QUALITY OF LIFE IN UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Upstate South Carolina continues to rank among the nation’s most beautiful, affordable, and fastest-growing regions. It’s no surprise that skilled professionals from across the country are choosing to relocate here, continuing to grow the region’s already impressive talent pool.

Residents living across the region enjoy housing costs 27% below the national average, a thriving job market and a lifestyle that combines city amenities with easy access to nature.

Nationally Recognized Quality of Life

Cities across Upstate South Carolina have earned recognition from some of the country’s popular outlets in the U.S. Some of the most recent accolades include:

• #4 Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2024-2025)
• #3 Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live (Travel & Leisure, 2023)
• #5 Best Small City in the U.S. (Conde Nast, 2024)
• #4 Friendliest City in the U.S. (Conde Nast, 2024)
• #6 Best City in the South (Southern Living, 2024)
• #1 – Greenville, Best Place for Young Professionals in South Carolina, and more than half of the Top 10 Best Places for Young Professionals in South Carolina are within the Upstate

The Perks of Living in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Upstate SC

There’s something for everyone in Upstate South Carolina’s diverse communities, where big-city influence meets Southern indulgence. And with a cost of living 7.5% below the national average, your money goes further here.

Catch some feels while spinning your wheels on the Upstate’s 500+ miles of bike trails. Find the latest craft craze on tap at one of our 35+ breweries. Ignite a passion for learning at one of the region’s premier museums. Root for one of our home teams at a Greenville Drive or Spartanburg’s Hub City Spartanburgers game. Revisit history at one of our four national parks. Ride the rapids on one of our wild and scenic rivers. Or kick up your feet and revel in our scenic mountain overlooks.

Whether you crave an urban high-rise in the center of it all, a convenient suburban community, or rolling pastures to enjoy nature’s serenity, our region offers unmatched quality of life.

A Hub for Young Professionals

Upstate South Carolina isn’t just attracting young professionals—it’s keeping them. With a strong job market, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture, the region is a magnet for talent, including college graduates who choose to stay and build their careers here.

Home to leading universities like Clemson, Furman, and USC Upstate, the Upstate is filled with educated, ambitious graduates who find ample career opportunities in industries like technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and finance. Thanks to the region’s strong economy and job market, many students put down roots and stay beyond graduation, adding to the already thriving professional community.

Greenville and Spartanburg have been ranked among the best places for young professionals, offering networking opportunities, co-working spaces, and mentorship programs to help recent graduates and early-career professionals thrive.

A Place for Families to Flourish

With abundance of cultural and sports offerings, outdoor recreation, and kid-friendly entertainment options, Upstate SC is an ideal location for families. In fact, Niche ranked Greenville the #5 Best Small City to Raise a Family.

The strength of our community is showcased through the presence and performance of our K-12 education systems, which serve more than 223,840 students across the 10-county Upstate.

Education Accolades

• SC ranks #6 for early education systems by WalletHub, with component rankings factoring access, quality and resources & economic support.
• More than Half of South Carolina’s Top 20 School Districts ranked by Niche.com are within the Upstate.
• The Upstate is home to five of the 2025 Best Private High Schools in South Carolina, according to Niche.com.

Health Care Recognitions

• Three Upstate hospitals rank in the Top 10 best in the state by the U.S. News & World Report:
  • #4 – Bon Secours St. Francis Health System – Greenville
  • #7 – Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital
  • #8 – Spartanburg Medical Center
• And two Upstate hospitals have received the 250 Best Hospitals Award™:
  • Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (2024, 2025)
  • Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown Greenville (2025)

Keep Exploring Life in Upstate SC

Want to learn more about living in Greenville, Spartanburg or other unique communities across the Upstate region? Visit MoveUpstateSC.com, our website dedicated to attracting, growing and retaining talent in Upstate SC.