A Mover’s Guide to the Upstate

So you’re moving to the Upstate of South Carolina. Great choice! We have a lot of great things happening here that should get you excited. First, let’s talk about the different regions around the Upstate. Consider this a very broad overview, rather than an exhaustive list. 

Regions of the Upstate

• Downtown Greenville – When people talk about Greenville, often they are thinking about Downtown Greenville. This is where beautiful Falls Park is located, where you can find a tree canopy-shaded Main Street, where many of the Upstate’s finest restaurants are located (over a hundred restaurants are on Main Street alone), and where many of our top events (like Fall for Greenville and Artisphere, which we cover below) occur. Some of the most desirable commercial and residential real estate is in and around Downtown Greenville.
• West End (Greenville) – Technically, this is part of Greenville’s downtown, but it’s been given it’s own name as an indicator of the unique culture that it brings to the downtown area as you travel past Falls Park. Specifically, the West End is where you’ll find some of the Upstate’s most historic buildings, lots of art galleries, plenty of “mom and pop” restaurants, and Fluor Field, home of the Greenville Drive. Housing in the West End can be more affordable than in other parts of downtown.
• Eastside (Greenville) – Greenville’s Eastside is one of Greenville’s most established and desirable residential areas in the Upstate. Although there’s no official definition of the Eastside, it is generally thought of as the area roughly between Greenville Downtown Airport and Greenville Spartanburg Airport, north of Woodruff Road and south of Wade Hampton Boulevard. This location makes the Eastside one of the most central regions in the Upstate, close to Interstates 385 and 85 and within minutes to Downtown Greenville, Downtown Greer, the Haywood Mall, and Woodruff Road’s shopping corridor. Mostly thought of as a residential area, Eastside has made many recent strides in the dining and shopping scene, particularly on Pelham Road and Haywood Road.
• Travelers Rest – “TR” (as the locals call it) has become a favorite dining and hiking/biking spot in recent years among locals, thanks to the paved GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail (see more information below), which has contributed to rise of many new restaurants and breweries, particularly in Downtown TR. Travelers Rest covers a wide area north of Downtown Greenville and enjoys a unique spot in the Upstate’s foothills, convenient to Asheville and the Smoky Mountains. It’s a great spot to purchase housing and/or land within a quick driving distance to Downtown Greenville and Furman University.
• Greer – Located between Greenville and Spartanburg, Greer is known for it’s central location (convenient to many major highways), affordable housing (with lots of new construction), plentiful shopping and dining (you could do all your shopping/eating in Greer and forget that Greenville even exists), and adorable downtown area, which feels like a miniature version of Greenville’s West End. Greer’s Riverside area is a favorite among families, since it provides one of the Upstate’s strongest school districts with plenty of affordable housing.
• Taylors – Centrally located between Downtown Greenville and Downtown Greer, Taylors offers a large residential area with plenty of affordable housing and quick access to Wade Hampton Boulevard. Taylors is just a short hop over to areas like Bob Jones University, Paris Mountain State Park, and Lake Robinson, not to mention the shopping/dining areas on Pelham Road and Haywood Road.
• Simpsonville/Five Forks – Simpsonville occupies a large tract of land east of Highway 14, in between Roper Mountain Road on the north and the town of Fountain Inn on the south. In the northern portion of Simpsonville is a section known as Five Forks, which is a growing shopping/dining area on the eastern edge of Woodruff Road, complete with plenty of schools and churches. On the whole, Simpsonville features a large number of newly-built homes, and is a good place to find affordable housing, some of which is located in areas eligible for USDA no-down payment mortgages.
• Mauldin/Conestee – Mauldin and Conestee are located southeast of Downtown Greenville along Butler Road and Conestee Road, in between the Donaldson Center and Interstate 385. These areas have been revitalized in the past 20+ years and now have become a popular spot for families and individuals looking for affordable housing within the I-385/185 loop. Butler Square features plenty of restaurants and grocery stores, and Lake Conestee Nature Park (more information below) offers an outdoor retreat, complete with family-friendly (and bike-friendly) trails through the swamp, baseball fields, and a large playground.
• Piedmont/Powdersville – For those looking to move west of Greenville but not as far as Easley, Piedmont and Powdersville offer many of the conveniences of Greenville with strong school districts and a more suburban (and sometimes rural) feel. Both regions are convenient to Downtown Greenville, and both have multiple areas with good restaurant and grocery store options, most notably the stretch of Highway 153 near Anderson Road in Powdersville and Anderson Street/Main Street in Piedmont. Much of this area is eligible for USDA no-down payment mortgages.
• Easley – Although parts of Easley can be quite rural, you’re never far from anything as Downtown Greenville is only a half-hour drive away, and Downtown Easley itself has a plethora of dining and shopping options. This is a great spot for those looking to live more in “the country” or who would like housing or land in the Upstate that is more affordable than the areas immediately around Greenville. There are often plenty of large tracts of land and new construction for sale in Easley and the surrounding areas.
• Anderson – Anderson is located southwest of Greenville, below Interstate 85. Similar to Easley (although perhaps with less new construction), Anderson offers an escape from the more densely populated areas of Greenville, with plenty of affordable housing and land options.
• Spartanburg – About 30-45 minutes east of Greenville is the city of Spartanburg. Downtown Spartanburg and many of the surrounding regions have undergone a revitalization in recent years and have become a desirable place to enjoy the “city life” in what is often a more affordable area than Greenville. Plenty of shopping, dining, work, and school options abound in Spartanburg, which, along with its proximity to Greer and Greenville, are causing an increase in interest in people moving to this area.

Work in the Upstate

The Upstate has one of the strongest economies, not just in SC but in the entire Southeast US. Michelin and Hubbell Lighting have their national headquarters in Greenville, other major companies like Fluor and Synnex have regional headquarters in Greenville, BMW has their largest plant in the world in Greer, and plenty of other business, like General Electric, have major facilities with a large number of employees in the area. The Upstate’s staple industry is manufacturing, but there are a variety of other strong industries in the Upstate, from farming to software development. Below is a list of the top 25 employers (data courtesy of http://greerdevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2014_LargestEmployers_Upstate-1.pdf).

Things to do in the Upstate

Local Sports

Clemson Tigers (football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.) – It used to be that the Upstate didn’t have much of a sports scene, whether college or professional. Thanks to Clemson, at least half of that statement is not true anymore. The Tigers dominate the local sports scene and bring a lot of excitement to the area. At only a 45-60m drive from Greenville, it’s not necessary to budget an entire day to go to a game (unless, of course, you plan to tailgate), but either way, the excitement of attending a game far exceeds the time investment.

Greenville Drive (baseball) – The Drive are a Class A baseball team in the Red Sox farm system. To some, “Class A” means “boring,” but the Drive is a noteworthy exception, thanks to their amazing Fluor Field (which has a mini-”Green Monster”) and creative in-game entertainment. It doesn’t matter if you follow the team or not, going to a Drive game is always fun and well worth the very reasonably-priced tickets.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits (hockey) – An affiliate of the New York Rangers (NHL) and Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL), the Swamp Rabbits play minor league hockey during the winter months. Unlike NHL games, expect to be close to the action (without having to spend a fortune) and have some laughs when the gloves drop and “fisticuffs” start flying.

Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Atlanta (150 miles) or Charlotte (100 miles), where numerous teams in all major sports play.

Outdoor Activities

One of the hallmarks of the Upstate is a love for playing outdoors. As such, we have a lot of great activities that can be enjoyed in nature.

Hiking

• Paris Mountain State Park – Greenville’s only state park is a good one for hiking. Try the Sulphur Springs trail for a moderately strenuous hike that spends some time winding around a peaceful stream of water. If you’re really up for a challenge, string multiple trails together and make a day out of it.
• Lake Conestee Nature Park – Set in a marshy section of the Upstate near Mauldin, LCNP is one of the Upstate’s best-kept secrets. But word is getting out. Unlike Paris Mountain, LCNP has free admission, and the park is, generally speaking, more kid friendly (flatter, easier trails) than Paris Mountain. Top it all off with the fact that there are huge fields, gorgeous playgrounds, bathrooms and a humongous pavilion, and you’ll find that there’s a lot to love about LCNP.
• Jones Gap/Caesar’s Head/Table Rock – Just north of Greenville and Travelers Rest, you enter a mountainous section of Marietta that has dozens of fantastic spots to hike. There’s a little something for everyone in this area.
• Linville Gorge – If you really want an adventure, head even further north into Linville Gorge. If you’ve never been there, you may consider bringing someone who has. This area is rewarding but not for the faint of heart.

Biking

• Paris Mountain State Park – Not all of the trails in Paris Mountain are 100% bikeable, but many are. Check out the map below, which can also be found here. All the trails on it can be biked, except the ones marked “hikers only” with the black dashes.

• The GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail – How does a 21-mile paved trail that goes from below Greenville (Conestee) all the way up through Travelers Rest sound? If it sounds awesome already, just wait until you see the variety of scenery on the trail, the wildlife on the way, and the restaurants and breweries which will greet you upon arrival in Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an enjoyable bike ride through the Upstate.
• Downtown Greenville – It’s not uncommon to see people biking around Downtown Greenville. This is by design, in fact, in recent years, Greenville has added bike lanes on the roads downtown as well as bike stations where a person can rent a bike in seconds. Riding around downtown and Falls Park is a great way to take in the heart of the city.

Training

• The GHS Swamp Rabbit trail in the Downtown Greenville area has a variety of training and strength-building equipment for public use along the trail. From pull-ups to leg/jumping exercises, there is a good variety of equipment to be found along the trail.
• Furman University likewise has several sections along their lake trail where a person can utilize their outdoor exercise equipment. You get the added bonus of training in the serenity of the Furman campus.

Water Parks and Zoos

Water Parks

Although the Upstate doesn’t have any true theme parks (you have to go to Carowinds near Charlotte for that), it does have a few water parks for children.

• Simpsonville – Discovery Island
• Greenville – Otter Creek
• Piedmont – Seventh Inning Splash

Zoos

• The Greenville Zoo – Greenville’s only zoo is extremely convenient to downtown (right near Cleveland Park). Expect it to take about 2 hours to go through the zoo entirely, if you don’t make any lengthy stops.
• Hollywild – Located in Wellford (near Spartanburg), Hollywild is a haven for animals that can’t be released back into the wild (for instance, retired circus stars). Hollywild gives visitors an opportunity to get a quirky, up-close look at the animals, including feeding and petting many of them.
• Riverbanks Zoo – It’s not actually located in the Upstate (about 90 miles away in Columbia), but the Riverbanks Zoo is where you go if you want a “big zoo” experience. They have lots of other attractions too – gardens, a sprinkler park, tree-top adventure, etc. It’s often well-worth the day trip to attend.

Local Events

The Upstate has many events throughout the year to keep us busy and entertained. An exhaustive list of the events can be found here, but we have a few of the most popular ones below.

• Albino Skunk Music Fest – A celebration of bluegrass music and southern culture that happens a few times a year in Greer, this is a no-frills, all bluegrass, why-don’t-you-camp-with-us-for-the-weekend event. If you love bluegrass and/or have a redneck side, this festival is for you.
• Artisphere – Located in Downtown Greenville in mid-May, Artisphere is a great way to see a wide array of art and artists from all over the country while listening to good music and enjoying delicious food and drinks.
• Greenville Greek Festival – Who doesn’t love a good gyro now and then? The Greek festival in May is the best way to get one while enjoying bounce houses, Greek music and dance, and tours of Saint George’s Cathedral.
• The Fair at Heritage Park – Towards the end of May, this fair in Simpsonville is a fun-filled event for kids of all ages.
• Wells Fargo’s Red, White, and Blue – Greenville’s official Independence Day event is free and happens downtown. Lots of food, drinks, and music keeps things exciting until the fireworks finale at the end.
• Greer Station Oktoberfest – Greenville has their own version of Oktoberfest, but many prefer Greer’s version in early October, which is a smaller, more “intimate” version of the festival and also offers a wider variety of food.
• Fall for Greenville – Located in Downtown Greenville in mid-October, Fall for Greenville is one of the largest (and tastiest) food festivals in the entire Southeast. Eat, drink, and listen to a great music lineup for the entire weekend!
• Boo in the Zoo – The Greenville Zoo has several events throughout the year, but their most popular one is probably their Halloween event, Boo in the Zoo. Don’t worry – it’s a non-scary event where your kids dress up, get candy as they go around the zoo, and enjoy the animals – a good time for the entire family!

Eating in the Upstate

If you love to eat, you’re in the right place. The Upstate has a ton of dining experiences to offer for everyone from the guy just looking for a sandwich at lunch to the “foodie” looking for the next 5-star meal. Here are some of the hottest places to eat in the Upstate at every price point.

Shopping in the Upstate

There are a lot of great places to shop in the Upstate, and if you’re new to the area, you may be confused where to go and when. Here is a simple guide to get you started.

• Downtown Greenville – If you like boutique stores, art galleries, and unique shopping environments, downtown Greenville is the place to be. Main Street has all sorts of options, from candle shops to bookstores to men’s and women’s clothing boutiques. Venture off Main Street, and you’ll find more great places to shop. However, don’t bother looking for Walmart or Sears. “Big Box” stores and retailers are nowhere to be found.
• Woodruff Road (Greenville) – Looking for Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, Walmart, Kohls, Trader Joe’s, Ross, Total Wine, and everything in between? Woodruff Road is the place to go for the popular chain stores (and restaurants) that everyone relies on in one way or another. If you want to get the full sense of what it has to offer, hop onto Woodruff Road where it intersects Roper Mountain Road (or Verdae Boulevard, if coming from south of Woodruff Road) and head east. The 2.5 mile stretch to Feaster Road has every store imaginable. But beware – traffic can be intense (at least by Greenville’s standards).
• Haywood Road (Greenville) – Haywood is the complement to Woodruff Road, supplying many of the “big box” chain retailers (particularly clothing retailers, like J. C. Penney or Macy’s) that you will not find on Woodruff Road. Here, the majority of the stores are in the Haywood Mall, which has been making a push to improve its facilities and store offerings to better compete with the other shopping areas in Greenville. Haywood Mall is a decent-sized mall with plenty of stores all around it. The mall is family-friendly, offering a small playground and food court inside the mall itself.
• Laurens Road (Greenville) – If you’re looking for a car, the “Motor Mile” of Laurens road has you covered. This stretch of dozens of auto dealerships begins just west of where Haywood Road dead-ends into Laurens and continues east until just past the interaction of Laurens and I-85.
• Downtown Greer – Think downtown Greenville but not quite as large. Downtown Greer is quaint and growing. For those in the Greer area or who want a change of pace from Greenville, Downtown Greer has a lot to offer. Just take a stroll down Trade Street, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
• Wade Hampton Boulevard (Taylors/Greer) – Wade Hampton Boulevard runs from Downtown Greenville all the way through Lyman and there is plenty of shopping all along. However, for those in Greer, things get particularly interesting from Saint Mark Road until Highway 14. This stretch has plenty of retail chains, like Target, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Staples, etc. not to mention several grocery stores. If you continue east past Highway 14, you will experience Greer’s version of the “Motor Mile,” which has several auto dealerships, until you reach the bridge that passes over the South Tyger River.
• Five Forks (Simpsonville) – If you’ve driven the section of Woodruff Road outlined above, all you need to do is continue east a few more miles before you’ll find yourself in Five Forks. Since the main stretch of Woodruff Road is so close, Five Forks mostly has essentials – grocery stores, auto parts stores, restaurants, banks, and pharmacies – and you can head west down Woodruff into Greenville for the rest of your shopping needs.
• Powdersville (North of Piedmont) – Powdersville has a lot of similarities to Five Forks, focusing mainly on delivering some essential shopping needs (including Walmart), groceries, banks, pharmacies, and restaurants.
• Downtown Spartanburg – Similar to the downtowns of Greer and Greenville, Downtown Spartanburg features a collection of boutique stores, in particular, jewelers, ladies’ clothing, and even the occasional salon or yoga studio.

Hospitals

The Upstate has a variety of hospitals, but there are two major competing hospital systems: Bon Secours and GHS (Greenville Health System). Here are some of the main hospitals in the Upstate.

• Greenville Memorial Hospital (GHS) 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29605
• Bon Secours St Francis Hospital 1 St Francis Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
• Patewood Memorial Hospital (GHS) 175 Patewood Dr, Greenville, SC 29615
• Bon Secours St Francis Eastside  125 Commonwealth Dr, Greenville, SC 29615
• Greer Memorial Hospital (GHS) 830 S Buncombe Rd, Greer, SC 29650
• Spartanburg Medical Center 101 E Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29303