QUALITY OF LIFE
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 30+ breweries. Ignite a passion for learning at one of the region’s premier museums. Root for the home team at a Greenville Drive 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.
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 8.6% below the national average, your money goes further here.
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.
Raising a Family
The abundance of natural resources, cultural and sports offerings, where entertainment options are around every corner, make the Upstate an ideal location 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
- Upstate school districts account for more than half of South Carolina’s Top 15 School Districts, according to Niche.com.
- SC ranks #6 for early education systems by WalletHub, with component rankings factoring access, quality and resources & economic support.
- The Upstate is home to four of the Top 20 private schools in South Carolina, according to Niche.com.
Health Care Recognitions
- Two Upstate hospitals tied for #3 best in the state by the U.S. News & World Report: Bon Secours St. Francis Health System & Spartanburg Medical Center.
- Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital is a recipient of the 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2024) and ranked #7 in the state by U.S. News & World Report.