So you’re moving to the Greenville area? Well, get excited because there is no shortage of amazing things to see, do and eat in the Upstate (called that for being part of the “upper” region of the state)! Regardless of what your interests are, you’re in for a fun-filled next chapter of your life!
Where to live in Greenville
First things first, where to live? Greenville has a diverse set of neighborhoods that can accommodate just about any pace – and stage – of life.
Millennials
Greenville is the jewel of South Carolina’s Upstate region. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a good hike is just minutes away, and the wonderful beaches and the historic city of Charleston are just a few hours further. Right in Greenville, there’s plenty of shopping, food and entertainment to keep you busy! Named one of the top 25 places to live by U.S. News & World Report, it’s easy to see why so many young professionals opt to live here.
Greenville’s housing market attracts both homeowners and renters alike, and popular neighborhoods and areas for millennials to live include the following:
- Verdae
- Arcadia
- Cobblestone
- West End
- Overbrook
- McBee Stations
- Dellwood
- Richmond Hills
Young Families
Greenville is a wonderful place for young families to flourish, with a lifestyle at a slightly slower pace compared to larger cities. Greenville’s scenic charm and good schools make it a great place to raise young children.
Popular neighborhoods for young families include the following:
- Heritage Creek
- Spaulding Farms
- Holly Tree
- Shannon Forest
- Orchard Farms
- Neely Forest
- Botany Woods
- Richmond Hills
Empty Nesters
Greenville is a natural fit for retirees looking for a slower pace of life, but still wanting plenty of activities to do. The area’s mix of small-town charm, outdoor activities and delicious restaurants give empty nesters a seemingly endless list of things to see and do. You can find acres and acres of land in surrounding cities like Spartanburg, Greer and Clemson, but if you want to be more centrally located with less maintenance, modern condos in downtown are also available and give empty nesters all the benefits of city living.
Empty nesters may want to consider homes in these neighborhoods:
- Pebble Creek
- Riverplace
- Woodlands at Furman
- The Cottages
- Swansgate
- Sugar Creek Villas
- Montebello
- The Cliffs
What to do in Greenville
The question in Greenville isn’t what to do – it’s what to do first.
Museums
Roper Mountain Science Center
The Roper Mountain Science Center is a place for learners of all ages to explore their curiosity through hands-on, educational exhibits and activities. The Science Center has an arboretum, butterfly garden, planetarium, living history farm and much more to teach visitors about a wide range of subjects. For pricing, hours and more information, visit https://www.ropermountain.org.
BMW Zentrum
BMW might stand for “Bavarian Motor Works,” but many of its cars are actually manufactured in Spartanburg, just outside of Greenville. Zentrum is a museum located on-site that highlights BMW’s history and innovation. The museum is open on weekdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en/plant-tours-zentrum-museum.html.
Greenville Children’s Museum
Formally known as the The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, families with children of all ages will love engaging in learning experiences powered by play at the Greenville Children’s Museum. The museum is the 7th largest children’s museum in the country, 10th largest children’s museum in the world and the first children’s museum to become a Smithsonian affiliate. The museum features 19 exhibit galleries that include a traveling exhibit hall, two outdoor interactive exhibit spaces and an outdoor programming space. For hours and more information, visit www.tcmupstate.org.
Upcountry History Museum
The Upcountry History Museum has been connecting people, history and culture since 2007. Its changing exhibits feature a variety of literature, photography, artifacts, art and more to educate visitors about events and eras in the Upstate region’s history. The museum is in a partnership with Furman University to preserve and promote the history of the area. For current exhibits and more information, visit http://www.upcountryhistory.org/.
Historical Sites
The “Shoeless” Joe Jackson Museum and Library
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson is arguably baseball’s first star, dating all the way back to the early 20th century. While he made his name playing for the Chicago White Sox, Jackson called Greenville home. The museum, which is in Jackson’s actual Greenville home, is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tours during the week can be made by appointment. For more information, visit http://www.shoelessjoejackson.org.
Campbell Covered Bridge
Dating back to 1909, the Campbell Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. The 38-foot bridge spans Beaverdam Creek and is surrounded by public land so you can enjoy a picnic or hike while you’re checking it out! For more information and directions, visit https://greenvillerec.com/parks/campbells-covered-bridge/.
Gassaway Mansion
The Gassaway Mansion is a treat for history enthusiasts interested in the architecture and style of the roaring 1920s. Located just one mile from Main Street, this historic home was built by Walter L. Gassaway, a local banker and textile mill owner, who designed the house after taking a by-mail correspondence course in architecture! It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as it is the largest private residence in the Upstate. Today the mansion is mainly used as an event space, but tours of the grand home can be arranged. For more information visit, www.gassawaymansion.com.
Kilgore-Lewis House
Built in 1838, the historic Kilgore-Lewis House sits on 3.5 acres of extensive gardens. These gardens are certified as both an arboretum and a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, designated for providing food, water and shelter to local wildlife. Today the house serves as the headquarters for the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. and is open to the public for tours. The beautiful property is also used as a venue for private parties and events like weddings. For more information, visit http://kilgore-lewis.org/.
Theatres and Music Venues
The Peace Center
This historic performing arts center offers some of the best in Broadway shows and musicals, dance, musical acts, comedians and local performing arts groups. The Peace Center is committed to furthering cultural advancement, arts appreciation and economic development in the Greenville area. For upcoming shows, tickets and more information, visit http://www.peacecenter.org/.
Warehouse Theatre
Welcome to Greenville’s “alternative” theater, where they’re not afraid to think outside the box. Warehouse Theater puts on at least six productions per year, from re-invented classics to cutting-edge new works. The Theatre also offers theater education for students in grades K-12. For more information, visit http://warehousetheatre.com/.
Centre Stage
Just walking distance from Greenville’s Main Street corridor, Centre Stage theater offers a wide range of entertainment. The theatre is open year-round, and its schedule includes art exhibitions, chamber music concerts, independent film screenings, guest lectures, galas and other special events. For more information, visit http://centrestage.org/.
Greenville Little Theatre
Greenville Little Theatre is the area’s oldest and largest locally-produced theatre. Shows include musicals, theatrical performances and live music. It also includes the Theatre for Young Audiences, performances featuring primarily child actors for the city’s “younger theatre crowd.” For this year’s schedule of acts and more information, visit http://www.greenvillelittletheatre.org.
Furman on the Lake
Every summer, Furman University hosts Greenville’s longest-running outdoor summer concert series. The series is free, and each season’s performances feature a variety of musical acts from contemporary jazz and classical string quartets to bluegrass and more. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. For more information, visit Furman.edu.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Home to the Swamp Rabbits, Greenville’s AA ice hockey league, this arena also hosts a huge variety of events like local sports tournaments, monster truck shows, circus acts and even big names in music like Bon Jovi. There’s no doubt that Bon Secours Wellness Arena has an event for every member of the family. For upcoming events and this season’s Swamp Rabbits schedule, visit http://www.bonsecoursarena.com/.
Charter Amphitheatre @ Heritage Park
This is the region’s premier, outdoor entertainment venue where you can see music stars like Willie Nelson, Mumford & Sons, the Black Keys, Miranda Lambert and many more. The venue offers accessible parking and seating accommodations. For more information, visit http://heritageparkamphitheatre.com/.
Dining
Fine dining
A nice dinner out isn’t hard to come by in Greenville. Located next to the Peace Center and the Reedy River, Larkins on the River is perfectly located in downtown Greenville with award-winning Southern fine dining. Rick Erwin’s West End Grille offers aged, premium cuts of beef and other spectacular dishes – Greenville’s “casual elegance” at its finest. If you’re looking for more international fare, the Lazy Goat in Greenville’s West End offers a menu featuring global influences from Spain, Morocco, Italy, France, Greece, Africa and the Middle East. Designed with a relaxed atmosphere in mind, guests can enjoy house-made drinks in the dining room overlooking the Reedy River. For a comprehensive list of some of the region’s best restaurants, visit https://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/food-drink/.
Casual dining
A more casual meal around town does not compromise on taste. Grill Marks prides itself on great service and a great atmosphere, both of which complement its delicious menu of burgers (with vegetarian alternatives), salads, sides and desserts. Tommy’s Country Ham House has been a Greenville staple for over 30 years. The restaurant’s owner and namesake, Tommy Stevenson, considers his restaurant to be a labor of love, serving up his signature country cured ham and meats freshly ground each morning. Another Greenville staple is Bucky’s BBQ. The owner, Wayne Preston, has expanded the original, small roadside stop into a Greenville staple with four convenient locations.
Breweries/Wineries
A great drink is easy to come by in the Upstate. Greenville is actually home to South Carolina’s first microbrewery – Blue Ridge Brewing Co. Newer additions like Quest Brewing Co. and Brewery 85 – named for Interstate 85 which goes through the city – have helped make Greenville a destination for beer lovers all throughout the South. Dark Moon Distillery, located in downtown, makes a variety of craft spirits including whiskey, gin and even moonshine! They offer tours where you can learn about their distilling process and taste some of their flagship spirits. Northampton Wine Café is a full-service restaurant that stands out thanks to its amazing wine list. Whether you’re a pinot noir or pinot grigio fan, Northampton will delight your palate.
Shopping
Shops at Greenridge
The Shops at Greenridge is a fabulous shopping center along Woodruff Road that features a number of local and chain retailers, including Ann Taylor Loft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Swoozie’s, Foxfire and Barnes & Noble. The shopping center also includes some popular restaurant chains like P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and Longhorn Steakhouse.
Main Street Downtown Greenville
Downtown Greenville’s Main Street is quintessential small-town charm meets amazing shopping, featuring a mix of local and national stores along the tree-lined street. Main Street is arguably the hub of the city, making it easy to spend an entire day wandering about. Also be sure to find the “Mice on Main,” nine bronze mice sculptures hidden throughout the street!.
Haywood Mall
Every town needs a great mall, and Haywood Mall is as good as they come. You can pick up the latest iPhone at the Apple Store, find a new outfit at Banana Republic or J. Crew and then grab a bite to eat at The Cheesecake Factory or any one of its many restaurants.
Outdoor Activities
Greenville Glides
Greenville Glides invites you to experience downtown Greenville on wheels. Sign up for a Segway tour through one of South Carolina’s most popular urban areas to explore everything from the booming business district to the lush parks and greenways. From Segway and bike rentals, to organized group Southern food tours and Segway sports like Beach Ball Bump Volleyball, Greenville Glides provides an exciting and safe experience for all. For more information, visit www.greenvillesegwaytours.com.
Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail
Greenville Health System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail is an almost 20 mile multi-use greenway that runs along the Reedy River connecting Greenville County with schools, parks and local businesses. The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail offers fun, non-motorized recreation and transportation opportunities. For more information, visit www.greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit/.
Falls Park on the Reedy
Located in downtown Greenville’s historic West End, Falls Park is one of Greenville’s greatest treasures. The park serves as an oasis within the city – the multi-use facility lends itself to a wide variety of activities for people of all ages and interests. The beauty of the waterfalls, gardens and stonework is enhanced by the iconic Liberty Bridge, named after the Hipp family who founded the Liberty Foundation and made many significant contributions to the Greenville community. For more information, visit www.fallspark.com.
The Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre facility in downtown Greenville with animals like elephants, lions and orangutans. After seeing the wildlife, you can also visit Cleveland Park, which is right next door and contains picnic tables, bicycle and walking paths, tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds for children, as well as several shelters available by reservation. For more information, news, and upcoming events, visit www.greenvillezoo.com.
Seasonal Events/Attractions
Artisphere
This annual spring festival is for anyone who enjoys the arts and is great for the whole family. The weekend-long event showcases local artists, performances from youth groups and events aimed to celebrate multicultural and international flair in the area. For more information about this year’s Artisphere, visit http://artisphere.org/.
Fall for Greenville
Foodies and music lovers unite for this annual fall event. Over 40 local restaurants set up “pop-up shops” along the streets of downtown Greenville while more than 50 bands and musical acts play live music over the four-day event. For more information about this year’s festivities, visit https://www.fallforgreenville.net.
Euphoria Food & Wine
Since 2006, this “Southern Remedy of comfort food, booze & blues” has been showcasing the area’s newest restaurants and live music. The four-day event includes exclusive tastings, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, live music and more. For more information, visit http://www.euphoriagreenville.com/.
Return to the Green Irish Festival
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a week early at this annual outdoor festival. Enjoy Irish festivities including Celtic music, bagpipes, Irish food and drinks, dancing, children’s activities and more at Fluor Field. For more information, visit https://returntothegreen.wordpress.com/.
Farmers Market on Main
Shop local and seasonal produce, baked goods, specialty foods, locally produced goods and more each Saturday morning at the downtown Farmer’s Market. The weekly market also includes live music, cooking demos, a food truck rally and a variety of kid-friendly activities. For more information, visit http://www.saturdaymarketlive.com/.
Are you excited yet? You should be! Whenever you’re ready to start planning your move to Greenville, we’re here to help! Visit Hilldrup.com to schedule a free in-home or virtual move estimate.