When you explore the best neighborhoods in Greenville, SC, you’ll find areas with a more urban atmosphere as well as acres of greenery in suburbs just 10 miles from downtown. Greenville has a wonderfully eclectic mix of neighborhoods and suburbs, so let’s discover some of the best places to live in Greenville, SC, and see which ones you might like to call home.

Summary:

• Best Neighborhoods in Greenville, SC

• Best Suburbs in Greenville, SC

• Which Greenville Neighborhood Is Right for You?

• New Construction Homes in Greenville Neighborhoods

• Best Greenville Neighborhoods Conclusion

Best Neighborhoods in Greenville, SC

Despite its seemingly smaller size, Greenville actually spans 30 square miles and has several lovely neighborhoods within its city limits. Each borough offers something unique to residents of this South Carolina city, with everyone enjoying a beautiful backdrop of mountain ranges and easy access to several city lakes and the Reedy River. Here’s our list of some of the best Greenville neighborhoods. 

Downtown Greenville

Perhaps the most iconic image associated with Greenville is the Reedy River, which runs straight through downtown. In addition to offering a gorgeous view and lots of recreational activities on the water, the Reedy River also draws locals to Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge, with even more opportunities for fun outside in nature. You’ll find a diverse mix of locals and tourists mixing and mingling in this Greenville neighborhood.

Pros

• An abundance of fun things to do with a city events calendar updated regularly

• Very accessible and pedestrian-friendly, earning an 82 out of 100 from WalkScore® as of February 2024 

• Home to many city attractions, including a children’s museum, Unity Park, and the Greenville Zoo

Cons

• Downtown housing options limited to apartments and townhomes, with no new construction or single-family homes 

• Limited public transportation 

West Greenville

This neighborhood goes by several names, with locals calling it the Village of West Greenville or simply West End. Before Greenville became the popular spot of today, the Reedy River was used to power several mills, all located in the West Greenville area. Today, these mills are used for commercial and residential purposes, and the neighborhood is known for its hipster, boho style, vibrant arts scene, and loads of cultural attractions, such as the Greenville Center for Creative Arts. 

Pros

• A great spot for local coffeehouses and tea rooms, ideal for a cozy remote work setup or relaxing with a pastry

• Home to The Anchorage, a James Beard semifinalist for “Best New Restaurant” 

• Wonderful attractions like a Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park and Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

Cons

• Few new construction homes in the area

• Limited public transportation 

Mauldin 

Seated south of Downtown Greenville is Mauldin, which boasts Lake Conestee and the Conestee Nature Preserve, a 640-acre park with 13 miles of trails and boardwalks and equipped with 11 observation decks, a playground, and a dog park. Additionally, the Mauldin Cultural Center hosts events throughout the year, and residents can enjoy several parks sprinkled throughout the area. According to Niche® data in February 2024, Mauldin is ranked one of the top places to live in Greenville.

Pros

• Abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures on the water and in the nature preserve 

• Easy access to major Greenville roads of I-85, I-385, and Highway 276

Cons

• Potential noise and pollution due to proximity to the airport

• Limited public transit

Best Suburbs in Greenville, SC

Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find some of the best suburbs of Greenville, SC, and these are our top picks.

Easley

About 13 miles west of Greenville is the suburb of Easley, which offers easy access to the Greenville Highway and Highway 123. This suburb is less than 30 miles from both Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, allowing you to spend hot summer days on the water. It’s also less than 20 miles from Clemson University, and sports fans here love cheering on the Clemson teams.

Pros

• Home to The Silos, a shared space with diverse restaurants and a local hot spot

• Convenient access to nearby Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital 

• Beautiful Smithfields Country Club, with an 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant, pool, and tennis courts

Cons

• Potentially long commutes due to traffic on the two nearby highways during peak travel times 

• Smaller population size may be a drawback for some

Boiling Springs

Roughly 33 miles northeast of Greenville is the suburb of Boiling Springs. This suburb is located off nearby I-26 and I-85 for convenient commutes and errands. Located in Spartanburg County, Boiling Springs is one of the best suburbs in Greenville, SC. 

Pros

• Home to the University of South Carolina - Upstate, a major employer in the area, with numerous events year-round on campus

• Surrounded by greenery, with places like Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park in the area

• Boiling Springs Golf Center for afternoons on the fairway

• Less than eight miles from Spartanburg for more amenities and attractions

Cons

• Potentially longer commute due to distance from Greenville

• Some overcrowding and traffic concerns due to the fast-growing population

Spartanburg

One of the more well-known suburbs of Greenville is Spartanburg, located about 32 miles east of the city. As of March 2024, U.S. News and World Report® cites the low cost of living and affordable housing as major draws to this suburb. Spartanburg’s quaint downtown area has lots of green space for events and social gatherings.

Pros

• Offers proximity to several major employers and multiple colleges and universities

• Abundant opportunities for outdoor activities at local parks, including Croft State Park, Hatcher Garden, Barnet Park, and the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve

• Home to the Mary Black Rail Trail, connecting parts of downtown Spartanburg and running alongside downtown restaurants and businesses

Cons

• Potential for more noise due to Spartanburg’s size

• Longer commute time to Greenville 

Travelers Rest

Less than 10 miles north of Greenville is the suburb of Travelers Rest, affectionately called “TR” by locals. This suburb offers a gateway to the great outdoors since it connects to the South Carolina mountains. Travelers Rest is about 22 miles from the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and near Paris Mountain, a South Carolina state park with miles of trails, fishing, and swimming, plus an annual music festival in the fall.

Pros

• Home to Furman University, a private liberal arts university

• Must-eat hot spot Topsoil, featuring meals prepared by a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef 

• The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, with a series of trails spanning 28 miles and connecting Travelers Rest to Greenville and the southern suburb of Fountain Inn

Cons

• Increase in visitors and traffic during peak tourism seasons in spring and fall

• Somewhat limited shopping options and amenities

Which Greenville Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Now that you know what some of the best Greenville neighborhoods and suburbs have to offer, choosing the right spot for you comes down to your needs, goals, and lifestyle. In Greenville, there are plenty of appealing options for everyone.  

Best Neighborhoods in Greenville for Young Professionals

Located near several universities and major companies, Greenville is an ideal city for launching and furthering your career. Here are a few of the best Greenville neighborhoods for young professionals: 

• Downtown Greenville: In this area, not only will you find numerous apartments for rent, but you’re also close to all of Greenville’s top attractions, nightlife, and events.

• West Greenville: If you want the proximity to downtown without actually living in the thick of it, then the West End area is one of the best Greenville, SC, neighborhoods. You’re still close to employers and attractions while being far enough away to enjoy a slower pace of life.

• Mauldin: Mauldin is an excellent location for commuters, due to its location within the perimeter. The neighborhood butts up against I-385, which runs around the city. Explore our new construction homes in Greenville, SC, near Mauldin.

Best Neighborhoods in Greenville for Families

The best suburbs in Greenville, SC, offer proximity to everyday necessities and opportunities to be outside and cultivate a sense of community. Plus, all are within a convenient drive to Downtown Greenville:

• Easley: Easley is located in Pickens County, and the area has a well-rated school system, according to both GreatSchools and Niche as of February 2024. It also offers easy access to two highways for a more convenient commute. Explore our new construction homes in Easley, SC.

• Boiling Springs: Boiling Springs also has several highly rated schools, according to Niche data as of February 2024, along with easy access to local amenities and proximity to Spartanburg. Browse our new construction homes in Boiling Springs, SC. 
  
  

• Spartanburg: According to U.S. News & World Report, as of February 2024, many people flock to Spartanburg because of the area's high schools. Spartanburg also offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Check out the new construction homes in Spartanburg, SC, from Pulte®. 

New Construction Homes in Greenville Neighborhoods

If you’re ready to settle down in one of the best neighborhoods in Greenville, SC, consider exploring the new construction communities from Pulte, all located within a convenient drive of Greenville and the Spartanburg suburbs: 

• Alston Park: The beautiful two-story townhomes in this community are outfitted with a garage and luxurious, easy-to-maintain layouts. Alston Park offers sidewalk-lined streets, a massive lawn, a dog park, and a fire pit, plus proximity to Downtown Greenville.

• Indigo Park: Homebuyers can choose from single-family homes with seven different designs and layouts in this Easley, SC, community. Residents can access the nearby J.B. Owens Sports Complex, with 35 acres of football, baseball, and soccer fields, via an attached sidewalk. The complex also has playgrounds, a disc golf course, and a building with an indoor track.

• Sparrow Creek: Sparrow Creek offers everything you need to build a sense of togetherness and community. Residents can enjoy a pool, cabana, fire pit, and playground. 

• Briarwood Reserve: The single-family homes in Briarwood Reserve offer several design options so you can select the perfect layout for your lifestyle. The community has a pool, cabana, and playground, all perfect for warm and sunny days.

• Crestview: The Crestview community offers stunning single-family homes among lovely areas of devoted green space, quiet sidewalk-lined streets, and a community playground. 

Best Greenville Neighborhoods Conclusion

The best neighborhoods in Greenville, SC, blend activities and attractions with outdoor experiences and a sense of community. These Greenville neighborhoods and suburbs offer ample amenities and convenient access to the city’s major highways, making them wonderful places for homeowners to flourish. 

Explore new construction homes in Greenville, SC, today or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist

Last Updated: November 19, 2024