Moving to Greenville, NC

Home to the nationally renowned East Carolina University, Greenville is a thriving city in North Carolina known for its thriving arts, culture, and sports scenes. Located on the south bank of the Tar River, Greenville seamlessly blends modern conveniences with small-town charm.

Many newcomers are increasingly moving to Greenville, NC, to explore its exciting job opportunities and for the affordable cost of living.

Cost of living in Greenville, NC

The overall cost of living in Greenville is modest and lower than the national average. Housing costs remain affordable and offer excellent value, which has attracted many to the city. Utilities are also reasonably priced, but costs can quickly increase during North Carolina's cold winters.

Greenville's residents enjoy relatively low public transport and gas (petrol) prices, making getting around the city affordable. Healthcare, on the other hand, is more expensive than the national average. New arrivals are encouraged to procure comprehensive health insurance for unexpected healthcare costs. Groceries in Greenville can also be on the pricey side.

Getting around in Greenville, NC

Although Greenville is mainly car-dependent, there are a number of ways to get around without a car. Operated by the City of Greenville, the Greenville Area Transit (GREAT) bus system has 10 main bus lines and several connector routes. The bus system is operational on weekdays from 7am to 5pm.  

Greyhound Buses offer regional bus services, and Uber and Lyft have a strong presence in the city. The most efficient way to travel in Greenville is by car, and the city offers easy access to major routes like the I-40 and the I-95, with connections to Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham.  

Newcomers looking for a scenic, healthy, and affordable way to get around Greenville will love exploring the city on two wheels. Greenville is relatively small and boasts flat roads that lend themselves well to urban and off-road cycling. The South Tar River Greenway is one of the city's most popular cycling routes, beginning at the Town Commons and culminating at the East Carolina University campus.  

Useful links 

• GREAT 
• List of Greenville, NC cycling routes 

Healthcare in Greenville, NC

As an emerging university-medical community, Greenville offers its residents fantastic access to primary healthcare systems like ECU Health. These healthcare systems boast highly qualified healthcare practitioners operating in excellent facilities using state-of-the-art equipment.

ECU Health caters to the healthcare needs of more than a million people across North Carolina and is a pioneer in telemedicine and robotic surgery. Previously known as Vidant Health, ECU Health is home to eight community hospitals, family medicine practices, and home health centres. Accessing the excellent hospitals in Raleigh and Charlotte is also easy, as the cities are a short drive away.  

Useful links

• ECU Health 

Schools in Greenville, NC

Greenville, NC, is part of the Pitt County School System and is an educational sanctuary for parents moving to the city with children of all ages. AdvancED accredits the Pitt County School System as a Quality School System, and the school district serves 24,000 students at its more than 35 schools.  

The school district offers two dual-immersion programmes, while also catering to academically gifted students and those with special educational needs through its federal programmes. High school students moving to Greenville with aspirations of a healthcare career are in luck with the city's Health Sciences Academy programme. The programme is designed to prepare students for a healthcare career and is open to all students enrolled in Pitt County's traditional or Early College High Schools.

Parents looking to educate their children through a religious framework or an alternative educational approach will have a variety of private schools to choose from in Greenville. Some of the top private schools in the city include Greenville Christian Academy, The Oakwood School, and Saint Peter Catholic School.  

In addition, Greenville benefits from the presence of Eastern Carolina University and Pitt Community College, which provide easy access to higher education in the city.

There are no international schools in Greenville or those offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum; parents looking to give their children a globally recognised education are better off searching for options in nearby Charlotte or Raleigh.  

Useful links

• Pitt County School System 
• The Oakwood School 
• Greenville Christian Academy 

Weather in Greenville, NC

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Greenville experiences four distinct seasons. The weather in Greenville is consistently mild and pleasant all year round. Summers are hot and humid, with average highs peaking at 89°F (32°C).  

Winters are often short-lived but cold, with some snowfall. January is the coldest month of the year, and temperatures typically reach lows of 39°F (4°C). Rainfall may occur throughout the year but is most likely during summer.

Working in Greenville, NC

The City of Greenville has committed to cultivating a business-friendly environment, which has attracted many companies to the city. Several global companies like Bosch, Coca-Cola, and DuPont have branches in Greenville.

The manufacturing industry is Greenville's biggest employer. Newcomers with engineering, science, and research expertise will find plenty of job opportunities in the city. The health sector also employs many of the city's residents, while the education industry is another significant employer.  

The work culture in Greenville is characterised by high productivity levels and loyalty to employers. Many employees value direct personal communication and are keen to invest in their professional development.  

Useful links 

• Pitt County Economic Development – Major Employers 

Accommodation in Greenville, NC

Housing is one of Greenville's biggest drawcards, with the city offering excellent value regardless of whether newcomers are looking for starter homes or luxury mansions. Property taxes in the city are also reasonable, further contributing to its affordability. Thanks to Greenville's small size, the average commute time is just 20 minutes, so new arrivals needn't worry about traffic when choosing their new home.  

Greenville's different suburbs offer various housing options. Newcomers can find everything from townhouses, condos, and large single-family homes to apartments, studios, and student housing.

Fitness-loving newcomers who value convenience will love the Brook Valley neighbourhood. Located close to East Carolina University and Vidant Health Centre, Brook Valley offers townhouses and single-family homes perched on tree-lined streets. Brook Valley also has a golf course and an accompanying country club. Ironwood is another suburb located next to Brook Valley and has luxury mixed housing.  

Young professionals and single new arrivals are often attracted to Uptown Greenville, the city's downtown area. Art lovers will be close to fascinating art galleries, while fitness enthusiasts can spend time outdoors at the Greenville Town Common.  

Winterville is one of Greenville, NC's top neighbourhoods and is home to a mix of apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. The neighbourhood is home to exceptional schools and is a stone's throw away from Greenville's shopping district, making it perfect for families. Other family-friendly neighbourhoods in Greenville include Westhaven, Cherry Oaks, and Lynndale.  

Lifestyle in Greenville, NC

Greenville's lifestyle caters to new arrivals from all walks of life and offers plenty to see and do throughout the year. The city's annual calendar is also full of exciting events, ensuring there's always something to see and do in Greenville.

Downtown Greenville is a hub of activity and home to more than 35 local restaurants, craft breweries, and eateries. You'll love the walkable downtown centre, just a short stroll from the Town Common, where exciting events and concerts occur all year round.

Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak, hike, camp, and cycle in Greenville, NC. Tar River and River Park North are popular with locals for their adventures, and cycling on the Greenville Greenway and the Bicycle Post Mountain Trails are favourite pastimes.  

Greenville is known as Eastern North Carolina's arts and culture hub. The city's creative spirit is fuelled by the East Carolina University School of Art student artists keen to show their work at some of Greenville's galleries. A must-attend is the monthly First Friday Art Walk in Uptown Greenville, where museums and art galleries host free opening receptions to showcase new art exhibits. Art lovers can also explore the galleries at the Greenville Museum of Art, City Art Gallery, and the Emerge Gallery and Art Centre.  

Dickinson Avenue Districts and Downtown Greenville are the nightlife hubs of the city. Whether new arrivals prefer rooftop bars, live music venues, or craft breweries, Greenville has it all. The city's student population contributes to its thriving nightlife and allows newcomers of all budgets to enjoy a night out on the town.  

Useful links 

• Visit Greenville, NC