This Small City Was Named One of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for Its Affordability, Mild Climate, and Low Unemployment Rates

Charleston steals the spotlight when it comes to travel destinations. After all, it has won the title of the best city in the U.S. for 12 years in a row. But it is another South Carolinian gem that recently made the news for its excellent quality of life.

Greenville, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest part of the Palmetto State, was just named the fourth best city to live in the country, after Naples, Florida; Boise, Idaho; and Colorado Springs, Colorado by U.S. News.

The website pointed out that the city, which has over 72,000 residents, has transformed “from a blip on the national map to a bustling metropolis” thanks to an influx of manufacturing jobs.

“The reinvigorated downtown serves as the focal point of the region, attracting new business, hosting an emerging culinary scene, and housing what some call the crown jewel of Greenville: Falls Park on the Reedy,” the report stated.

The town’s best-known park opened 10 years ago in downtown Greenville. It features a curved 345-foot-long suspended cable bridge that allows people to admire panoramic views of the scenic park and Reedy River waterfalls. 

While Greenville has plenty to offer tourists, the combination of the affordable cost of living, favorable housing market, mild weather, excellent outdoor recreation, and low unemployment rate won it a place among the top five cities in America.

U.S. News pointed out that despite growing demand in recent years, the median home value in Greenville is lower than the national one. According to Zillow, the current value is $312,298, which is $50,000 lower than the national average.

“More than 60 percent of residents here own a home, and development downtown has resulted in many new condominiums and apartment complexes,” U.S. News stated. 

Regular expenses like transportation, groceries, and utilities are 10 percent cheaper than the country’s average cost of living, and the unemployment rate for June 2024 was 4.4 percent. 

The town is home to over 40 Fortune 500 companies and over 240 international companies, with Greenville counting Prisma Health and Michelin North America among its top employers.

Niche.com gives the town’s public schools an A-grade and ranks it as the best place to live in South Carolina for young professionals. However, seniors are also drawn to Greenville, which, in addition to endless mountain views and recreation, has 37 parks, over 1,000 churches of various affiliations, and two health care systems.  

You can read the full report on usnews.com.