Greenville, South Carolina

Upstate gem with downtown revival

Southeast Greenville-Anderson, SC Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#25 Best Places to Live

Livability (2025)

#8 Top 100 Best Places to Live

WhereAtHome Score

71.7

C-

out of 100

Overview

Greenville has become one of the South's most buzzworthy small cities, with a revitalized Main Street anchored by Falls Park. BMW and other manufacturers have brought economic stability, while the city maintains affordability and access to Blue Ridge Mountain recreation. Strong schools and low crime attract families.

Key Highlights

  • Award-winning Main Street and Falls Park
  • BMW manufacturing hub
  • Blue Ridge Mountain access
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Growing food and arts scene
  • Strong public school options

Key Metrics

Population 2024

74,266

Source: Census ACS

$331,868

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$55,243

Source: Census ACS

21.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

43

Source: Walk Score

School Rating

2025

B (6.8/10)

Source: Curated

93 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Greenville County (county-level results)

38%
60%
Democrat 100,074
Republican 158,541
Leans R+22.2

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

89°F

Winter Low

32°F

Annual Rainfall

52"

Sunny Days

217

Amenities & Infrastructure

39+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

4 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

3 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

BMW Prisma Health Michelin GE Power

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 61.9/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 45.8/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 68.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 50/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 43/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 45.3/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 71.7

Location

Greenville, SC (34.8526, -82.3940)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.