Greenville and Spartanburg were among five South Carolina cities mentioned in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 list of the 150"Best Places to Live in the U.S.," released Tuesday.
The report analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Among the 150 US metros, Greenville ranked 31st on the list while Spartanburg was 43rd.
Greenville is the second-best place to live in SC. In the US stats, Greenville ranks 12th in cheapest places to live, 23rd in fastest-growing places, 23rd in most dangerous places and 67nd in best places to retire.
Spartanburg is the third-best place to live in SC. In the US stats, Spartanburg ranks 11th in cheapest places to live, 12th in fastest-growing places and 68th in best places to retire.
Myrtle Beach ranks as the top place to live in SC and the 18th best place to live in the US.
Charleston ranks as the 53rd best place to live in the US (No. 4 in SC) and Columbia ranks 92nd (No. 5 in SC).
Charlotte, NC is the No. 8 best place to live in the US.
Asheville, NC is the 29th best place to live in the US.
Year after year, Myrtle Beach brings in tourists from all around the world, the magazine said. Outsiders know the city for its sprawling boardwalk and beaches, but its No. 28 ranking in best places to retire prove that it is also a great place to live. Young professionals, growing families and empty nesters will relish the city's warm weather and relatively low cost of living. Nature lovers will find that there is always somewhere new for their hiking boots to explore, like hiking at Huntington State Park or strolling the 60 miles of shoreline that run along the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach is also home to 90 golf courses, making it the perfect vacation getaway for those looking to score a hole in one after a long week at the office.
31. Greenville: Vibrant downtown, arts and athletics
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city, once the "textile capital of the world", has transformed into the Upstate's cultural and entertainment center, the magazine said. Its award-winning downtown is expanding with projects like the $1 billion County Square redevelopment and luxury McDaniel townhomes development. The city has many sports fans who proudly display their athletic spirit for Clemson University's Clemson Tigers and Greenville's Minor League baseball team, the Greenville Drive, who can be found swinging away at Fluor Field. Events like the three-day Artisphere, which has gained national attention, embrace talented artists and musicians, both local and from around the world, who keep the downtown scene bursting with color and sound.
Here's how much we donate to charity:Greenville County among the most charitable in SC
43. Spartanburg: The Hub City of international business
Spartanburg was once a major railroad intersection in the 19th century known as the "Hub City," its rich history predating the Revolutionary War, the magazine said. The city is now known for having a diverse collection of international companies like its full-time North American BMW plant. Downtown, it is hard to miss the Denny's restaurant chain headquarters, a tall building that sticks out off of East Main Street. It is also not uncommon to find locals dining with their pets at restaurant patios in the pet-friendly downtown. Institutions of higher learning and a burgeoning food scene keep locals busy with things to do.
53. Charleston: Charming architecture, fine cuisine
The magazine said, no one does southern hospitality like the Holy City. Its culinary scene lures food lovers from all around with its seafood and lowcountry cooking. Southern style clothing is featured through the fronts of boutique shops lining King Street, America's most distinctive downtown. History is preserved through cobblestone walkways, Spanish moss hanging from oak trees and spooky ghost legends that raise goosebumps on the arms. The city's summers are hot and humid, but locals use days like these to soak in the sun on the beach.
92. Columbia: Capital city features Gameco*cks' sports, family fun
Residents of South Carolina's capital will find that there is plenty to do in the city, the magazine said. Columbia has a variety of music and art galleries around town, such as the Koger Center for the Arts and Township Auditorium. Home to the University of South Carolina, many residents bond over their love of USC sports, especially the Gameco*cks football team. Parents also know that there is an abundance of places to bring children, like the EdVenture's Children Museum where kids can engage in scientific and technological learning activities, and the Columbia Museum of Art which contains an observatory, planetarium and 4-D theater. Traffic is relatively mild in the city, but don't be fooled ― Columbia is South Carolina's second most populous city.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
Greenville 4th in U.S. News 'Best Places to Live' rankings for 2024. U.S. News & World Report ranked Greenville no.4 and Spartanburg no.59 in its 2024 Best Places to Live list.
Greenville is the second-best place to live in SC. In the US stats, Greenville ranks 12th in cheapest places to live, 23rd in fastest-growing places, 23rd in most dangerous places and 67nd in best places to retire. Spartanburg is the third-best place to live in SC.
Spartanburg is a town in South Carolina with a population of 38,301. Spartanburg is in Spartanburg County and is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. Living in Spartanburg offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Spartanburg there are a lot of parks.
The U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025 list placed Greenville in the top 10. What's most impressive is the city's ranking at No.4, beating out most of 150 major cities across the country.
The research team at USA TODAY Homefront ranked 26 cities in South Carolina across 16 different quality-of-life metrics. 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.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Greenville no.4 and Spartanburg no. 59 in its 2024 Best Places to Live list. Other South Carolina cities included on the list are Charleston at No.
With reasonable costs of living and low taxes, Spartanburg SC real estate is increasingly popular for transplants from other cities who are seeking affordable housing. There is a great mix of housing styles to appeal to all types of families, investors, empty nesters, retirees, and first-time homebuyers.
Aside from downtown, you'll also find some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Greenville are around Haywood Mall. Other high crime areas of Greenville include Arcadia Hills, Southern Side, and West Greenville.
Greenville, South Carolina, is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. The city has undergone a transformation in recent years, and residents are reaping the benefits. From an affordable cost of living to a thriving job market and a vibrant downtown, Greenville has it all.
It is also home to award-winning resorts and championship golf courses. Located southeast of Charleston, the largely private island has over 1,000 total households, surpassing the number of households in most of the state's wealthiest cities, according to Forbes.
Along with Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, North Carolina, six other cities in the Carolinas made the top 20 list for 2024, showing that South Carolina and North Carolina are becoming hot destinations. Top areas include Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina.
As a newcomer to the Spartanburg area, especially if you are moving from bigger cosmopolitan cities, the small-town feel may surprise you, but it is the 'small town feel' that attracts many people to relocate to the area. Spartanburg is laid back, friendly, walkable, community-oriented, and infused with nature.
Located in upstate South Carolina and nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Greenville is an outdoor recreational paradise with big-city amenities and small-town charm. From modern restaurants in the historic downtown district to new homes in the surrounding suburbs, you're sure to find a place to love.
∎ Between 2022-2023, S.C.'s population grew by 1.7%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is currently the fastest growing population in the U.S. ∎ Greenville is USA TODAY's best city to move to in S.C. due to its affordable housing options for buyers and renters, as well as its top medical access.
The per capita income in Greenville in 2022 was $52,404, which is wealthy relative to South Carolina and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $209,616 for a family of four.
Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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