The Upstate region is composed of 10 counties located in the northwest corner of South Carolina bordering North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. With the Interstate 85 corridor connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, NC, this upcountry area is the fastest growing in the state, and supports the major cities of Spartanburg, Greer, Anderson and Greenville.
The 2010 census recorded more than 1.3 million people in the Upstate, yet the most significant growth occurred in Greenville County. As BMW and Michelin expand facilities, this region is quickly developing a reputation for advanced manufacturing and commerce. The Upstate currently boasts the highest level of foreign investment per capita in the United States with more than 240 international firms in the area.
After just one visit, you’ll realize that the Upstate has a lot to offer in addition to our Southern charm and fried chicken. Enjoy the five-star and ethnic cuisine, championship golf, Broadway productions, diverse cultures, stellar education, and a state-of-the-art healthcare system.
South Carolina’s Upstate region is growing, but at a controlled pace. Redevelopment initiatives and proper planning shape the hometowns and city growth in the region. As a result, residents enjoy an affordable cost of living without sacrificing convenience or location — a thriving area where there still are no major traffic jams!
Greenville is the economic hub of the Upstate since it holds the largest concentration of business and financial institutions. The surrounding metropolitan area ranks nationally as a top market for business development. Southwest Airlines’ new service at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is symbolic of the area’s economic growth.
Several new industries such as alternative energy, fiber development and professional call center management have created new jobs in the past two years.
Bruce Yandle, dean emeritus of Clemson University's College of Business and Behavioral Science, writes a column called “The Economic Situation.” In it, he predicted that the Upstate economy will remain strong as unemployment rates improve this year and into 2012. He credited this stability to the excellence in automotive technology.
More than 150 automotive-related companies have chosen South Carolina’s Upstate friendly business environment and right to work policies.
Because South Carolina offers favorable tax rates for companies, its business diversity is also growing. Major industries in the Upstate range from automotive to advanced materials, healthcare, professional research and pharmaceuticals.
The Greenville Hospital System and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System are the area's largest in the healthcare sector. Bausch and Lomb chose to set up regional facilities near local companies such as Pharmaceutical Associates and IRIX Manufacturing.
Research firms, including R&D facilities for Michelin, Fuji and General Electric, partner with Clemson and the University of South Carolina (USC), the Upstate’s leading universities. Several companies have combined their resources with Clemson to create ICAR, a 250-acre research park in Greenville that specializes in innovative automotive design technologies.
As a result of the expansion in Upstate, new business groups have evolved. The Upstate S.C. Alliance is a non-profit organization charged with marketing and branding Upstate South Carolina to the world to attract new jobs and stimulate capital investment. In 2010, more than $1.8 billion in new capital investment created 6,600 new jobs in the Upstate Area, according to Richard Blackwell, vice president of the Alliance.
“In 2010, we helped 44 companies expand or relocate to this market,” he explained.
When asked about future projections, Blackwell summarized his business research. “The Upstate will continue to prosper due to many factors such as the presence of universities and colleges, the South Carolina Ports, the interstate road system, and the low cost of living.
“The superb quality of life has begun to yield more ‘white collar’ type jobs like call centers, data centers and other professional service jobs. The Upstate is quickly becoming a melting pot of sorts for the new economy. Whether it is the diverse cultures represented here or the determined workforce, the citizens of the Upstate are what make this area attractive to business.”
Since 1998, the International Center of the Upstate (ICU) has worked to promote cultural events and international education for newcomers from 70 different countries. Sponsored by the ICU, Upstate Global Professionals focus on building a global, sustainable community.
The GSA Technology Council provides networking, educational seminars and business development tools to technology professionals and high tech entrepreneurs in the area.
Not only has the Upstate developed commercially, it has become one of the top 10 areas for retirement and relocation because of the quality of life, range of housing and climate. The cost of living is 10 percent below the national average while cultural and recreation opportunities flourish with the region’s history and diverse geography.
From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the whitewater rafting on the Chatooga River, the Upstate is blessed with natural beauty and abundant water resources. Mild winters and sunny summers, along with spring and fall seasons, make Upstate a perfect place to call home.
The average home price in Spartanburg County ranges from $160 to $180,000, which is attractive to young couples starting a family. The range of housing choices impresses most newcomers, especially the new urban developments like Verdae, which allows families to live and work in the downtown Greenville area. You can choose a rural setting with a home, garden and chickens, or a stylish loft in downtown Spartanburg that puts you right in the heart of the nightlife.
Families who enjoy culture and history will find lots to do in this area. South Carolina‘s National Heritage Corridor begins at the baseline of Blue Ridge Mountains in Upstate’s Oconee County and stretches to the port city of Charleston. Telling the state’s colorful story of evolution and culture, the corridor has 500 historic sites from upcountry mill villages, waterfalls and historic towns to gardens and farms. Along the way, stop by Cowpens which is part of the National Park Service and a Revolutionary War site.
Also, be sure to visit the Pendleton Historic District, where South Carolina’s history comes alive Americana from history, crafts and food to music is plentiful for locals or tourists visiting the area. You can find a bluegrass jam session or a quilting bee somewhere every weekend!
Those desiring an outdoor lifestyle should check out the area parks, campgrounds and sports facilities. In Spartanburg County, the Croft State Natural Area provides 54 horseback riding trails, horse stalls and a show ring. If you have an adventurous spirit, try whitewater rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Mountain Rest, S.C.
For families seeking a quieter outdoors, try the bike or hiking trails that crisscross from Kings Mountain to Anderson. Golfers can tee off at The Preserve or Stoney Point for a championship golf experience, and the South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson is a must see for gardeners.
When it comes to the arts, go spend a day in Falls Park in Greenville. You may see an outdoor play by a summer theater group or find a musician plying his craft by the cool waters of the cascading waterfall.
Southern Living magazine recently named Greenville its “City of the Arts” due to the number of theatrical, music and fine arts performances available any night of the week. Whether your preference is opera, a symphony, or dancing to a down-home country band, the arts are thriving throughout the Upstate.
For Southerners, the quality of life must also include spirituality, education and good health for the family. Those relocating to the Upstate will be pleased to find a wide selection of churches, private and public schools, along with top-rated higher education.
Clemson and USC Upstate are the leading universities academically and in sports. Five major hospital systems provide state-of-the-art healthcare from local community clinics to specialized outpatient centers.
A family can prosper and enjoy an active lifestyle in hometown communities such as Spartanburg or Anderson. There are three Welcome Centers in the Upstate that help travelers and newcomers with reservations, attractions and events. From shopping to arts or outdoor recreation, we’ve got it all in the upcountry.
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