EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Greenville County, SC

Welcome to South Carolina’s most populated county nestled on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Southern Living calls Greenville one of the “Best Cities on the Rise.” Why is America’s fourth fastest-growing city one of the best places to live in the Palmetto State? Explore Greenville County, South Carolina, and discover why residents love it. 

About Greenville County 

Greenville County lies in the Upstate region of South Carolina. Besides being part of a robust economic corridor, Upstate is known for natural beauty, mountainous terrain, and abundant sunshine. The cost of living here is lower, yet you still have all kinds of housing available–waterfront, urban, and mountain retreats.

Various rivers wind their way through Greenville County, providing fishing and boating opportunities. The Saluda River makes up a large portion of the western boundary. Other waterways include the Reedy, Enoree, Middle Tyger, and South Tyger Rivers. The elevation change has created waterfalls along these rivers, such as the Middle Saluda Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Reedy River Falls.

Surrounding the county is Spartanburg County to its east, Laurens and Anderson Counties to the south, and Pickens County to the West. It shares its northern border with North Carolina.

Greenville County History

The first settlements date back to 10,000 BC. Long occupied by Native American peoples, the Cherokee began living in the region in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Greenville County area was part of their hunting grounds. They had settlements in the modern city of Greer, and they resided here through more than a hundred years of British colonial rule. 

European settlement began in the late 1770s. Richard Pearis settled near Reedy River Falls and established a plantation. A colonial supporter, Patriots eventually burned his home, and he never returned to the area.

The South Carolina General Assembly established Greenville County in 1786. It was named after Major General Nathanael Greene, a southern theater commander during the Revolutionary War. The land was divided up and given to Patriot soldiers as payment for their services.

Early in its history, the region served as a small resort village, with people slowly trickling into the town of Greenville. 

The first road was constructed through the area in the 1820s to open up routes across the mountains for establishing trade with North Carolina and Tennessee communities. The Greenville and Columbia Railroad also crossed the Greenville District starting in 1854. Railroads were vital to helping manufacturing growth during post-Civil War reconstruction.

Greenville supported secession during the Civil War, but its topography prevented it from seeing much direct action. Instead, it served as a refuge for people fleeing federal troops while nearby farms and mills supplied the Confederacy. 

During reconstruction, Greenville became a cotton mill town. It also added modern amenities like a telephone exchange, pipes for water and sewer, and electric lighting on city streets. The upgrades encouraged people to continue visiting and moving into the area.

A building boom happened during World War I when the Army opened Camp Sevier outside the city. More than 100,000 soldiers were trained there. The textile mills were also in full swing, operating three shifts a day and earning Greenville the moniker of “Textile Center of the South.” 

After the World Wars, Greenville started attracting international investment, becoming the US headquarters for Michelin, Bowater, Hitachi, and BMW. Today it remains a center of commerce and economic investment.

Greenville County Cities and Areas

The City of Greenville serves as the county seat. It is also the largest city in the county and the sixth-largest city in the state. It was the fourth fastest-growing city in the United States between 2015 and 2016.

Other incorporated towns serve as industrial and commercial centers. These include Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Greer. These cities have the informal title of “Golden Strip,” referring to its fast-paced economic growth for the cities along the I-385 corridor.

Fountain Inn is called “The Diamond Tip of the Golden Strip.” It took its name from an Inn and a fountain that was located along the stagecoach route. Several festivals are held in Fountain Inn throughout the year, like the Greenville County Music Fest.

Greer is next to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which serves the Upstate region. It has an intermodal facility that receives and sends containers by rail to the Port of Charleston. It’s also the site of the only BMW manufacturing facility in North America.

Mauldin is between the City of Greenville and Simpsonville. The supermarket chain Bi-Lo was founded in Maudlin, and it was headquartered there until 2011.

Simpsonville, another Golden Strip town, has low unemployment thanks to many industries headquartered in the city.

Located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Greenville is the resort town of Travelers Rest. USA Today ranked it one of the Best Southern Small Towns for its amenities and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Furman University’s campus is just south of its city limits.

Greenville County Job Market

Greenville has a pro-business climate that has attracted international companies to set up headquarters and hubs in the area. More than 25 countries are represented in the Greenville area, with 42 new foreign firms locating into the region from 1990 to 2000. These include headquarters for AMECO, ScanSource, Michelin, Sage Automotive, and more.

Some of the county’s top employers include, but are not limited to, Michelin North America, Grainger Incorporated, GE Gas Turbine Greenville, Charter Communications, MAU, Prisma Health, TD Bank, and Greenville Technical College. 

Based on the community profile, the top employing industries include manufacturing, accommodation and food services, administrative and support, healthcare, and retail trades. The profile predicts that there will be a 12% growth from 2016 to 2026 in the job market. The industries with the largest potential for growth were projected to be in transportation and warehousing, health care, accommodation and food services, and administrative and support positions. 

The reported 2020 unemployment rate for Greenville County was 5.7%, compared to South Carolina at 6.2% and the United States at 8.1%. As of June 2021, the unemployment rate stood at 3.9%, where the state reported 4.5% and the nation 6.1%. The industries with the highest number of job openings in that month were registered nurses, retail sales, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and sales representatives for wholesale and manufacturing. 

Greenville County Real Estate Market

Historical data shows that median sales prices have been rising since 2012. As of July 2021, the median sales price for a Greenville County home was $265,000, a 12% year-over-year increase from July 2020. Homes were on the market for an average of 22 days.  

Contact EZ Home Search to get the most recent data on the Greenville County Market, especially about its specific cities and towns. 

Greenville County Population Growth 

The recently released data from the 2020 census shows that Greenville County remains the most populated county in South Carolina. The area now has 525,534 people calling Greenville County home, a 16.4% increase over 2010. 

The county’s fastest-growing area was a census-designated area near Anderson Ridge Road in the eastern part of Greenville County. The population there grew by 105.4%, increasing to 6,755 residents in 2020.

Demographically, the county is also changing. The diversity index increased from 47 to 56 in 2020. The number of Hispanic and Latino residents increased 59%, and the number of Asian residents increased 47%. Overall, 67% of residents identified as white, while about 17% identified as black. Around 11% identified as Hispanic or Latino and 2.5% identified as Asian. 

According to US Census Data, the average age of a Greenville County resident was 38.2 years in 2019. The 40-to-44 age bracket has the highest number of residents, although the age distribution was pretty even from 0 to 60. Residents tend to be educated, with 59% reporting some college education or higher. Around 20% had at least a four-year degree, and 11% had a graduate degree.

Greenville County Education

The Greenville County School District services 72,000 school students with public school education in grades K to 12. The school district has been awarded the National Accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Commission, recognizing it as a high-quality school district. Different schools offer gifted and talented programs, International Baccalaureate (IB) studies, career technology, virtual education, special education, and other specialized programs. 

Inside the school district, you will find 52 elementary schools, 25 middle schools, and 19 high schools. Some top-rated public schools include Greenville Technical Charter School, Green Charter School, and Wade Hampton High School.

Greenville County also has 59 private schools that serve approximately 12,000 students. Some top-ranked private schools include Saint Joseph’s Catholic School, Southside Christian School, and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Elementary School. About 76% of the private schools are religiously affiliated. 

For higher education, there are four options for Greenville County residents.

Bob Jones University is a private, nondenominational evangelical university known for its conservative cultural and religious positions. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs and a seminary school. Its top programs include accounting, biblical studies, business administration, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and pre-med.

Greenville Technical College has over 100 programs to prepare students for the job market within two years or to move on to a four-year college to continue their studies. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. 

North Greenville University is a private Baptist university in Tigerville. It is associated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers over 50 degree options.

Furman University is a private liberal arts university and the oldest private institution of higher education in South Carolina. It has over 70 areas of undergraduate studies.

Greenville County Health Care

Residents of Greenville County have access to some excellent health care options.

Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital has 830 beds. It has Upstate’s only comprehensive program exclusively dedicated to children through the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Upstate, and it has a Children’s Emergency Center.

Prisma Health Patewood Hospital has 62 beds. Its specialties are in orthopedic and gynecologic surgeries. It also offers obstetric services.

The Regency Hospital of Greenville has 32 beds. It specializes in cardiac conditions, infectious disease, medically complex care, neurological conditions, brain injuries, renal disorders, and wound care.

Saint Francis Downtown Hospital-Bon Secours has 338 beds. It is a resource for emergency services, inpatient cancer services, a sleep center, and outpatient surgery. It also has a bone marrow transplantation center, osteoporotic fracture program, spine surgery, neurosurgery, and radiology.

Greenville County Things to Do

Make your Greenville lifestyle anything you want to be! Greenville County has quaint southern Main Street charm, a bustling art scene, fun-filled festivals, and lots of parks. Here, you are close to the Appalachian Mountains and their outdoor recreation opportunities, a bustling downtown, and an arts scene.

Some examples of things you can do:

Cycle down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 19.9-mile multi-use trail that follows the bed of a former railroad. The name comes from the indigenous swamp rabbit.

The Greenville County Golf Association runs a series of amateur tournaments throughout the year. About 34 courses are in the Upstate area. One is the Preserve at Verdae Golf Club, a golf resort with contemporary suites plus indoor and outdoor pools. 

The popular Roper Mountain Science Center is just off of I-385. It has state-of-the-art educational facilities on a 62-acre campus. The center hosts events throughout the year, including Friday Starry Nights, Laser Days of Summer, Summer Exploration Camps, and holiday laser shows. It’s only open to the public for select events throughout the year, but the outdoor facilities and nature trails are open to the public Monday through Friday from 9-5 during the school year.

On those warm summer days, cool off at the 7th Inning Splash Park. It’s located in Piedmont and has a collection of slides and activities, including a 5,000 sqft baseball-themed splash and spray pad. 

Greenville has 300 “event days” during the year. Popular events include the Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays, the Greenville County Country Music Fest, Artisphere, and the BMW Charity Pro-Am.

As you can see, Greenville offers a range of activities for all its residents. 

Greenville County Attractions

The Greenville Zoo has 14 acres of wildlife from around the world. Learn about orangutans, red pandas, lions, and giraffes. The zoo is one of the only exhibitors to be AZA-accredited, meaning they have a commitment to animal welfare. 

Paris Mountain State Park is a unique local feature in that the mountain stands alone. The small peak rises above the otherwise level landscape around Greenville. The park has 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking and an eight-acre lake for swimming, paddling, and fishing. The park also has 39 paid campsites. 

Falls Park on the Reedy Is a 90-acre park with 2.2 miles of paved nature trails for walking and mountain biking. It overlooks the 200 foot-wide majestic Cedar Falls. Falls Park has historical significance to the Fountain Inn area. 

Greenville County Museum of Art Is considered one of the country’s premier American art museums. It has the largest public collection of watercolors by artist Andrew Wyeth and works by Jasper Johns. 

Upcountry History Museum captures three centuries of upstate South Carolina history. It has interactive multimedia exhibits and dynamic programming that makes history come alive for all ages. 

The Conestee Nature Preserve is a 400-acre preserve along three miles of the Reedy River. It has 13 miles of trails, with six of them being paved. 

Greenville County Dining 

Zagat called Greenville the “#1 Under-the-Radar Southern Food Destination.” Here, you’ll have a range of culinary styles to choose from. While restaurant chains are available, many local restaurants use the area’s farms and agricultural roots to create delicious experiences. There are seven wineries and 20 local breweries in the area.

Restaurants serve everything from Lowcountry to globally-inspired dishes. Here’s a taste of what you can find in Greenville County:

• Sassafras Southern Bistro – Serving southern cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. 
• Basilico Greenville – Enjoy a pizza or classic Italian cuisine.
• Tupelo Honey – Made from scratch southern cuisine inspired by the Carolinas.
• Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant – A brewery and restaurant where everything is made fresh in-house, including the beer.
• Larkin’s on the River- Upscale steaks and seafood in a venue along the Reedy River.
• The Lost Cajun– Creole-inspired cooking straight out of New Orleans.
• Gather Greenville – A unique dining experience with many different types of food served from many different restaurants. A must visit on any trip to Greenville. 

Greenville also hosts several food festivals and food-themed events throughout the year, so you can get a taste from the 110+ restaurants in the area.

Greenville County Shopping

As a vacation and resort destination, Greenville County naturally has many shops that cater to tourism. The result is you’ll find many arts and crafts, boutique shops, and local vendors selling locally sourced products. A fair number of these are concentrated in downtown Greenville along its classic American Main Street. Spend a day browsing local shops and stores while fueling up at various local restaurants. 

On Augusta Road, a historic shopping area, you’ll find boutique stores like Palmetto Olive Oil, Prowse with Moore, Vestique, Twill, and more. 

Haywood Mall is Upstate South Carolina’s indoor mall, with big-name brands like Jos. A Bank, Apple, Finish Line, and Pottery Barn. Surrounding the mall is Haywood Road, which also has a range of merchants to service your needs. 

The Shops at Greenridge is a more upscale outdoor shopping and entertainment destination. It has over 45 stores and restaurants for you to browse. Its retailers include Bath & Body Works, Chico’s, World Market, Loft, Off Broadway Shoes, and other discount retailers such as Ross and Marshalls. 

The West End Historic District is near the intersection of Main and Augusta streets, close to Furman University. Browse the West End Market to find unique crafty treasures.

Magnolia Park is another area for dining, shopping, and entertainment. It has a Regal Cinema Theater, a Costco, Cabela’s, and Nordstrom. It has a large array of restaurants and retailers available across 800,000 sqft of retail space. 

Greenville County Local Favorites

Downtown Greenville is home to many popular events, restaurants, shopping, and more. It’s always fun to spend the day browsing through the Main Street and adjoining historic districts. Check out the Friday street festivals on NOMA Square.

The Comedy Zone is a club in Downtown Greenville that brings the laughs. Catch traveling acts here throughout the year.

The Museum And Library Of Confederate History in the Pettigru Historic District houses Confederate relics and artifacts. They are both military and personal in nature.

Fluor Field is home to the Greenville Drive, the local Minor League Baseball Team, and a Boston Red Sox affiliate. Catch an in-season game of baseball’s rising talent.

MacSmith Country Store has been in operation for over 70 years. It’s an upstate landmark just outside Pendleton. It now serves burgers for its clientele. 

Living in Greenville County 

Life in Greenville County is exciting and full of possibilities. You are ideally situated close to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains yet still have bountiful access to top-notch dining, shopping, and retail. The job market is strong here, with national and international corporations setting up shop. In sum, Greenville County living provides you with mid-size city living with a small-town southern hospitality. All you need is close at hand.