Things to Know Before Moving to Greenville, SC

There are many things you need to know before moving to Greenville, SC. Things that will make your community selection easier and things that will cement why moving to Greenville is such a great choice for a new home town. 

As the cultural and entertainment center of Upstate, Greenville is a thriving area equally attractive to young professionals, growing families, and active adults. 

With an award-winning downtown, spectacular natural beauty all around, an amazing food scene, boutique shops, nationally recognized museum collections, and so much more, this city is unique, unforgettable, and charming all at once.

As a premier new-home builder in over 17 regional markets up and down the East Coast, DRB Homes is perfectly poised to build your dream home in this lively gem in South Carolina. We have over 30 years of experience, actually, making new homeowners happy, and want to share that joy of knowing deep down you’ve found the right place with you. 

Here are some of the most important things to know before moving to Greenville, SC: 

Best Neighborhood Near Greenville

DRB Homes builds in many neighborhoods in the Greenville region. Whether right outside the city itself or just down the road, these communities offer homeowners fantastic opportunities to enhance their lifestyle. We want to showcase just a few to give you a good taste at the wonderful options you have in this beautiful area. 

Bellewood Forest in Greenville

The Craftsman-style, single family homes of Bellewood Forest are sure to delight, especially when it comes to convenience and comfort. From your spacious and luxurious new home, you’ll be close to many parks (including Paris Mountain State Park and Northwest Park), the Swamp Rabbit Bike Trail, and plenty of entertainment and dining options. You’ll also live less than 10 minutes away from everything in Downtown Greenville and Downtown Traveler’s Rest. 

Camden Cottages in Greenville

A little farther out from Downtown Greenville (but only about 20 minutes away), is the beautiful community of Camden Cottages. Here in your townhome, you’ll enjoy main-level owner’s suites, up to 5 bedrooms, a community bark park, and a private, wooded setting with lawn maintenance included! Living here puts you close to the Conestee Nature Preserve, Southside Park, and Discovery Island Waterpark. 

Gateway Village in Traveler’s Rest

Just under 20 minutes from Downtown Greenville, Gateway Village welcomes you home to townhomes featuring beautiful Craftsman-style architecture. Everything here is oversized, from the nine-foot ceilings, to the kitchen island, to the owner's suite. Living in Gateway Village connects you with the area’s gorgeous natural beauty: under 5 minutes to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and under 20 minutes to Paris Mountain and Poinsett Bridge.

Hickory Heights in Greenville

Centrally located near some of the highlights Greenville has to offer, Hickory Heights offers the convenience of the city while only being a short drive from Northwest Park. These townhomes are the perfect homebase, especially for those planning for higher education. Here, you’ll be less than 10 minutes from Greenville Technical College Northwest Campus, the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, and Furman University.

Livingston Park in Easley

Just 11 miles outside Downtown Greenville, Livingston Park is a close-knit community of single family homes in the growing city of Easley. Living here gives you easy access to sought-after schools, easy commuting, and plenty of shopping, restaurants, and parks. You’ll also be near the Nalley Brown Nature Park and state-of-the-art JB Owens Recreational Complex. And all in a community with a country feel combined with city living. 

Pleasant Falls in Moore

The opportunities are endless at Pleasant Falls, a community of new construction single family homes (coming soon) in Spartanburg County. Open concept designs, main-level owner’s suites, and tall ceilings make every home a dream to live in. And being close to so much means every weekend can be a different adventure! Shop the Hub City Farmers Market, explore Tyger River Park, splash in Shipwreck Cove Water Park, and enjoy the convenience of being central to so many shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. 

Wadsworth Manor in Spartanburg

At Wadsworth Manor, your townhome will sparkle with luxurious vaulted ceilings, full chef’s kitchens with large islands, and spacious open floor plans. And the outdoors will be taken care of with included lawn maintenance! Wadsworth Manor puts your family close to shopping and dining, Upward Star Sports Center, and USC Upstate. You’ll also be in an award-winning school district and near many employment options.

Greenville’s Vibrant Downtown Area

Downtown Greenville is a bustling hub of activity that never fails to captivate visitors with its quaint-yet-dynamic charm. One of the main attractions here is Main Street, which boasts a picturesque setting lined with beautiful trees. As you stroll along this charming street, you'll be greeted by a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that instantly puts you at ease. You’ll also be able to hop on and off the free trolley service that runs on five routes throughout Downtown year-round from Thursday through Sunday. 

And one place you’ll definitely want to spend time is Falls Park on the Reedy. This stunning park holds great significance for the locals and visitors alike. The centerpiece of the park is the magnificent waterfall, where the rushing waters create a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty. You can find yourself immersed in tranquility as you take a leisurely walk across Liberty Bridge enjoying the soothing sounds of the water below or on the walking paths meandering through picturesque flower beds. Everything is happening “down at the park!”

If you're looking for a place to satisfy your taste buds or indulge in some retail therapy, Downtown Greenville is your destination. Hailed by magazines and guides such as Esquire, Southern Living, and Zagat, Greenville is known for its diverse menus and choices. From the sports bar Local Cue to the experiential Georgian dining of Keipi, and from classic Southern dining and BBQ to international treats, there's something to please every palate. Additionally, the boutiques scattered throughout the area—like Ayers Leather Shop and O.P. Taylors—offer unique shopping experiences, allowing you to discover hidden gems and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Greenville’s Cultural and Entertainment Scene

Greenville is a city buzzing with culture and entertainment. With festivals like Artisphere and Fall for Greenville, there's always something exciting happening in town. These events bring together artists and artisans from all over to showcase their talents, skill, and creativity. Whether you're into visual arts, performing arts, or culinary arts (or all three!), you'll find something that speaks to your artistic soul at these festivals.

The Peace Center hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to symphony concerts. Its stunning architecture adds to the overall experience, making it a treat for both your eyes and ears. Bon Secours Wellness Arena is another Greenville events space where you can catch thrilling live sporting events and concerts by popular musicians. It's a place where energy fills the air and memories are made.

If you're looking for more than just one-time events, Greenville is full of museums with all sorts of specialties. There's the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate (in two locations!), and the Sigil Music Museum to name just a few. Preserving Greenville’s history and culture, these museums contribute to the artistic fabric of this great location.

Greenville’s Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

Greenville is a fantastic place to live for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains as a neighbor, this charming city offers an array of thrilling activities and green spaces that will surely leave you feeling exhilarated and more connected with the land where you live.

One must-visit spot is the enchanting Paris Mountain State Park. This natural gem provides a 1,700-acre sanctuary near Downtown where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With 17 miles of hiking and biking trails, 39 paved campsites, and 4 park lakes, Paris Mountain State Park provides a wonderland where you can fish, hike, swim, boat, play, bird watch, and search for one of several geocaches located in the park.

And when you want to connect with nature and neighbors, then the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a must-try activity. Stretching over 28 miles, this paved trail winds its way through picturesque landscapes, offering stunning views along the way and guiding you past local schools, parks, and Greenville businesses.  Whether you're looking to get some exercise, want to enjoy the fresh air, or prefer a greener form of traveling to your favorite stores or restaurants, the Swamp Rabbit Trail provides the perfect setting to do so.

Greenville’s Transportation and Accessibility

Getting around town is a breeze in Greenville. We've already touched on the free trolley system in Downtown Greenville, which can make your end-of-week and weekend travel enjoyable. In addition to the trolley, Greenville offers public transportation through 12 fixed bus routes throughout the county. Greenlink buses are all electric, accessible for mobility devices, and have bike racks to make commuting easier for everyone. 

Of course, like any bustling city, Greenville’s traffic ebbs and flows during the work week, but efforts are always being made to improve traffic flow. Major roads like I-85, I-185, I-395, and US 123 usher traffic in and around Greenville and seamlessly connect it to its neighboring cities. 

And it’s I-85 that will take you to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). GSP serves as a gateway for both locals and tourists, offering convenient access to domestic and international destinations. Whether you're heading out of town or welcoming visitors, this airport provides an essential link to the rest of the world.

Greenville’s Economic and Job Opportunities

Greenville, South Carolina is a city that brims with exciting economic prospects and abundant job opportunities. With a burgeoning tech industry, flourishing manufacturing sector, and thriving health field, this vibrant city offers a wide array of career paths to explore. The cost of living here is 5.4% lower than the national average, as are main cost-of-living factors such as energy, food, healthcare, and housing. 

When it comes to major employers, this thriving city boasts an impressive lineup. Some of the leading companies that call Greenville home include BMW, General Electric, Michelin North America, and Prisma Health. These industry giants provide countless employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the local economy.

The steady expansion of the tech, manufacturing, and health sectors further fuels Greenville's economic growth. These industries are continually evolving, providing ample opportunities for professionals to showcase their skills and expertise. Whether one specializes in software development, engineering, or healthcare services, Greenville is the perfect place to build your future.

Greenville Summary

Moving to Greenville offers a world-class experience with its unique amenities and one-of-a-kind attractions. With its vibrant community, Greenville is a city that offers you adventures of all shapes and sizes and rewards you with a connected lifestyle in a beautiful setting. 

Additionally, Greenville boasts a wealth of educational resources and job opportunities, providing for the betterment of your entire family. And all in a friendly, fun-filled, historic, and picturesque city full of true Southern hospitality.  

When you're looking for a city that combines affordability with amazing opportunities, look no further than Greenville, SC. And when you’re looking for a new home in Greenville, look no further than DRB Homes. We’ll put our 30+ year legacy of dedication, hard work, and quality craftsmanship to work for you, and welcome you home!