The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Greenville, South Carolina

Deemed one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Greenville, South Carolina is on the move regarding culture, cuisine, and quality of life.

Its proximity to Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina make Greenville a convenient location for all lifestyles, ages, and needs. Travel + Leisure magazine named Greenville one of its “Top 10 Cities in the United States” in 2021, ranking among such popular destinations as Charleston and Columbia.

Nestled in the corner of South Carolina’s Upstate region, Greenville is the county seat of Pitt County. Established in 1786, some historians believe the city was named for its greenery and beautiful landscape, while others credit as its namesake American Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene.

Regardless, Greenville became known throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as a cotton and textile mill hub, and the home of a U.S. Army training camp in World War I. The city continued its military legacy with the Greenville Army Base during the Second World War.

With a convention center and hotel constructed in 1978, large enterprises have since established headquarters in Greenville, such as Michelin, Prisma Health, and Duke Energy.The largest in the state, the Greenville County School District is also a major employment source.

For leisure activities and recreation, the Greenville area has much to offer through its various lakes, public parks, and sports facilities. Perhaps the most prominent feature is the 20-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail System designed for hiking, biking, and walking. Traversing through the towns of Fountain Inn, Greenville, and Travelers Rest, it spans the former site of the Greenville and Northern Railway. 

Here are the top 10 neighborhoods in and around Greenville based on research by ranking and review site Niche.com’s “2021 Best Places to Live in Greenville County.” We’ve also included restaurant tips for a taste of its local flavors. 

Learn more about the top 10 places to live in and around Greenville, along with their respective benefits, features, and more. 

Designated the #1 Place to Live in South Carolina by Niche.com, Five Forks boasts universal appeal. Benefits include close proximity to downtown, the Woodruff Road thoroughfare, and easy access to major area highways. Its low sales tax rates and high safety levels further its appeal as an affordable option with added peace of mind. 

Its namesake derives from an intersection of five roads: Woodruff, Batesville, Scuffletown, Bennetts Bridge, and Five Forks. Rapid development in the late 20th century transformed this once rural area into a haven for shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

Year-round events and activities are also a constant within Five Forks, such as barbecues, arts and crafts shows, wine tastings, and an annual Memorial Day Weekend hot-air balloon festival.  

Local Food Tip: Known for its ‘comfort food with a modern twist,’ the multi-location Maple Street Biscuit Company offers unique combinations with community-style seating..

With its namesake a former Civil War general who also served as South Carolina governor, Wade Hampton is a suitable choice for comfortable family living with big city amenities. While housing prices might be slightly more than other areas, the overall cost of living remains comparable to neighborhoods of the same size.

Wade Hampton is home to Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, and there’s no shortage of restaurants—with everything from Italian, Southern, and classic diner fare to satisfy a wide range of palates.  

Local Food Tip: If you can’t decide between Italian and Greek cuisine, you’re in luck with Villa Frosi, which has the best of both! With a solid variety of dishes and extensive wine list, there’s definitely a choice for everyone at this local, family-owned spot. 

The center of the county bearing the same name, Greenville is the largest city in the South Carolina Upstate region. With its lower-than-average cost of living and myriad housing choices, it’s considered one of the most desirable places to live in the South. From its many restaurants, public parks and gardens, nature trails, museums and bustling downtown, residents enjoy a mix of urban living surrounded by lush greenery.

Whether you want to take in a Clemson University football game, hike the beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy, or bike along Swamp Rabbit Trail, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy.

Ranked #38 on U.S. News & World Report’s “150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022,” Greenville is known for affordability, quality of life, and a solid choice for empty nesters looking for an incredible place to retire. 

Local Food Tips: Try Sassafras Southern Bistro for an eclectic play on traditional Southern cuisine, or Jianna for homemade pastas, seafood, and cocktails while enjoying the unobstructed views of Falls Park. 

Though it’s not officially incorporated as a city, Taylors is the largest suburb within the Greenville/Spartanburg area. Located equidistant between Greenville and Greer, Taylors is also known for Chick Springs Resort—one of the area’s first vacation spots.

During the region’s textile and cotton boom, Taylors boasted the Southern Bleachery and Piedmont Print Works, one of its largest employment sources, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Known for its affordable and safe family atmosphere, prospective homeowners can enjoy a lower cost of living with abundant housing supply. With the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, residents can partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. 

Local Food Tip: Located within the historical building originally housing the Southern Bleachery and Piedmont Print Works, The Farehouse offers casual dining with locally sourced ingredients, as well as extensive beer selections from neighboring 13 Stripes Brewery.

Part of the area known as the “Golden Strip,” Simpsonville is currently experiencing rapid growth. Its low unemployment rates are undoubtedly due to local enterprises in manufacturing, electronics, packaging, and textiles. Its CCNB (Coastal Carolina National Bank) Amphitheatre at Heritage Park—along with the Simpsonville Arts Center—offer outdoor entertainment and other other community events.

The area also boasts several biking and hiking destinations, such as 400-acre Lake Conestee Nature Park. Families will also enjoy the playgrounds, ball fields, and working steam train replica at Heritage Park. 

Local Food Tips: Offering a seasonal menu of sustainable Southern fare, such as shrimp and grits, and crispy chicken, Stella’s Southern Bistro has indoor and outdoor seating for lunch, brunch, and dinner. 

Known for its progressive growth, Mauldin was established almost by accident in 1874 when former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor W.L. Mauldin was said to have formalized the Greenville and Laurens Railroad within city limits. While Mauldin had a difficult history for most of the 20th century, it revived during the 1960s and has steadily increased its population throughout the past 60 years. 

Mauldin is also expanding economically, with several development projects, such as the Bridgeway Station urban village, and Maverick Station revitalization. A 25,000-square-foot mixed use complex is set to open in summer 2022. 

Comprised of young families and retirees alike, Mauldin was also designated in the sixth spot on the Alarms.org “Safest Cities in South Carolina—2021” listing.

Local Food Tip: For an array of shrimp dishes, check out the Low Country Shrimper for jambalaya and gumbos to shrimp platters, po’ boys, and more.

Featuring a mountainous landscape and picturesque lakes, Greer’s appeal resonates with families, singles, and others craving a small-town atmosphere with city amenities such as parks, recreation, museums, and restaurants.

While Lake Robinson and Lake Cunningham provide endless outdoor fun, Greer is also close to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and U.S. headquarters for BMW’s manufacturing facility. The accompanying Zentrum Museum and plant appeals to car enthusiasts looking to learn about the automaker’s rich history.

Greer Station central business district comprises several blocks of retail shops and dining. There’s also no shortage of entertainment, with several concerts, downtown festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor movies throughout the year. 

Local Food Tip: Mutt’s BBQ Restaurant serves up tasty chicken and ribs for sit-down or buffet-style meals among train-themed decor and an inviting fireplace. 

Spanning both Greenville and Laurens counties, Fountain Inn is nicknamed “The Diamond Tip of the Golden Strip” due to its inn and fountain situated along a former stagecoach route. A garden fountain sits outside Fountain Inn City Hall paying homage to the original inn. 

Known for its many festivals and bustling downtown, Fountain Inn boasts quiet, small-town living, and is designated one of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina, especially for young families.

Local Food Tip: Dubbed a “Sassy Southern Cafe,” Sweet Catherine’s offers home cooking featuring fried green tomatoes, sandwiches, and specialty burgers. 

Translated from French, Sans Souci means “no worries” or “carefree”—two attitudes exemplified among its diverse residents. The census-designated place (CDP) is currently undergoing a revitalization by the Sans Souci Neighborhood Alliance, a group working to preserve its rich history. Many residents have called Sans Souci home since the 1950s, and their children and grandchildren now do the same. 

Its community garden features a variety of flowerbeds and fruit trees, and the CDP also hosts an outdoor concert series attracting talent from places as far away as California and Arizona.  

Local Food Tip: Try the White Duck Taco Shop for unique twists on this Mexican favorite. 

The northernmost city in Greenville County, Travelers Rest was a designated resting place for travelers from the low country on their way to the mountains for summer holidays. As its surrounding area was expanded to include a railroad and highways with the advent of train and automobile travel, Travelers Rest also grew to include businesses, a school, and houses of worship. 

Boasting safe, tree-lined streets, and an active arts and culinary scene, the supportive community of Travelers Rest is perfect for active families and entrepreneurs alike. It’s also known for a stellar school system, recreational activities, and many parks and other outdoor activities.

Local Food Tip: Offering everything from sweet and savory crepes and waffles to delicious coffee and teas, Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse also boasts its own house-made pecan granola. 

The Takeaway

If you’re considering a move to the Greenville area, it’s best to weigh all your options, such as median home value, affordability, school districts, transportation, restaurants, and leisure activities. When working with loan officers at our ​​Greenville office, you’ll receive expert guidance on choosing the best financing for your dream home.

Contact Contour Mortgage in Greenville, South Carolina to learn how we can help with your financing requirements, qualifications, and questions.