### Greenville: A Top U.S. City for Living with Affordability, Mild Climate, and Low Unemployment

While Charleston often garners the travel accolades in South Carolina, another city in the Palmetto State is gaining recognition for its outstanding livability. U.S. News recently named Greenville the fourth best city to live in America, trailing behind Naples, Florida; Boise, Idaho; and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest South Carolina, Greenville has undergone a remarkable transformation from an overlooked spot on the map to a thriving metropolis. This shift is largely attributed to a significant influx of manufacturing jobs that have energized the local economy.

A major highlight in the city's renaissance is its downtown area, which serves as a vibrant hub for new businesses, a burgeoning culinary scene, and the renowned Falls Park on the Reedy. This celebrated park, which opened a decade ago, features a unique 345-foot-long suspended cable bridge providing breathtaking views of the picturesque park and the Reedy River waterfalls.

Greenville's appeal extends beyond its tourist attractions. Its affordable cost of living, favorable housing market, mild climate, excellent outdoor recreation options, and low unemployment rate collectively earned it a spot among the top-five best cities in the nation. Despite rising demand, the median home value in Greenville remains lower than the national average. Zillow estimates the current median home price at $312,298, which is about $50,000 below the national figure.

More than 60 percent of Greenville residents own their homes, with recent downtown development spawning numerous new condominiums and apartment buildings. Additionally, everyday expenses such as transportation, groceries, and utilities are approximately 10 percent cheaper than the national average. As of June 2024, the city boasts a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.4 percent.

Greenville is home to more than 40 Fortune 500 companies and over 240 international companies, with major employers including Prisma Health and Michelin North America. Public schools in the area receive high marks, attaining an A-grade from Niche.com, which also ranks Greenville as the best place to live in South Carolina for young professionals. Beyond its allure to younger residents, the city attracts seniors with its endless mountain views, 37 parks, over 1,000 churches of various affiliations, and two healthcare systems.

From its economic opportunities to its scenic beauty and community amenities, Greenville clearly offers a high quality of life that is earning national recognition.