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According to the Census Bureau, Greenville, South Carolina is one of the fastest growing southern cities in the U.S. This is no surprise to those of us that already call Greenville and the surrounding areas 'home,' as we have witnessed the exponential growth within the locality. The past ten years have ushered in expansion in business, housing, and accessible services. You may be wondering what attracts people to this area, and better yet, what makes people choose to stay. We have a few facts that may help to shed light on that subject.
[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]
#1 Careers
If you have visited or read the local news for Greenville, Spartanburg, or Anderson, SC then you have more than likely heard mention of businesses such as BMW, Michelin, G.E., or Fluor. The listed industries combined serve as a place of employment for close to 14,000 residents of the Upstate area. The Greenville Health System tops the charts, being the largest employer in Greenville County with just over 14,000 employees alone. Healthcare, manufacturing, and education careers are readily available in the Upstate region. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the unemployment rate for Greenville County, as of May 2017, currently stands at at low 3.1% and average weekly wages are strong. New companies have continued to establish roots in the area, which coupled with expansions from existing industries, are together forging a vibrant and sustainable economy.
#2 Cost of Living
With wages remaining stable and the availability of jobs rising, the cost of living in the Greater Greenville area remains below the U.S. nationial average. A key indicator to the affordability is the median purchase price for residential real estate which has shown a home appreciation of 33.05% in the past 10 years, as noted on Sperling's Best Places. Affordability can be strongly affected by the price of housing in relation to the median income. Utilities, services, and the price of goods should also be calculated to determine the income required for livability. Sperling's Best Places website offers a tool for comparing between cities that can be found by clicking here.
#3 Education
For those with children, the Greenville County School District represents the largest school district in the state of South Carolina and the 44th largest in the U.S. Offering over 101 schools within the public school district, options abound. From magnet schools, to charter schools, and programs that begin career tracks, such as engineering, beginning in elementary grades, a top notch education is available for children. The School District of Greenville County is also the second largest employer for the Upstate with 9800 employees. Higher education offerings in the area include Furman University, Wofford College, Converse College, Greenville Technical College, and Clemson University. The colleges and universities work in close partnership with local businesses and industries to ensure that the education and skills needed to keep the workforce strong is imparted into students.
#4 Climate
Many choosing to relocate to this area are in search of a temperate climate, one that affords the weather suitable to enjoy the outdoors without extremes. The Upstate of South Carolina is home to a clearly defined four season year, with moderate temperatures in each season. January averages are 54 degrees for highs and 32 degrees for lows. Summertimes can be humid, yet warm and sunny with average temperatures reaching 90 degrees for the highs and 70 for the lows. Rainfall for the area averages 50 inches per year for the Greenville area and a 3 inches of snow on average in the winter. Don't worry though if snow is something that you enjoy because you can take a short drive into either the South Carolina or North Carolina mountains to enjoy a day or two in the fluffy white powder. If the summer weather suits you better then you may want to take advantage of one of the beautiful lakes that are within an hour's drive, including Hartwell Lake, Lake Keowee, and Lake Jocassee. If 'lake life' is the life for you, check out these beautiful waterfront properties that can serve as your residence or vacation home.
#5 Culture
Greenville and the surrounding areas have much to offer in regards to culture. Not only is the area overflowing with natural beauty, but there museums and venues to offer access to a wonderful array of the Arts. The Peace Center in Downtown Greenville features a wide variety of performances each year such as Broadway shows, ballet theater, and orchestra productions. There is an open air stage pavillion for enjoying outdoor summer concerts. Shakespeare in the Park is also a summer production that offers free performances for patrons visiting Falls Park and draws large crowds. Selections for partaking of the Arts include the Greenville County Art Museum, the Upcountry History Museum, and even a museum for the little ones, the Greenville County Children's Museum that is was named as the first children's museum to be classified as a Smithsonian affiliate.
These are only a few of the factors that you may be considering as you plan your visit or move to the Upstate. If you have not heard mention of Greenville in the past or if you want to gain more insight into what all of the buzz is about, here are few accolades that the city has received both nationally and locally. If there are any other questions that you may have that we did not cover or if you would like more information on the area, please feel free to give us a call at 864-438-5050 and we will be happy to assist you and share more about this place that we call home.
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