Greenville, SC Moving Guide: The Best Neighborhoods and Communities in Greenville

Thinking about a move to fabulous Greenville, SC? Long-time resident considering a move to a new neighborhood? You’re not alone. In recent years, people have been flocking to live and work in Greenville, SC. Rated by National Geographic Traveler as one of 2018’s Best Small Cities in the US, Greenville has an ethnically diverse population of nearly 65,000. Greenville is a stable city with significantly higher percentages of residents with BA degrees or higher as well as white-collar jobs.

Why People Move to Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville has a lot to recommend it. Since traffic is light and most residents spend little time commuting, Greenville boasts cleaner air than many cities and is one of the only US cities with natural waterfalls right downtown. It is home to some of the best urban parks in the country, including Cleveland Park, Falls Park on the Reedy, and the fabulous Swamp Rabbit Trail.

If you love to eat out, you’ll be excited to know that Greenville is considered by Southern Living to be one of the Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South. Downtown is a delightful mix of new and old architecture, beautifully preserved, updated, and put to fresh uses, from textile mills turned into ritzy loft apartments to the perfectly restored Town Hall and Westin Poinsett Hotel.

Monogram Concierge’s List of Exceptional Greenville Neighborhoods

Greenville also offers some of the best neighborhoods and communities to live in, whether you like a more urban residence close to downtown or you prefer to live farther out in a quiet suburb, perhaps with a neighborhood clubhouse or golf course. If you are researching a move to Greenville, or already live here and are considering relocating to a different part of town, we want to share with you some of our favorite places to live in the area:

• The Overbrook Historic District

Northeast of downtown Main St. in Greenville, Overbrook Historic District comprises about 120 Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes from the early 1900s. It is one of Greenville’s first suburbs and is bordered by Pleasantburg Dr., East North St., Stone Ave., and Laurens Rd. Interstate 385 runs through this neighborhood at Exits 40B and 42. The neighborhood was first built in 1913 upon the expansion of the trolley line.

Nearby public school are East North St. Elementary School and Greenville Middle and High Schools. The average Overbook home sells for less than 200K. Overbrook encourages its residents to join their free Neighborhood Association. You can learn more by emailing overbrook@charter.net.

Why We Love It

Overbrook is a perfect choice for those wishing to live near downtown, who love  the charm and appeal of older homes, and who are looking for a reasonable price range. While homes in this neighborhood may require a little extra TLC, we think the charm is well worth it—especially if you have a personal concierge helping you with home management.

Residents love Overbrook for its low crime, walkability, and family and dog-friendly atmosphere. Soon, Overbrook will also have access to Greenville’s amazing Swamp Rabbit Trail!

• Botany Woods

Located in East Greenville and established in the 1960s, most homes in Botany Woods are brick ranches ranging in size from smaller starter homes to lovely estates. Lots are large and lush with mature trees and shrubs. Amenities include a community pool, a playground, an athletic field, clubhouse, and a security Guard. Botany Woods is near Bob Jones University, the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and downtown Greenville, Lake Fairfield and Butler Springs Parks. While the neighborhood feels private, there is easy access to I-85 and I-385.

Nearby public schools are: Lake Forest Elementary School, League Academy, and  Wade Hampton High School. The average Botany Woods home sells for about $350K. Read about the Botany Woods Homeowners Association here: http://botanywoods.org/hoa/

Why We Love It

Overall, Botany Woods has an intimate, secluded feel with winding roads, a river, and tall, dense hardwoods and flowering trees throughout the community. Tucked in among the estate-style homes and more traditional architecture; however, you’ll find several sleek, modern homes that would look more at ease on the cover of Dwell than on the cover of Southern Home—and yet everything blends together beautifully in this eclectic, established neighborhood.

• Alta Vista

Greenville’s historic Alta Vista neighborhood is highly sought after. Nestled in the larger Augusta Road community, it is close to downtown—situated between Farris Rd., Augusta Rd., and Church St. Alta Vista’s charming tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and old bungalows give it an established appeal. Residents love their proximity to the beautiful Cleveland Park and Falls Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail, and Greenville Zoo, making it an especially great family neighborhood. Augusta Rd. restaurants and shops are within easy driving or cycling time.

Nearby public schools include: Augusta Circle Elementary School, Sara Collins Elementary School, Greenville Middle Academy, Greenville High School, Blythe Academy, Hughes Academy, and Eastside High School. Typical home prices range from $300,000 to $1,000,000. An active neighborhood association was established in 2008.  You can read more about it here: http://www.altavistagreenville.com/

Why We Love It

While downtown Greenville, SC is generally a fabulous place to live, Alta Vista is close enough to feel like part of downtown, but far enough away to feel like it’s own special place. The active neighborhood association keeps the community and the residents informed and connected by planning regular events and makes sure that the tree-lined streets remain beautiful and clean. The gorgeous and historic Crescent Avenue is also located in this neighborhood—and it’s a quick drive to the prestigious Greenville Country Club.

• The Cliffs

Although not technically in Greenville, SC, The Cliffs is one of the most exclusive communities in the Upstate and well worth the 45-minute commute into downtown. Founded in 1991, this neighborhood is, in fact, a collection of seven exceptional, luxury master-planned communities tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains along the border of North and South Carolinas.The Cliffs are home to seven nationally-ranked courses, seven Wellness Centers and more than a dozen dining venues, an Equestrian Center, Beach Club and marina, and even an organic farm.

During development of the 1990s and 2000s, they opened golf courses by world-renowned names such as Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Jackson, Ben Wright, and Gary Player. Each property or home includes a Cliffs Club membership, and each community has its own HOA or POA dues. Homesites range in price from $75,000-$1 million+. Homes from $350,000-$2.9 million+.

Why We Love It

The Cliffs neighborhoods are close to one another as well as to colorful small towns and thriving cities, giving the community a distinct, mountain-village feel. In the fall, the foothill colors are stunning, and the golf is world-class year-round. A quick drive up into the mountains will take you to renowned western North Carolina cities, including Hendersonville and Asheville, while the thriving town of Traveler’s Rest, SC and the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a short trip down the mountain.

• Montebello

An exclusive 350-acre, upscale gated community begun in 1997, Montebello is a luscious, hilly subdivision with wooded lots featuring a variety of condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes—all with open floor plans. Montebello is a unique merger of Old-World style and architectural distinction manifested in stucco, brick, and stone homes. Amenities include a swimming pool, tennis and bocce ball courts, a playground, and several parks and pathways.

Nearby public schools include: Summit Drive Elementary School, Sevier Middle School, and Wade Hampton High School. The average home price in Montebello is a little more than $800K.

Why We Love It

There’s a lot to do in Montebello and great neighbors to meet. Residents represent all stages of life, from singles and one-families, to large families, empty nesters, and retirees. Homes in Montebello are nestled in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet are only a short drive to downtown Greenville. The community is also located near Pebble Creek Golf Course and Paris Mountain State Park.

• Gower Estates

Younger families are flocking to this recently-restored 40+ year old subdivision between Laurens Rd. and Pleasantburg Dr. Gower Estates is getting a fresh start, thanks to new schools that are underway and kids who grew up in Gower returning now as adults with their own families.

Homes represent a cross section of styles from multiple decades—traditional brick facades and single stories to modern exteriors and two stories. Many of the older homes have been updated with granite countertops, new cabinets, and modern features.  Most homes sit far back on their lots, creating deep front lawns and lots of seclusion. The 21-acre Gower Estates Park is located at 24 Evelyn Avenue and features lighted softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a horseshoe pit, a 9-hole disc golf course, a one-mile paved walking trail and an M60 Army tank.

Nearby public schools include Sara Collins Elementary School, Greenville Middle Academy, and the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities, Beck Academy, and JL Mann High School. The average home price in Gower Estates is about $420K.

Why We Love It

Gower Estates is that kind of charming subdivision that eases neighbors out to chat at the fence, wave as they walk their dogs, or enjoy watching their children play together. If you love the feel of close-knit community with residents invested in one another, Gower Estates is a great choice for you. Another reasons Gower Estates is one of our favorites is its Gower Pool Swim Team! Not only does the pool serve the community, but it boasts one of the largest and most successful swim teams in Greenville. They have been division champions more than 25 times.

• The Hampton-Pinckney Historic District

Located in the North Main area, the Hampton-Pinckney Historic District is one of the oldest in-town neighborhoods and is recognized as Greenville’s finest area of Victorian architecture. It is also Greenville’s first “trolley-car neighborhood.” The district was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, becoming Greenville’s first National Register District. In 1979 the neighborhood became the first locally designated Preservation Overlay District.

The district includes 70 well-preserved structures dating from 1890 (except the McBee House from 1835). Architectural styles include Italianate, Greek, Gothic, and Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and various bungalows.

The neighborhood is only a couple of blocks from the Main St. business district and is convenient to Heritage Green, Greenville County Main Library, Greenville County Art Museum, and The Greenville Little Theater. Nearby public schools include Stone Academy Elementary, League Academy Middle School, Berea High School. Home sizes and prices vary. There are homes in the low $100’s to grander residences priced up to $1,000,000.

For information on the Hampton-Pinckney Neighborhood Association visit http://hampton-pinckney.org/

Why We Love It

Hampton-Pinckney is home for young families, grandparents, and everyone in between. Investors and developers have been renovating many of the older homes to their former glory over the past decade, and the results are lovely. The neighborhood has a close-knit, friendly ethos—there is even a Book Club and Flamingo Friday Party! All-in-all, Hampton-Pinckney has that ineffable blend of established architecture and new energy that makes Greenville so unique.

• North Main Community

Many Greenville residents will argue that we saved the best for last. The North Main Community, which is comprised of over 2200 families, is a sprawling, tree-lined neighborhood bordering the northern edge of downtown. The community includes historic streets, including Park Street and Earle Street, and boasts an active Community Association that plans frequent, family-friendly community events.

The North Main Community is a diverse and historic neighborhood with its own old-time soda shop, pharmacies, restaurants, craft brew pubs, and other amenities. While home prices on the outskirts of the North Main area average just over $200K, homes closer to the center of the action on North Main Street, Earle Street, or Summit Drive average $500K to $1,000,000 or more. For more information about the neighborhood, visit the North Main Community Association website: https://northmaincommunity.org/

Why We Love It

It’s difficult to describe the ambiance you’ll find in the North Main Community—but it truly is something special. Lots of trees, dogs, parks, and big, beautiful, historic homes. Residents go all out for holidays, especially Halloween, when families from all over Greenville gather on Earle Street to enjoy the outrageous decorations and plentiful candy handouts. If you go, just be prepared for a mob. Some of the best areas downtown are walkable from North Main, making it an ideal spot for couples and families who like to leave the car at home.

We hope you are as excited as we are about these wonderful neighborhoods and communities in Greenville. If you are moving to the area, or relocating from or to one of these or other Greenville communities, call Monogram Concierge for help getting settled. We’d love to assist you with meeting with realtors, making moving arrangements, finding and coordinating with service providers as well as contractors, interior decorators, and tradesmen to renovate or improve your new house—so you can make Greenville home.