Moving to Greenville

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Have you ever considered packing up your life and moving to Greenville, SC? Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming southern city is making a splash with its art scene, culinary delights, and a refreshing mix of urban energy and natural beauty. Our comprehensive Greenville relocation guide is your one-stop-resource for everything you need to master your move. Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or simply seeking a change of scenery; prepare to fall in love with Greenville's vibrant community and rich culture. Let's turn the page, your Greenville adventure begins here.

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What to Know Before Moving to Greenville

1. First things First, the Climate

Greenville, SC boasts a centrifuge of four distinct seasons - an especially great perk if you're enamored by the beauty of the changing leaves in fall, or the budding flowers of spring. Summers are mostly hot and humid, typically peaking around 90 degrees, but with a trove of lakes, rivers, and pools around, you're sure to cool off! Winters are bearable, rarely dipping below freezing.

2. A Bevy of Outdoor Activities

Referred to as the "Doorway to the Blue Ridge Mountains", there's more than ample outdoor activities for nature lovers. Hosting over 20 state parks, the infamous Swamp Rabbit Trail stretching over 22 miles, and copious water bodies for canoeing, fishing, or simply dipping your toes, it's impossible to stay indoors!

3. Charming Downtown Scene

Lemme tell ya, Greenville's downtown is blossoming! With quaint cobblestone streets intertwining between revitalized art-deco style buildings, a river cutting right through the heart of the city, and the award-winning Falls Park, there's a niche for everyone. This pedestrian-friendly city is heavily speckled with specialty shops, eateries, art galleries, and craft beer pubs.

4. You'll Actually Learn to Love Grits!

Grits, if you don't already know, are a type of ground-corn food and a southern staple that come in a plethora of flavors. One of the lesser-known facts is that Greenville hosts a yearly International Grits Festival. Yes, people from all around gather to enjoy this southern delight. And who knows? You might find yourself a converted grits-enthusiast!

5. The Secret of Shoeless Joe

Baseball fanatic, are ya? Well, here's a zesty fact for you. Greenville is the birthplace of the great Joe Jackson, famously known as "Shoeless Joe". He received his infamous nickname after playing a mill game in his stockings when his new cleats gave him blisters. Soon after, a fan heckled, "You shoeless sonofagun, you!" and the nickname stuck. You can still visit his three-room brick house-turned-museum.

6. Strong Economy and Job Market

Are you making this move for prosperous job opportunities? Well, then you're in luck. Greenville's bustling economy sees its strength in diversity. With corporate giants like BMW and Michelin nestled in, there's an array of job sectors from automotive to aerospace. Let's just say, there's a strong chance you'll find your dream job in this dreaming city.

So, that's Greenville, South Carolina in a nutshell. As you can see, the city has so much it boasts for - both well-known and the lesser-known. From its heavenly natural beauty to its bustling city life, you'll find an enriching blend of southern charm and modern luxuries that will make you fall head-over-heels in love with this place. Sure, the place has all the usual suburban amenities, but when you peel back the layers, you'll find the heartbeat of a city that refuses to be just another southern town. So, start packing, y'all. Greenville awaits!

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Pros and Cons of Living in Greenville

Pros of Living in Greenville

Affordable Cost of Living

Greenville is known for having a reasonable cost of living, which includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. This makes it an attractive location for families, retirees, and those who are looking to live more economically.

Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene

When it comes to arts and culture, Greenville offers plenty of options. Residents can enjoy a variety of live performances at the Peace Center, explore the Greenville County Museum of Art, or immerse in the local culture at various festivals held throughout the year.

Outdoor Recreation

In Greenville, outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice. The city is close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and camping. Plus, the downtown area's Falls Park on the Reedy is an urban oasis with scenic trails and waterfalls.

Diverse Food Scene

Greenville's culinary scene is varied and delicious, with a wide range of dining options. Southern cuisine, international foods, farm-to-table establishments, and everything in between can be found in this vibrant city, satisfying all types of foodies.

Friendly Community

The residents of Greenville are generally warm and welcoming, contributing to the city's laid-back and friendly atmosphere. With numerous community events and festivals, the city is a great place to meet new friends and form lasting connections.

Cons of Living in Greenville

Hot, Humid Summers

While Greenville enjoys a relatively mild winter, its summer weather can be oppressively hot and humid. This might not be comfortable for everyone, particularly those who prefer cooler climates.

Traffic and Growing Pains

As Greenville's popularity grows so do its traffic issues. Increased congestion on roads and a greater demand on infrastructure systems are issues the city faces as more people move into the area.

Limited Public Transportation

The public transportation system in Greenville is somewhat limited, both in scope and frequency. This can make getting around without a car more challenging, especially for those living farther from the city center.

Quality of Schools

While there are some excellent schools in Greenville, the quality varies. Researching the performance of local schools is crucial for families considering a move.

Job Market

Depending on one's industry and profession, Greenville's job market can be competitive. While growing in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, opportunities in some other fields may not be as widespread as in larger metro areas.

Modern day picture of Greenville, SC highlighting pros and cons of living in Greenville, SC

Is Greenville a Good Place to Live?

Greenville, SC is a great place to live because of its vibrant downtown area, scenic landscapes, and excellent culinary scene. The state boasts amazing outdoor activities like hiking and biking trails, beautiful parks and the rejuvenating Falls Park on the Reedy. Coupled with affordable housing and great school options, Greenville, SC surely shines as a wonderful place to call home.


What Is Greenville Famous For?

Falls Park on the Reedy

This gorgeous downtown park, straddling the Reedy River, is one of Greenville's prime attractions. With a unique pedestrian bridge, stunning waterfalls, public art installations, and endless green spaces for picnics or play, it's a slice of nature's paradise amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

The Peace Center

If you're a fan of performing arts, The Peace Center is the city's crowning jewel. This premier venue houses a concert hall, theater, and amphitheater, and has hosted renowned Broadway productions, world-class musicians, comedians, and more, making it a prominent cultural hub in the South.

Swamp Rabbit Trail

This 22-mile multi-use greenway system runs along the Reedy River, connecting several of Greenville's parks. Perfect for biking, walking, or jogging, the Swamp Rabbit Trail offers picturesque views, quaint cafes, and frequent encounters with charming wildlife. It's an outdoor enthusiast's dream!

Greenville's Thriving Food Scene

Greenville is a city that takes its food very seriously. Loaded with innovative restaurants, craft breweries, and artisan bakeries, the city has garnered a reputation as a top-notch food and beverage destination. Every foray into the culinary scene is an adventure here, with diverse dining options ranging from traditional Southern comfort food to international flavors.

Capital building of Greenville, SC in artistic rendering

Overview of Tax Rates

Property Tax

As of 2023, Greenville County, South Carolina residents experience a median property tax rate of 0.57% of the property's assessed fair market value. This rate sits well under the national average, marking Greenville as a more affordable option in terms of property tax.

Sales Tax

The sales tax in Greenville, SC in 2023 is at a rate of 6%, marginally lower than the national median of 6.2%. This implies that consumers in Greenville experience slightly less burden when making purchases, compared to other parts in the US.

Income Tax

The income tax in South Carolina scales from 0% to 7%, depending on the income bracket. In Greenville, this implies that residents may experience a lower or higher tax rate than the national average based on their level of income.


Housing Market

Greenville, SC's housing market is an ideal blend of affordability and growth. Current trends reveal median home prices around $237,500, lower than the national average of over $300,000. However, prices have appreciated almost 10% in the past year, showcasing strong investment potential. Renters can expect to pay about $950 a month for a one-bedroom rental, below the national median of $1,100. Greenville's population and job growth rates outpace many other areas, making it an appealing choice for both buyers and renters looking for affordability combined with robust economic potential.


Cost of Living

The cost of living in Greenville, South Carolina is relatively lower compared to other cities in the US. Housing and utilities are particularly affordable, making Greenville an attractive place to call home. Although healthcare and transportation costs can be slightly higher than national averages, the cost-efficiency in other areas tends to balance out expenses. Overall, Greenville offers a high quality of life at a more affordable cost, making it an increasingly popular relocation choice for families and singles alike.


Weather & Natural Disasters

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville, SC boasts a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Winters see average high temperatures reaching around 50degF, dropping to about 32degF during nights, while summers typically see average highs in the mid-80s to low 90s. With 49 inches of annual rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, Greenville is relatively moist, although autumn is usually the driest season. The region is mostly safe from severe natural disasters but is occasionally exposed to risks associated with thunderstorms, tropical storms, and tornadoes, which mainly occur in the summer and spring seasons. Greenville has avoided significant earthquakes, experiencing occasional minor quakes, and being located inland, it is exempt from direct impact of hurricanes, although it may experience significant rainfall from them.

Typical weather in Greenville, SC

Economy & Job Market

Automobile manufacturing

Textile production

IT/Software development

Healthcare

Aviation

Greenville, SC is a city with deep roots in manufacturing industries, with textiles once leading the local economy. Today, while textile production remains strong, the economy has gracefully diversified. Notably, the automobile sector is thriving, anchored by BMW's enormous production facility nearby, and Michelin's North American headquarters. And hey, it's not all about gears and wheels here, Greenville also hosts plenty of IT and software development companies, thanks to a healthy dose of tech startups calling the city home. Plus, if you're more into healthcare or aviation, rest easy - those sectors are major Greenville players too!

If you're considering a move to Greenville and job hunting is on your agenda, buckle up, because the prospects are lookin' good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Greenville's most recent unemployment rate was 4.5% - well below the national average. In terms of where to look, the I-85 corridor is often touted as Greenville's main "job engine", thanks to large employers like BMW and Michelin. But don't just stop there! Downtown Greenville has also seen explosive growth in tech startups and boutique firms, creating plenty of opportunities in sectors like software development, marketing, and design. So whether you've got grease under your nails or code in your brain, Greenville has the job for you!


Traffic and Transportation

Zip through the streets of Greenville, SC quicker than you can say "peach cobbler". With an average commute time of 18 minutes, Greenville makes getting around a peachy-keen experience. Beyond your personal vehicle, the Greenlink transit service can turn you into a bona fide public transportation pro, as it swirls around the city and its suburbs with zesty convenience. Embrace your inner wanderlust? Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has your flight ticket to cloud nine. Whether you are a commuting king or queen, a bus-riding buccaneer, or an air travel aficionado, Greenville's got your back! So, buckle up and relish the ride!

What is the traffic like in Greenville, SC?

Best Neighborhoods in Greenville

1. Downtown Greenville

Up first is the vibrant heart of Greenville - Downtown. This neighborhood knits together old southern charm and modern convenience. Bursting with green spaces and historic sites, Downtown is perfect for those who love to immerse themselves in local history and culture. The neon-lit Main Street, with its bustling shops, gourmet restaurants, and theaters, becomes your daily stage where every day is a performance. Plus, being just steps away from Falls Park and the iconic Liberty Bridge, you have the perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon picnic or a romantic evening stroll.

2. North Main

If you're after an idyllic suburban lifestyle brimming with character, set your sights on North Main. Nestled north of Downtown, this quaint neighborhood is a medley of tree-lined streets, well-preserved homes, and inviting community spaces. North Main is a haven for those who love to connect with nature. Indulge in walking, cycling, or bird-watching at the neighborhood's scenic trails and parks. Community spirit is also high on the list here: local farmers markets, neighborhood cookouts, and seasonal festivals add to the friendly ambiance.

3. Augusta Road

Augusta Road combines old-world southern elegance with an enticing blend of city and suburban life. Pride in community radiates from every corner of this charming neighborhood. Its namesake, Augusta Road, is lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and fine-dining establishments. Perfect for those who value a tight-knit community feel and yearn for an escape from the frenzied city hubbub while still remaining within a stone's throw of Downtown Greenville's dynamic lifestyle.

4. The West End

The West End showcases Greenville's playful side. Once the city's manufacturing center, this neighborhood has repurposed many of its historic warehouses into stylish lofts, buzzing breweries, and creative studios. The baseball stadium, Fluor Field, together with an array of eclectic eateries and galleries, are ensconced within the neighborhood, turning The West End into a lively melting pot of sports, arts, and culinary delights. Best choice for those with a zest for life and passion for the arts.

5. Overbrook

Overbrook entices with its peaceful residential streets, stately historic homes, and a refreshing canopy of trees. This neighborhood, minutes away from Downtown Greenville, teems with old-world charm and a laid-back vibe. Rich in history but not stuck in the past, Overbrook shows off its character with a variety of architectural styles in homes and features some of the city's best schools. If you love the idea of suburban tranquility but crave close access to city amenities, consider calling Overbrook home.

Whatever your choices are, each neighborhood in Greenville is teeming with its unique charm and offers a unique lifestyle. The best thing about Greenville is the welcoming spirit that makes every neighborhood feel like home. Now that you know some of Greenville's best neighborhoods, the only thing left to do is pack your bags and start your fun-filled adventure in one of the Southeast's most loved cities. Cheers to finding your perfect Greenville neighborhood!

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Things to Do

Pack your bags and brace yourself for an adventure you're soon not to forget, Greenville, South Carolina awaits! Dubbed "one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.", Greenville offers an enriching blend of metropolitan chic and rustic charm. Here are seven must-do activities for those lucky enough to move to this Southern gem.

1. Sip Coffee at Methodical Coffee

This beauty is for all the coffee enthusiasts out there. Methodical Coffee, located in downtown Greenville, is renowned for its wide range of brews. Not your average coffee shop, Methodical sources its own green beans and roasts them in-house, ensuring each cup delivers a unique flavor.

2. Cycle or Stroll the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Lauded as one of Greenville's shining stars, this 22-mile multi-use trail system runs along the Reedy River connecting Greenville County with schools, parks, and local businesses. Grab a bike, put on good comfy shoes, take a stroll or cycle, and soak in the exceptional flora and fauna.

3. Delve into History at the Upcountry History Museum

Immerse yourself in diverse, cultural roots at the Upcountry History Museum. With rotating exhibitions and hands-on displays, you're guaranteed a captivating reflection of history spanning over 300 years.

4. Devour Delectable Cuisine

You can't move to the South and not indulge in its rich, irresistible cuisine. Head out to Soby's, a local favorite, renowned for its warm hospitality and New South Cuisine featuring contemporary dishes with a Southern twist.

5. Discover Roper Mountain Science Center

This is one for the science nerds! The Roper Mountain Science Center houses a planetarium, arboretum, and observatory, but it's their once-a-year Butterfly Adventure that's the real gem. This unique immersive habitat is filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies every summer, an experience you're likely to find only in Greenville.

6. Explore The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

For any baseball fans out there, a visit to The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum is mandatory. Here you can unravel the mystery surrounding one of baseball's greatest players, Joe Jackson, and his infamous "Black Sox" scandal. This experience may not be in most guidebooks, but we bet it will leave you fascinated!

7. Get Lost in Nicholtown

This historic African American neighborhood truly encapsulates Greenville's heart and soul. Nicholtown's Freedom Trail, a self-guided tour, will take you through historical sites, churches, and green spaces, giving you a deeper understanding of the area's social and cultural importance.

Greenville is not just a town, but an experience that seamlessly combines history, culture, and nature with a southern charm that's sure to win your heart. So, get set and get ready, because your Greenville adventure awaits!

Things to do in Greenville, SC?

Find Movers for Your Greenville Relocation


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