This South Carolina City is the #4 Best Place to Live in America

Greenville, South Carolina

This Southern gem has been collecting accolades for several years now, recently snagging the #4 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Places to Live” list for 2024*. Here’s why you need to add Greenville to your travel bucket list (and maybe your retirement goals as well).

In case you’re wondering, the top 3 are Colorado Springs, Boise, and Naples (#1).

The Stunning Liberty Bridge

One of the highlights is the iconic Liberty Bridge, a 345-foot pedestrian suspension bridge designed by architect Miguel Rosales.

This unique curvy structure stretches across the Reedy River Falls, giving clear views of the 40-foot waterfall below. It’s the only bridge of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, and a single suspension cable holds it up.

The 32-acre Falls Park on the Reedy, which opened in 2004, surrounds the bridge and has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The park has winding stone paths, scenic overlooks, and flowing waterfalls.

TripAdvisor has listed it as one of the top parks in the U.S., alongside Central Park and Golden Gate Park.

Amazing Food Options

Greenville has over 110 independent restaurants within a 10-block stretch of downtown, from casual diners to fine dining spots.

If you’re a foodie, you should plan you visit around the annual Euphoria festival in September. This four-day food, wine, and music celebration features tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine seminars from Michelin-starred chefs and famous sommeliers, allowing you to sample the best of Greenville’s food scene.

Beautiful Historic Districts

It all began in 1770 when Richard Pearis set up the first European settlement near the Reedy River. Today, you can still see pieces of this history, like the wall from the original 1776 grist mill in Falls Park.

For a deeper look into Greenville’s past, explore Greenville’s historic districts: The West End Historic District grew rapidly in the 1850s with the founding of Furman University and the arrival of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad.

The Pettigru Historic District, known for its Victorian-era buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The Hampton-Pinckney Historic District, Greenville’s first “trolley car” neighborhood, features Victorian homes and became the city’s first National Register District in 1977.

Loads of Outdoor Recreation

The standout is the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile multi-use greenway that links Greenville to nearby Travelers Rest. Built on the old Greenville & Northern Railway bed, the trail attracts about 700,000 visitors each year and brings in around $6.7 million in tourism revenue annually.

For a more demanding adventure, head to Paris Mountain State Park, just five miles north of downtown. This 1,540-acre park has over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails that cover different types of terrain.

The Sulphur Springs Loop winds through hardwood forests, while the tougher Mountain Creek Trail offers sweeping views from Brissy Ridge. The park’s 13-acre Lake Placid is great for swimming and fishing.

A Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

Greenville has a large collection of over 125 public art pieces scattered throughout the city. Notable works include Dale Chihuly’s famous “Rose Crystal Tower” and Gaia’s mural “City of Altruism,” which honors Greenville’s textile history.

Another highlight is the Greenville County Museum of Art, known as the top American art museum in the South. It holds the largest public collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth and also displays works by Jasper Johns and David Drake, an enslaved African-American potter whose legacy continues to inspire.

For performances, the Peace Center is the crown jewel of Greenville’s theater district. This main venue hosts everything from Broadway shows to classical concerts and ballet performances.

Incredibly Accessible

Greenville’s public transportation options, including the Greenlink bus system and downtown trolleys, are all wheelchair friendly. The city also provides details on handicapped parking and easy walkways through tools like the ACCESS GVL app, making sure all visitors can enjoy everything Greenville has to offer.

Packed Calendar of Events

No matter when you visit, you’ll find something happening in Greenville. October is for “Fall for Greenville,” the largest festival in the city.

May has the Artisphere art festival that showcases local and national artists, turning downtown into an outdoor art gallery. You’ve got Euphoria during September, a four-day festival celebrating food, wine, and music that highlights Greenville’s food and music scenes.

And from May to October, the weekly TD Saturday Market turns downtown Greenville into a center of locally-sourced produce and handmade goods.

Near the Blue Ridge Mountains

Greenville is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving you easy access to beautiful views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Nearby Caesars Head State Park features stunning views from the Blue Ridge Escarpment and is perfect for birdwatching during fall hawk migration. You can hike several trails, including one to Raven Cliff Falls, South Carolina’s tallest waterfall.

Shopping in Greenville

Downtown Greenville and Augusta Road have over 100 shops combined, mixing local boutiques with national brands and antique stores.

You also have Haywood Mall, South Carolina’s largest mall. The Village of West Greenville, the city’s art district, features studios, galleries, and small local businesses.

For fresh local items, visit the TD Saturday Market on Main Street from May-October, where you’ll find locally-grown produce and handmade goods in a friendly community setting.

Easily Accessible from Major Cities

Greenville is simple to get to by plane or car. The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport offers daily flights from six airlines to 15 major cities and serves 1.8 million passengers yearly.

If driving, you can use Interstates 85, 185, and 385 or several U.S. highways, making it a short trip from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Columbia.

Once in Greenville, you can take the Greenlink bus, walk around downtown, or use the free trolley service. Again, the trolleys are wheelchair accessible, have bike racks, and make 20 stops between the West End and the Colonel Elias Earle Historic District.