Greenville vs. Spartanburg (Berea: crime, buying a house, neighborhood)

[movingmom248]

What are the differences between Greenville and Spartanburg? Any? Are they comparable in the feeling of "size" (i.e., number of people out and about, things to do, etc.)

Then, is there a comparison of the school districts? I noticed both of them have Blue Ribbon Schools, but Spartanburg might have more?

Thanks for any help you can give!

[Akhenaton06]

Both areas are really interconnected and beginning to bleed more and more into each other, but still have their own separate identities. Greenville and its immediate surrounding areas is about twice as large as Spartanburg. While Spartanburg doesn't do too bad (it has the better college scene), the vast majority of the amenities found in the Upstate will be in Greenville.

I'm not so sure about school districts however.

[movingmom248]

Interesting. I would have thought Greenville would have had the larger college scene, so thanks for that tidbit!

It looks like we have some time to consider, since we won't all be moving at the same time. I just hate buying a house before knowing a whole lot.

Thanks for the help!

[tony123]

To me, Greenville is much more progressive and is clearly flourishing. Spartanburg is growing too, but still has a since that it is struggling. If that makes any sense....

[movingmom248]

*whew*. Someone finally used the words "progressive" and "Greenville" in the same sentence! That's a relief. I'm a big supporter of diversity and open thought.

Another question: Can anyone explain why HurryHome.com would rank Greenville's risk for crime as higher than the national average???

[tony123]

I think, as with any city, some areas are higher risk than others. Greenville's "crime" doesn't affect my day to day life in any fashion. If you stay out of bad areas and don't get involved in crime potential activities, then the problems will not be a part of your life.

In general broad brush, the west side of Greenville (Berea) is an area we try to stay away from. East side is the newer, "professional" side of town. Again, these are very broad brush statements that don't apply in all cases.

[movingmom248]

Okay, now you get to laugh. I grew up right outside of Detroit! =P

So, crime doesn't necessarily scare me, but I've also managed to spend 35+ years in this town and not (knock on wood!) have anything happen to me, outside of a home robbery when I was in elementary school.

Of course, we happen to now live in a suburb where -- oops! -- we forget to close our doors in the summer when we go for a bike ride. No one even notices. But, yes, we have a solid neighborhood with people who look out for each other. And, guaranteed, three streets over it's not as cool to leave your house doors wide open.

So, with that said, based on the data research that I've been poking around, it seems to support the more "broad brush" statements. Not that I'll stay away from the West side of town, but I'm more likely to purchase a home on the East side, just because I prefer the security of knowing that if I forget to secure stuff, it's not an immediate invitation.

Thanks for all your help! We're certainly going to enjoy our relocation!

[janrey]

Originally Posted by movingmom248

Okay, now you get to laugh. I grew up right outside of Detroit! =P

So, crime doesn't necessarily scare me, but I've also managed to spend 35+ years in this town and not (knock on wood!) have anything happen to me, outside of a home robbery when I was in elementary school.

Of course, we happen to now live in a suburb where -- oops! -- we forget to close our doors in the summer when we go for a bike ride. No one even notices. But, yes, we have a solid neighborhood with people who look out for each other. And, guaranteed, three streets over it's not as cool to leave your house doors wide open.

So, with that said, based on the data research that I've been poking around, it seems to support the more "broad brush" statements. Not that I'll stay away from the West side of town, but I'm more likely to purchase a home on the East side, just because I prefer the security of knowing that if I forget to secure stuff, it's not an immediate invitation.

Thanks for all your help! We're certainly going to enjoy our relocation!

Lived here 15 years and have had no problems. Car breakins can be a problem so as always never leave anything in plain site for temptations and always lock the vehicle even in your drive. Most of the crime occurs between people who "know" each other. That is, they are involved in things that they shouldn't be. In fact a recent cold case murder was solved and it turned out to be the ex-husband. So, if your family is sane and you're not involved in illegal activities I think you'll be just fine ;-)

Since you live(d) in Detroit I'll bet you find it's much more peaceful here.

[movingmom248]

Oh, ugh. Yes, I'd tend to call my family "sane". ;-)

I'll just have to get used to locking the car. haha! I live outside of Detroit, don't lock my doors, don't lock my car, and keep all kinds of stuff in it! Well, I shouldn't do that no matter where I live, so I just have to fess up to reality.

Thanks for the info! I feel so much better about making the move. That was probably the last concern I had...

Now, on to sellign my home!

Thank you for all the info and reassurance.

[normbarnes]

Its amazing to find a website like this -- across the nation. I am here in Newark DE and going to tell you about a property that Jane Boling of R/E Max Professionals has to offer in Charlotte SC -- "It is a Gem" -- The owner was the Superintendent of the Greenville Schools and turned me on to schoolmatters.com to rate schools and it does matter you would be surprised as to the difference in Math and English proficiencies from school to school. He can give you all you need to know about Greenville because both he and his wife are extremely knowledgeable. Best of Luck -- if more information is needed email me.

Norm