The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Greenville, South Carolina

Deemed one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Greenville, South Carolina boasts high-quality culture, cuisine, and quality of life.

Its proximity to Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina make it a convenient location for all lifestyles, ages, and needs. Southern Living magazine named Greenville one of “The South’s Best Cities on the Rise 2022,” ranking among other popular destinations such as Franklin, Tennessee and Alexandria, Virginia. 

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 its namesake as American Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene.

Regardless, Greenville became known throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as a cotton and textile mill hub, and home of a World War I U.S. Army training camp. Its military legacy continued 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 employer.

The Greenville area features many lakes, public parks, and sports facilities for a wide range of recreational activities.Its 20-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail System is perfect for hiking, biking, and nature walks. Spanning the former site of the Greenville and Northern Railway, it traverses the towns of Fountain Inn, Greenville, and Travelers Rest.

Here are the top 10 neighborhoods in and around Greenville based on review site Niche.com’s “2023 Best Places to Live in Greenville County.” We’ve also included restaurant tips for a taste of local flavors. 

Designated the #1 Place to Live in South Carolina by Niche.com, Five Forks boasts close proximity to downtown, the Woodruff Road thoroughfare, and area highways. Its low sales tax rates and high safety levels make it 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 shopping, dining, and entertainment haven. 

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

Local Food Tip: For an authentic taste of Greek culinary delights, try the family-owned Olympian Grill.

With its namesake a former Civil War general and governor, Wade Hampton is a suitable choice for comfortable family living with big city amenities. 

Home to Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, there’s also no shortage of restaurants spanning Italian, Southern, and classic dining for a wide range of palates.

Local Food Tip: Spaghetti Westurn is known for its “saloon style” take on popular Italian dishes. 

Though not officially incorporated as a city, Taylors is the largest suburb within the Greenville/Spartanburg area. Equidistant between Greenville and Greer, it is 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 employers, and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Prospective homeowners enjoy a lower cost of living and abundant housing in a safe, family-friendly community. Residents enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Local Food Tip: Whether craving a fun date night or shared family feast, California Dreaming serves American classics such as steaks, shrimp, and burgers. 

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 taking in a Clemson University football game, hiking the beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy, or biking along Swamp Rabbit Trail, there’s no shortage of things to do to keep busy.

Ranked #31 on U.S. News & World Report’s “150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2023-2024,” Greenville is known for its affordability and quality of life, and has become a solid choice for empty nesters seeking an incredible place to retire. 

Local Food Tips: For sophisticated, yet affordable French cuisine, Scoundrel is a romantic spot for shared plates a plentiful wine selection. For “A Taste of the Coast in the Heart of Greenville, SC,” Jones Oyster Co. offers various namesake specialties.

Known for its progressive growth, Mauldin was established almost by accident in 1874 when then- South Carolina Lt. Gov. W.L. Mauldin formalized Greenville and Laurens Railroad. It underwent a revival during the 1960s and has steadily increased its population. 

Mauldin is also expanding economically with several development projects including  Bridgeway Station urban village and Maverick Station revitalization. A 25,000-square-foot mixed use complex is scheduled to open next year.

Home to many young families and retirees, Mauldin was ranked sixth on Alarms.org’s “Safest Cities in South Carolina—2021.” 

Local Food Tip: Mutt’s BBQ serves incredible Southern cuisine based on the owner’s mother’s recipes. 

Greer’s appeal resonates with families, singles, and others craving a small-town vibe with big-city amenities.

While the picturesque 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. Zentrum Museum and plant wows car enthusiasts fascinated by 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: Visit The Mason Jar for traditional pub fare, local tap beers, and live music.

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

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

Local Food Tip: For a unique twist on Japanese cuisine, Chef 21 Sushi Burger serves an eclectic mix of traditional “sandwich style” flavors. 

Spanning both Greenville and Laurens counties, Fountain Inn is nicknamed “The Diamond Tip of the Golden Strip” due to its namesakes 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 is known for small-town living and designated one of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina, especially for young families.

Local Food Tip: Locals enjoy Cucina 100 for its family-friendly atmosphere, and wood-fired oven specialties.

Western Greenville County’s Golden Grove borders the community of Piedmont alongside the Saluda River. With a population of just over 4,000, it’s known for peace and serenity away from city living. With hiking, biking, and running trails, the area also boasts active shopping and dining. Residents enjoy local farmers markets and holiday parades. 

Local Food Tip: Visit casual American steakhouse Heat for extraordinary prime rib, sirloin, and filet mignon.

Dunean Mill was established in 1912 by Ellison Adger Smyth and evolved into a rural manufacturing center. Once a bustling cotton producer, it transitioned to rayon and synthetic fibers in the mid-1930s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original building now houses textiles manufacturer Safety Components.

Named for Smyth’s ancestral village in Ireland, Dunean’s friendly, welcoming vibe makes newcomers immediately feel at home. There are also plenty of restaurants, parks, and walking and hiking trails to enjoy. 

Local Food Tip: Dubbed “a saucy southern tavern,” Smoke on the Water features craft beers and farm-to-table meals for an unforgettable experience. 

The Takeaway

If you’re considering the Greenville area, it’s best to know its median home values, school districts, transportation options, restaurants, popular recreational activities, and more. Our ​​Greenville loan officers provide expert guidance on the best financing for your dream home.

Contact Contour Mortgage in Greenville, South Carolina to learn about financing requirements, qualifications, and more.