Greenville, known as the “Textile Capital of the World” and the sixth largest city in South Carolina, is a flourishing urban center located in Greenville County, only a short distance south of the North Carolina border. It is also located approximately halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. Greenville is known for its support of the arts and being one of the most acculturated cities in South Carolina, having local artists in everything from Visual Arts to Theater, and has been named amongst the “Top 100 Arts Small Towns in the United States”. Greenville’s history stretches back to the very founding of America, with the area originally being Cherokee hunting ground before being granted by the tribe to the colonists. The area was then ceded to South Carolina, where it would remain a backwater until the military expanded the area during World War 1, eventually growing into a significant urban center. Nowadays, Greenville is home to such famous individuals as Jesse Jackson and Bo Hopkins.
These are some of the many great reasons to move to Greenville. The city has so much to offer its residents, including great food, a progressive, bicycle-friendly atmosphere, colorful cultural events, a friendly populace and a small city vibe. Greenville is a beautifully charming city with a stress-free feel and plenty to see and do. It’s a great place to call home.
Greenville, SC Population & Demographics
Greenville is a small city, with a population of 70,633 distributed out over 29 miles, at a population density of 2,300 people per square mile, according to Census Reporter. The median age here is 35.4, which is younger than the South Carolina average of 39.9. The median household income in Greenville is $59,278, a small portion higher than average for the state. Greenville has more females than males, with 52% of the population being women.
Greenville is a diverse city, with 66% of the population being Caucasian, 26% being black, and 5% being Hispanic.
Greenville’s zip codes include 29607, 29605, 29615, and 29611, while the area code is 864.
Thinking about moving to Greenville, but worried about the crime rate? Unfortunately, Greenville’s crime rate is very high. Greenville’s total crime rate is 77% higher than the national average, with violent crime being 39% higher and property crime being 84% higher. Don’t despair, however, as Greenville has a wide variety of very safe communities, of which you can choose.
Cost of Living in Greenville, SC
Those planning on moving to Greenville will be pleasantly surprised with its affordability, with the cost of living being 5% lower on average than other places in America. Greenville is urban, however, and carries the typically expensive housing costs, being $321,900 on average as compared to the South Carolina average of $179,800. Grocery prices in Greenville clock in at the national average, while utilities and transportation are a bit below the average. Health care is a bit more expensive in Greenville than the national average. Studio apartments rent for an average of $518 per month, while the national average is $712. A four-bedroom home rents for $1,063 in Greenville, with the national average at $1,601.
While Greenville is a city, it’s surprisingly affordable relative to its location and opportunity. You’ll be surprised how much bang for your buck you’ll get while living in Greenville!
Greenville, SC Schools & Colleges
Greenville is served primarily by the Greenville 01 School District, although some schools in Greenville fall outside that jurisdiction. Parents will be pleased to know that there are plenty of schools within the area with 8/10 ratings on GreatSchools and some with even higher ratings, like Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities, which has received a perfect 10/10. Your child will be in safe hands while undergoing education in Greenville, with schools like Augusta Circle Elementary School and Langston Charter Middle School standing out as fantastic institutions of learning.
Interested in pursuing higher education while living in Greenville? You’ll have quite a few options nearby if you’re a prospective college student. The highly-rated Furman University is rated as the #1 private college in South Carolina on SimplyCollege, and is home to the distinctive belltower. If you’re looking to get into trades, the Greenville Technical College is another excellent local choice.
Greenville, SC Climate & Weather
South Carolina is the South, so that means you’ll hardly have to worry about snow, and should be prepared for lots of humid heat. You can expect lows of 31 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Greenville experiences more rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 51 inches per year as compared to the national average of 38.1 inches. Greenville experiences far less snow than average, with only 3 inches as compared to 28. The best times to visit Greenville, in terms of comfort rating, are May and September.
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Best Neighborhoods in Greenville, SC
Greenville is a lovely city with plenty of neighborhoods with their distinct benefits to choose from! While there’s too many to properly cover all in this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of some Greenville’s neighborhood highlights.
Paramount Park is an affluent neighborhood located in the central southeastern area of the city. Most of the homes in the area are owned by the residents. The development comprises mostly medium- to large-sized homes with four or more bedrooms and apartment complexes. The neighborhood has more Scottish and Scots-Irish residents than almost any other region in the United States.
Leawood is a suburban neighborhood located in the northern outreaches of Greenville. Many of the homes in Leawood are studios or one-bedroom or two-bedroom homes, but there are also many apartment complexes in the area. Leawood has a much higher number of people commuting to work by bicycle compared to the average American neighborhood. A large number of residents in this neighborhood speak Persian, a fact attributed to a high percentage of Iranian residents living there.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Greenville, SC.
Jobs in Greenville, SC
Those planning on making a living in Greenville will be glad to know that wages have been increasing quarterly, and cost of living has been decreasing as well. The most popular employers in this community are General Electric Co (GE), Greenville Hospital System, and Michelin North America, Inc.. The most popular positions of employment are Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, and Operations Manager. The average salary for a worker in Greenville is $61k a year, while the average hourly wage is $16.92.
Greenville is an industrial city, so skills in mechanics, maintenance, and management are sure to get you far around here! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Greenville, SC here.
Things to Do in Greenville, SC
Greenville’s a big city, which means plenty of opportunity for fun activities and great shopping! Outdoor activities are numerous in the city’s natural areas, and you’ll find that wilderness adventures are plentiful in the nearby national forests and the surrounding countryside. It’s a quick drive to activities like boating, camping, canoeing and kayaking, golf, hiking, ice skating, whitewater rafting and ziplining.
Another thing Greenville is known for is its biking! Bicycling is serious business in Greenville, and it’s one of the favorite local activities. Greenville goes by the name of “Bike Town,” and the moniker fits. The 21-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail follows the course of the Reedy River, meandering through town and out into Greenville County. Bike rentals are available in town, too, in case you just want a quick day ride, and mountain biking trails are ready for riding in the nearby countryside.
Check out shopping centers like Haywood Mall and The Shops at Greenridge for an excellent shopping experience! Greenville’s portfolio of attractions that make it a great place to call home is full to bursting. There’s more to enjoy in Greenville than most small cities, so let’s take a look at some of the highlights:
Falls Park on the Reedy
A beautiful park with a distinct waterfall and a unique pedestrian bridge that curves around, this area is widely considered the birthplace of Greenville. Falls Park is the perfect place for a relaxing visit!
601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, (864) 467-4350
Greenville Zoo
The expansive Greenville Zoo has hosted all types of animals since its creation in 1960. Everything from lions to domestic animals like cows and horses are hosted here, and the Greenville Zoo is an excellent place to visit with your kids or by yourself!
150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601, (864) 467-4300
Greenville, SC Additional Attractions:
Places to Eat in Greenville, SC
There are so many delicious restaurants, food trucks, cafes, bakeries, tea and juice bars and more in Greenville, your appetite will be sated for years to come as a Greenville citizen. Variety is the order of the day in the Greenville dining scene. Alongside its host of things to do, Greenville is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
Soby’s
Soby’s is a wonderful restaurant serving traditional and reimagined dishes of Southern cuisine, sure to scratch that Dixie itch of yours. Soby’s is a must-visit while you’re in Greenville!
207 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, (864) 232-7007
Tupelo Honey
Keeping in line with the theme of Southern food, Tupelo Honey is another excellent choice if you’re looking to dine on genuine Carolinian cuisine. If you love traditional Southern food, you’re inundated with options in Greenville!
1 N Main St ste t, Greenville, SC 29601, 864) 451-6200
Tips for Moving to Greenville, SC
- Be sure to plan for high living costs relative to the rest of Southern Carolina
- Enjoy the beauty and history of Greenville
- Choose from one of many wonderful Greenville neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a comfortable and stress-free place to call home with plenty to do, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” With a charming and quaint downtown, museums, tasty restaurant fare, tons of community events, a local zoo and even a waterfall within the city limits, you’ll find tons to do on the tree-lined streets among the friendly locals.
Ready to finally take the final step and start your journey to making Greenville your new home? Give Auston Moving a call! Our crew of highly-trained professional Greenville movers will ensure your move is a stress-free process at affordable rates! Call us or fill out our online form for a free quote!
