Moving to Greenville, SC

Situated on the foothills of the Blue Mountain Range, Greenville is an eclectic city in South Carolina's Upcountry. Greenville, SC is undergoing continuous development and has seen an uptick in its population growth. With all this development come many lucrative jobs, making moving to Greenville a golden opportunity for newcomers.

Frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, Greenville offers its residents top-ranked schools, an abundance of green spaces, and many exciting lifestyle amenities.  

Cost of living in Greenville, SC 

Greenville's biggest drawcard is its low cost of living. It's below the national and state averages, and housing offers excellent value for money. Thanks to its subtropical climate, Greenville doesn't have extreme weather patterns, which contributes to lower utility costs.

Although Greenville residents enjoy more affordable healthcare costs than in other parts of the country, comprehensive health insurance is still essential, as healthcare costs in the US are steep. Newcomers will likely have to budget for buying and maintaining a vehicle, as public transport in Greenville is limited. 

Fortunately, state and local property tax rates in Greenville are reasonably low, while the median salary is relatively high, allowing most residents to live comfortably in the city.  

Getting around in Greenville, SC 

Greenville is a car-dependent city, so most new arrivals will likely need to purchase a car. Families and those who would like to explore further afield will greatly benefit from owning a vehicle. Greenville is also centrally located, and with the I-85 and I-385 running through the city, it's a great base for travelling to neighbouring cities like Charlotte, Georgia, and Atlanta.

Greenlink Transit manages public transport in Greenville and provides several fixed bus routes across Greenville County. Greenlink buses are fully accessible and equipped with bike racks for cyclists. In addition to the bus service and paratransit service for people living with disabilities, Greenlink Transit provides a free downtown trolley service. 

The red-and-blue open-air trolleys are also accessible and equipped with bicycle racks. Services typically run from Thursday to Sunday, with some routes operating in the mornings or evenings.  

Those looking to travel regionally will be delighted to find that Amtrak has a station in Greenville, a short walk from the downtown centre. New arrivals can buy tickets online or at the station before departure.  

Cycling is also a popular and healthy way to get around Greenville. Riders can use an app to rent an electric bicycle from the city's bike-sharing service, Greenville BCycle. Walking is another healthy and free way to get around Greenville's pedestrianised downtown centre.

Useful links 

• Greenlink Transit 
• Amtrak 
• Greenville BCycle 

Healthcare in Greenville, SC

The standard of healthcare in Greenville is considered excellent. Three major hospital systems serve Greenville's residents: Prisma Health, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. These hospital systems boast exceptional emergency and elective care.

Prisma Health offers numerous medical campuses and hospitals, as well as a range of wellness, birthing, and outpatient centres. Bon Secours St. Francis Health System has over 50 hospitals, while Shriners Hospital for Children, exclusively treats children's neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions.

Useful links 

• Shriners Children's Greenville 
• Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Health 
• Bon Secours – Hospitals and Medical Centres in Greenville 

Schools in Greenville, SC

Home to the largest school district in South Carolina, Greenville is served by exceptional public schools with a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio. The Greenville County School District serves more than 77,000 students and offers new arrivals a range of schools, including magnet schools and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  

Parents looking to provide their children with an internationally recognised education are lucky as several Greenville Country School district schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Fork Shoals Schools offers the Primary Years Programme, while Greer High, Southside High, Travelers Rest High, and Woodmont High provide the Diploma Programme.  

There are also numerous private schools in Greenville, which educate children through a religious lens or alternative pedagogical approaches. Many religious schools teach the American curriculum through a Catholic or Christian lens, while pre-schools typically offer the Montessori curriculum. 

The International School of Greenville is the only school in Greenville offering a foreign curriculum. Students at this school learn both the French and American curricula, with a third language added in the fourth grade. Greenville also has several colleges and universities, including the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville and North Greenville University.  

Useful links  

• Greenville County Schools 
• The International School of Greenville 

Weather in Greenville, SC  

The weather in Greenville is influenced by the city's subtropical climate, which leads to hot and humid summers and mild winters. Greenville enjoys over 200 days of sunshine every year. Summers (June to September) typically bring lots of rainfall, with average highs reaching 86°F (30°C).  

Greenville's cold season lasts from December to March, and the average low temperature during the winter is approximately 40°F (4°C). Snowfall is rare in Greenville but can occur during the winter months. 

Working in Greenville, SC

The job market in Greenville is experiencing exponential growth, which is forecasted to continue. Greenville is considered the economic engine of South Carolina and hosts numerous major employment industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology.  

Several Fortune 500 companies, such as 3M, Lockheed Martin, and General Electric, call Greenville home. Prisma Health is Greenville's largest employer, while Greenville County Schools also employs many residents.  

New arrivals with expertise in engineering, technology, and finance will find plenty of opportunities in the city. Those seeking to establish their businesses will find a welcoming business environment complemented by a skilled workforce.

Useful links 

• Greenville Area Economic Development Corporation – Employers 

Accommodation in Greenville, SC

New arrivals moving to Greenville will have access to plenty of different areas and suburbs catering to people of all preferences and budgets. Traffic in the city can be terrible, so it's important to consider the home's proximity to the workplace and, if applicable, children's schools. Although Greenville is consistently rated a great place to live, the city's crime rates are high. New residents should thoroughly research their selected neighbourhood to avoid unsafe areas in the city.

Families seeking spacious yards and large homes on tree-lined streets can explore neighbourhoods like North Main. This neighbourhood boasts beautiful mansions and is a short walk from Downtown Greenville. For newcomers with bigger budgets seeking convenience and resort-style amenities like a pool, clubhouse, and walking trails, Claremont is the perfect neighbourhood.

Young professionals looking to live near the downtown centre but want access to beautiful natural landscapes will love Montebello. This developed community has Italian-themed villas and townhouses on Piney Mountain's slopes. It is also a stone's throw away from Haywood Mall and Falls Park on the Reedy. Students and young professionals often base themselves in Carilion or the newly developed Plantation Greene.  

Useful links 

• Top 10 Neighbourhoods in Greenville, SC 

Lifestyle in Greenville, SC

The lifestyle in Greenville is exciting, with plenty of outdoor, cultural, and sporting activities. The city's event calendar is also full of food, music, and history festivals throughout the year. Thanks to the presence of several higher education institutions, the nightlife in Greenville is excellent.

Downtown Greenville is the city's centre of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, with more than 100 retailers, streetside dining options, and art galleries. Greenville's downtown area has been voted one of the most beautiful downtown centres in the US and has majestic views like the Liberty Bridge, which overlooks the scenic Falls Park. The downtown area is walkable and offers free parking over the weekend.

Greenville is a foodie haven, with over 100 restaurants and cafés in the downtown area alone. New arrivals can explore Japanese, Greek, Italian, and Mexican cuisines, with even more on offer.  

Fitness and outdoor enthusiasts can visit the 28-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail for a hiking or cycling session. Situated 10 minutes from the downtown area, Paris Mountain State is another fantastic park for hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, and picnicking. Those who would rather watch sports than participate can watch live games at the MeSA Soccer Complex, Fluor Field, or the Bon Secours Wellness Area.  

Performing and visual arts enthusiasts are also well-served, with an abundance of theatres, symphonies, and art galleries in Greenville. Founded in 1972, Carolina Ballet Theatre hosts classical ballet and contemporary performances throughout the year. The Greenville County Museum of Art showcases masterpieces by renowned artists such as the incredible Andrew Wyeth, making it the ideal spot for an inspiring afternoon visit.