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Why People Are Flocking to Greenville, SC

Greenville locals have lots to love about this fast-growing yet still affordable city.

By Brittany Anas on October 13, 2022

Greenville, SC Skyline from Paris Mountain.
iStock/Kruck20

Back in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Adam Reitz and his wife were both laid off from their jobs and had the unique opportunity to scout out new cities where they could start their next chapter.

As they researched quality of life factors in cities, Greenville, South Carolina, kept popping up on the kinds of lists that are filled with superlatives – like CNBC’s Best Places for Millennials. So, they took a gamble, packed up their belongings in Seattle and, along with their pets, made the cross-country move to Greenville.

In Greenville, Reitz and his wife were met with friendly neighbors, a favorable job market, affordable homes and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities to fill up their free time.

“We haven’t looked back,” says Reitz, a technology consultant at TSAChoice Inc., an information technology solutions company. “We love it here. Greenville has been really good to us.”

Greenville locals have lots to love about this fast-growing yet still affordable city. The gorgeous scenery, a thriving arts and culture scene, remarkable restaurants and plenty of opportunities for career advancement are among the perks.

Back of couple walking past outdoor dining on Main Street
VisitGreenvilleSC

Affordable Living

When Reitz and his wife moved to Greenville, they were able to land great jobs and scale their salaries. They also purchased a home with a yard and much more space for their growing family (the couple welcomed a newborn in summer 2022), and their mortgage payment is less than what they were paying in rent for a small studio apartment in Seattle.

Transplants quickly discover that dollars stretch further in Greenville, where the median home price is around $301,000 (Zillow, July 2022), which is far below the national average. Plus, between community festivals and outdoor activities galore, there’s plenty of free fun to be had.

Reitz and his wife have enjoyed weekend camping excursions, and he’s clicked into the community by playing in a recreational soccer league and doing improv at a local club.

Unity Park in Greenville, SC
John Byrum
Unity Park

Beautiful Scenery

The great outdoors are even greater in Greenville, which entices outdoors lovers with its lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Nestled near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is surrounded by state parks that showcase the region’s natural beauty, like Paris Mountain State Park, a popular camping destination that has placid lakes and 1,700 acres of parkland but is just outside of downtown.

Urban oases also provide peaceful escapes within the city. Falls Park on the Reedy is a 32-acre gem with waterfalls, flower gardens, trails and public art, and a pedestrian bridge that connects to the restaurants and shops on Main Street.

Greenville prizes its green space, and the Greenville County Recreation District oversees more than 55 parks, trails and recreation facilities.

Couple shopping on Main Street
VisitGreenvilleSC
Greenville was ranked as one of the 10 Best Downtowns in America by Livability.

Booming Economy

Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to launch a startup or you’re looking to advance in your career, Greenville is a great place to grow. Companies like Lockheed Martin, BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg plant and Michelin North America have all announced expansions and job creation in the last couple of years.

Upstate South Carolina also offers several resources and services to small businesses, including SCORE Piedmont, which is a team of volunteers that help entrepreneurs launch a new business or grow an existing one. Those who start their businesses in Greenville are greeted with a community that’s eager to shop local, too.

Ashton Link, owner of 613 Boutique says she’s met a number of talented artisans in the area and carries their wares at her women’s boutique. “I love that so many small towns feed into the city of Greenville, and bring wonderful support to small businesses like mine,” she says.

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