Guide to Moving to Greer, South Carolina

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and sandwiched between Greenville to the northeast and Spartanburg to the west, Greer is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina. Between 2010 and 2018, its population grew from just over 25,000 to over 32,000. Whether you're relocating for a job or just want to try living somewhere new, Greer has a lot to offer, including a cost-of-living that is lower than the national average. Get to know Greer a bit better to see why it might be the perfect place to call home.

About Greer, South Carolina

Before Greer became Greer, it was home to Cherokee people and European settlers. European settlers established farms in the area, such as Blakely Place. James Manning Greer owned the 200-acre Blakely Place farm, which is believed to be the first house built in the area. Legend has it that Greer traded some of his land to the railroad and sold the rest to W.T. Shumate.  Shumate parceled up the land he bought from Greer and began selling lots in what would become the planned business district.

In 1876, townspeople voted to incorporate the town as "Greers" — the "s" dropped off at some point in the early 20th century. A few years before the town incorporated, the Southern Railroad was created and ran through the town. Another railroad, the Piedmont and Northern, appeared in 1914. The two railroad lines helped Greer become a commerce destination. Textile mills set up shop in the area around the town and canning companies, notably Jones Brothers Canning, began sending canned tomatoes and peaches to stores across the country.

Flash forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, and Greer remains a thriving city. The downtown area, now called Greer Station, is made up of 12 square blocks and is full of shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. While the two railroad lines are no longer as vital to the city as they were in the early days, it is still easy to get to and from town and to ship items in and out thanks to the presence of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and U.S. Route 29, which runs through downtown and connects Greer to both Greenville and Spartanburg.

Why Move to Greer, South Carolina

The ongoing growth in population in Greer, South Carolina, suggests that it's an excellent place to call home. Although the city has grown expansively in recent years, it has still maintained much of its small-town feel and charm. There are other reasons to make the move to Greer, from the city's top-notch infrastructure to its variety of activities for people of all ages. Take a look at some of what the city has to offer.

• Excellent employment opportunities: Greer's unemployment rate is 2.8%, well below the U.S. average of 3.9%. Employment opportunities in the area are expected to increase by more than 37% over the next 10 years, somewhat higher than the average for the country as a whole. Many of the jobs in the city are in the manufacturing, retail and healthcare industries. Big-name companies that call Greer home or that have set up shop in Greer include Michelin, BMW and Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc. Greer has been the home of one of South Carolina Port's Inland Ports since 2013. The Inland Port is a marine terminal that's more than 200 miles inland and served by rail.
• Top-quality schools: Elementary, middle and high school students attend schools in the Greenville County School District. Students looking to pursue a technical education can attend the Benson Campus of Greenville Technical College. The campus has programs available in healthcare and visual arts.
• Great infrastructure: The city of Greer has invested a lot in its infrastructure. The streets are kept well-lit for safety and security and the downtown area is well-maintained, free of litter and full of decorative touches. The city government has the responsibility of maintaining 35 miles of sidewalks, 80 miles of road and 30 miles of storm drains. Additionally, the city's Department of Recreation keeps 140 acres of parkland in pristine condition.
• Lots of parks and green space: Speaking of parkland, Greer is full of things to do outdoors. There are 16 park areas in the city that offer outdoor fun such as hiking and fishing. Since Greer is at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's easy for residents to spend a day out in nature, taking in the beauty of the trails. The city's recreational facilities include tennis courts, softball and baseball fields and multi-purpose fields. Youth sports programs provide kids with an opportunity to play football, soccer, cheerleading and tennis.
• Fun things to do: Beyond activities in the great outdoors, Greer is bursting with things to do. As the site of BMW's only North American factory, Greer is also home to the BMW Zentrum museum, the only museum of its kind on the continent. Along with the museum, the BMW factory also offers tours to the public. If you're interested in learning more about the history of your new home town, you can visit the Greer Heritage Museum. Several mills and Campbell's bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina, also give you a chance to take a peek into the past. Finally, for fans of arts and culture, the city's Cultural Arts Council offers classes in visual arts and regularly stages live plays.
• Well-funded, solid services: Safety is a major concern in any city, and Greer has gone out of its way to help its residents feel secure. The city's police department plays an active role in the community and makes a proactive effort to engage with citizens. The police department is also very responsive to traffic incidents and has an animal control department to help manage strays and wildlife. The city has also improved its fire department in recent years and can now respond quickly to calls and concerns. If you need to use government services in Greer, you'll be greeted with a smile and will never feel like a number or another face in the crowd.
• Easy access: Since the beginning, Greer has been well served by transit links. The Norfolk Southern freight train still transports goods in and out of Greer, to and from the Inland Port. Amtrak provides commuter rail service to the area. Along with U.S. Route 29, Interstate 85 runs past the city and has four exits that let off into town. Nearby Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport provides access to flights operated by Southwest, American, Delta and United Airlines.

Tips for Moving to Greer, South Carolina

As you get ready to move to any new city, there are things to consider before, during and after the process. Before the move, you'll most be concerned with finding a place to live and making arrangements for yourself and your family before you arrive. During the move, you'll want to think about how you'll get your belongings from your old location to your new home. After the move, it's time to start thinking about settling into your new life and new city.

Before the Move

Before you move to Greer, the most important thing to do is find a place to live. You might search for an pre-built home to buy or decide to build a home using a pre-existing floor plan. After you've found a house to call home, you'll want to take care of logistics, such as setting up utilities. In Greer, the Commission of Public Works provides electricity, water, natural gas and wastewater services to residents.

It's also a good idea to hire movers to handle the packing, hauling and transporting of your belongings. Working with a team of professional movers is definitely worth the expense if you have a large house, a lot of possessions or are moving long-distance. Book your movers well in advance of the move date, especially if you'll be moving in the summer or over a weekend.

If you aren't moving to Greer for a specific job, or if you're moving for your partner's job, but don't have one lined up for yourself yet, you might want to start the job search before leaving your current town. At the very least, research companies based in the area so you have an idea of what to expect when you arrive. You might also want to contact local schools in the area to learn more about the enrollment process before you move.

During the Move

Moving day can be stressful, which is one reason why it pays to hire movers. They'll take care of the lifting and hauling for you, so you can relax a bit and focus on tying up loose ends, such as returning the key to your apartment or doing one last sweep of the house.

Even if you hire movers, there are a few things you'll want to transport to your new home yourself. Keep all important documents, such as your passport and identification cards, on your person. If you have valuable items, such as jewelry or family heirlooms, it's also a smart idea to move those yourself.

To keep everyone comfortable and happy during the move, have plenty of bottled water available as well as some snacks. If you're moving long-distance, you'll want to coordinate rest stops and lunch breaks with your movers so everyone in sync on the road.

One way to make it easier to get settled into your new home is to have the boxes labeled with their contents and destination. For example, label boxes with "Kitchen," "Living Room" or "Bathroom" and so on. When the moving truck gets to your new house, the moving team can quickly unload everything, putting boxes and furniture in the right spots.

After the Move

After the move, it's time to get settled into your new home and to start to meet your neighbors. As you settle in, you might want to spend time wandering through Greer Station to get the lay of the land and learn more about the shops and businesses located there. If you didn't set up your utilities yet, now's the time to do so. It's also a good time to find out when trash and recycling pick-up is scheduled for your home.

Give yourself time to acclimate to your new home and your new city. You might feel shy or uncomfortable at first, but the more involved you become with your city, the more like home Greer will start to feel.

Best Greer, South Carolina, Neighborhoods and Communities

Greer is home to many welcoming neighborhoods and communities. The best community in Greer for you and your family depends on your budget, the style of house you want to live in and where in the city you'd like to be. Take a look at a few of the best Greer communities:

• Autumn Ridge: Autumn Ridge is situated between Greer and Greenville and is a community full of Craftsman-style homes. An ideal community for outdoor and nature-lovers, it's minutes away from Lake Robinson and is surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Although it's not in the downtown area of Greer, the city's shops and restaurants remain easily accessible. Homes in the community are built on half-acre lots and start in the low $200s.
• Creekside Manor: The community at Creekside Manor offers a swimming pool, as well as easy access to Michelin and BMW and Interstate 85. Homes in the community start in the low $200s.
• Hillside Acres: Hillside Acres is ideal for people who want a large lot, as lot sizes range from one to three acres. The community is situated around a pond, too. Pricing for houses at Hillside Acres starts in the low $300s. USDA financing is available for homes in the community.
• Katherine's Garden: Katherine's Garden is located in the heart of Greer, off of Highway 14. It has views of the mountains while remaining within easy reach of the city's amenities. The houses in the community are Craftsman-style and priced from the low $200s.
• Owens Farm: The 13 houses in Owens Farm are built along a single cul-de-sac. There's no through traffic, making the community full of peace and quiet. Owens Farm is located in Greer and offers easy access to the city's amenities and downtown area. The prices for homes are from the $350s. The homes in Owens Farm are eligible for USDA financing.

SK Builders Can Help You Build a Way of Life in Greer, South Carolina

If you're ready to make Greer your home, the first step is to find a place to live. Building your own house in Greer, South Carolina, can help you quickly feel like you belong. SK Builders has multiple communities and homes available in the area around Greer. Take a look at our communities, then get in touch with us today to learn more about the home-building process