Living a College Town Lifestyle in Greenville-SC, South_Carolina

Home to a number of colleges and technical colleges,  including Furman University and Bob Jones University, Greenville is a fast growing town in northwest South Carolina.  Although about 50,000 people live in the city proper, the Metro area including Spartanburg is over 1 million. Greenville has an interesting downtown and several great neighborhoods. Downtown Greenville is home to many specialty shops and boutiques. The Haywood Mall is a major mall in the area.

The downtown has been the subject of intense and successful redevelopment efforts. It won Great American Main Street awards from the National Trust for Historical Preservation in 2003 and 2009. Although unemployment is high currently, it does have a diverse industrial and commercial base with manufacturing plant including Michelin. It is host to several minor league sports teams including Drive. This is a thriving community for the arts.

Photo of Falls Park courtesy of Wikipedia and CantoV.

Where to Retire in Greenville-SC and Home Prices

Greenville has many wonderful neighborhoods for boomers as well as families and people of all ages. Some retirees are buying condos or townhomes in or near the downtown and its 100 restaurants. It also have many developments: Greenville active adult and 55+ communities

Real Estate Values
Greenville is a relative bargain. According to the NAR, the median sale price of a home was $318,800 in the 4th quarter of 2022 in the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin area, although that would be higher in many active communities or upscale neighborhoods. Property taxes on a $200,000 home is about $1,100 to $1,400 in the area.

What Is Special about Greenville-SC

Restored, award-winning downtown that is rated one of the best in the country. An expanding system of parks and trails along the Reedy River and the Falls goes right through the heart of the downtown - it is very unusual and beautiful. Many colleges and universities such as Furman. Wide diversity of neighborhoods to live in. Named as a great place to live by Money.CNN.

What Is Not Special about Greenville-SC

Crime is higher than the US average but has been dropping over the last ten years, now a third less than in 2000, while the population in the area has been constantly growing. Traffic congestion is a growing problem. Woodruff Road can be brutal, especially on the weekend as this road is a major retail corridor. There is a bus system but many feel it is seriously underfunded. Go here for a critique of the public bus system.

Climate and Physical Environment

Greenville is located in northwestern South Carolina about midway between Atlanta and Charlotte. The average July high is 89. The average January high is 50 and the average low is 31. The wettest month is March.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Southern Exposure is an annual three day event held in the Wyche Pavilion at Larkin's on the River. Greenville County Museum of Art specializing in American art. The Warehouse Theatre and Centre Stage offer performing arts venues.

Crime

The crime rate is well above the U.S. average.

Medical Facilities

Bon Secours St. Francis and the Greenville Hospital System serve the Greenville area.

Transportation

Greenville-Spartanburg Airport serves Greenville. There is AMTRAK service as well as bus service by the Greenville Transit Authority. The downtown area is extremely walkable for the many people who live there.

Valuable Links

Greenville, SC

Wikipedia page for Greenville

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