If you’ve been in Greenville for any amount of time, you probably know Laurens Road (Highway 276). It’s one of the city’s major corridors — stretching from downtown Greenville through Pleasantburg, Parkins Mill, Verdae, Mauldin, and all the way to Simpsonville. For years, it’s been known as a commercial-heavy, not-so-pretty stretch of strip centers, car dealerships, and underused land. But that reputation is changing in a big way.
The City of Greenville has officially approved the Laurens Road TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District, a 30-year revitalization plan that will completely transform this corridor into a modern, mixed-use, walkable hub. Here’s what’s happening, what neighborhoods will be impacted, and what it could mean for your home values.
What Is the Laurens Road TIF Project?
The Laurens Road TIF project covers 223 acres of underutilized commercial land — think old shopping centers, vacant parking lots, and industrial sites. The plan is to redevelop this corridor into a connected, vibrant area featuring:
Mixed-use development: housing (both for sale and rent), retail, restaurants, and office space.
Public amenities: new green spaces, plazas, and trail connections.
Walkability and bikeability: linking neighborhoods directly into Greenville’s broader greenway system.
This is a public-private partnership between the City of Greenville and Verdae Development. The city is investing in infrastructure like sidewalks, roads, and utilities, while Verdae and other private investors bring in capital, jobs, and new businesses.
The project is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). That means today’s tax base is frozen, and as new development increases property values, the incremental tax revenue goes right back into improvements for this district. Long-term, the city projects $30+ million in new annual tax revenue once the area is fully built out.
Phase One: The Legacy Connector & Swamp Rabbit Trail Expansion
The first visible piece of this transformation is already done. In early 2024, Greenville completed the Legacy Connector, a $3.5 million, 0.3-mile trail that links Legacy Park and the Hollingsworth community directly into the Swamp Rabbit Trail Green Line.
This trail extension includes:
A scenic bridge and boardwalk over Laurel Creek.
A direct cycling and walking path from Legacy Park to downtown Greenville.
Connectivity to Clemson University’s ICAR campus.
This trail system, including the new Cleveland Connector (nicknamed “The Paper Clip”), the Laurens Road Bridge, and the Haywood Bridge, is making the Laurens corridor one of the most bike- and pedestrian-friendly stretches in the Upstate.
Which Greenville Communities Will Benefit?
Hollingsworth Park & Verdae
The Verdae master-planned community sits right at the center of this transformation. Hollingsworth Park, with its mix of townhomes and single-family homes, is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Greenville. Residents enjoy Legacy Park with its volleyball court, playground, pond, and walking track, plus local favorites like Stella’s Southern Brasserie and Chestnut Coffee House.
Townhomes: starting in the low $400s.
Single-family homes: $600K–$950K.
Hamilton Townes: main-level owner’s suite townhomes from the low $500s.
Expect these prices to rise steadily as Laurens Road continues to redevelop.
Nicholtown
Nicholtown has already been experiencing revitalization, with 17 homes listed in the last 6 months averaging around $321,000. As Laurens Road adds trails, shopping, and amenities, this neighborhood will continue to see strong appreciation.
Parkins Mill & Gower Estates
These long-established neighborhoods are some of Greenville’s most desirable — with mature trees, large lots, and no HOA (a big plus for many buyers). Their proximity to Laurens Road, downtown, and I-85 makes them extremely convenient. With new restaurants, shops, and trails nearby, expect continued demand.
Local favorites just outside these neighborhoods include:
The 07 Coffee Shop
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack
Parlor Doughnuts
Publix and other daily conveniences
Why Laurens Road Matters for Home Values
Laurens Road is one of Greenville’s busiest corridors, with thousands of cars daily traveling between downtown, Woodruff Road shopping, and nearby employment centers. By investing in infrastructure, green space, and walkability, the city is effectively future-proofing this area as a high-demand residential and commercial hub.
For homeowners, that means:
Improved quality of life: easier access to shopping, trails, and dining.
Increased property values: revitalization has historically raised home prices in adjacent neighborhoods.
Attractive for families: strong schools, nearby childcare centers, and access to parks.
I’ve helped over 90 families buy and sell homes in Greenville this year alone, and I can tell you — projects like this matter. When you combine city-backed infrastructure investment with desirable neighborhoods and private development, you get long-term stability and appreciation.
If you’re priced out of downtown but want proximity, neighborhoods along Laurens Road — like Nicholtown, Hollingsworth Park, and northern Mauldin — should be on your radar. These areas are positioned for growth, and early movers are likely to benefit the most.
The Laurens Road corridor is changing rapidly, and over the next 20–30 years it will become one of Greenville’s most dynamic areas to live, work, and play. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a relocating family, or an investor looking for appreciation potential, this area deserves a close look.
READ: Buyers Regret Moving To THESE Greenville Suburbs
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