Greenville, South Carolina, has topped another national list, earning recognition as the best place to call home in the state, according to a recent USA TODAY Homefront report. This accolade underscores Greenville’s transformation from a small town into a burgeoning city.
The report evaluated 26 cities across nearly 20 metrics, including severe weather risks and housing costs, to determine the best places to live in South Carolina. “While the beaches draw in the crowds, the mountain-view city of Greenville took the title of the best place to call home in South Carolina,” the report noted.
Four other inland cities — Lexington, Fort Mill, Mauldin, and Spartanburg — collectively ranked high on average across most metrics. Researchers highlighted Greenville’s rapid population growth, with the city experiencing a 1.7% increase between 2022 and 2023, the fastest in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Additional Census Bureau data as of May 18, 2024, reveals:
Greenville’s estimated population: 72,824, making it the sixth most populated city in the state.
Greenville’s metro area population in 2023: 559,000.
Upstate region’s population in 2023: 1,590,636, the highest in South Carolina.
The report identified Greenville as the best city to move to in South Carolina, citing its excellent medical access and affordable housing options for both renters and buyers.
“The salty breezes and Spanish moss that lure newcomers to SC’s coastal cities mask a harsh reality — the high cost of paradise. In iconic destinations like Charleston (#21) and Hilton Head Island (#26), the ever-present threat of hurricanes has sent insurance premiums skyrocketing,” the report stated. “One of the biggest driving factors in our ranking of South Carolina cities was affordability, and higher-ranking cities have lower home values on average. The average home value in the top five cities is $318,602, about half the cost of the average home value in the bottom five cities at $617,560.”
Using data from the Census Bureau and Zillow, the report found Greenville’s median income to be $65,519, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The typical rent in Greenville is $1,530, and the average home value is just under $300,000 at $299,060.
