A Definitive Guide to Living in Greenville SC
Are you considering living in Greenville, SC this year? As the county seat for Greenville County, this city is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. With an abundance of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants, residents are provided with a suburban/urban mixed feel. Here at Storage Sense we pride ourselves in being more than a storage facility, so check out our movers’ guide to this delightful city and see what is in store for you!
Rent storage units in Greenville SC online today!
Discover the Economy
Total Population: 523,542
Median Home Value: $183,800
Median Household Income: $60,351
Overall, Greenville is the centerpiece of the South Carolina region, and is widely considered to be “the economic engine” of the state. A medium-sized market, Greenville’s economy was formerly based on textile manufacturing, and the city was known as “The Textile Capital of the World”. In recent years; however, the city has pivoted to become a diverse metropolitan area and one of the southeast region’s premier areas for business. Indeed, the Greenville Metro Area was rated among the top medium-sized cities in the nation for job growth in 2014, and was listed Number 6 on Forbes Magazine’s list of “America’s Engineering Capitals” in 2014.
Fittingly, the city is now host to a number of of larger international and domestic firms, including Prisma Health, Michelin North America, Duke Energy Corp., GE Power, and Fluor Corporation, among others. Largely, these businesses have been drawn to the Greenville, SC area due to the city’s favorable business tax rates, market accessibility, and overall low cost of living index. Indeed, Greenville, SC is a remarkedly affordable city, measuring 24% less expensive than nearby Charleston. Ultimately these factors serve to promote innovation, improved competition, and flexibility within the city’s business economy.
Moving forward, the city hopes to maintain its current state of economic growth, a trend fueled by the city’s favorable business climate, and overall low cost of living. Considering living in Greenville, SC this year? Be sure to take note of the city’s diverse and thriving economic market!
Discover the Culture
Greenville County Museum of Art by wiki lic CC BY-SA 4.0
Culturally, Greenville is a robust and exciting community, and the city was previously named one of the “Top 100 Arts Small Towns in the United States.” Fittingly, the city is host to a number of exemplary theatres, museums, parks, and performing arts centers, including The Carolina Ballet Theatre, the Greenville Little Theatre, Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, among many others.
Pictured above, the Greenville County Museum of Art is one of Greenville’s more significant cultural fixtures. Founded in 1963 by the Greenville County Museum Commission, the GCMA is an art museum whose collections focus mainly on American art, and is known for its holdings that include works by Andy Warhol, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Ronnie Landfield, and Helen Turner, among other notable artists. The museum is nationally known for three collections: the Southern Collection, a survey of American art using southern-related examples; Andrew Wyeth: The Greenville Collection; and a collection of contemporary art unrivaled in the state. Considering planning a visit? Be sure to take a look at the Museum’s event calendar prior to scheduling your trip!
Previously mentioned, Greenville’s Peace Center, a facility composed of a concert hall, theater, and amphitheater, is another of the city’s cultural highlights. Located adjacent to Falls Park, the center hosts over 300 events each year, including classical music, Broadway shows, and appearances by popular artists such as David Copperfield. Additionally, the Peace Center has been host to numerous political events, including the first Republican debate for the 2012 presidential election, and in February 2016, it was the site of the ninth Republican debate for the 2016 presidential election.
Considering living in Greenville, SC this year? Be sure to spend some time visiting some of the city’s notable theaters, museums, art centers, and performance venues this year!
Discover the Cuisine
South Carolina Barbecue by wiki lic CC BY 3.0
Overall, barbecue is an important part of the heritage and history of the Carolinas, and many argue the two states are the very first to popularize this cuisine within the US. Traditionally, the state practices “whole-hog’ barbecue, a practice within which a pitmaster slowly roasts an entire hog over a period of 12 to 24 hours, typically utilizing wood such as hickory, oak, or maple to further add flavor to the meat. Furthermore, Carolina barbecue is divided into two distinct styles of barbecue: Lexington style and Eastern style. Lexington style barbecue (also called Piedmont or Western style) uses a red sauce, or “dip”, made from vinegar, tomatoes, and usually red pepper flakes. Alternatively, Eastern style barbecue uses the whole-hog (“every part of the hog but the squeal”) with a lemon juice or vinegar, pepper-based sauce.
We’ve listed a few of our favorite Greenville barbecue restaurants below, as well as some additional restaurants of note. Be sure to check some of them out this year!
- Henry’s Smokehouse – Henry’s Smokehouse prides itself in producing BBQ that is cooked in the old fashioned Southern tradition. At this Greenville institution, top choice meats are cooked in open BBQ pits with hickory logs over a period of 8 to 12 hours, and this process ensures all meat reaches the perfect “fall-off-the-bone-tenderness”, and a distinctive savory, hickory flavor. Locals agree – This is Greenville’s definitive barbecue restaurant!
- Moe’s Original BBQ – Established in 1988, Moe’s Original BBQ is an easygoing chain serving Alabama-style pulled pork & other meats smoked in-house.
- Smoke on the Water – Aptly referred to as “a saucy southern tavern”, Smoke on the Water is an unpretentious, inviting taproom serving barbecue and Southern favorites such as pulled pork, beef brisket, and their signature homemade pimento cheese. Additionally, this Greenville staple features an extensive craft beer selection, including many local favorites from the area’s surrounding breweries.
- Low Country Shrimper – As its name suggests, this Low Country seafood spot specializes in shrimp, shrimp, and even more shrimp! Choose from Southern classics, including Shrimp Po’ Boys, Fried Fish and Shrimp baskets, Shrimp Burgers, and the restaurant’s signature Low Country Boil.
- the Golden Llama – Home to the best (and possibly only) Peruvian cuisine in Greenville, the Golden Llama features such Peruvian classics as Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef), Ceviche, Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce), and Aji de Gallina (Creamy Chicken). In particular, we’re addicted to their Sandwich de Chicharron, a classic Peruvian pork sandwich topped with an onion-based salsa.
Additionally, beyond the city’s culinary scene, Greenville is host to a number of innovative, exciting, and widely celebrated breweries and brewpubs such as:
- Fireforge Crafted Beer – Fireforge is a craft brewery, taproom, kitchen and biergarden in downtown Greenville, SC. Founded in 2018 by co-owners and husband-wife duo Brian and Nicole Cendrowski, this brewery is known to brew exotic and opulent beers, and serve cozy, comfort fare.
- Tetrad Brewing Company – Tetrad Brewing Company crafts small-batch artisanal ales and lagers for the discerning beer drinker and novice alike. This brewery’s atmosphere is fantastic (small, quaint, and quiet), and their beer selection is innovative, inventive, passionate and personal. Fittingly, this brewery’s mantra states their brewery is: “where the local craft beer lovers like to go”.
- Liability Brewing Company – Founded in March 17, 2017, Liability Brewing distinguishes itself with its “responsible brewing” culture. Subsequently, the brewery’s base and specialty malts, over 90 percent of the brewery’s overall production usage, come from the Carolinas, and the company captures naturally produced CO2 during fermentation, a process that lowers the company’s CO2 usage and overall carbon footprint.
Considering living in Greenville, SC this year? Be sure to take some time to visit one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants or breweries this year!
Discover the Excitement
The Greenville SC Zoo by wiki lic CC BY 2.0
Pictured above, Greenville is synonymous with its flagship attraction: The Greenville Zoo. Originally approved by the Greenville City Council in 1957, the Greenville Zoo was first opened in 1960, and is on a 14-acre site that features numerous wildlife exhibits, learning centers, and activities for its visitors. Notably, the Greenville Zoo features nearly 200 animals, including exhibits that feature Masai giraffes, Colobus Monkeys, African lions, elephants, red pandas, and more. Additionally, the Greenville Zoo is host to a reptile house that includes alligators, tropical frogs, lizards, reptiles and snakes.
Additionally, Greenville is home to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, a multi-purpose area that serves as the home of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL. This professional ice hockey team plays in the South Division of the ECHL’s (a mid-level professional ice hockey league) Eastern Conference, and is currently affiliated with the Florida Panthers of the NHL and the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. Alternatively, Bon Secours Wellness Arena hosts a wide variety of events such as professional wrestling, monster truck rallies, ice dancing shows and competitions, and concerts spanning many different musical genres. Notable concerts have included The Eagles, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Pearl Jam, Eric Church, Bon Jovi, and many more.
Considering living in Greenville, SC this year? Be sure to take some time to visit one of the city’s many notable attractions, including the Greenville Zoo!
Self Storage in Greenville SC
As seen, Greenville is a surprisingly diverse and varied city, that is notable due to its thriving economy and wealth of opportunity, excellent culinary scene, and its abundance of attractions including notable museums, parks, theaters, and performance centers. So, now that you’re considering living in Greensville, South Carolina; what are your next steps? Look no further than Storage Sense in Greenville, SC!
If you have recently moved or are working on your spring cleaning still in Greenville SC, then Storage Sense can be the solution for you, providing affordable storage units in Greenville, SC. Our secure self storage facility comes equipped with indoor temperature controlled units, vehicle parking spaces, 24 hour digitally recording cameras, and Penske moving truck rentals. Additionally, moving supplies are sold on-site and there is personalized keypad access at entry points.
For anyone who is looking to acquire storage space with us and already has their unit type in mind or has previous storage experience, give renting online a try. This will allow you to save time during the rental process. On the other hand, if you have questions or concerns before renting a unit, reach out to our facility’s office. Our expert staff will happily provide you with assistance and help you get on the right track for storing!
Rent storage units in Greenville SC online today!
Tim Glasow
About the Author: Tim is an SEO Strategist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.
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