If you’re wondering whether Greenville is a place you’d enjoy living – or even spending your golden years – the answer from many of us is a resounding “Yes indeed!” 😀 In fact, Greenville has been getting some national recognition for its quality of life. U.S. News & World Report ranked **Greenville #4 in its 2024-25 “Best Places to Live” in the United States, and also #30 among “Best Places to Retire”realestate.usnews.com*. That’s right – our humble town beat out a lot of bigger cities. In 2023 we were #31, so the word is spreading fast and we climbed up to #4 by 2024spectrumlocalnews.com. Only Naples, FL; Boise, ID; and Colorado Springs, CO scored higher in that rankingspectrumlocalnews.com. Not too shabby for our corner of South Carolina!

So, what makes Greenville so livable? Several things often get mentioned: a low cost of living, mild climate, and beautiful surroundings. According to the U.S. News report, the affordable cost of living, comfortable mild temperatures, and proximity to the mountains are big draws for Greenvillespectrumlocalnews.com. We’ll talk more about costs and weather soon, but in a nutshell: your dollar stretches further here than in many cities, you get to enjoy four seasons without extreme cold or heat, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are practically in your backyard for weekend getaways.

Another reason people love living here is the charm and community. Greenville offers a blend of Southern hospitality and modern development that’s hard to beat. Walk down Main Street and you’ll find historic brick buildings now home to trendy restaurants, alongside mom-and-pop shops that have been around for ages. The city has invested heavily in parks, arts, and infrastructure – and it shows. As one observer noted, Greenville transformed “from a blip on the national map to a bustling metropolis” in the foothills of the Blue Ridgespectrumlocalnews.com. Despite that growth, it retains a friendly, small-town feel where neighbors greet you with a smile and it’s easy to get involved in the community.

For retirees, Greenville is often cited as a great choice because of the pleasant climate, reasonable taxes, and healthcare access. South Carolina does not tax Social Security, and offers some retirement income exemptions, plus property taxes here are among the lowest in the country (more on that later) – all of which can benefit those on a fixed income. Retirees also appreciate the active lifestyle options: golf courses, walking and biking trails, volunteer organizations, and an active cultural scene (symphony, theaters, etc.). And if you ever need big-city specialist healthcare or a trip, Atlanta and Charlotte are each just ~2 hours away. But honestly, Greenville itself punches above its weight in amenities, so you might not feel the need to leave often.

All ages – young professionals, families, and retirees – can find something to love. It’s telling that many folks who grew up here moved away for a while and are now moving back, drawn by the high quality of life and how much the area has progressed. Overall, Greenville offers a sweet spot of affordability, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy that makes it a downright delightful place to live or retire.