Spartanburg is one of the ten most populated cities in the state of South Carolina. Located in the northern area known as Upstate, it also stands as the largest part of Spartanburg County. Approximately a 90-mile drive from Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, you can easily get there in about two hours.
Spartanburg is home to a handful of secondary schools including University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg Community College, Converse College, and more. The area is served by a strong educational system in the Spartanburg County School District. If you are planning on moving to Spartanburg, you’ll find a lively city with a large residential footprint, some big name employers, and a great deal of exciting things to see and do.
Known for being a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, here are ten things you should know before moving to Spartanburg, SC.
1. Fun Outdoor Activities in Spartanburg
The beauty of natural surroundings and outdoor activities make the city a paradise for those who love nature. Several parks are spread across the city including the Croft State Park, Barnet Park, the Edward M. Griffin Nature Preserve, Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, and Cleveland Park.
When you are living in Spartanburg, the entire family can also enjoy the wildlife adventures at the Hollywild Animal Park and the On Again Off Again Farm.
2. Museums and Cultural Centers
There are many things to do in Spartanburg all year round. The Spartanburg County Regional Museum of History, the Hub City Railroad Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Upstate are just three of the nine area museums where you can spend a fun and fascinating afternoon. The city is also home to the Spartanburg Philharmonic, a popular local orchestra hosting numerous events throughout the year.
The Chapman Cultural Center is another excellent venue with a variety of family and adult entertainment for people living in Spartanburg. Lovers of music and art will get their fill of great shows and productions. You can go there to see comedy skits, dance performances, and plays on the center’s calendar of events.
3. Shopping in Spartanburg
If you are thinking of moving to Spartanburg, you will find there are plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from. In addition to the neighborhood boutiques and retail stores, the Westgate Mall is located on the west side of town. Featured stores in the mall include Dillard’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, and Old Navy.
There are also many other retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears, Gymboree, and numerous boutique and specialty stores.
4. Good Eats
Enjoy a range of both casual and fine dining restaurants that specialize in wide varieties of food from all ethnic backgrounds. Some of the popular local restaurants include Caribbean Sweetness, the CityRange Steakhouse Grill, Ike’s Korner Grill, and Willy Tacos. Other restaurants in Spartanburg include The Flounder, The Lime Leaf, as well as plenty of pizzerias and trattorias, fast food restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.
There are also great evening hotspots to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine with your friends, or just have a drink at the bar to watch the game. Many of these locations feature live music and dancing.
5. Prime Neighborhoods in Spartanburg
If you are planning a move to the northern part of South Carolina, you’ll need to know about the best neighborhoods. Since the town covers a fairly small area, they are all conveniently located for easy commuting and highway access, while also keeping you close to many of the fun things to do in Spartanburg.
Fernwood Glendale, Haddon Heights, and City Center are a few considered to be the best neighborhoods in Spartanburg. There are seven Spartanburg School Districts throughout the city providing quality education, as well as four private schools.
6. Revolutionary War History
For those who enjoy history, this small town offers a unique look into the Revolutionary War. Spartanburg was named after a strong local militia, known as the Spartan Regiment. The key Battle of Cowpens and the Battle of Kings Mountain both occurred here, each playing a pivotal role in shifting the tide of the war.
In the business district of Morgan Square, you’ll see a statue of General Daniel Morgan. He was a decorated war hero who played a major role in the victory at Cowpens. Just to the south in Roebuck, you can visit Walnut Grove Plantation and get a true feel of what times were like during the Revolutionary War.
7. Employment Opportunities
If you are moving to Spartanburg, there is a vast selection of industry options where you can seek employment. There are a handful of large, corporate employers, as well as a few small, local companies with sites in Spartanburg.
Coca-Cola has a bottling plant, BMW runs one of their manufacturing facilities, and the Spartanburg Healthcare System operates one of its top medical centers on the north side of town. The University of South Carolina Upstate attracts a wide range of students, providing opportunities for almost 400 staff members. The Smith Drug Company and the Spartanburg Herald Journal are two more top companies who are frequently hiring in the Upstate area.
8. Cost of Living in Spartanburg
The people living in Spartanburg enjoy lower than average overhead costs. When using the cost index with America’s average set at 100, this small town has an 85.7 rating according to BestPlaces. This means it is about 14% less expensive to live here compared to the average for a US city or town.
Much of the lower cost of living in Spartanburg can be attributed to the real estate market and the lower than average home prices.
9. Affordable Housing Market
The housing market is generally positive in Spartanburg, with home rates expected to rise by approximately 9% in the next year. The median price of home sale listings in the city is currently around $167,000. If you are thinking about moving to Spartanburg, there are plenty of homes for sale in the range of neighborhoods mentioned above. For those who are currently living in Spartanburg and own their home, a modest increase is expected in home values heading into 2019.
The city also offers numerous opportunities for those seeking apartment living. The community features rental apartments, townhomes, lofts, and condos. If you are new to the area, or you are moving to Spartanburg as a student, you can expect to find an affordably priced rental unit in the city or on campus.
10. Thriving Spartanburg Communities
There are a variety of local organizations you can join in Spartanburg including the Boys & Girls Club of Upstate, Partners for Active Living, the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, the Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Spartanburg, and more. These clubs provide great opportunities to meet new people and make some friends in the area. You can also find volunteer opportunities for all ages at places like the Junior League of Spartanburg, the Carolina Miracle League, and the Breakfast, Business, and Professional Women of Spartanburg organizations.
Individual and family memberships are available at the Country Club of Spartanburg and the Carolina Country Club for anyone interested in first class services and dining facilities. Members can enjoy a round of golf on their 18-hole championship courses, multiple swimming pools and tennis courts, and many other amenities. Throughout the year you can attend social activities and can schedule to use their facilities for your own business and family functions.
Will You Be Living in Spartanburg Soon?
Moving to Spartanburg will give you access to all these great perks and a fun, new lifestyle. If you need help with your move, be sure to contact us here at Auston Moving. We provide quality planning, packing, storage, and moving services in Spartanburg.
Give us a call at (864) 269-0073 if you have any questions or would like to request a quote.
