Nestled in the heart of Upstate South Carolina and along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Greenville, the sixth-largest city in the state, encompassing about 30 square miles and a population of more than 70,000 residents.
Greenville is characterized by a vibrant, welcoming downtown area and a plethora of destinations including parks, theaters, shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more. Living in Greenville puts you in a prime location just a few hours away from the many scenic beaches on the East Coast, the Blue Ridge Mountains, serene mountain towns like Asheville, and two of the south’s major urban hubs: Charlotte and Atlanta.
Beyond its superb location and easy access to a wealth of recreational opportunities, however, is an incredible place to call home. Greenville boasts a mild climate, a growing economy, top-performing schools, and a laidback, small-town charm, offering an outstanding quality of life.
Planning to navigate the Greenville, SC real estate market? On this page, you’ll find extensive information on Greenville, including a quick overview of its history, the real estate options available, its many fantastic attractions, activities, and destinations, and all of the elements that make it such a special place to call home.
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GREENVILLE, SC’S HISTORY AT A GLANCE
- Present-day Greenville stands on land that was once used as hunting grounds by the Cherokees.
- In the late 1700s, a trader named Richard Pearis received over 100,000 acres of hunting grounds from the Cherokees. Pearis eventually developed a plantation along the banks of the Reedy River, in the area that is now downtown Greenville.
- Following the Revolutionary War, the new state of South Carolina claimed ownership of the territory. They distributed it to Patriot soldiers as payment for their services during the war.
- In 1786, state legislature established Greenville County (originally spelled “Greeneville”). It was named in honor of Gen. Nathanael Greene, a major general of the Continental Army who earned a reputation as George Washington’s most skilled and dependable officer during the Revolutionary War.
- The first owner of the land that eventually became the city of Greenville was Thomas Brandon, who purchased over 400 acres of the area that previously belonged to Richard Pearis in 1784. After several years, Lemuel Alston, US House Representative from South Carolina’s 8th district, purchased Brandon’s holdings together with additional acreage, accumulating more than 11,000 acres around the Reedy River.
- During the Civil War, Greenville was used as a refuge for residents fleeing federal troops. During this period, a “soldier’s rest” was created by a women’s association and nearby mills and farms provided food and clothing supplies to the Confederacy. An armory located along Green Avenue manufactured rifles, while a former coach factory produced gun caissons and ambulances.
- From 1895 to 1897, Greenville was primarily a cotton mill town, with Mills Manufacturing, Poe Mille, and American Spinning opening just outside city limits.
- Following the turn of the 20th century, Greenville experienced a surge in population. Four new mills in the area started operations, and the “Great Migration” of 1905 brought new workers and their families to the town. A beltline trolley was built as a convenient transit solution, connecting the mills with the downtown area.
- Today, Greenville is the center of South Carolina’s vibrant Upstate region, and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout the years, including “The South’s Most Tasteful Small Towns” from Forbes, “15 of the Most Underrated Travel Destinations of the Year” from Insider, and “Best Places to Live” from Money Magazine, among many others.
GREENVILLE, SC REAL ESTATE
Those interested in Greenville, SC real estate options will be able to find many elegant and well-built homes that can meet any type of budget, requirement, and preference. There’s a varied selection of properties available, ranging from low-key bungalows to sprawling luxury estates and everything in between. Homes in Greenville are available in a wide range of impressive architectural styles including Colonial, Ranch, Craftsman, Contemporary, and Lowcountry Cottage, giving prospective buyers a diverse selection of elegant styles to choose from.
For those looking forward to low-maintenance condo living, a nice mix of condos are available in downtown Greenville, ranging from charming midrise complexes to sophisticated lofts overlooking picture-perfect views of the city. In addition to being steps away from some of the best attractions downtown Greenville has to offer, many condos feature an array of premium amenities like swimming pools, fitness facilities, BBQ grills and picnic areas, and onsite pet parks, allowing for a relaxing, comfortable, and enjoyable lifestyle.
Greenville’s high-end properties are guaranteed to impress even the most discerning homebuyers. Luxury homes for sale in Greenville offer a seamless balance of style, privacy, and, comfort, providing an unparalleled lifestyle in the heart of one of Upstate South Carolina’s most vibrant communities. You’ll find many stylish and expansive luxury homes equipped with a range of first-class features such as:
- Lush, meticulously manicured lawns
- Airy, natural light-filled interiors with unparalleled craftsmanship
- Beautiful great rooms with high ceilings and custom-built fireplaces, perfect for intimate or grand gatherings
- Gourmet kitchens with massive center islands, breakfast nooks, and chef-grade stainless steel appliances
- Elegant spa-like baths with top-of-the-line fixtures
- Bonus rooms ideal for use as a home office, theater, fitness gym, or guest room
- Primary bedrooms with spacious walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms
- Sprawling terraces, sundecks, and screened porches overlooking gorgeous views
Land is also available for those who would rather build their dream custom home from the ground up.
LIVING IN GREENVILLE, SC
From its prime Southeast location to its dazzling array of world-class destinations, recreational activities, exciting events, and vibrant entertainment options, Greenville has so much to offer for those who call it home.
When you live in Greenville, each day is something worth treasuring. Below are just some of the many things you can look forward to when you relocate to Greenville.
Greenville’s Award-Winning Downtown
Downtown Greenville is highlighted by a multitude of shops, theaters, galleries, restaurants, parks, and nightlife venues, all combining to energize this scenic, pedestrian-friendly locale. Day or night, there’s always something to discover in this lively hub – mouthwatering cuisine from fine dining restaurants, unique finds from more than 100 boutiques, to spectacular performances by local artists – you name it.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along tree-lined Main Street and you’ll begin to see why downtown Greenville is touted as one of the best downtowns in the country. There’s always energy buzzing throughout its outdoor plazas, sidewalk cafés, and music venues throughout the year.
For more information on downtown Greenville, head to this page.
Vibrant Arts, Culture and Entertainment Venues
Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, Centre Stage is a 285-seat theater designed to entertain and engage the local community through a wide range of plays and shows including musicals, dramas, concerts, comedies, and other spectacular performances.
Founded in 1983, Centre Stage is a cornerstone of the Greenville arts community and has showcased the talents of local performers since its opening. Among its most notable events is the annual New Play Festival (NPF), a one-day festival that receives a barrage of submissions from playwrights worldwide every year.
For tickets and schedules, take a look at Centre Stage’s upcoming season here.
Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville
Located in downtown Greenville’s historic Ivey’s Square, the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville is the city’s oldest cooperative gallery. It features an extensive selection of over 300 pieces of art created by some of the finest local artists.
The gallery represents 18 award-winning local artists, showcasing works in various media like oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, graphite, photography, and mixed media. Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville recently opened a gift shop in 2019, where visitors can purchase small works from the gallery’s member artists, as well as creations by local consignors including custom jewelry, small paintings, pottery, textiles, mosaics, prints, and more.
Amazing Restaurants
In recent years, Greenville has slowly built a reputation as one of South Carolina’s must-visit dining destinations, offering a wealth of fantastic culinary venues that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Below are some of the best Greenville restaurants for you to check out.
Sidewall Pizza Company serves innovative takes on pizza, perfect for pizza lovers craving something new. Their menu includes truly mouthwatering pies like the “Bacon Bliss,” a pizza with a generous layer of mozzarella and pecorino, slathered with roasted garlic sauce and topped with all-natural nitrate-free bacon. They have seasonal pizzas for patrons to look forward to as well. In the fall, for example, they serve a delicious roasted vegetable pizza, a delightful pie made with mozzarella, blue cheese, garlic sauce, butternut squash, and shaved Brussels sprouts.
In addition to their delicious pizzas, Sidewall also offers a variety of signature salads and homemade ice cream.
A downtown Greenville dining institution since 1992, Soby’s has delighted countless diners throughout the years with their delectable southern dishes. Housed in a former footwear shop, Soby’s played a key role in revitalizing Greenville’s dining scene thanks to its seamless combination of Southern flavors and contemporary innovation.
Diners in the mood for good old-fashioned comfort food are in for a treat, as Soby’s menu is filled with classic Southern-style dishes like their award-winning she-crab soup, crab cakes, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese fondue, and white-chocolate banana cream pie. One of Soby’s must-try dishes is their famous upcountry take on shrimp and grits – a delicious concoction made with andouille sausage, country ham, scallions, charred tomato broth, and Anson Mills grits.
Located in a prime spot along Main Street surrounded by serene views of Reedy Falls Park is Jianna, a modern Northern Italian osteria featuring an open kitchen, a raw bar, and an incredible selection of small plates for sharing.
Run by renowned chef Michael Kramer, Jianna delights diners with handmade pasta made fresh daily. Their menu is highlighted by fresh takes on Italian classics. Be sure to order surefire hits like their ricotta crostini with truffle honey, polenta in veal and pork meatballs, prosciutto di Parma, and fusili al nero served with broccolini, tomatoes, squash, and Carolina shrimp.
Breathtaking Outdoor Destinations
Whether you’re looking to stay active, planning a trip with the family, or just want to relax while soaking in the views, the gorgeous outdoor destinations in and around Greenville are sure to delight. Lush state parks, scenic hiking trails, adventure attractions, pristine coves with glittering waters – you name it. Greenville’s outdoor attractions are perfect for unwinding and spending time with loved ones while reconnecting with nature.
Want to discover some of the top outdoor destinations in and around Greenville? Be sure to check out some of these spots:
Table Rock State Park’s network of hiking trails takes visitors on a scenic journey past picturesque overlooks highlighting the natural splendor of the Appalachian Mountains. Encompassing over 3,000 acres, the park is named after the iconic open rockface rising above the lush woodlands and the rolling mountains of the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
In addition to its hiking trails, the park also features two stocked lakes where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating (rentals are available at the Lake Pinnacle boathouse).
It will take more than a day to enjoy everything Table Rock State Park has to offer, so if you want to make the most out of your trip, there are several camping options available, including tents and 1930s-era lodges ideal for special events and gatherings.
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
Located on a historic rail bed with several sections running alongside the Reedy River, the scenic Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of the best and most easily accessible outdoor recreational destinations.
In addition to treating visitors to picture-perfect scenery, the paved 22-mile multi-use trail system also serves as a convenient option for commuters, connecting parks, restaurants, schools, and local businesses throughout Greenville County.
From the trail, you’ll be able to get to other popular outdoor destinations in Greenville including Falls Park on the Ready, Cancer Survivors Park, Unity Park, and Cleveland Park, home of Greenville Zoo).
One of three state parks in the county, Paris Mountain State Park is located about ten minutes away from downtown Greenville, offering a quick escape for residents looking forward to relaxing and unwinding. Once a rural retreat, the park is now a year-round destination for countless hikers, bikers, and nature lovers of all ages.
One of the best activities to enjoy in Paris Mountain State Park is camping. The park’s camping facilities are some of the best in the region and offer multiple options for visitors looking forward to spending evenings under the stars and beneath the canopies of soaring trees. The park features multiple caved camping sites, 13 equipped with tent pads and five campsites nestled along the North Lake Trail Loop.
For water activities, Devil’s Fork State Park in nearby Salem is one of the best places to visit. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Jocassee Gorges, the park offers access to the pristine shores of Lake Jocassee, together with several waterfalls. Lake Jocassee is included in National Geographic’s list of “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime.”
If you’re in the mood for a thrilling underwater adventure, you can go scuba diving in Lake Jocassee to explore the fully submerged Mount Carmel Baptist Church cemetery – a unique (albeit rather eerie) experience you’ll remember for years to come!
Visiting Devil’s State Park in March or April offers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rare Oconee Bell, a delicate wildflower that only exists in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Fun Annual Events
Every year, Greenville locals and visitors of all ages are treated to a spectacular lineup of exciting signature events such as:
- Artisphere – A celebration of the arts held in downtown Greenville, Artisphere showcases the works of more than 130 exhibiting visual artists. Patrons also enjoy numerous experiences including live art demonstrations, street chalk art competitions, live music, and more.
- Gallabrae – Started in 2006, Greenville’s Scottish Games treats visitors to a weekend filled with traditional competitions, Celtic tunes, and the Great Scott Parade along downtown Greenville’s Main Street.
- BMW Charity Pro-Am – Amateur players get an opportunity to compete with seasoned pros for a great cause at the BMW Charity Pro-Am, a three-day competition across two golf courses.
- Euphoria – Savor the finest cuisine throughout Greenville at Euphoria, a delightful weekend designed for foodies.
- Fall for Greenville – The city of Greenville welcomes the autumn season in style with Fall for Greenville, a family-friendly three-day celebration with entertainment and food showcases from over 50 of the best local restaurants.
NAVIGATE THE GREENVILLE, SC REAL ESTATE MARKET WITH INK PROPERTIES
Ready to begin the search for the finest homes for sale in Greenville? Get in touch with the elite team of Realtors from Ink Properties for a seamless and stress-free search.
Call Ink Properties today at 864.565.0000 / 864.777.9533, or leave a message here.