With all the changes and developments happening in the upstate, it’s important to stay updated on what living in Greenville is really like. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of moving to Greenville, South Carolina, to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Living in Greenville, SC

Award-Winning Downtown Area

Greenville’s downtown has won numerous awards and is known for being clean, vibrant, and full of fantastic restaurants and businesses.

Highlights include the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Falls Park, and Liberty Bridge.

Community Events

Greenville and its suburbs host many events that bring people together.

Suburbs like Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, and Greer have their own unique downtown areas with local businesses and restaurants.

Strong Sense of Community

People in Greenville are friendly, making it easy to build a network and make friends.

Local events cater to diverse interests, from sports to arts and more.

Thriving Restaurant Scene

Over 70 types of cuisine and more than 200 restaurants downtown alone.

Greenville is a great place for food lovers, with a rapidly growing culinary scene.

Abundant Outdoor Activities

46+ parks, golf courses, the Swamp Rabbit Trail for biking and running, and opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.

Mild weather allows for outdoor activities year-round, with all four seasons bringing unique experiences.

Lower Cost of Living

The cost of living in Greenville is about 11% lower than the national average.

A big draw for people relocating from higher-cost areas.

Highly-Rated Schools

Greenville County’s schools are among the highest-rated in South Carolina.

Plenty of family-friendly activities, from trampoline parks to mini-golf and go-kart tracks.

Convenient Location for Travel

Close to major interstates, making it easy to travel.

About 3.5 hours from Charleston and the beaches, 2 hours from Atlanta or Charlotte, and just 1.5 hours from Columbia, the state capital.

Benefits of Growth and Development

Greenville is continuously evolving with new developments and opportunities.

The city has a solid plan for managing growth, making it an exciting place to live.

Cons of Living in Greenville, SC

Let’s start with the cons. I want to save you some time, so if these are things you don’t like, maybe Greenville isn’t the place for you.

Mosquitoes

Unfortunately, in the South, especially in South Carolina, mosquitoes can be a problem. There are also these bugs called “no-see-ums” down in the Lowcountry that bite you without you even noticing. However, there are treatments available for mosquitoes to help mitigate the issue.

Humidity

If you don’t like hot, humid summers, Greenville may not be ideal. That said, Greenville’s summers are the main time of year with high humidity. The other seasons tend to be less humid and more comfortable compared to areas near the coast.

Lack of Professional Sports Teams

If you love NFL or NBA games, you’ll need to drive to Atlanta or Charlotte, which are about two hours away.

Higher than Average Rainfall

Greenville gets more rainfall than the national average. Most of the rain comes in the form of scattered afternoon storms during the summer. While this keeps the area green and beautiful, it can keep you indoors more often at times.

Lack of Sidewalks in Some Neighborhoods

Some people moving to Greenville wish there were more neighborhoods with sidewalks. Many newer developments don’t have as many sidewalks as older ones. Although some newer neighborhoods do include sidewalks, they’re not as prevalent as in other areas.

Traffic Congestion

Growth has brought more people and businesses to the area, which has increased traffic. However, traffic perception depends on where you’re coming from. People from larger cities may find it manageable, while those from smaller towns might find it heavier.

Challenges of Growth

While growth brings opportunities, it also brings challenges like traffic, infrastructure issues, and construction. Despite these drawbacks, the growth has generally been positive for the area.

Things You Need To Know Before Moving Here

Economy and Job Market

Greenville, SC, boasts a diverse and growing economy, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.

  • Thriving Industries: Greenville is a hub for various industries, with significant investments in automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Companies like BMW, Michelin, and GE have a strong presence, providing ample job opportunities.

Real Estate Market

  • Market Activity: The Greenville housing market is not extremely competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and typically selling in around 51 days. This pace provides buyers with a reasonable timeframe to make informed decisions without the intense pressure seen in hotter markets.
  • Pricing Trends: The median sale price of a home in Greenville was $495K last month, marking a 9.2% increase since last year. While the price per square foot has decreased by 2.9%, to $282, this suggests a shift in buyer preferences or changes in the types of properties being sold.

Safety and Crime

Safety is a top priority for many considering a move, and Greenville, SC, generally fares well in this regard.

  • Crime Index: With a total Crime Index of 4 out of 100 (where 100 is the safest), Greenville is safer than just 4% of U.S. cities. This indicates significant room for improvement in terms of overall safety.
  • Crime Rates: Annually, Greenville experiences approximately 398 violent crimes and 2,753 property crimes, totaling 3,151 incidents. The crime rate stands at 5.50 for violent crimes and 38.07 for property crimes per 1,000 residents, leading to a total crime rate of 43.58 per 1,000 residents.

Ready To Move Here?

Overall, Greenville offers a lot to love, with its vibrant downtown, strong sense of community, abundant outdoor activities, and more. While there are some drawbacks like mosquitoes, humidity, and traffic, the pros far outweigh the cons for many people. If you’re considering moving to Greenville,you shall consider MoveCrew as your next moving company in Greenville.

For a more in depth guide, make sure to read out blog about everything you need to know about living in Greenville.

FAQ About Living in Grenville

Is Greenville, SC tax-friendly?

South Carolina, including Greenville, is generally tax-friendly, especially for retirees:

  • Low property taxes: South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S.
  • State Income Taxes: South Carolina does have a state income tax, but rates are moderate.
  • Retiree Benefits: The state offers tax breaks on Social Security benefits and retirement income, making it attractive for retirees.

Why are people moving to Greenville, South Carolina?

People are moving to Greenville, SC, because it’s affordable, has a great quality of life, and offers many opportunities. With a cost of living below the national average, it’s popular with families, retirees, and young professionals.

Is Greenville, SC racially diverse?

Greenville, SC, is becoming more racially diverse as the city continues to grow and attract people from different backgrounds. While it may not be as diverse as larger cities, its increasing population is bringing more cultural variety, making it a welcoming community for many.

What areas to stay away from in Greenville, SC?

When considering areas to avoid in Greenville, it’s best to research specific neighborhoods and visit them yourself. Some parts of the city may have higher crime rates or less appealing amenities, but overall, Greenville is improving as it grows. A local real estate agent can provide helpful guidance for choosing the right neighborhood.

How far is Greenville SC from the beach?

Greenville, SC, is about 3.5 to 4 hours from popular beaches like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Hilton Head. While it’s not right on the coast, its central location makes it easy to plan a day trip or weekend getaway to enjoy the beach.