which City Meets Your Needs – Valdese, Landrum, or Orangeburg?

Lifestyle, budget, employment opportunities—these factors influence whether you should explore homes for sale in Landrum, Valdese, or Orangeburg. Ultimately, these three cities present different but equally viable paths for homeowners and investors.

Landrum attracts lifestyle-driven buyers seeking equestrian amenities. Orangeburg provides low entry costs with long-term rental and resale potential. Finally, homes for sale in Valdese offer balance between affordability and community. Understanding how these market dynamics align with your goals is the best way to make an informed decision.

👉 Ready to explore North Carolina? Browse thousands of homes for sale on Houzeo—America’s best homebuying app. Compare trends, shortlist top picks, and submit offers on the go. Download the app on the App Store or Google Play to start your home search today.