2 simple questions to decide if Greer is right for me (Charleston: houses, neighborhood)

[cmg1201]

I'm relocating to the area for a job in Spartanburg and I've been going back and forth in my own head trying to decide between Greer and Simpsonville for 2 months now. I've visited and love both areas and could be very happy living in either if it were just me. However, my 13 year old son will be with me and is a little harder to please. He is already upset we are having to move to begin with. My questions are 1. Are there any bike trails/paths in Greer or any of its parks? His bike is his life right now. I have looked on various websites and havn't seen any mention of any. I see there are a lot of places for sports but he really doesn't like to play sports. 2. Does anyone have any first hand opinions on Greer Middle School. Again I have looked at various school sites but there are no parent reviews on the sites I have looked at. There are probably some out there that I am overlooking. I appreciate any info anyone can offer.

[Art123]

Don't live in Simpsonville. It's just cookie-cutter subdivisions.

[keithhtt]

Originally Posted by cmg1201

I'm relocating to the area for a job in Spartanburg and I've been going back and forth in my own head trying to decide between Greer and Simpsonville for 2 months now. I've visited and love both areas and could be very happy living in either if it were just me. However, my 13 year old son will be with me and is a little harder to please. He is already upset we are having to move to begin with. My questions are 1. Are there any bike trails/paths in Greer or any of its parks? His bike is his life right now. I have looked on various websites and havn't seen any mention of any. I see there are a lot of places for sports but he really doesn't like to play sports. 2. Does anyone have any first hand opinions on Greer Middle School. Again I have looked at various school sites but there are no parent reviews on the sites I have looked at. There are probably some out there that I am overlooking. I appreciate any info anyone can offer.

Speaking as a former 13 year old boy (way former) I would think the places he would enjoy riding his bike are not the places you'd find on a web site. Triails in woods, like walking trails would be fun as well as subdivision streets (including new not fully developed subs). Maybe try looking for sites that walkers frequent. We have a ton or bike paths in Sarasota but the only people I see on them are over 20 somethings and older with helmet and bike pants on trying to burn some carbs. Boys like riding on dirt and building ramps or riding over existing small hills on trails. As a walker I see signs of those areas on paths all the time. Ask him where he enjoys riding now,maybe I'm wrong but I bet I'm not.

[diddlydudette]

Originally Posted by Art123

Don't live in Simpsonville. It's just cookie-cutter subdivisions.

lol. Yep, you don't want to be near cookie cutter houses. They are all over. That's what Simpsonville is ALL about. Stay far away.

Simpsonville is rather far from Spartanburg. I'd hate to make that road trip each day.

The thing I've noticed after moving up here from the Charleston area is that you just don't see as many young casual bike riders. I guess it is because of all the hills. Charleston is flat. I have noticed the mountain bikers all over though. Kids in my neighborhood have skate boards and scooters. You just don't see too many flat areas.

You'll have to take your son to the Swamp Rabbit Trail to ride some. He'll absolutely love that.

I'm not too familiar with any biking trails in Greer though. I'm sure he could bike around the neighborhood.

I walk/jog a lot around Simpsonville and I'm always looking for new routes to take so I don't get bored. Perhaps he could look on mapmyrun.com and see if any trail type places in the area? That's how I get a lot of my info.

Good luck in your decision and to honest either area to live would be a good choice.

[keithhtt]

AmericanHiking.org might be a place to look for local trails

[susanevanston]

Hi - I see you have a 13 year old son. I have a 14 year old daughter. I am moving from Evanston, IL (7 miles north of downtown Chicago on Lake Michigan). I've done a lot of research on the Greenville area and decided on Greer because of the Riverside School District (they say it's the best) and because it appears that they are trying to develop a sense of community in the revitlaization of their downtown. I also just bought a house in Greer. Bad news: this is not a walkable-bikeable community. It's a tyipical suburb - pubic tranport is practically non-existant - everything is really spread out - I don't see how a bike would be of any use except in your own subdivision (round and round is all you get) or on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. (I don't know anything about it except that it's supposed to be pretty great - but I don't think you can ride to it). In short - I'm going with an open mind - not comparing it to where I'm coming from - because there is no comparison. I hear people are really happy in Greer - but you have to be prepared for a typical suburb where nothing is walkable or bikeable.