6 Reasons to Love Greenville, SC

Discover why you should make this region your next home.

By Kelly Rogers on October 4, 2023

Stephen Stinson

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Greenville, SC, a family-friendly city that frequently tops “Best Places to Live” lists – and for good reason. Its thriving arts scene, culinary delights, educational opportunities, vibrant events and general size make it a truly exceptional place to call home. Ahead, discover six reasons to love Greenville, SC.

1. Arts Aplenty

Greenville’s thriving arts community offers an abundance of opportunities for aspiring artists to create, collaborate and grow. The renowned South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities, the Fine Arts Center of Greenville County Schools and the South Carolina Children’s Theatre all serve as artistic hubs for talented young artists to develop skills, passion and persistence. And for young adults wanting to pursue art professionally, Greenville Center for Creative Arts’ Brandon Fellowship program provides support through grants and studio space.

2. Full of Flavor

Calling all foodies: Get ready for Greenville’s diverse culinary scene to tantalize your taste buds. Restaurants throughout the city boast an eclectic range of offerings that cater to every palate. Whether you’re looking for international flavor, farm-to-table sourcing, cutting-edge innovations or authentic Southern fare, Greenville’s got it.

Nowhere is this on display more than at Fall for Greenville, the city’s premier food festival. The gastronomic extravaganza invites attendees to sample the culinary creations of as many different eateries as their stomachs can handle.

3. Education Central

When it comes to higher education, Greenville residents are spoiled for options. Renowned institutions such as Clemson University, Furman University, University of South Carolina Upstate and Greenville Technical College are all within easy driving distance, providing a wealth of academic options for whatever goals you may be pursuing. These institutions contribute to the city’s intellectual vibrancy, attracting talented students and faculty who infuse Greenville with their knowledge and passion. With such a diverse educational landscape, Greenville is the ideal place to nurture your academic ambitions.

4. A Fun Place to Be

In Greenville, there’s never a shortage of places to be or things to do, especially in the downtown area. No matter where you go, you’re guaranteed to find good times and great company. Gather with friends to tap into the thriving craft beverage scene at hot spots like Hoppin’, where you can enjoy a self-serve taproom experience, or Fireforge Crafted Beer, which offers a rotating selection of thoughtfully brewed beers. For wine lovers, Foxcroft Wine Co. or Community Tap are excellent options, as well.

5. Just the Right Size

Greenville strikes the perfect balance between big-city amenities and a close-knit community. Traffic is manageable, commute times are reasonable, and the vibrant downtown area has easily accessible and affordable parking. Plus, though typically buzzing with energy, downtown never feels overly crowded or overwhelming. The city’s ideal size fosters a sense of belonging, where neighbors can become friends and local businesses can thrive. Ultimately, the balance between convenience and community is just right.

6. Remote-Friendly

The Greenville Chamber of Commerce estimates that 200,000 people will live in Greenville by 2040, attracted to the good schools, affordable housing options, comfortable climate and overall outstanding quality of life.

Many current and future Greenville residents are and will be remote workers. In fact, Greenville was ranked the No. 1 U.S. City for Remote Workers in a study by lifestyle blog RentCafe.

Remote employees in Greenville can work from home as well as from coworking spaces, including Endeavor, which offers upscale coworking accommodations in the heart of downtown Greenville. Also in the downtown district is Thrive, which features 24/7/365 office spaces and schedules group events, activities and adventures.

Kelly Scheib, who is originally from New York City and relocated with her husband and family to Greenville in 2012, works remotely for Crunchbase, a San Francisco-based company. Crunchbase is an online software platform that provides business information about private and public companies.

“I work 100% remotely from home, although I often like to work from some of the amazing coffee shops in Greenville,” Scheib says. “Crunchbase is an awesome employer, and I love working for them from my base in Greenville.”

Scheib, who is the company’s chief people officer, says she never wants to leave Greenville.

“It’s nice to live comfortably in a place that is very affordable, especially for a family like ours with five children,” she says. “Even my husband, Steven, is a remote worker for another software company. We like the schools in Greenville, and we notice every day that Greenville is a friendly and kind place to be.”

Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.