Greenville SC

Greenville – Nestled in the heart of South Carolina’s Upstate region, Greenville blends Southern charm with modern flair. From its scenic Falls Park on the Reedy to a vibrant downtown filled with art, music, and farm-to-table dining, this small city feels big in personality. Whether you're exploring its tree-lined Main Street or biking along the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and community spirit.

• Population: ~72,000 (City), ~550,000 (Metro)
• Weather: Mild winters and warm summers (35-90°F); occasional rain, lots of sunshine.
• Places To Visit: Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville Zoo, Peace Center, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Liberty Bridge.
• Top Activities: Biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, attending festivals, catching a Greenville Drive baseball game, shopping downtown, hiking nearby Paris Mountain.
• Famous Food: Shrimp and grits at Soby’s, Southern BBQ at Henry’s Smokehouse, gourmet bites at Jianna, and local brews at Birds Fly South.

Greenville, South Carolina is a growing city with a strong economy driven by manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, and technology. Known for its business-friendly environment and rapid development, Greenville offers a range of job opportunities across industries. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in the area.

Greenville, SC, offers a variety of cool spots where students can hang out, unwind from academic stress, and enjoy some well-deserved fun. Whether you're outdoorsy, a foodie, or into art, Greenville has something for everyone.

Falls Park on the Reedy – A stunning downtown park featuring trails, waterfalls, and the iconic Liberty Bridge. Perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or just relaxing in nature.

Swamp Rabbit Trail – A 22-mile multi-use trail that stretches through Greenville County, ideal for biking, skating, or a simple stroll among picturesque views.

The Village of West Greenville – Discover local art galleries, unique shops, and creative studios. The area has a hip vibe and often hosts fun events including art walks and food truck festivals.

Methodical Coffee – A chic coffee shop in the heart of Greenville, perfect for studying or catching up with friends over a rich cup of coffee.

Downtown Greenville – Lined with shops, eateries, and live music spots, downtown is bustling with energy and is a fantastic place for a day or night out.

Cleveland Park – More than just green space, this park offers tennis courts, a zoo, and an outdoor fitness trail, great for active days spent outdoors.

Paris Mountain State Park – Escape to nature with hiking trails, picnic spots, and even a lake for swimming and canoeing just a short drive from town.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Catch concerts, sports events, and performances. It’s a prime spot for entertainment in Greenville with something always happening.

The Peace Center – From Broadway shows to concerts, this performing arts center hosts plenty of events that are perfect for culture lovers.

Greenville, South Carolina is known for its vibrant educational landscape, offering high-quality public and private institutions that prepare students for successful careers in technology, business, healthcare, engineering, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Greenville

Greenville Technical College – A highly regarded two-year public college offering degrees and certificates in health sciences, engineering technologies, business, and culinary arts. It is known for its hands-on learning and workforce-focused programs.

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville – A branch of the University of South Carolina, this medical school is located on the Prisma Health campus and offers a forward-thinking curriculum with strong clinical training starting in the first year.

Clemson University - Greenville Presence – Although based in nearby Clemson, the university has a strong presence in Greenville through its Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), specializing in automotive engineering and innovation.

Tri-County Technical College (partnership presence) – Serves students in the Upstate region with some programs and partnerships in Greenville, offering affordable education in fields like healthcare, industrial technology, and business.

Piedmont Technical College (service area inclusion) – While headquartered in Greenwood, it serves the greater Greenville region with online and workforce training programs in nursing, industrial technology, and IT fields.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Greenville

Furman University – A top-ranked liberal arts university located in Greenville, known for its rigorous academics, personalized education, and standout programs in political science, business, sustainability, and the arts.

Bob Jones University – A private Christian university offering a wide range of programs in fields like nursing, education, business, and fine arts. It's also well-known for its emphasis on faith-based education and cultural arts.

Strayer University – Greenville Campus – A private, for-profit institution focused on adult education, offering flexible degree programs in business, criminal justice, and information systems designed for working professionals.

Webster University – Greenville Metropolitan Campus – This private university provides graduate degrees in areas like business administration, counseling, and human resources through its local campus serving working adults in Greenville.

ECPI University – Greenville Campus – Private and career-focused, ECPI University specializes in technology, nursing, healthcare administration, and business programs with a strong emphasis on fast-track degree completion.

Greenville, SC is home to a number of excellent high schools that offer students a strong academic foundation and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Whether you're looking for a top-performing public school or a respected private institution, Greenville offers options that prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Greenville, SC

• Mauldin High School – One of the best public schools in the Greenville area, known for its strong academics and high graduation rate. It offers a wide selection of AP courses and career readiness programs.
• J.L. Mann High Academy – Offers excellent academic programs, including a dedicated focus on math, science, and technology. The school is part of the Magnet Academy program and has a strong college prep track.
• Riverside High School – Highly rated for its academic achievements and supportive learning environment. Riverside offers a variety of honors and AP courses and boasts a strong record of college placements.
• Greenville Senior High Academy – A historic high school that now includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. It focuses on global education and prepares students for top universities.
• Wade Hampton High School – Recognized for its academic, arts, and athletic programs. It has a strong leadership development curriculum and is a consistent performer in state rankings.

Top Private High Schools in Greenville, SC

• Christ Church Episcopal School – A top-tier private school known for academic excellence and character education. It offers a college-preparatory curriculum and strong extracurricular programming.
• St. Joseph's Catholic School – Offers a faith-based education with rigorous academics. The school emphasizes moral development along with a rich liberal arts curriculum.
• Greenville Classical Academy – Provides classical Christian education focusing on critical thinking and moral virtue. Small class sizes allow for personalized learning.
• Southside Christian School – Known for academic rigor and a strong emphasis on biblical values. Offers AP and dual-credit courses to help prepare students for college challenges.
• Shannon Forest Christian School – A Christ-centered private school that balances academics, arts, and athletics. It provides strong college counseling and leadership opportunities.

Greenville, South Carolina may not have any major league professional sports teams, but it offers a vibrant sports scene with several popular minor league and semi-professional teams. These teams bring exciting action to the Upstate region and foster a strong sense of local pride.

⚾ Baseball – Greenville Drive (MiLB)

• Greenville Drive – The Greenville Drive is a Minor League Baseball team that plays in the South Atlantic League as the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Home games are played at the iconic Fluor Field at the West End, a ballpark modeled after Fenway Park. The Drive are known for developing future MLB stars and offer fans a fun and family-friendly game day experience.

🏀 Basketball – Greenville Triumph Youth Programs (Non-Professional)

• While Greenville does not currently have a professional basketball team, the area supports various youth and semi-professional basketball initiatives. Colleges such as Furman University also play a key role in the local basketball scene, with competitive NCAA Division I programs that attract sports enthusiasts from across the region.

⚽ Soccer – Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One)

• Greenville Triumph SC – Founded in 2018, this team plays in USL League One, the third tier of U.S. professional soccer. The Triumph have quickly made a name for themselves, reaching multiple league finals and capturing the 2020 USL League One Championship. With a loyal fan base, the club plays its home games at Paladin Stadium until a new stadium is developed within the city.

🏈 Football – Carolina Panthers (NFL Support Area)

• While not based in Greenville, the Carolina Panthers of the NFL have a large fan base in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The team plays in Charlotte, North Carolina, just over an hour away, and has held training camps in nearby Spartanburg at Wofford College. Many Greenville residents follow the Panthers closely and travel to Charlotte for games.

🏒 Hockey – Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL)

• Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Competing in the ECHL, the Swamp Rabbits are Greenville’s professional ice hockey team. Affiliated with the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and the Ontario Reign (AHL), they play their home games at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The team is known for exciting, fast-paced games and strong community involvement.

Greenville, South Carolina is a charming blend of Southern hospitality, scenic beauty, and a vibrant downtown that’s revived this small city into a must-visit destination. Here are some fun and quirky facts about Greenville that might just surprise you:

1. Falls in the Middle of Downtown – Falls Park on the Reedy features a stunning natural waterfall right in the heart of downtown.
2. Liberty Bridge Wonder – The Liberty Bridge is a 345-foot-long suspension bridge that curves around the waterfall – and there’s nothing like it in the U.S.
3. Swamp Rabbit Trail – The city boasts the Greenville Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile walking and biking trail that connects downtown to nearby towns and parks.
4. Once a Textile Capital – In the early 1900s, Greenville was known as the “Textile Capital of the World” due to its booming cotton industry.
5. BMW Made Here – BMW’s only North American manufacturing plant is located in nearby Greer and produces over 1,500 cars a day.
6. Art is Everywhere – The city offers over 70 pieces of public art, from sculptures to murals, spread across its vibrant streets and parks.
7. Paris Mountain Nearby – Just a few minutes outside the city is Paris Mountain State Park, great for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
8. Home to Shoeless Joe – Baseball legend Shoeless Joe Jackson was born and buried in Greenville, and you can visit a museum dedicated to him downtown.
9. Foodie Paradise – Greenville has become a food hotspot, with 120+ restaurants packed into just a 10-block stretch of Main Street.
10. It Used to Be... Not So Glamorous – Before its revival, downtown Greenville once had abandoned buildings and barely any foot traffic. Now, it’s a thriving, award-winning model of urban renewal.