Get to Know the Communities Surrounding Greenville, SC
While Greenville is most recognizable to outsiders, Greenville County is home to many smaller communities that have their own unique identities, amenities and appeal. Read on to understand what makes each community special.
In This Article
Mauldin
Population: 28,000
The city of Mauldin has it all – food, sports, the arts – and what more could you ask for? From the City Market food hall at Bridgeway Station to the SOOIE. Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off (and many amazing restaurants in between), the food scene in Mauldin is hopping.
Also hopping – quite literally – are folks at Mauldin Sports Center and the soon-to-open Pickle Yard, which will feature six pickleball courts at Maverick Yards. Rounding out the entertainment landscape in Mauldin are the Mauldin Cultural Center and Mauldin Public Art Trail, which lines the perimeter of the center’s outdoor amphitheater. The sculptures along this trail are thought-provoking and beautiful, while inside the center, you can take classes and workshops and participate in or attend theatrical productions.
Fountain Inn
Population: 13,000
Located to the southeast of Greenville, Fountain Inn is a small city with an inviting small-town atmosphere.
Main Street is a lovely little stretch, where you can walk, shop or even attend one of the city’s signature events, like the annual Aunt Het Festival or Italian American Heritage Festival. In fact, Fountain Inn hosts a plethora of community events for all to enjoy.
Some are seasonal, like Christmas Inn Our Town, Fountain Inn Fireworks Spectacular (for the Fourth of July) or Sounds of Summer, a free concert series at Commerce Park from May through August. Besides Commerce Park, Cedar Falls Park and Sanctified Hill Park are great options for playing outside, while The Younts Center for Performing Arts offers engaging entertainment indoors.
Greer
Population: 44,400
With one of the most charming, walkable downtown districts in the Upstate, Greer is situated about 30 minutes northeast of Greenville. Downtown Greer, also known as Greer Station, is lined with cobblestones, leading passersby to enjoy the small boutique shops and Greer City Park, which is picturesque and peaceful. If outdoor recreation calls to you, Greer Golf is the city’s premier golf course and well worth checking out.
Greer is packed with opportunities for family fun, from parks to performing arts to fruit picking. Benson Automotive Kids Planet at Century Park is an epic playground that features zip lines, slides, paved trails and misting stations.
For entertainment, look no further than the Greer Center for the Arts, which hosts music, dance and theater productions. And when peaches are in season, take the whole family to Fishers Orchard for a fun, delicious adventure.
Simpsonville
Population: 27,500
There’s always something happening in Simpsonville, from musical performances to community festivals and everything in between. The city’s music scene is thriving, thanks in part to Heritage Park and CCNB Amphitheatre, which welcomes national touring acts throughout the year.
Other can’t miss events include the Simpsonville Music Series & Food Truck Rodeo and Simply Freedom Fest, which deliver on tunes and tastes and draw crowds from all around. Beyond music, the Simpsonville Arts Center champions performing and visual arts with its programs and gallery. It is housed in the former Simpsonville Elementary School.
Simpsonville is also a great place to play. Check out Heritage Park, Discovery Island Waterpark or BridgeWay Brewing Co. (if you love duckpin bowling).
Travelers Rest
Population: 8,800
Connected to Greenville by the iconic Swamp Rabbit Trail – a favorite for bikers and walkers – Travelers Rest is rural, beautiful and just a 20-minute drive from Greenville. With an abundance of beautiful land, it’s no wonder outdoor recreation is a staple here.
Golfing is a popular activity, with gorgeous courses at Spring Park Golf Range and Cherokee Valley Course and Club. Besides Swamp Rabbit Trail, Trailblazer Park is another favorite spot for spending time outside, especially since it is often the epicenter of city events. The Music in the Park Concert Series and Travelers Rest Farmers Market take place here seasonally. Throughout the city, you’ll also find colorful art installations by way of murals. See if you can find them all.
Get to Know Greenville, SC
Want to learn more about living and working in Greenville, SC? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greenville: Live Here. Love Here. Career Here.