7 Reasons to Consider Living in Greenville, SC
Once a sleepy town tucked away in the upper reaches of South Carolina, Greenville has transformed into a bustling, dynamic destination for families and working professionals. The city has added six households a week for the past twenty years and in 2023, became the fifth biggest location for incoming moves in the U.S. Such startling growth has caught the attention of many Americans searching for someplace new to settle down and grow their career. So if you enjoy Southern charm and hospitality, here are a few reasons why you ought to consider living in Greenville, South Carolina.
Booming Economy
Greenville is a manufacturing powerhouse. Once the capital of the world textile industry, Greenville has steadily expanded its economic base over the past 50 years. Thanks to the state’s technical college system, the city has an educated, technically proficient workforce ‒ a natural fit for specialized, top-tier production jobs. Together with the city’s friendly business environment, it’s attracted investment from several multinational corporations who have set up major operations in the area, including:
- 3M
- BMW
- Boeing
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Continental Tire
- General Electric
- Lockheed Martin
Thanks to Greenville, South Carolina is now the largest tire manufacturer and exporter in the country, with chemicals, machinery, fabricated metal products, electrical equipment, and appliances playing a significant role in the local economy as well.
In addition to manufacturing, the city’s entrepreneurial organizations have also helped launch dozens of startups focused on technology, bioengineering, bicycle sales, clothing, and designer shoes. Healthcare is expanding rapidly as well, with two of the state’s largest providers, Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, delivering advanced medical services to people from all over the state.
Greenville’s economy is expected to grow by around 40 percent over the next decade, with a corresponding rise in wages. Its low unemployment rate has hardly budged over the past few years and is expected to remain below the national average as the city’s industries compete to attract new workers.
Low Cost of Living
Living in Greenville is both lucrative and economical, thanks to its high salaries and affordable lifestyle. Its cost of living index is currently 91.3, almost nine points below the national average (100) and far below neighboring cities such as Atlanta (113.3), Charleston (112), Asheville (105.8), and Charlotte (102.5).
While new residents can expect to pay the same for groceries, utilities, and healthcare as they would elsewhere, they’ll pay considerably less for housing and transportation. Home prices in Greenville are fourteen percent lower than the national average while rent is twenty percent lower. At the same time, the robust road network keeps traffic moving in town, even during rush hour. Despite the recent growth, commute times have increased less than a minute since 2000, lessening the impact of fuel costs.
Beautiful Downtown Core
Downtown Greenville is a thriving entertainment district. On any given night, visitors can enjoy a scintillating assortment of cocktails from over a dozen bars, clubs, and lounges ‒ crafted from a mix of fresh ingredients, such as lime, ginger, vanilla, or even housemade lemonade and honeycrisp apples. Main Street is abuzz with live music practically every weekend, with local bands and DJs busy laying down their latest tracks.
In addition to its night spots, downtown Greenville is also home to Greenville Theater, which stages Broadway caliber productions regularly throughout the year. For something off-beat, catch one of the exhilarating shows at Centre Stage and GLOW Lyric Theatre. Sports fans can get close to the action and cheer on the players working their way towards the big time at one of the city's minor league hockey and baseball games.
There’s also plenty of laughs down at the Alchemy Comedy Theater, home to some of Greenville’s funniest comedians. Anyone looking for inspiration will find plenty at the Greenville County Museum of Art or the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville, which both feature original works by some of the South’s most distinguished, contemporary artists.
Families will find lots of fun activities at the Greenville Zoo, South Carolina Children’s Theater, and Children’s Museum of the Upstate. There’s also mini-golf, escape rooms, and underground poetry every Sunday. Just getting around is a pleasant experience. Greenville is one of the most walkable cities in the country, with wide sidewalks, outdoor plazas, tree-lined avenues, and 39 parks, including Falls Park, a popular spot with fantastic views of the iconic Liberty Bridge.
Foodie Haven
Greenville has attracted some of the best chefs in the nation. Zagat calls it the “#1 Under-the-Radar Southern Food Destination,” while Esquire has touted it as the “Next Big Food City in the South.” Southern Living named it one of the “South’s Tastiest Towns,” and it’s not hard to see why.
The city boasts over 200 restaurants, mostly centered around Main Street. Hungry diners can pick from sushi, sashimi, steak, roast pork ramen, Latin fusion, stuffed burritos, hand-blended burgers, soft-set dumplings, egg custard tarts, chargrilled oysters, bagel sandwiches, Philly cheese egg rolls, huevos ranchero fries, cocoa powder layer cake, double-twisted cardamom buns, deliciously cheesy pasta, and of course, fried chicken and barbeque ribs. For a real treat, be sure to stop by LaRue Fine Chocolate on your way home, recently voted “No. 3 Best Chocolate Shop in America” by USA Today!
Majestic Wilderness
Nestled amid the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is surrounded by rolling Appalachian Highlands covered thick with spruce, oak, firs, maples, and Virginia pines. Residents have access to over 3,000 campsites and 220 cabins, all just a short drive from their house.
Hikers have hundreds of miles of trails to explore, the perfect way to experience the peaks, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls hidden among the sprawling mountain range outside town. From boating to fishing to hiking, cycling, and rock climbing, the recreational opportunities are almost endless. Even golfers can get out and enjoy the woodlands at one of six championship courses tucked away within the wilderness.
The shifting seasons bring a wealth of colors, especially in the fall, when the whole area is transformed into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow. During winter, residents strap on skis and snowshoes and spend their days tromping through the frozen trails up in the mountains, dotted with icy waterfalls and crystalline lakes ‒ giving them a chance to relax and connect to their environment in a way other towns can only dream of.
Great Schools
Greenville has some of the best schools in South Carolina. Heavy investments in classrooms and extracurriculars has helped raise test scores and student performance. In addition to its top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools, the city also runs several magnet schools, career centers, and advanced placement courses designed to prepare students for university and high-paying careers on the job market.
Students interested in pursuing higher education in science and engineering can apply to Greenville Technical College. Nearby Furman University and Clemson University also offer a wide range of bachelor and masters degrees in a diverse set of subjects, such as music, economics, journalism, psychology, and urban studies.
Fine and Pleasant Weather
Living in Greenville lets you experience all four seasons, without the extreme temperature swings found in other parts of the country. Summers are hot, but manageable, while winters are mild with only an occasional dusting of snow. Though it rains here more often than other parts of South Carolina, the city sees few of the massive storms that occasionally blow in from the Atlantic. The majority of the year is clear and sunny, with only a few stray clouds drifting through the sky.
Moving to Greenville, South Carolina
North American Van Lines has been one of America’s most trusted movers for the past 90 years. Our comprehensive services help manage every aspect of your relocation, from planning to packing to shipment, final delivery, and set-up. With over 500 agents operating throughout the country, you can be assured of friendly, on-the-ground support every step of the way to your new home. Take the stress out of moving. Contact us today for a free quote!
