Moving to Greenville, SC (2025 Guide)

Word has certainly gotten out about Greenville—one of the fastest growing cities in South Carolina, this town tucked into South Carolina’s upstate boasts amenities rivaling a city many times its size. With housing prices that haven’t exploded in the same way as so many other cities in the Southeast, it’s never been a better time to make a move to Greenville.

Key Takeaways

• Greenville is home to a wide variety of entertainment and hospitality industries, including world-class theatres, restaurants, spas and bars
• Outdoor recreation is a major draw in Greenville, with many options available for golfing, hiking and sightseeing in the great outdoors
• Housing prices in Greenville are more than 10 percent lower than the average city
• Located less than an hour from Clemson University, the schools and public services in Greenville are some of the best available in South Carolina

Cost of Living in Greenville

The cost of living in the Greenville metro area is about what you’d expect from a small but growing city in the Southeast, with overall expenses totaling around 5 percent higher than those of the typical American household.

While some goods and services sit slightly above the national average, housing costs are more than 10 percent lower than those found in the typical American town.

Most other spending categories are within $100 or so of the national average, according to the most recent data provided by the Economic Policy Institute. A typical household in Greenville’s monthly expenses will usually look something like this:

• Housing: $1,206 (-12%)
• Food/Groceries: $1,037 (+14%)
• Healthcare: $1,406 (+12%)
• Transportation: $1,553 (+5%)
• Other Necessities: $755 (+1%)

Best Neighborhoods in Greenville

Greenville’s community is vibrant and diverse—whether you’re looking for quiet, cozy neighborhood vibes or the hustle and bustle of a thriving downtown, there’s a part of Greenville for everyone.

Downtown Greenville

In the center of it all, downtown Greenville is highly walkable and boasts trendy restaurants, live entertainment, sports, and shopping galore for all tastes. Downtown living means experiencing local festivals and events just a stone’s throw from your front door and taking in everything Greenville has to offer in minutes.

Augusta Road

Located south of downtown, the Augusta Road district is home to historical homes and landmarks, high-end boutiques and beautiful residential areas. Augusta Road is home to Chanticleer, one of Greenville’s premier gated communities, offering luxurious, comfortable living just a short drive from the heart of town.

West Greenville

The epicenter of Greenville’s arts and culture scene, West Greenville is the place for music and art lovers in the upstate of South Carolina. Featuring music venues, coffee shops and award-winning bars and restaurants, the west side of Greenville is perfect for those seeking a fun, funky experience close to home.

North Greenville

Outdoor lovers will find their own slice of paradise in the north end of Greenville, with easy access to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, the Furman University Golf Course, and Paris Mountain State Park right on their doorstep. More adventurous types will find even more opportunities for outdoor recreation further north in Travelers Rest and the surrounding areas of the wilder side of the upstate.

Taylors/Greer

Those seeking the convenience of in-town living with the quiet comforts of a smaller town will find just what they’re looking for east of Greenville in Taylors and Greer, a pair of satellite communities just a short drive outside of the city limits. With their own unique identities and lesser-known attractions waiting to be discovered, there are many great places to set down roots including the exclusive Claremont gated community just 15 minutes outside of Greenville.

Employment and Economy

While living expenses might be slightly higher than the national average, typical income in the Greenville area is notably higher than that of the average American worker. The U.S. Census Bureau reports a median per capita income of $56,953 for those living in Greenville, nearly 24 percent higher than the national average.

Folks looking to make the move to Greenville will find a host of employment opportunities across several major industries, including:

• Education: With easy access to Clemson University and some of the best public schools in South Carolina, many Greenville residents make their living in the thriving education institutions found nearby.
• Manufacturing: One of the largest BMW production facilities in the world is right down the road in Spartanburg, SC. It employs more than 11,000 people on site and countless others in the surrounding community.
• Healthcare: The Greenville area is served by a number of local and national healthcare facilities and hospitals, providing thousands of jobs and peace of mind for health-conscious people in all phases of life.

Meanwhile, unemployment numbers remain relatively consistent with national averages, typically hovering between 3.5 and 4.5 percent. Whether you’re part of a young family just getting your start or an experienced industry professional looking for the next step in your career, Greenville has the economic infrastructure to support your next phase in life.

Best things to do in Greenville, SC

Whether you’re looking for arts and entertainment, outdoor recreation, or world-class food and drink, there’s something for everybody in Greenville.

If theatre, dance, and internationally acclaimed live music is what you’re after, the Peace Center in downtown Greenville is your perfect destination. Music fans will love the variety of live venues both big and small found throughout the Greenville metro area. In contrast, art lovers will find no shortage of eye-catching collections at the Greenville County Museum of Art or the many smaller galleries found around town.

 

One of the biggest draws of the upstate region is its accessibility to the great outdoors. Within an hour’s drive of downtown Greenville, there are countless hikes to scenic overlooks and beautiful waterfalls, including Caesar’s Head State Park and Chimney Rock State Park.

Greenville also boasts a number of exquisite golf courses for those seeking an afternoon on the links. Championship caliber courses like the Preserve at Verdae and Furman Golf Club are just a short drive from the center of town, and the 12-hole, par-3 course at 3’s Greenville is a fun, upscaled take on the more laidback, casual side of golf.

World-class hospitality is in no short supply in Greenville—treat yourself to a facial at the Poseidon Spa inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel, grab a cocktail at one of Greenville’s scenic rooftop bars, or enjoy dinner at Larkin’s Restaurant, Rick Erwin’s West End Grille, or any of the other fine dining restaurants the city has to offer.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for endless trails and beautiful waterfalls, fine dining and unique cocktails, or great schools, entertainment and events, Greenville truly has it all. If you’re coming for a weekend, a week or the next chapter of your story, you’re bound to find what you’re seeking in upstate South Carolina.

Horizons Wealth Management is here to help you as you settle into your new home in Greenville. We offer financial planning, wealth management, and portfolio management to help you grow your financial future.