Economy???? (Greenville, Spartanburg, Woodruff: appointed, home builder, unemployment rate)

[flanaganv]

I have heard alot of great things about the Greenville and Spartenburg areas! I have even heard that the economy is booming in these areas! I am not sure in which areas people are stating theses facts! How is the construction growth in these areas. I love the area and the way of life there. I am wanting the feel of closeness amonges the communities and the locals. My concern being that I am in the construction field is that there isn't alot!! My thought on the matter is simple. Being so close the Charlotte and Atlanta, that those areas would be expanding in the future!!! Are you guys there feeling the expansion already and what is you thought process on this!!! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!

[catschmidt]

Greenville is seeing a large growth. We have a great number of large corporations coming here and breaking ground on new warehouses, office parks, etc. I moved here from Atlanta back in 1999 and since I've been here, there has been a lot of growth. I literally see it with my eyes! We have more neighborhoods, more businesses, more traffic, more stores, etc. My husband is an independent home builder and he has been very busy since 2002 when he began his company. North Greenville County is especially seeing the growth now. Spartanburg is also seeing a boom. Our economy is ok. It's not as strong as Charlotte or Atlanta. We do have a higher unemployment rate than other cities around us. A lot of these people around here worked the textile mills and were laid off. That is one reason the rate is so high. Textiles is dead pretty much. My in laws own one of the last textile supply companies in the nation (here in Greenville) and business has all but died for them. They have had to open other avenues and had to start a pipeline supply company. That co took off and is doing very well. You just have to change with the times!

I really don't see any downfall with our 'boom.' Only thing I can think of to complain about is the traffic. Woodruff Rd is murder 24/7 now. It used to be a little 2 lane country road and now it's becoming a 6 lane road. You have to allow plenty of time for your commute. It's not as bad as Atlanta was/is. I usually had to leave an hour before my appointed time to get to anywhere on time (in Atlanta). Here, it's about 30-45 min during peak traffic times. I-85 is getting more congested. I hate to travel on it now. Too many 18 wheelers and too many speeding vehicles! It can become a parking lot when one of those speeding vehicles collides with an 18 wheeler. We had that happen yesterday and the north bound lanes were closed for a few hours.

Greenville will be growing for years to come. With more and more companies moving here, the area will continue to thrive. I see no slowing down any time soon.