Last Updated on: 27th August 2023, 11:50 pm
Greenville itself is a small city, but it’s surrounded by dozens of towns that offer a completely different lifestyle. The Greenville SC suburbs include affluent communities, historic hamlets, and gorgeous mountain towns – all surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, recreational lakes, waterfalls, and family-friendly amenities. If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to the Greenville area, here are the best towns near Greenville SC that should be on your radar.
Taylors – One of the Best Greenville SC Suburbs for Families
- Population: 21,617
- Median household income: $62,365
- Median home price: $327,500
- Average rent: $1,208
- Distance to Greenville: 7.5 mi
The large Taylors suburb is an unincorporated community north of Greenville on the Enoree River. The community is popular with families thanks to its affordability, short commute to Greenville, and family-friendly amenities. The community is home to the Pavilion Recreation Complex, a family-friendly ice rink with inflatable slides, hockey, a community garden, playgrounds, a dog park, and much more to enjoy. Families also love the local Roller Sports Skating Rink. Taylors is just minutes from Otter Creek Waterpark in Greenville!
Learn more about this fun suburb with our guide to Taylors SC.
Greer – One of the Top Suburbs of Greenville SC for Jobs, Amenities & Recreation
- Population: 38,865
- Median household income: $65,516
- Median home price: $308,000
- Average rent: $1,348
- Crime rate: 3,345 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 12 mi
Greer seems to have it all. It’s one of the largest cities near Greenville SC and boasts an ideal location next to the Greenville-Spartanville International Airport (GSP) just outside the city. Residents enjoy plenty of job opportunities in Greenville, Simpsonville, and right in Greer. The city’s BMW plant alone employs 9,000 and there are thousands of other jobs in the city at local suppliers and the South Carolina Inland Port.
The city motto is “A Great Place to Live, Work, and Play” and it lives up to it! Greer boasts three lakes and a great recreational sports program called Greer Rec. The Recreation Department has won numerous state awards. Families appreciate the well-maintained parks in Greer like the central Greer City Park and J. Verne Smith Park at Lake Robinson.
Here’s more to love with an in-depth guide to living in Greer SC.
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Five Forks – One of the Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- Population: 17,737
- Median household income: $112,146
- Median home price: $448,500
- Average rent: $1,342
- Crime rate: 1,327 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 11 mi
Five Forks is a census-designated place but despite lacking its own government, it’s frequently ranked as one of the best small towns near Greenville SC and even in the entire state. This affluent town is just 15 minutes from downtown Greenville and 6 miles from Simpsonville, offering small-town living at its best without giving up big city amenities. It’s one of the richest South Carolina communities yet boasts affordable living and one of the state’s lowest tax rates.
Once little more than a rural area, Five Forks has experienced 75% population growth in just two decades thanks to its ideal location and good schools.
Here’s everything you want to know about living in Five Forks SC!
Mauldin – Safe Greenville Suburb with 78 Acres of Parks & Close to Charlotte and Atlanta
- Population: 25,654
- Median household income: $67,902
- Median home price: $342,500
- Average rent: $1,395
- Crime rate: 2,233 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 11 mi
It’s hard to compete with Mauldin by any measure. It isn’t just one of the safest suburbs of Greenville SC with 33% less crime than the national average, it’s also relatively affordable. Mauldin is one of the highest rated towns around Greenville SC for families, retirees, young professionals, and retirees alike thanks to its many benefits:
- Over 78 acres of greenways and parks plus 11 bike trails
- 1,000+ annual events and festivals
- Perfectly situated just outside Greenville and between Charlotte and Atlanta
- Minutes from nearby attractions like the Conestee Nature Preserve and Discovery Island
- Best schools in the Greenville suburbs with the highly rated Mauldin High School
Explore more to love about living in Mauldin with our complete guide.
Spartanburg –Affordable City near Greenville SC
- Population: 38,401
- Median household income: $53,757
- Median home price: $238,500
- Average rent: $1,089
- Crime rate: 7,532 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 30 mi
Spartanburg is one of the outer suburbs of Greenville and about 75 miles southeast of Charlotte. It’s also one of the largest cities on this list of Greenville SC suburbs. One of the most affordable places to live near Greenville, Spartanburg offers a wealth of attractions to keep you busy.
The downtown area features cultural attractions like the Spartanburg Art Museum, performance venues, and art galleries to explore. There’s plenty of shopping with the large WestGate Mall just off I-26. Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to love with great parks and the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, a serene garden with trails and butterflies. You’ll also enjoy opportunities for higher education thanks to Converse University, Wofford College, and the VCOM-Carolinas medical school.
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Simpsonville – Big City Amenities & Great Schools for Families
- Population: 23,354
- Median household income: $75,535
- Median home price: $358,500
- Average rent: $1,408
- Crime rate: 3,606 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 14 mi
Simpsonville is one of the most unique towns near Greenville SC. It has the small-town charm you expect with its railroad running along Main Street but, despite its size, offers amenities you would only expect in a much larger city. Simpsonville is known for its 15,000-seat amphitheater which hosts big-name acts. That’s not all that makes Simpsonville one of the fastest growing Greenville suburbs!
Families love the Discovery Island water park in town and the award-winning parks department. Simpsonville is home to some of the best parks in Greater Greenville like the wooded Heritage Park with a working replica of a miniature steam train for kids and one of the area’s only dog parks!
Get more information about what it’s like living in Simpsonville with our full guide.
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Travelers Rest – Small Town Living and Paradise for Nature Lovers
- Population: 7,771
- Median household income: $35,884
- Median home price: $385,000
- Average rent: $1,389
- Crime rate: 3,956 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 10 mi
A popular stop for travelers at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is also an amazing place to live if you value a close-knit community and outdoor recreation. Known as TR by locals, the town is surrounded by sparkling lakes, mountain hikes, waterfalls, and scenic views with so much to do, you’ll never be bored!
Travelers Rest has mostly small, locally owned businesses, boutiques, and restaurants. You’ll fall in love with the charm of Main Street and its fun shops like As the Page Turns bookstore, Sunrift Adventures for outdoor goods, and The Crescent Olive for groceries.
Travelers Rest has a median age of just 21! Many residents are young families, singles, or millennials, but it’s also a great place to retire.
There’s more to love: find out what it’s like living in Travelers Rest SC here!
Powdersville – Safe Town Close to Greenville SC & Amenities
- Population: 9,436
- Median household income: $65,474
- Median home price: $401,500
- Average rent: $1,500
- Crime rate: 2,515 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 8 mi
Just 8 miles southwest of Greenville is the charming suburb of Powdersville. Long a farming community, the unincorporated community may have been named for the gunpowder sold in early general stores or its use during the Civil War for gunpowder storage. Today, it’s part of the rapidly growing Upstate region and one of the best small towns in SC for safety and affordability.
Powdersville is enjoying a host of new developments that are bringing jobs, shopping, and entertainment to the area. It’s a popular bedroom community for commuters as it’s just 8 miles outside Greenville and right on I-85 and State 153. It boasts some of the best schools near Greenville: Powdersville High School ranks 36th statewide!
Clemson – One of the Largest Mountain Towns Near Greenville SC
- Population: 17,681
- Median household income: $46,075
- Median home price: $319,000
- Average rent: $2,465
- Crime rate: 2,145 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 30.5 mi
Clemson is famous for Clemson University, the second largest South Carolina university by population with almost 21,000 enrolled students. That’s more than the population of Clemson!
Clemson is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and widely considered one of the most beautiful towns in the state. This bustling college town is a great place to live for not only outdoor enthusiasts but also artists with many local art galleries. You’ll love the endless mountain and lake activities within reach from the perfect homebase. Explore the Bee Cove Falls; enjoy kayaking, swimming, and fishing at the nearby Lake Keowee, relax with a day on the boat on Lake Hartwell, stroll through the South Carolina Botanical Garden, and catch a game at the 80,000-seat Memorial Stadium for the Clemson University Tigers.
Learn more about this beautiful mountain suburb of Greenville with our complete guide to Clemson SC.
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Easley – Great Greenville Suburb for Shopping & Entertainment
- Population: 23,422
- Median household income: $55,655
- Median home price: $305,500
- Average rent: $1,105
- Crime rate: 5,197 crimes per 100,000
- Distance to Greenville: 13 mi
Want to be close to the action while still enjoying the space of the suburbs? Easley is a great place to live with a bustling downtown area packed with boutiques, restaurants, and regular events. There are several shopping districts including the Centrepoint mall and Easley Village Shopping Center with big box retailers and eateries. It’s still easy to enjoy nature and the wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains thanks to the city’s popular rail trail, Saluda River tubing, and nearby hiking and waterfalls.
Find out more about what Easley SC has to offer with our in-depth guide.
Greenville SC Suburbs Map
Does one of these laid-back suburbs of Greenville SC sound like the perfect new home? Give us a call at HD Auston Moving Systems for a free, personalized moving estimate from our award-winning team of Greenville movers!
