Simpsonville is a city located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina. The city is a destination for young couples and families alike, with plenty of jobs and great schools to choose from. If you’re considering moving to Simpsonville, this city guide will help answer all your questions about the city, its residents, and its opportunities.
What it’s like Living in Simpsonville
Simpsonville’s History
South Carolina has a long history, and Simpsonville is no different. The first settlers there were the Austin family, who arrived in 1774. In 1775, the Battle of the Great Cane Brake was fought near Simpsonville, and was a significant victory for the new American people. Simpsonville really got going, however, when Peter Simpson moved to town to open a blacksmithery and post office. Through his years of work, he built up a community around his the area. Eventually, the growing town was named in his honor, and Simpsonville was formally incorporated in 1901.
Nicknamed for Prosperity
Simpsonville is part of a larger area of South Carolina known as “The Golden Strip,” which includes Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Fountain Inn, and is so-called because the areas are experiencing great growth. The local section of Interstate-385 is often referred to as The Golden Strip Highway, while plenty of businesses use the Simpsonville nickname in their business titles. The Greenville News even publishes a Golden Strip Edition of its newspaper.
A City Surrounded by Nature
One of the greatest aspects of the Simpsonville is its natural beauty. There are tons of local parks, forested areas, and huge trees lining the streets. In the fall, the whole town changes colors with the season. Simpsonville also sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is only a stone’s throw away from Lake Conestee Nature Park, a 400-acre park with over 12 miles of trails.
Best Neighborhoods in Simpsonville
Simpsonville has dozens of subdivisions with beautiful homes, perfect for young couples, families, and retirees. Simpsonville’s neighborhoods combine classic country living with easy access to the downtown, along with a close-knit community feel.
Five Forks Plantation
Five Forks markets itself as the #1 place to raise a family in South Carolina, and is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Simpsonville. Homes here are large, starting at around 2,200 square feet. Houses are also more expensive than other areas in Simpsonville, selling for $300,000 or more. However, the neighborhood has some of the best amenities around, including a 13-acre park area with a junior-Olympic sized pool, a clubhouse, two tennis courts and plenty of walking trails.
Orchard Farms
Developed in the 1990s, Orchard Farms is a family-friendly Simpsonville neighborhood that includes about 450 homes divided into three sections: Arbor Walk, Baker’s Garden, and Carriage Place. Families here can expect to pay $100,000-$200,000 on average for a home, and will enjoy amenities including a fitness center, several athletic fields, and a playground for kids. Orchard Farms is a wonderful home for families, young couples and empty nesters.
Verdmont
Verdmont is known for its pristine beauty. A large central park and “pocket parks” throughout the Simpsonville neighborhood offer plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors, or gather with friends for a picnic. A neighborhood orchard and farmer’s market pavilion add to the upscale neighborhood feel, while its prime location offers easy access to grocery and retail shopping options. Homes here are new constructions, selling for around $200,000.
Simpsonville Demographics
There are 20,000 people living in the city, and that number is increasing as people move to Simpsonville. From 2015 to 2016, the city experienced a population growth of 2.42%. The area has a fairly even split between men and women, and is also pretty diverse with 18% of the population identifying as Black or African American and 11% as Hispanic.
The median age in Simpsonville is 38.8, though there is a healthy infusion of millennials as well. The majority of folks in Simpsonville have earned a high school diploma; 30% of residents have also earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher. About 67% of Simpsonville residents own their homes, and the average household has 2 cars.
The median household income in Simpsonville is approximately $59,000 per year. Simpsonville is also known for its low unemployment rate; at just 3.6%, unemployment in Simpsonville is lower than both SC and U.S. averages.
Simpsonville Schools
There are 45 schools in Simpsonville, including 30 private schools and a charter school, so you’ll have plenty of options for finding the right educational environment for your child. The charter school, Brashier Middle College Charter School ranks above the state average in test scores, while Greenville Classical Academy boasts small class sizes for individualized attention.
What it Costs to Live in Simpsonville
The cost of living in Simpsonville is lower than the national average, and only slightly higher than other areas of South Carolina. Interestingly, the most expensive aspect of living in Simpsonville could be your phone bill. The average phone bill in Simpsonville is $37 per month, in comparison with a national average of $28.68. Health care in Simpsonville is also expensive, at 6% higher than the national average.
Conversely, homes in Simpsonville are very affordable, coming in at almost 17% less expensive than the average for the U.S. A typical home in Simpsonville will cost approximately $154,000; the average U.S. home sells for about $184,000. Rent here is also affordable, averaging at $921.
Working in Simpsonville
Businesses in Simpsonville employ about 11,000 people. The top industries in Simpsonville are Manufacturing, Retail and Healthcare. KEMET Electronics Corporation and Milliken & Company are both headquartered in Simpsonville, offering plenty of work in production and operations roles. Employment in Simpsonville saw a 2.68% growth between 2015 and 2016, while nearby Greenville showed 3.58% job growth, meaning opportunities for work here are only expanding.
What’s the Weather like in Simpsonville?
Simpsonville is a great place to move if you love the heat. Summer days in Simpsonville are usually at least 82 degrees, sometimes getting up into the 90’s. Generally, the sky is partly cloudy, giving some respite from the sun’s heat.
Simpsonville’s weather includes very little snow, but they do get a fair amount of rainfall. Though hurricanes are not as common here, given how inland the city is, South Carolina was recently hit by Hurricane Florence, which brought significant rain and flooding to the state.
Simpsonville Attractions
Looking for fun things to do in Simpsonville, SC? This bustling city will keep you entertained with shopping and dining opportunities, great outdoor activities, and seasonal events.
With how hot it gets during the summer, it makes sense that Simpsonville locals enjoy cooling off with ice cream. The Ice Cream Station was founded in 2010 by a young couple who wanted to help reinvigorate downtown Simpsonville. If you stop by any night of the week during the summer you’re likely to see a long line of locals waiting to get a scoop of their favorite flavor.
If you love the outdoors, Heritage Park is a great local spot for hiking and biking. Multiple baseball fields welcome sports enthusiasts, while playgrounds and a working steam train replica will keep your kids busy. In the evenings, you can catch a show at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, which brings in both local and nationally touring artists.
For families, Simpsonville is also home to Discovery Island, a local water park complete with water slides and a lazy river. Young kiddos will love the 4-Tier Splash ‘n Play Structure. For more adventurous family members, Discovery Island also has South Carolina’s only perpetual wave attraction, which lets you boogie board and surf!
Should You Move to Simpsonville, SC?
If you’re looking for a close-knit community with beautiful homes, great schools, and plenty to do, Simpsonville might be the perfect place for you! Whether you’re a South Carolina native, or a newcomer to the state, this city is ready to welcome you with open arms.
When you’re ready to move, Auston Movers is the Simpsonville moving company that will be there for you. Since 1945, our family-owned local moving services are dedicated to our customers in SC, and our high standards for efficiency and customer service will make your Simpsonville move a breeze.
