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The main reason a lot of the younger grads move out of the upstate and to those close, but large cities is multifaceted. On one hand, you have the people who have a thirst to get out and visit other areas, then on another you have people who just don't see what there is to stay here for. Sure, some of them don't necessarily have a problem with this area, and some don't want to be far from family...but there is significantly more possibilities for those with higher degrees than there is around here. Unless you live in Greenville and maybe Spartanburg, you're hard pressed to even see some type of corporate level position. Also an even bigger problem is what is there for people to do? I mean really, even Greenville, the largest city, is not really friendly for those without a car, and any of the other areas are even worse. Top that off with limited entertainment and you have your answer for why we're more of a retirement area than anything.
Amen!! That is why I left Greenville and moved back to NYC....not enough corporate jobs working in an office there. The upstate is geared more for people who work with their back/hands (manufacturing, retail, fast food etc.) and retirees.
Until they become serious in Greenville about changing this reality graduates will continue to leave. We'll see what happens in the next 10 years or so....
Typically large companies like BMW choose areas like SC because the labor is cheap and less educated. At least that's the way my boss remember when the decision was made.
Amen!! That is why I left Greenville and moved back to NYC....not enough corporate jobs working in an office there. The upstate is geared more for people who work with their back/hands (manufacturing, retail, fast food etc.) and retirees.
Until they become serious in Greenville about changing this reality graduates will continue to leave. We'll see what happens in the next 10 years or so....
I still can't believe that YOU thought Greenville would be a replica of New York City! People don't move to Greenville because they want NYC, they move here because they are seeking the amenities that Greenville has to offer. You fooled yourself in this regard, and you have no one to blame but yourself.
This is probably true in the broader sense of the nation (like you say). At the end of the day, it doesn't explain why Greenville has a lower degree-retention rate. After all, highly education Charleston landed the massive Boeing manufacturing plant.
It's true to the Southeast (SC) and others states... No Union, right to work, lower wages and minimal skill set. These companies have bottom lines...and 3 Blocks downtown, Falls Park and the Swamp Rabbit trail weren't included in the numbers.
Typically large companies like BMW choose areas like SC because the labor is cheap and less educated. At least that's the way my boss remember when the decision was made.
This is a big driver in site location. But, other factors for a BMW type investment are having land available, utilities, rail, air, & interstates. BMW was initially looking at Anderson County but, decided on the site next to GSP so they could utilize the airport for cargo. In this case, I think the labor pool was large enough to absorb the plant due to the slow death of the textile industry.
As much as I would like to have a BMW in Charlotte, it is not going to happen due to available land and land costs. Maybe there is a super site somewhere below Rock Vegas that would support another car plant.
I absolutely agree. All statistical differences (mentioned above) between the three main metropolitan areas in SC are negligible, unless you live in one of the supposedly "better-performing" peer cities and want to "put Greenville in its place." There is no less opportunity for creative success in Greenville than in Charleston or Columbia, but some people love to cast doubt because they love one or both of the other cities and strongly dislike Greenville. (Read the OP's previous posts.)
In my opinion, this thread was a baited trap from the original post.
Some of Columbia's leaders and concerned citizens have the perception that Columbia needs to do more to retain young professionals as well. Some of them even name Greenville and Charleston as places too many young people in Columbia feel they must move to for good jobs. I think all three cities are competing fine within the state. Sometimes perception can be reflective of some degree of paranoia.
Bolton: Mayor seeks to develop human capital - Editorial Columns - TheState.com (http://www.thestate.com/2012/04/04/2219638/bolton-mayor-seeks-to-develop.html - broken link)
Amen!! That is why I left Greenville and moved back to NYC....not enough corporate jobs working in an office there. The upstate is geared more for people who work with their back/hands (manufacturing, retail, fast food etc.) and retirees.
Until they become serious in Greenville about changing this reality graduates will continue to leave. We'll see what happens in the next 10 years or so....
Yep, and it's a huge problem for our area. I don't understand how we can have so many schools around (Clemson, AU, Furman, Tri-County, Piedmont Tech, Gvl Tech, Erskine, Bob Jones, etc) and not have enough jobs that are 'worthy' of those graduates. Anderson for example, and pretty much every town or city in the county is 95% retail, manufacturing, chain stores, or small business. You wont find any corporate offices, and barely any offices at all. About the only thing you can do is open your own business or leave, and considering the reputation small business have had for our area, most will pick the second.
I know for a fact, every one of the three top cities have room for office type jobs that pay good wages, and to provide decent transit that would also require skilled workers and increase jobs. They should not be asking if they should do it, but when.
This is a big driver in site location. But, other factors for a BMW type investment are having land available, utilities, rail, air, & interstates. BMW was initially looking at Anderson County but, decided on the site next to GSP so they could utilize the airport for cargo. In this case, I think the labor pool was large enough to absorb the plant due to the slow death of the textile industry.
As much as I would like to have a BMW in Charlotte, it is not going to happen due to available land and land costs. Maybe there is a super site somewhere below Rock Vegas that would support another car plant.
Greer, Spartanburg, and Greenville should be very happy to have it around. I know Anderson lost out big on getting it. We have land near the airport and/or near the interstate that could have been used, but I have little doubt that their reason for locating their was lack of cooperation by those in charge here.
I still can't believe that YOU thought Greenville would be a replica of New York City! People don't move to Greenville because they want NYC, they move here because they are seeking the amenities that Greenville has to offer. You fooled yourself in this regard, and you have no one to blame but yourself.
I think you missed the point of what was being said. It's not that anyone expects Greenville to be anything close to NYC, but that the area needs more jobs suited to young people/graduates. It's true Greenville is more appealing than a lot of the surrounding areas (which of course wouldn't say much, and just makes the over all situation worse), but it could use some better transportation and more opportunities for people with degrees.
I think you missed the point of what was being said. It's not that anyone expects Greenville to be anything close to NYC, but that the area needs more jobs suited to young people/graduates. It's true Greenville is more appealing than a lot of the surrounding areas (which of course wouldn't say much, and just makes the over all situation worse), but it could use some better transportation and more opportunities for people with degrees.
Go back and read some of NYBorn's comments over the past year and you will understand my point.
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