If you’re considering moving to Greenville SC, you’re not alone. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city has become a top choice for those seeking small-town living and big-city amenities. The Greenville area truly offers something for everyone.
Greenville was once the hunting grounds of the Cherokee tribe. Its modern history began in 1797 when the town was first established, and by 1831, it was incorporated. Fast forward to today, and Greenville SC is one of the fastest growing areas on the East Coast, and living in Greenville SC is more popular than ever.
Living in Greenville SC means enjoying a bustling and walkable downtown area that’s packed with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat along Main Street or strolling through Falls Park on the Reedy, you’ll quickly see why Greenville residents love calling this place home.
Beyond downtown, the Greenville area offers a little bit of everything. From lush state parks and scenic hiking trails in Greenville County to award-winning schools and growing job opportunities, there are so many reasons to move to Greenville SC. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby state parks like Paris Mountain and Caesars Head, while foodies and culture lovers will appreciate the city’s culinary and art scenes.
So, let’s explore all of the reasons why living in Greenville SC is such a great idea.
Is Greenville SC a Good Place to Live?
Greenville SC is a good place to live. When living in Greenville SC, you can enjoy fun cultural attractions and outdoor activities like Falls Park and Downtown Greenville. This, combined with the walkable downtown area, makes moving to Greenville South Carolina a wonderful decision.
Where Is Greenville?
What county is Greenville SC in? Greenville is in Greenville County and is the county seat of the area. When living in Greenville SC, you’ll be directly between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte NC, which are 145 and 102 miles away, respectively. If you want to head away for a beach vacation, then it’s 252 miles from Greenville SC to Myrtle Beach SC.
This upstate South Carolina city is also close to several other cities that are worth visiting. Nearby destinations you can visit when living in Greenville SC include Parker SC and Five Forks SC.
When living in Greenville SC, you’ll enjoy amazing scenery via the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and parks like Falls Park. In addition to the beautiful nature, you can take advantage of big-city amenities in Downtown Greenville. Living in Greenville SC is truly the best of both worlds, with both incredible nature and modern urban attractions.
Greenville Information
- Greenville county: Greenville County
- Greenville SC area: 30.02 square miles
- Greenville SC zip code: 29601-29617
- Greenville SC area code: 864, 821
- Greenville SC elevation: 984 feet
- Greenville SC time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Greenville SC: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), 12.9 miles away
Greenville SC Population & Demographics
What is the population of Greenville SC? The Greenville population is 70,720, which is a 21% increase over the past decade. When living in Greenville SC, you will also be a part of the Greenville metropolitan area, which includes the Downtown area and has a population of 928,195, making it the largest metropolitan area in South Carolina.
As Greenville continues to grow, so does its diversity. The racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Greenville SC is 67.9% White (65.8% non-Hispanic), 22.7% Black or African American, 4.9% two or more races, and 1.9% Asian.
After moving to Greenville SC, you will be a part of a young community. The median age in Greenville is 34.3, which is lower than the South Carolina average of 40.5. The largest age group in Greenville SC is 20-29, which makes up 23% of the population.
Additional Greenville SC Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
- Average income in Greenville SC: $65,519 (compared to the South Carolina average of $64,623)
- Greenville SC nickname: G-Vegas, GVL, Bridge City
- Notable people from Greenville: Musician Marcus King, MLB player Michael Mercado, NBA player Jawun Evans
- Educational attainment: 92.4% high school degree (or higher), 53.7% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 7.2%
Transportation
Living in Greenville SC offers convenient transportation options for residents to take advantage of. After moving to Greenville SC, you should find the area very easy to navigate.
Major highways like Interstate 85 and Interstate 385 connect Greenville to cities like Atlanta and Charlotte while also providing easy access to the Downtown area and the Upstate. Greenlink, Greenville’s public transit system, operates buses and free trolleys, serving key spots, including Main Street.
Additionally, you can enjoy several biking and walking options when living in Greenville SC. Greenville’s bike-friendly infrastructure includes the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile greenway linking Downtown to Travelers Rest. Additionally, Main Street features wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly crossings, enhancing the city’s walkability.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), just off I-85, offers flights nationwide and is served by most major airlines. For private aviation, Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is a great option close to this South Carolina city’s center. Amtrak’s Crescent Line also connects Greenville to major cities like New York and New Orleans.
Cost of Living in Greenville South Carolina
Are you wondering whether or not living in Greenville SC is affordable for you and your family? One of the best ways to analyze this is to consider the Cost of Living Index in the area. The Cost of Living Index, or COLI compares the cost of goods and services in a city to the national average.
What is the cost of living in Greenville SC? The Greenville SC Cost of Living Index is 90.8. This means that the average cost of living in Greenville SC is 9.2% more affordable than the national average of 100. Living in Greenville SC is very affordable, especially as far as big cities go. The cost of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are all below the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Greenville SC would need to earn $92,976 per year ($7,748 per month) to live comfortably in the area. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, two working adults with two children would need to earn $23.99 per hour to support their family when living in Greenville SC.
Typical Greenville Living Expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Imported beer: $7.50
- Cappuccino: $6.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.59
- Pound of local cheese: $5.10
- Gallon of gas: $3.01
- Movie ticket: $12.50
- Gym membership (monthly): $71.00
- Average Greenville utilities per month: $149.98
Source: Numbeo
When living in Greenville SC, you’ll also have to pay a variety of taxes. South Carolina has a graduated state individual income tax, and rates range from 0.00% to 6.40%. When it comes to sales tax in Greenville SC, you can expect to pay 6.0%. Property tax in Greenville SC is handled by the Greenville County Tax Collector, and the median property tax rate in Greenville SC is 0.88%.
Before moving to Greenville SC, you’ll want to consider real estate prices. Luckily, housing costs in Greenville are fairly affordable.
Greenville SC Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
Are you looking for homes for sale in Greenville SC? When living in Greenville SC, you can enjoy fair real estate prices. According to Redfin, the average home price in Greenville SC is $495,000, which is up 9.2% from last year. This is just slightly above the national average of $434,000.
On average, homes in Greenville sell after 51 days on the market, and homes typically sell about 2% below the list price. Real estate agents in Greenville SC will be able to help you find the best deals for your needs and budget.
If you’re considering moving into an apartment when living in Greenville SC, you’ll also find plenty of great options to choose from. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Greenville SC is $1,436, which is below the national average of $1,748. If you’re a pet owner planning a move, PetFriendly is a great resource for finding Greenville rentals that welcome pets, making it easier to settle in with your four-legged companion. The most affordable neighborhoods to explore when living in Greenville SC are Brutontown, North Main, and Park Place, where the average rent is around $1,276. The most expensive Greenville neighborhoods are Payne-Logan, Southernside Greenville, and Sterling, where the average rent is $1,844.
According to the ATTOM 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it is more affordable to buy than to rent in Greenville.
Best Greenville Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Greenville South Carolina
When living in Greenville SC, you’ll want to be situated in the perfect neighborhood. Luckily, there are plenty of wonderful options to choose from when moving to Greenville SC. These are just a few of the most popular neighborhoods in Greenville.
Downtown Greenville | Busy Area Popular Among Young Professionals
For young professionals living in Greenville SC, Downtown Greenville is a wonderful choice. The downtown area offers several trendy apartment-living options at places like Falls Tower, Link Apartments, and Trailside at Reedy Point. You’ll also find plenty of hip restaurants like Jianna for Italian cuisine, UP on the Roof for cocktails with a view, and Methodical Coffee for a boost in the morning. Downtown Greenville is very walkable and is great for those who rely on public transport.
Del Webb Greenville | Stunning 55+ Community in Greenville
Whether you’re downsizing or just looking for a quiet neighborhood with great amenities, then Del Webb Greenville is a great choice. Located on the banks of the Reedy River, this 55+ community is set to open in the Spring of 2025. The neighborhood will feature newly built single-family homes ranging from 1,345 to 2,712 square feet. The community features resort-style amenities such as pickleball and bocce ball courts, an outdoor pool, walking trails, and a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse.
Living in Greenville SC has never been better at the Greenville Country Club. This area is full of luxury homes with plenty of yard space and large, quiet streets. This area is located a few miles south of Downtown Greenville and is popular among families who want to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle while still enjoying easy access to the amenities of downtown. This beautiful neighborhood is also close to top-rated schools like the Blythe School and Sara Collins Elementary.
You can also enjoy access to the Greenville Country Club itself, which features two championship golf courses, 17 lighted tennis courts, an aquatics center, and 6 dining experiences.
Greenville Weather & Climate
What kind of weather can you expect when living in Greenville SC? Greenville SC experiences a humid subtropical climate, meaning the city has four distinct seasons. The Greenville SC climate is characterized by hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The average temperature in Greenville SC in the summer is 80ºF, while the average winter Greenville temperature is 43.5ºF.
Does it snow in Greenville SC? It does snow in Greenville SC, however it is not significant. The Greenville SC annual snowfall is 3 inches, compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches. However, you will want a rain jacket when living in Greenville SC. The average annual rainfall is 46 inches, with summer being the wettest month.
Greenville Restaurants
After moving to Greenville SC, you’ll find plenty of incredible dining options. This foodie city is known for traditional southern fare and craft beer but also features many great restaurants with international cuisine options. When living in Greenville SC, you’ll always have a new restaurant to try out. These are just a few of the best restaurants in Greenville SC.
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar: If you’re craving craft beer and Southern comfort food when living in Greenville SC, then Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is the way to go. This modern eatery features elevated comfort food like pimento cheese dip, biscuits, chicken and waffles, and mac and cheese. 1 N Main St ste t, Greenville, SC 29601, (864) 451-6200
- Larkin’s: Larkin’s is easily one of the best places to eat in Greenville SC. This fancy steakhouse offers generous portions of steak and seafood and also has hundreds of wine options. 32 E Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601, (864) 467-9777
- Roost Restaurant: Roost is one of the most popular restaurants in the area and serves up delicious American food with seasonal ingredients. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy your meal on the eatery’s open-air patio. 220 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, (864) 298-2424
Things to Do in Greenville SC
You’ll find plenty of fun things to do when living in Greenville SC. From enriching cultural events to exhibitions by local artists, there’s always something going on. If you aren’t sure what to do in Greenville, then you can always check out the city calendar for events going on in the area. In the meantime, these are a few of the best things to do in Greenville SC.
Top Greenville SC Attractions
- Liberty Bridge: Liberty Bridge is a must-do activity after moving to Greenville SC. This footbridge is made of suspension cables and overlooks Falls Park.
- Greenville Zoo: Greenville Zoo is one of the best things to do in Greenville SC with kids. Spend the day admiring the wide variety of animals.
- Linky Stone Park, The Children’s Garden: Looking for Greenville activities for kids? This city park is designed to enrich kids’ creativity.
- Pettigru Historic District: Wander through this historic neighborhood and take a look at the beautiful antique homes.
- Rock Quarry Garden: When living in Greenville SC, you can’t skip out on Rock Quarry Garden. Here, you’ll find beautiful gardens as well as a small stream with a waterfall and a footbridge.
- Roper Mountain Science Center: This attraction features a living history farm, an arboretum, an observatory, and other fun science attractions.
- Breakout Games: Make sure you check out Breakout Games when living in Greenville SC. Grab the family and try to escape from one of the themed rooms.
Greenville Entertainment & Arts
- Peace Center Concert Hall: Peace Center Concert Hall is one of the best entertainment options when living in Greenville SC. Dozens of touring musicians play at this venue every year.
- Greenville County Museum of Art: Stroll through this museum’s art galleries, which feature everything from 18th-century to modern pieces.
- Bon Secours Wellness Arena: Attending a hockey game or concert at this arena is one of the most fun things to do in Greenville SC.
- NOMA Square: NOMA Square is one of the most popular outdoor plazas in South Carolina.
Greenville Museums
Greenville Parks & Outdoors
- Falls Park on the Reedy: This is one of the best outdoor activities in the area and features plenty of green spaces as well as hiking and biking trails.
- Conestee Nature Preserve: When living in Greenville SC, you can’t skip out on this park. It features 200 bird species as well as 400 acres of wildlife preserve.
- Paris Mountain State Park: Paris Mountain State Park is a must after moving to Greenville SC. Here, you can hike, bike, and kayak along the river.
- Runway Park at GMU: This is one of the best Greenville SC family activities. Located at the airport, this park features playgrounds, picnic tables, and more.
Shopping in Greenville
- Haywood Mall: This is a favorite shopping center among those living in Greenville SC.
- The Shops at Greenridge: This outdoor shopping center features a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
- Magnolia Park: Here, you’ll find a children’s play area, dozens of shops, and a movie theater.
Map of Greenville Things to Do
Check out this map of things to do when living in Greenville SC.
Sports
Living in Greenville SC is a win for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of professional or college athletics, there’s always excitement nearby. The Greenville Drive, a Boston Red Sox affiliate, plays at Fluor Field in the heart of Downtown. College football fans are in good company, with Clemson University just a short drive away, home to the Tigers.
For hockey lovers, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits deliver action-packed matches in the ECHL. Moving to Greenville SC means enjoying a calendar full of sports events!
Greenville Crime Rate
Is living in Greenville SC safe? The best way to get an idea about crime in the area is to take a look at the Greenville crime rate.
- Overall Greenville crime rate: 4,219 crimes per 100,000 people (50.7% higher than the state average and 81.5% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate in Greenville: 542 crimes per 100,000 people (10.3% higher than the state average and 46.6% higher than the national average)
- Property crime rate in Greenville: 3,677 crimes per 100,000 people (59.3% higher than the state average and 88.1% higher than the national average)
As you can see, the crime rate in Greenville SC is higher than both the state and national averages. However, living in Greenville SC is very safe. Just like any big city, the crime rates are higher due to the sheer population. Additionally, there are just a few high-crime neighborhoods in Greenville that drive up the crime rate for the entire city. Most neighborhoods in Greenville SC are very safe with little to no crime at all.
Additionally, even though the city is growing, the crime rates are not. According to WYFF 4, the city of Greenville is growing by 20 people every day, but crime rates are not following suit. Additionally, crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence have been steadily declining over the past few years.
When living in Greenville SC, you will be protected by the Greenville Police Department, which has 206 officers on the force.
Economy & Jobs in Greenville SC
Will you be searching for a job when living in Greenville SC? Greenville was long known as “The Textile Capital of the World” and was home to several textile manufacturing companies. Additionally, the city is the corporate headquarters for companies like Michelin, Synnex, and AVX Corporation. A few of the top employers in Greenville SC include Prisma Health (10,000 employees), Greenville County Schools (10,000 employees), and Duke Energy Corporation (2,500-5,000 employees). These companies consistently rank as the best places to work in Greenville SC.
If you are searching for jobs when living in Greenville SC, then check out the city job board or search for ‘Greenville SC jobs’ on Indeed. Alternatively, if local opportunities are in short supply, tools like Remote allow you to access remote roles across the United States. According to Payscale, the average salary in Greenville SC is $72,000.
Healthcare
When living in Greenville SC, you’ll have easy access to amazing healthcare systems. Greenville offers two main health systems: Bon Secours and Prisma Health. If you’re in the downtown area living in Greenville SC, then you’ll be just steps away from the St. Francis Downtown hospital.
After moving to Greenville SC, you’ll likely visit one of Prisma Health’s locations for medical care. They have seven large campuses in the Upstate area and also hosts the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.
Greenville Schools
Living in Greenville SC offers families several educational opportunities for school-aged children and beyond. The public schools, including some of the best high schools in Greenville SC like J.L. Mann and Riverside, provide strong academic programs for students living in Greenville SC.
Public schools in the area are run by the Greenville County School District, which is the largest school district in all of South Carolina. This district contains 19 Greenville SC high schools, 24 middle schools, and 52 elementary schools. Elementary schools in Greenville SC are top-rated, and private schools in Greenville SC, such as Christ Church Episcopal and St. Joseph’s offers additional specialized options.
If you’re looking for higher-education options when living in Greenville SC, you’ll be in close proximity to schools like North Greenville University, Furman University, and Clemson University.
When living in Greenville SC, you can enjoy access to the Greenville County Library System.
Greenville Utilities & DMV Change of Address
Before living in Greenville SC, you’ll want to know about the major providers you’ll be working with in the area. Here are a few of the providers you’ll want to be familiar with.
You’ll also need to change your address with the DMV or get a South Carolina driver’s license before moving to Greenville SC. The SCDMV requires South Carolina residents to change their address within 10 days of moving. You can do this directly on their website. New South Carolina residents can change their address online, at any DMV branch, or by mailing SCDMV Form 4057. You’ll also have to take a vision test at the DMV to update your license.
Now that you know what living in Greenville SC is like, it’s time to get started! If moving to Greenville SC is in your future, then get in touch with the Greenville movers at Swamp Rabbit Moving & Storage. Give our experienced team a call today at (864) 643-2213 to get started with a free, no-obligation quote.
