Greenville, South Carolina, has been on a roll lately. You’ve probably seen it popping up in national rankings: Southern Living calls it one of the South’s best cities, and Food & Wine named it one of the best small cities for food lovers. But beyond the headlines, the real story is this: people aren’t just visiting Greenville — they’re moving here.
So why are so many people packing up and choosing Greenville or its suburbs as home in 2025? Let’s break down the top six reasons fueling this wave of relocation.
1. Greenville’s Location & Lifestyle Balance
Greenville’s geography is one of its biggest selling points. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city sits almost perfectly between Atlanta and Charlotte, just an hour from Asheville, and only about 3.5–4 hours from South Carolina’s coast (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach).
This means you can head to the beach or the mountains on a whim — without losing two full days to travel. But here’s the truth: once you’re in Greenville, you might not want to leave.
Shopping & conveniences: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Bass Pro Shops.
Local charm: A walkable Main Street lined with restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops.
Outdoors: Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Hartwell; hiking at Paris Mountain, Table Rock, and the Blue Ridge.
Climate: Four true seasons, but without harsh New England winters or Florida’s oppressive summer heat.
That balance of convenience, culture, and outdoorsy lifestyle is one of the first things new residents fall in love with.
2. Cost of Living & Housing Affordability
Affordability is a major driver of Greenville’s inbound migration. According to United Van Lines’ 2024 National Movers Study, South Carolina ranked third in the nation for inbound migration. States losing the most residents? New Jersey, Illinois, New York, California, and Massachusetts — all much higher-cost markets.
Cost of living: Greenville scores 91.3 on BestPlaces.net’s index, about 9 points below the national average.
Home prices: As of 2025, the average sales price in Greenville County is ~$395,000 (a 3.5% YOY increase).
Taxes: South Carolina property taxes are among the lowest in the country. Many clients moving from Illinois, New York, or California literally laugh when they see their annual bill. Plus, no estate tax.
Everyday costs: Gas prices sit below the national average, groceries and dining are more affordable than in Charlotte, Nashville, or Atlanta.
As many of my clients say after relocating: “We feel like we got a raise just by moving.”
3. Greenville’s Job Market & Economy
Greenville has one of the strongest economies in the Southeast, attracting nearly $1 billion in new investment in 2024 alone, which created more than 1,300 local jobs.
Key industries include:
Manufacturing: BMW’s largest North American plant, Michelin’s headquarters, GE Power.
Healthcare: Prisma Health and Bon Secours are major employers.
Professional & tech services: A growing startup and innovation scene in downtown Greenville.
Remote work: Many families are relocating here for quality of life while keeping jobs based elsewhere.
With unemployment consistently around 2–3% (below the national average), Greenville’s job market provides stability for workers and retirees alike.
4. Downtown Greenville & Cultural Scene
Downtown Greenville is often the “aha” moment for visitors — and one of the reasons they make the leap to move.
Development projects:
The McDaniel (luxury townhomes)
The $1 billion County Square redevelopment (Whole Foods, Pins Mechanical)
Greenville Gateway Project (future home of South Carolina’s tallest building)
Green spaces: Falls Park on the Reedy with the Liberty Bridge, Unity Park with The Commons and Swamp Rabbit Trail, and dozens of tree-lined streets.
Entertainment: The Peace Center for Broadway and concerts, Greenville Drive baseball at Fluor Field, Swamp Rabbits hockey, plus events like Fall for Greenville, Artisphere, and the Saturday Market.
As Heath Dillard, CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, told me on my podcast: “If someone actually visits Greenville, they’re four times more likely to move here.” That’s the power of seeing downtown in person.
5. Schools & Family-Friendly Living
Families are flocking to Greenville for its public school system, the largest in South Carolina, with standout schools like Riverside, JL Mann, and Wade Hampton. Add to that top-rated magnet programs, charter schools, and strong private options, and parents have choices that rival major metros.
Neighborhoods here are built with families in mind — think community pools, playgrounds, trails, and active HOAs. Parents moving from suburbs of Chicago or New York often tell me their kids have more opportunities here: sports, arts, outdoor activities — you name it.
6. Retirement & Relocation Appeal
According to the United Van Lines study, nearly 70% of those moving to South Carolina are over age 55. And Greenville checks the retiree boxes:
Healthcare: Prisma Health and Bon Secours provide excellent care.
Lifestyle: Golf courses, lakes, cultural amenities, and a walkable downtown.
Affordability: Lower taxes, reasonable housing, and overall cost savings.
Community: It’s easy to plug in — whether through churches, clubs, or neighborhood events.
Retirees don’t just want to slow down; they want a lifestyle. And Greenville delivers.
Why Greenville Is Still Growing in 2025
I’ve helped more than 90 families relocate here in the past year, and the reasons almost always come back to this same formula: Greenville offers the location, affordability, economy, lifestyle, schools, and retirement benefits that people are looking for.
Whether you’re raising kids, enjoying an active retirement, or working remotely, Greenville gives you a high quality of life at a lower cost than most metro areas in the U.S.
READ: Why is Greenville SC the Greatest Place to Retire
Thinking About Moving to Greenville, SC?
I’ve helped many families relocate to Greenville, guiding them through the process and helping them find the right fit for their needs.
Contact us for real estate inquiries:
📱 Call or text: 864-688-9738
📧 Email: [email protected]
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