Tucked into the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of South Carolina, Spartanburg combines a small-town energy with city-worthy levels of creativity and commerce. This diverse town has a population of 37,465 people. With colleges and institutions throughout the town, Spartanburg is known for its college-town energy and hosts a surprisingly large percentage of college students in its overall population. This also means that over 7% of the town is the home to residents who work in education and library services.
So what are the best neighborhoods in Spartanburg, SC? Spartanburg is welcoming for those that love an active downtown and foodie scene and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenging hike. Nicknamed the “Hub City” in the 19th century, Spartanburg maintains a historic charm from its industrial days. No matter where you choose to move in Spartanburg, each neighborhood is affordable for either purchasing or renting a home. Public and private schools in Spartanburg also come highly rated, making this a great opportunity for families and students.
Spartanburg residents range from young creative professionals to families that have lived in the area for several generations. Each neighborhood has its own personality and makes its own contribution to the city’s overall feel. Check out our Spartanburg, SC neighborhood guide to settle down in the spot that’s best for you and your lifestyle.
Hampton Heights
Historian buffs and architecture enthusiasts will love living in the oldest neighborhood in Spartanburg, Hampton Heights. Hampton Heights was founded just before the turn of the 20th century and still features a large array of home styles to display its rich history. The neighborhood has been reinvigorated in the past several decades by families and developers devoted to maintaining the neighborhoods grand look and charming personality. Today it remains one of the most popular places in Spartanburg to settle down.
According to the Spartanburg city website, the Hampton Heights neighborhood is dedicated to cultivating a diverse, strong community with a true feeling of camaraderie and kinship. Several unique restaurants and some of the main things to do with kids in Spartanburg are within walking distance from Hampton Heights as well. These include the old-fashioned Beacon Drive-In Diner, The Farmer’s Table and Irwin Park, fitted with a baseball diamond and playground. Young students can also walk to a variety of public, preparatory and Montessori schools right outside the neighborhood.
Converse Heights
Some of the most eye-catching homes sit in this popular Spartanburg neighborhood just south of Converse College. Quaint bungalows balance out the real estate scene, welcoming a diverse mix of families and some very well-known business people. Real estate prices range greatly in this area, offering smaller homes for below $200,000 through stunning mansions over $1 million. With access to downtown and all major highways, Converse Heights is a desirable find in Spartanburg.
A great spot for raising a family, children flock to Happy Hollow Park, equipped with a jungle gym and set amidst the tree-lined streets of the suburban haven. Younger ones will attend Pine Street Elementary just in the neighborhood, a highly rated K-5 Spartanburg public school.
A short walk takes outdoor enthusiasts over to Cottonwood Trail, which featured lovely walking and hiking trails along the Lawson Fork Creek.
Just off the center of the city, Converse Height is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Spartanburg. The Converse Heights Neighborhood Association seeks to create a culture of community and safety throughout the area. They also uphold the historic integrity in the area, overseeing building developments and other changes to the neighborhood.
Downtown
Residents in Spartanburg have far more opportunities to live at the heart of the action in downtown. New residential complexes and loft welcome everyone moving to Spartanburg downtown neighborhood in affordable luxury. By living amidst the cultural center of the city, residents explore a handful of museums and art galleries, including the Spartanburg Art Museum, Regional Museum of History and The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. The Chapman Cultural Center also offers a theatre, science center and museum for year-round events.
The downtown calendar is packed with free events and festivals throughout the year. At the heart of the neighborhood sits Barnet Park, which features acres of green space, an amphitheater, art sculptures and a range of festivals.
Lofts and apartments remain affordable compared to the national rental average, with many one-bedrooms at $1,100 a month. Many of the downtown apartment buildings feature additional amenities like gym memberships, on-site shopping and rooftop space.
Wadsworth Hills
This 1960’s-styled neighborhood sits on what was once one of the largest World War I training camps in the US. A close-knit community, professionals and families alike enjoy the quiet, yet accessible Wadsworth Hills Neighborhood.
Though the homes sit on secluded streets of their own, the neighborhood sits up against one of the most popular shopping plazas of Spartanburg, The Dorman Center. This large collection of shops include many popular chains for clothing, food and home goods. The area also sits just to the east of Westgate Mall, another large shopping center with a movie theatre, Costco, and trampoline park.
Wadsworth Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Spartanburg that offers direct access to route 26 and 29 for an easy commute to work or travel throughout the area.
Overall, residents of Wadsworth Hills have a deep pride in both their property and history of the neighborhood. Families rave about the school district, family-oriented energy and tranquil energy. Between its vast diversity, accessibility and community-focus, Wadsworth Hills is a popular pick both for older residents and large families alike.
Fernwood
Quite similar to Wadsworth Hills, but on the other side of town, Fernwood is a 1960’s neighborhood with ranch-style houses and tree-lined streets. The cozy, quaint suburban feel pulls in families, local college professors and even young people. The Fernwood neighborhood is perfectly situated between the downtown area and Edwin M. Griffin Nature preserve.
Families with children in Fernwood are right nearby district seven’s high school as well as some smaller day schools and elementary schools. Shopping of all kinds is easy in this spot, with a nearby Aldi, Publix and large shopping plaza on the north side of town.
Overall, Fernwood speaks to families and individuals looking for work-life balance. The quiet neighborhood sits in the center of all necessary amenities, major highways and highly rated school systems.
Spartanburg, South Carolina has a deep pride that does back to its roots as an industrial city and national travel hub. With a lower cost of living compared to many large cities in South Carolina, and with plenty of access to education and career opportunities, new residents are moving to Spartanburg each year. Forbes raves about its creative community, job growth and annual cultural events. As a smaller city, Spartanburg does an impressive job at pulling in crowds from all over the nation.
