Straddling the Savannah River, Augusta and Aiken comprise what is called the C.S.R.A or Central Savannah River Area. Many people don't know that the beautiful Savannah River forms the border between South Carolina and Georgia. Augusta is on the Georgia side of the river and Aiken is on the South Carolina side. The metropolitan region boasts a population of approximately 450,000 per the US Census Bureau.

Steeped in history, these communities were established in the early 1800's and had an especially high concentration of Scottish settlers which is why golf is so prevalent here with spectacular, traditional golf courses found in abundance. Of course, Augusta is home to the famous Master's Golf Tournament and the ultra-exclusive Augusta National Golf Course. Augusta is the larger of the two communities and one can drive between Aiken and Augusta in approximately 20 minutes.

Aiken is a charming, All-America style city with an old fashioned, thriving downtown district featuring quaint shops, boutiques and restaurants. Residents enjoy a high quality of life and low cost of living. Because the Savannah River Site nuclear weaponry facility is a few towns over, the Aiken populous consists of a highly educated individuals and scientists from all over the world. The population of Aiken County was approximately 143,000 per the US Census Bureau report for 2001.

Aiken County consists of a rich tapestry of nature, diverse culture and a distinct historical heritage combined with southern charm. Education is important to Aikenites as Aiken has 19 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 7 high schools, 11 private schools, 1 Technology College and 1 state university otherwise known as the University of South Carolina at Aiken.

A little known fact about Aiken is the presence of one of the largest thoroughbred industries in the nation. Aiken is home to a thriving thoroughbred training and breeding business and equestrian experts from around the world ship their horses to this area for world-class training and breeding. Wealthy thoroughbred owners typically own and maintain second homes in this area and spend months here to take care of their business and participate in the equestrian community. Througout the year trials and races are held to showcase the progress of the animals and if you watch the Triple Crown closely, you will almost always see horses that have emerged from the Aiken stables. The horse industry in Aiken features multi-million dollar facilities throught the city and is recognized nationally as a major force in the equine business.

Nearby Augusta offers abundant city amenities such as a spectacular river-front park on the Savannah River, numerous area employers such as the Department of Energy, the Medical College of Georgia and a number of Fortune 500 manufacturing and technology companies. Augusta boasts beautiful neighborhoods, spectacular world-class golf courses and a blend of historic homes along with a variety of businesses and companies offering job opportunities for area residents.

According to the US Census Bureau the following are some statistics for the Aiken-Augusta Metropolitan Area:

• Population 2001 - 477,441
• Percent Female - 51.5%
• Percent HS Graduate - 84.3%
• # of Households - 176,867

Sample of area employers: Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Bridgestone - Firestone, University of South Carolina at Aiken, Medical College of Georgia, GlaxoSmithKline, Shaw Industries, Avondale Mills, Washington Safety Management Solutions and many, many more.

This great area offers reasonably priced investment houses. And, because the area isn't as well known as some of the other Network investment areas the investors have the distinct advantage of fewer competitors for tenants. We invite you to contact us to discuss opportunities in this charming southern metropolitan area.