Relocating to South Carolina: Upstate SC Secrets Revealed ๐ก
Relocating to South Carolina usually leads people to the Upstate, the Greenville and Spartanburg area along I-85 between Atlanta and Charlotte. The big draws are jobs, lower taxes for many retirees, homes that cost less than in most big metros, and mountains and lakes close by. The “secret” is that each town here feels different, so the right fit depends on how you want to live.
I was born and raised in Greenville, moved away, and came back. I spent my career as a Greenville County Sheriff’s Deputy and as a Spartanburg County Lake Warden, so I know these roads and lakes from the patrol car and the boat. Here’s what I tell people before they move.
Why Are So Many People Relocating to South Carolina?
People keep coming because the Upstate offers work, room and a slower pace without giving up city amenities. U-Haul ranked South Carolina the No. 1 growth state for 2024 and No. 5 for 2025, based on one-way truck rentals. Census estimates show Greenville County grew about 11% and Spartanburg County about 16% from 2020 to mid-2025.
A few reasons the Upstate stands out:
- Location. The I-85 corridor puts you a couple of hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.
- Jobs. Advanced manufacturing, healthcare and tech all have a footprint here. BMW Manufacturing sits near Greer.
- Training. Local colleges and technical schools feed a skilled workforce, which keeps employers interested.
Growth has a cost too. Traffic is the complaint I hear most, and I wrote about it honestly in my Greenville SC traffic post.
Where Do People Move in the Upstate?
Most newcomers land in one of five areas, and each fits a different lifestyle. Downtown Greenville is for walkers. Simpsonville and Five Forks are for families. Travelers Rest is for outdoor people. Greer is for commuters and frequent flyers. Spartanburg is for people who want a smaller city and more value.
- Downtown Greenville has more than 200 restaurants downtown, according to VisitGreenvilleSC, most within walking distance of Main Street.
- Simpsonville and Five Forks offer family neighborhoods with schools and shopping close by.
- Travelers Rest sits on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, with breweries and mountain views.
- Greer is anchored by BMW Manufacturing and sits near GSP International Airport.
- Spartanburg is a college town with Wofford and USC Upstate, and the Hub City Spartanburgers, a Texas Rangers minor league affiliate, now play at Fifth Third Park downtown.
Can’t decide between the two cities? Start with Greenville vs. Spartanburg: which city fits you.
Is the Upstate Cheaper Than Where You’re Moving From?
For most people coming from the Northeast, California or big metros, yes. Census data puts the median value of owner-occupied homes at about $299,000 in Greenville County and $233,300 in Spartanburg County (2020-2024 estimates). Those are owner estimates, not sale prices, and newer homes usually cost more, so call me for current numbers.
Taxes are a bigger deal for many movers, especially retirees:
- South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits.
- The top state income tax rate is 6%.
- Starting the year you turn 65, you can deduct $15,000 against South Carolina income.
- Homeowners 65+ who’ve lived in the state a full calendar year can get an exemption on the first $50,000 of fair market value of their legal residence.
One step newcomers miss: if the home is your primary residence, apply for the legal residence special assessment. In Greenville County, the application has to reach the Assessor before the first penalty date, generally January 15. It can lower your property tax bill. I’ve had clients who sold a modest home up north and bought something close to twice the size here. My hidden costs of Greenville SC post covers what people forget to budget for.
What Are Schools and Outdoor Life Like?
Families have public, magnet, charter and private options across Greenville, Spartanburg and Pickens counties. Check any school’s official rating on SC School Report Cards and confirm the attendance zone with the district before you buy.
Outdoor life is where the Upstate shines:
- Paris Mountain State Park has about 1,700 acres and 17 miles of hiking and biking trails near downtown Greenville.
- The Swamp Rabbit Trail system runs about 32 miles, linking Travelers Rest, Greenville and Fountain Inn.
- Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell sit west of Greenville for boating, fishing and lake homes.
On the city side, the Peace Center brings touring Broadway shows to downtown Greenville through its Peace Broadway series. Add food halls, barbecue joints and minor league baseball in both cities, and you get a lot of big-city options in a mid-size region.
How Do I Plan a Scouting Trip to the Upstate?
A weekend scouting trip is the fastest way to know if this is home. Fly into GSP, take a guided neighborhood tour, see homes with me, and spend a day on a trail or lake. Most people leave knowing which two or three areas to focus on.
- Book the 3-hour Make Greenville Yours “Get Moving” tour for a guided look at Greenville and the surrounding towns.
- Stay somewhere that matches the lifestyle you’re testing, like a treehouse-style rental near the lakes ๐ฒ.
- Tour homes with me and drive your future commute at rush hour.
Here’s how I set one up: Upstate SC Scouting Trip.
๐ฅ Download my free Relocation Guide for side-by-side comparisons of schools, neighborhoods and costs.
๐ฎ Chris’s Take: The Real Secret Is Knowing the Area
As a deputy and later a lake warden, I learned that two places a mile apart can feel completely different. One lake cove is quiet and the next is a party spot every weekend. One road is easy at 2 p.m. and backed up at 5:15.
That’s why I push clients to visit at different times and drive the routes they’ll use every day. Online listings can’t tell you that. Someone who’s patrolled these roads can.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Upstate a good place to relocate in South Carolina?
For many people, yes. Greenville and Spartanburg offer jobs, lower costs than most big metros, good access to I-85 and GSP, and mountains and lakes nearby.
Does South Carolina tax retirement income?
South Carolina does not tax Social Security. Residents 65 and older can deduct $15,000 against South Carolina income, and residents under 65 can deduct up to $3,000 of qualifying retirement income. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.
How fast is Greenville County growing?
Census estimates put Greenville County at about 583,000 people in July 2025, up roughly 11% since the 2020 Census.
Should I live in Greenville or Spartanburg?
Greenville has the bigger downtown and more options. Spartanburg is smaller, a bit calmer and often gives you more house for the money. Visiting both is the best way to decide.
What is a scouting trip?
It’s a planned weekend to tour neighborhoods, see homes and test daily life in the Upstate before you move. I help clients plan the tour, the homes and the stay.
Ready to Make the Move?
Relocating is a big decision, and you don’t have to figure it out from a screen. Call or text me, tell me what you want your days to look like, and I’ll show you where that life fits in the Upstate. You can also search Upstate homes for sale.
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