In real estate, water views are among the most sought-after pieces of land around. There's a reason for that. We are obsessed with water and the serenity it brings, coupled with an underlying desire to GET OUTSIDE and play in or on it.

Throughout history, the rivers in the Palmetto State have been more than just a meditative ally or a means of recreation. At least for a period, they were our quickest means of transporting goods from one part of the state to another. As a result, towns and even whole cities sprouted up all along our rivers. Today, these same river towns in South Carolina are amazing to visit. Take a look.

1. Greenville, SC - The Reedy River

The Reedy River provides endless opportunities for recreation and spectacular views in downtown Greenville. Yeah, THAT Greenville. Head downtown to Falls Park on the Reedy to get your fix. Greenville is a river town you won't want to leave.

2. Cheraw, SC - The Great Pee Dee River

The "Prettiest Town In Dixie" is sliced by the Pee Dee River in eastern Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties. Get out on the Pee Dee and have a blast in Cheraw this spring.

3. Georgetown, SC - Winyah Bay and the Black, Pee Dee, Sampit and Waccamaw Rivers

Technically, Georgetown is located on a bay - Winyah Bay - but that bay is the convergence of four great rivers in South Carolina; the Black, Pee Dee, Waccamaw and Sampit Rivers. Historically, Georgetown is the 3rd oldest city in South Carolina and once upon a time was the world's leading rice producer. Visit Georgetown's Harborwalk and Front Street for old-fashioned charm the Georgetown way.

4. Conway, SC - The Waccamaw River

Located on the western side of the Waccamaw River, Conway offers a welcoming embrace to southern living. The town has a very active Downtown association that in recent decades revitalized the whole area, including the addition of the Riverwalk.

5. Bluffton, SC - The May River

The original charming Old Town of Bluffton, SC sits on a bluff overlooking the beautiful May River. Bluffton has grown considerably over the years from the original one square mile next to the river, but the small town charm remains intact when you have a view like this one!

6. Little River, SC - The Intracoastal Waterway and the Waccamaw River

Nestled between the Waccamaw River and the Intracoastal Waterway, Little River is a hoppin' place that plays host to the annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival (and other festivals). Mark your calendar for May 14-15, 2016. It's the perfect weekend to sample all this great community has to offer. Festival Info

7. Columbia, SC - The Broad, the Saluda and the Congaree Rivers

Columbia's Canal and Riverfront Park on the Broad River is a popular gathering spot for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Here's a view of the lazy Saluda River from the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Garden in Columbia.

8. Cayce and West Columbia, SC - The Congaree River

Head over the bridge to the Cayce-West Columbia Riverwalk Park and soak up this 3.5 mile trail that follows the west bank of the Congaree River flowing between Columbia and these two river towns.

9. North Augusta, SC - The Savannah River

North Augusta's River Park Activities Center opened in 1994 and anchors the 149-acre riverfront park. The South Carolina state line falls at right about the middle of the river you see here.

10. Rock Hill, SC - The Catawba River

Rock Hill's Catawba River access continues to grow and enhance the quality of life for locals. Here, the Piedmont Medical Center Trail connects to River Park via a new covered bridge.

11. North Charleston, SC - The Cooper River

North Charleston's Riverfront Park on the shores of the Cooper River is a great place to unwind, or have a giant 4th of July Festival with plenty of cool water breezes to help make a July afternoon in the Lowcountry a little easier.

12. Charleston, SC - The Ashley and the Cooper Rivers

Whether you're enjoying the Cooper River as a spectator from the pedestrian lane of the Ravenel Bridge, or you're actually ON the Cooper, it's an excellent choice for recreation in the Charleston area.

Brittlebank Park on the Ashley River in Charleston is the site for many exciting events in Charleston, like the annual "Dock Dogs" Competition during SEWE in February.

13. Beaufort, SC - The Beaufort River

Bodacious and bountiful Beaufort has the distinction of sitting in the middle of a large estuary along the SC coast. As a result, roughly 17% (or 6 square miles) of Beaufort is actually under water. Now THAT'S a real river town!

Do you live in a river town in South Carolina? If not, which of these is your fave? Let us know in our comments on Facebook.