Moving to Greenville, SC: Your Complete Relocation Guide

Located at the western edge of South Carolina, Greenville is the sixth largest city in the state and the seat of Greenville County. It is the anchor city and cultural entertainment center of the Upstate South Carolina region, along with other major cities like Spartanburg and Anderson. The city is also centrally located between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC, which are both accessible via I-85. Miami, Florida and New York, New York also border the city.

Greenville, SC is known for having a robust economy with a strong workforce and a high presence of global companies, a booming real estate market for both buyers and sellers, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Plus the weather is  excellent year-round.

The city has had its share of accolades for being one of the best places to live in the US. The most recent include:

• Number 1 in “The South’s Best Cities on the Rise 2022” by Southern Living
• Number 6 in “The Best Cities in the U.S.: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards” by Condé Nast Traveler
• Number 10 in “2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live” by Livability.com
• Number 38 in “150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022” by U.S. News & World Report

GREENVILLE, SC AT A GLANCE

• According to the US Census Bureau, Greenville, SC has a population of 72,095 as of July 2021. This is a 2% jump from 70,720 in April 2020.
• There are over 38,600 people employed in Greenville, SC as of 2020, as per Data USA.  Healthcare and manufacturing are among the primary industries in Greenville, while jobs in utilities and waste management are some of the highest paying.
• Global companies like Michelin and Synnex have their North American headquarters in Greenville, SC. Other major companies present in the city include Perrigo Company of South Carolina, Greenville Health System, and Resurgent Capital Services.
• Several sites in Upstate South Carolina are designated foreign trade zone areas. Greenville, SC has the highest level of foreign capital investment per capita in the US. 
• The largest universities in Greenville, SC are Greenville Technical College, Bob Jones University, and Strayer University-South Carolina. Furman University, the private liberal arts and sciences university, is in Greenville as well. A little further afield,  the University of South Carolina School of Medicine is less than three miles away, while Clemson University is about a 40-minute drive from Greenville.
• Greenville, SC is surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to stunning outdoor destinations like Paris Mountain State Park, Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, and the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area.
• The Greenville County Museum of Art and the Roper Mountain Science Center are two more notable landmarks.
• Annual festivals and events like Euphoria Greenville and Fall For Greenville celebrate everything from food to music and the arts.

WHY IT’S GOOD TO MOVE TO GREENVILLE, SC

Grenville, SC’s real estate market is booming

Realtor.com ranked Greenville as one of the top 10 housing markets in the US in 2022 with an estimated 5.7% growth in home prices and 11.4% in sales volume by the end of the year. Notably, home prices have already exceeded expectations as of November 2022, trending up 15% year-over-year at $345,000, with homes selling for around the asking price.

In addition, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) named Greenville in their list of Top 10 Markets to Lead the Nation in 2023. Greenville, SC was identified as a top market on the basis of its housing affordability, job growth, the number of renters who can afford to buy a median-sized home, migration and population growth, housing inventory, and a less severe housing shortage.

Currently, real estate experts point to Greenville’s diverse housing options, relatively low income and property taxes, and fantastic weather as among the main reasons for the housing boom. Simply put, there has never been a better time than now to make moves towards a life in Greenville.

Greenville, SC offers a varied selection of home styles

Those looking to relocate to Greenville, SC will find a multitude of home styles to fit various needs. Notably, 70% of Greenville, SC’s housing supply consists of single-family homes, ranging from classic ranch-style houses with spacious open layouts and stylish contemporary homes equipped with modern features. Some of the most common architectural styles in Greenville, SC include Colonial, Craftsman, and Contemporary, many of which can be found directly surrounding downtown.

For upscale homebuyers, Greenville’s high-end properties offer nothing but the best. Luxury homes in Greenville are designed with elegance in mind, sporting deluxe features such as bedrooms with spacious walk-in closets, lavish kitchens and bathrooms, and comfortable decks and porches. Among the most popular styles in Greenville, SC’s luxury market include Tudor, French Normandy, and Swiss Chalet, while several plots of land are also available for those looking to build custom homes to their liking.

If you are looking to buy a luxury home in Greenville, SC, some of the best upscale neighborhoods in the city include Greenville Country Club, Hampton Pinckney, and North Main Community.

Meanwhile, homebuyers can find downtown condos offering picture-perfect views of the city. Most of these mid-rise properties are located close to city conveniences like banks and shopping destinations, as well as some of the most popular attractions in Greenville, SC. They also typically feature amenities such as sports facilities and picnic areas, making them ideal for those looking for low-maintenance living with high-end comfort.

Greenville, SC has competitive tax rates

Property taxes in Greenville and across South Carolina are relatively affordable, with an average statewide property tax rate of 0.66%. This is considerably lower than that of neighboring states such as Georgia (0.92%) and North Carolina (0.84%). With a house valued at $345,000, that means paying $2,277 in property taxes every year, which is lower compared to the national average of $2,375.

Notably, residents of Greenville, SC pay an average yearly property tax rate of only about 1.63% of their annual income.

However, take note that residents are subject to a statewide South Carolina sales tax of 6%.

Greenville, SC’s cost of living is lower than the national average

According to PayScale, residents of Greenville, SC enjoy an average cost of living that is 10% lower than the national average. This includes multiple expenses that are lower compared to the national average, including housing (28% lower), transportation (9% lower), and utilities (3% lower).

MOVING TO GREENVILLE, SC

Consider moving costs

Moving is a big decision that costs time and money. If you are considering moving to Greenville, budget accordingly. Don’t forget to consider:

1. 1. • Travel costs like fuel and toll fees.
      • The volume of your move. The more belongings you have, the more expensive your move will be.
      • Packaging and storage services to pack and store your belongings safely.
      • Moving insurance to cover losses or damages during the move.

According to HireAHelper, it costs $494 on average to relocate to Greenville, SC in 2022. This is less expensive than moving to other Upstate South Carolina cities like Anderson ($681) and nearby out-of-state city Charleston, NC ($693). Thus, the figure highlights the attractiveness of Greenville, SC if you want to move Upstate.

Choose the best time to move to Greenville, SC

Data from HireAHelper shows that the first quarter of the year is usually the best time to move to Greenville, SC, particularly in the middle of January. Conversely, the third quarter is the busiest time of the year to move, with July and August being the least ideal months. If you have to move at the second half of the year, wait until November and December as they are relatively convenient times to do so.

Contact top local moving companies in Greenville, SC

A professional moving company knows best when it comes to navigating the roads and handling your belongings.  In Greenville, SC, most people hire 2 movers to help them on moving day. Greenville movers take an average of around 3 hours to get the job done, with most needing a 16-foot truck to accommodate their stuff.

If you want peace of mind, check out  these top-rated moving companies in Greenville:

1. • HD Auston Moving Systems (A+ BBB Bureau Rating). This local company has been a go-to choice for those looking to move to Greenville, SC and across South Carolina since 1945. Its services include local and long distance moving, packing and storage services, and moving labor. However, they do not offer international services.
   • Jay Moore Moving Co (A+ BBB Bureau Rating). A family-owned company that opened in 1982, Jay Moore offers a full range of moving services in Greenville and across Upstate South Carolina. It offers special services such as moving to retirement homes and apartments, as well as moving large belongings like pianos and washers. They do not offer interstate moving.
   • Two Men and a Truck (A+ BBB Bureau Rating).  One of the top moving companies in the US, Two Men and a Truck provides services from long-distance moves to comprehensive packing and storage services. They boast a 96% referral rate from satisfied customers.
   • Swamp Rabbit Moving (A BBB Bureau Rating). Despite being one of the newer moving companies in South Carolina, Swamp Rabbit Moving has quickly made a name for customer service, competitive pricing, and a variety of essential moving services. They also offer nationwide services for long distance moves.
   • Other notable moving companies in Greenville, SC include Tiger Moving and Busy Bee Moverz.

DISCOVER ELITE LIVING IN GREENVILLE, SC WITH INK PROPERTIES, LLC

If you are looking for real estate professionals in Greenville, SC offering excellent customer service, then look no further than Ink Properties, LLC. Over 10 years of experience in real estate brokerage and development allows them to expertly navigate Greenville, SC’s competitive housing market.

For homebuyers, Ink Properties specializes in finding dream homes ranging from $1 million to $5 million, including luxury homes and high-end condos. Ink Properties offers a 5-star package to buyers relocating from out of state. This includes fulfilling personalized must-haves in a home, as well as a complimentary iPad. The company will also help clients find a comfortable place to rent while searching for the right property.

Meanwhile, home sellers in Greenville, SC can also utilize the team’s unparalleled marketing skills and reach. From photos to videos, customized websites, and an extensive list of contacts, Ink Properties, LLC is the perfect team to call to get your home sold in no time.

What Ink Properties, LLC clients are saying

“I cannot say enough about hiring Brandon as my realtor for a residential condominium purchase. As a first-time buyer, I had a lot of questions about the process. He navigated the waters beautifully and assisted me every step of the way. I cannot recommend this team highly enough.” – Chris R.

“Lindsay was our Realtor for an estate sale. We had a lot of work to do to get the house ready to hit the market. Lindsay was our constant ally. After the house was cleaned and polished to perfection, she hired a top-notch marketing and photography team. The house was sold almost immediately thanks to Lindsay. We would not hesitate to use her again. For us, there is no other choice in real estate. Lindsay is the pinnacle of excellence.” – John

As owners Brandon and Lindsay Hall said about their company: “Ink Properties is passionate about quality. It is why we were founded. Quality matters. Relationships matter. Details matter. Presentation matters. Passion matters.”

Get ahead of the competition with Ink Properties, LLC

Whether you are looking to move to Greenville, SC from in-state or are relocating from out-of-state cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami, Ink Properties, LLC can help you get things done quickly and efficiently. Give them a call at 864.777.9533/864.565.0000 or send them a message here.