Why do most people choose Spartanburg over Greenville? (transplants, taxes)

[sherri rc]

Just wondering, thinking about moving to the area from michigan. It seems like more people talk about how great Spartanburg is. What are the differences between both towns?

[Skyliner]

That is a misconception you may have received after reading a few threads here in the Greenville-Spartanburg subforum. Some people find Spartanburg to be what they are looking for, but the majority by far are locating in the greater Greenville area, for obvious reasons. Greenville is larger and has much more to offer in nearly every aspect of living. Greenville also has a superior cultural attraction with its vibrant downtown arts and entertainment, not to mention its growing culinary destination with over 80 restaurants and many more on the way. Greenville is the economic, financial, social, cultural, retail, entertainment, and tourist hub of the Upstate region. While living in Greenville you have virtually no need to go anywhere else for anything you could want, and it is a short drive to Atlanta and Charlotte for some of the "big city" options you can't find in SC (yet). Greenville has an awesome array of beautiful public spaces for people of all ages, most of which are linked together by numerous sidewalks, paths, and trails. If you love living in a pleasant, growing, urban small city, I recommend Greenville over Spartanburg. If you are unsure which place may be for you, then you really should visit both cities to find out. Spartanburg has lots to offer, though not nearly as much for most people.

[sherri rc]

Thank you so much for your reply. I live in a small town in Michigan not that far from Lansing. There is absolutely nothing to do here. I want my daughter to know there is more out there then what our are has to offer. Living around a city that has all that to offer plus a great place to raise children would be wonderful.

[jpoole52]

I agree with Skyliner, I think maybe there was some confusion because I'm positive many, many more people are moving to Greenville, not Spartanburg. By the way, I just moved down from Michigan this June and I love it

[leggo]

yup - greenville has more people moving to it. Spartanburg was fine -- downtown was going thru a facelift when we were there a few months ago. but greenville is attracting more attention

[Carolina_1690]

I think you might have meant Greenville with that first post. As much as it would please me to think more people are talking about Spartanburg than Greenville, I know thats not true. Greenville has been making itself more well known than Spartanburg in most ways.

Greenville is a larger city, and thats why it has 'more.' A lot of people generally who move South want a city that is large enough to pretend like its a big city (with "things to do") but still have the small town atmosphere. That is where Greenville excels. Spartanburg is not lacking in any of the areas described by any means. Culturally, growth, economics, entertainment, etc. But, when you sit it side by side with Greenville, it is noticably less. And quite frankly that is what is happening in the Upstate. People see Spartanburg literally nextdoor to Greenville and if the option is there for them, many are choosing Greenville because that comparison is so easy to make. Or probably more likely, the jobs are taking them there because there are more being generated in Greenville than in Spartanburg.

Many people do like Spartanburg for its small town charm. Greenville is growing faster, but with that growth it begins to lose some of its small town appeal. I don't mean that in a bad way though. There are just certain pains that come with any growing city (like traffic) and Greenville is no exception.

You'll find that many residents in the Upstate love where they live, and care about it a lot.

I love Spartanburg, and I would recommend it over Greenville. I'm sure you'll be told by the Greenville folks that I am the excption and that most would not feel that way or whatever. But Spartanburg is exactly what I want. Its is basicly a big small town. Its got more of that small town feel than Greenville because its smaller. Its got enough going on economically to support the national chains and what not that I want to go to without going to the next big city over. It has enough going on culturally to support some awesome festivals and bring in some good acts, and has a really good arts scene for a city its size. Local leaders are realizing what they need to do to make the city better. You get a great combination of amenities and it doesn't have as many of the pains of growth that our neighbor to the west has (well, not yet!) There are great people here, and the city has a bright future ahead of it.

[sherri rc]

jpoole 52

Where at in Michigan were you from? Was it a big adjustment moving to Greenville? I plan on visiting soon, can't wait to check out the areas. It looks beautiful.

[sherri rc]

Thank you to everyone for their very helpful information. I think I was a little confused on some of what I had read, especially not being familiar with the area at all. Those pictures were great, they really helped get a feel for the area. Can't wait to see it in person.

[Dave O]

Sparkleburg is closer to Charlotte than Greenville.

[pommom]

I have to agree with Carolina. Guess I'm also one of the exceptions! We're transplants from Cincinnai area, & we absolutely love Spartanburg! We like Greenville to visit, but we just didn't want to deal with the extra traffic & higher taxes we would have had by living there. It's really just a personal choice, deciding what's best for you. Both cities have much to offer & by visiting you should be able to get a feel of which one is best for you!! Good luck & have fun looking! Remember to check this forum often, it is an endless supply of info & help from people who either live here, used to live here or have visited, & will honestly give you their opinion. That is priceless!