Upstate SC has greatly risen in popularity over the past 10 years! Many media publications have ranked our cities as some of the best places to live in the USA and we have to agree with them! If you are thinking about retirement and where you plan on living, we strongly suggest that you check out The Upstate.
Why You Should Retire in Upstate SC
Mild Climate
Upstate SC has a subtropical climate, the area is located between Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC; the upstate sits at the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. Greenville SC generally gets 221 sunny days a year! Summers in the Upstate are great, the average temperature is 79 degrees, with highs in the low-90s. As the name implies, Greenville (and surrounding cities) are very green, which is due to the fact that the area gets 50 inches of rain each year; 11 inches more than the national average. Winters in the Upstate are very mild, the area gets an average of 5 inches of snow each year; the mean temperature for January is 42 degrees.
Low Cost of Living
The Cost of Living for Upstate SC (specifically, Greenville) is an overall 5% less than the national average. The biggest factor that makes the Upstate so inexpensive to live in is the low housing cost. The average cost of renting in Upstate SC is around $1000, but you can find many nice 1 bedrooms for well below that price. The Upstate has an even mix of new developments and old neighborhoods. You can buy a house in the low $100k or you can shop for a multi-million dollar home. The median house price in the area is right around $190,000. One thing to keep in mind if you are planning on buying a home in the area: The state’s homestead exemption allows the first $50,000 of a property’s fair market value to be exempt from local property taxes for homeowners 65 years and older. If you are wondering what your monthly utility bill will be you can expect to pay just over $100 for a 1000-square foot space.
Great Healthcare System
The Upstate area has a great system of healthcare options. Prisma Health is arguably the best healthcare provider in SC and one of the leading facilities in the southeast! The Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is known for its high patient satisfaction ratings. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is another highly rated healthcare provider in Upstate SC.
Culture
If you are worried that there isn’t anything to do in the Upstate, don’t be! Upstate SC is always teeming with activity. Greenville SC is known for its art scene. There are dozens of art galleries throughout the area. If you enjoy theatre, the Peace Center performs world-class shows year-round! There is always a big event happening, whether it’s Fall for Greenville, Artisphere, Oktoberfest, or one of the dozens of festivals that are held here! The Upstate is southern living with a flair of cosmopolitan and this is nowhere better seen than our food scene! There are thousands of restaurants spread throughout the upstate; from BBQ to Caviar, we have it all; so, you won’t grow tired of eating the same food over and over again! Sports are an important part of the culture of the Upstate. Greenville has its own professional baseball, hockey, and soccer teams! Speaking of sports, did I mention our local colleges? The Upstate is home to Clemson, Furman, and a dozen other colleges and universities!
Outdoor Adventures
You can’t talk about the Upstate without mentioning the outdoors! As mentioned above, the Blue Ridge Mountains are just a short drive away where you can enjoy world-class trout fishing. If you own a boat, you should look into buying a home on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee! Read about other great lakes in the area here. But even within city limits, there are great parks to get out and enjoy nature. Learn about Swamp Rabbit Trail and other great hiking trails here.
Upstate SC is a great place for retirees who want to be out about!
Interested in looking at homes? Check out all local Upstate listings here. When you are ready to talk to a Real Estate Agent, click here to find the best Realtors in Upstate SC!
