Moving in 6 months- to Upstate SC?

[Team Zissou]

Hey all, I'm more of a lurker on Mud but have been coming to this forum for good information ever since I got my 60 a couple years ago. I'll apologize in advance for the lengthy post, but I need some information if anyone's willing to give it.

I'm 27, from Ohio, getting married in May to a girl from Florida and graduating my master's program in June- after which we're looking to move somewhere in the Carolinas to split the difference between our two families. After doing as much research as I could from Illinois, Greenville really stood out as an up and coming town that would be a great place for the two of us to end up.

We drove through Greenville on Sunday on the way to Florida. Stopped long enough to have a meal, walk around downtown for a while, look at a couple cute neighborhoods. It was nice, I could see myself being really happy there. On Monday we found out we were pregnant. Now all of a sudden I'm worried about schools, crime rate, that kind of stuff.

So how are the schools in the general upstate region? Any community more recommended than others? Would a move to Greenville or vicinity be recommended for a young family? What about crime rates? Are there any safer neighborhoods with older homes that are relatively affordable (we don't like new construction)?

We'll be passing back through the area most likely on the 2nd and would like any more concrete information on places or areas to check out. Thanks Mud!

Travis

 

[89s rule]

Travis,

Nice to see you on the Upstate boards. ( I bought your IPOR bumper and stuff from you.)

I live about an hour south of Greenville in a small town, but Greenville as a whole is a great place. Hopefully one of the guy up that way can tell you more in reguards to crime etc. I like the are anorth of Greenville as it is a little more mountanous and isnt too far from the city.

Are you looking to be in a city, rural, small town (what size b/c they vary so much), how far away and what type of job are you considering?? I am sure there is someone in the club who can help you with most all of this info and maybe even a job lead. We are a large club that stays active so its nice for all kinds of stuff other than cruisers. Although cruisers are one of the best parts.

 

[Team Zissou]

Thanks for the kind words, Matt. And my apologies for not responding to the last e-mail you sent me regarding mounting the bumper. My life has been very hectic and unfortunately I've never been really good about correspondence.

I spent 5 years doing aircraft maintenance in the Air Force and currently supervise an assembly line manufacturing Chevy Silverado front bumpers. With my experience and an MBA, I was going to look for employment at Michelin, GE, BMW, Honeywell or Lockheed. And my fiancee is an architect with construction management experience so I don't think she'll have problems finding employment either (one thing I really like about the area).

We're looking more at mid-sized towns. I haven't been to Spartanburg, but either that or Greenville would probably be the ones that most interest us. Next week we're road tripping to Savannah GA, Wilmington NC, Roanoke VA, Greensboro NC, etc, if that gives you an idea of the size city we're looking into.

But proximity to these cities is more important that actually living in them for the restaurants and entertainment. If there is a nice place with good schools and old homes in need of fixing up within 20 minutes or so, you kinda get the idea. Cheers!

Travis

 

[Turkeypen]

Travis,

how bout Asheville?

 

[Team Zissou]

We had thought about it but were concerned with the overall cost of living before the pregnancy, it's even more of a concern now. While Jessie could probably find an architectural job there, there seemed to be less industry and opportunities for me to find a position.

Am I wrong about these assumptions? Asheville is gorgeous; it would be wonderful to live there!

Travis

Travis,

how bout Asheville?

 

[steenh]

My sister in law teaches in Greenville... be very selective about school districts is the advice she'd give you if you are going to buy now and don't want to move in 5 yrs. Good school systems are there, but not everywhere.

Other than that, Greenville seems like a very nice place. I visit often, but never lived there.

I live in my car in Atlanta.

Actually Atlanta isn't bad IF you live where you work, AND you don't work anywhere near the city. Schools are awesome in the burbs.

 

[Mongofj60]

Travis, Hi Travis here.

My wife if from Greenville, we have lived here for 8 years and have a 2.5 year old son. Love Greenville lots of commerce. My wife has been a teacher for 12 years. Bad and good with G-ville schools. Overall good schools. Can't look at Greenville as being singular though think of all it's neighbors as possible places to live, raise kids (Greer, Spartanburg, Taylors, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Piedmont, Anderson. The Upstate is a cool place to be, great downtown. The only other place I would consider is Fort Mill, Rock Hill,York area of South Carolina. Only 15 or 20 minutes up the interstate from Charlotte NC. That is where I am from and it has become a true suburb of Charlotte. Hope I helped.

 

[BZEP]

I cant speak about Greenville, but I can say that Rock Hill/ Fort Mill is a great place to live. 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte and everything a bigger city has to offer, but just across the border with much lower taxes and in my opinion ,in Fort Mill, better schools. If you have any specific questions about this area let me know. Good Luck!!

 

[Turkeypen]

As far as Asheville, you're right, it is pricey. However, the schools are great, lots of outdoor activities year round, and it really is a happening place.

Jobs. Of course, manufacturing is always tight, but you ran an assembly line in the auto industry. Asheville has Volvo North American Heavy Equipment (assembly of those giant earth moving machines); BorgWarner Turbo (building turbos);ArvinMeritor (former Rockwell plant); and other industry, mainly electronics and medical. Volvo is especially interesting in that they are constantly adding new lines.

There is a reason these industries located here: no unions, so no union pay or benefits. (North Carolina like most of the South is a right to work state.)

As far as Architecture, there are a number of firms in Asheville (Vaughn & Melton) as well as a number of independents.

Having a kid in Asheville City Schools, I can't say enough about how good the schools are. No need for private schools, but there are plenty here also.

 

[Trollhole]

Hey Travis and welcome.

There is lot's to offer in Greenville. I call it a mini Atlanta. Because it has a little bit of that feeling.

5 lakes from anywhere to 30 min to an hr away. Tons of fish. Skiing is an hr and a half away. There is hunting all around. Tons of places to hikee and bike around. Tons. As you probably know our downtown are is second to none. If you want that home town feeling there is no better place. Concerts, baseball, festivals. Really cool place.

Jobs Greenville has the lowest unemployment in SC if that tells you anything. Manufacturing jobs are here. I know of a few good plants in the area. We use a good staff agency if you want to go that way. And Wild Bill works for BMW and might be able to point you the right way.

I don't know what kind of money your looking to spend on a house. Both Augusta Rd area and Greer areas are a good start and have good schools.

Travelers rest and Easley are becoming the new hot places to live. Houses are cheap. Heck even Mauldin is a good place to live. Lot's of older houses and minutes to Woodruff Rd. and downtown.


If I had my choice of place to live it would be on or around Paris Mountain. Nothing beats being able to look out your window at night and seeing the whole city.


I lived in rock hill for a couple of years. Though I didn't explore a whole lot I was an outsider looking in. And having to smell the paint plant next door didn't help. Was constantly sick. Not a place high on my list.

 

[Cruisin'Carolina]

Advance welcome to the Upstate.

I'm in BFE about an hour from Greenville and 30 minutes from Spartanburg.

I moved from the Rock Hill/Ft. Mill area, and would recommend looking at it as well.

No matter where you land, I can recommend a local insurance agent for you if you would like.

 

[VTCruiser]

Greenville is great. I've lived there off and on over the last 2-3 years. Don't know about elementary schools but the best university in the southeast is just 30 miles up the road in a small town called CLEMSON!

PS: bring those rock sliders and aussie window latch for me when you come....

 

[Gundy]

The Upstate would love to have ya'll!
Like the logo says "smiling faces and beautiful
places".
Since you have seen downtown G' Vegas I know
you guys LOVED it. How could you not?
I can't speak to the quality of schools in the area
save to say they served me well as a child and
my friend's children are now in college and doing well.

Crime exists EVERYWHERE but the area rates low
on any scale I've seen for per capita.

We live out in what some would call a "bedroom"
community for G'ville. 25 minute drive.
I love the variety and culture the city offers
but LOVE the peace, privacy and quiet of the country.
Many who live here work in G'ville.

Cost of living is very reasonable as is the cost of housing.

Taxes in the city...shudder....rural tax rates much less.
Ya'll come on by and kick your shoes off. Stay a spell.

Best of luck and best wishes. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Hehe....like saving some dough on that house closing.


Side note:
Troll....I even covered our view of the Head so as NOT
to have to see people's lights. We prefer the undisturbed view of
the Rock. Ahhhhh....the peace and quiet of rural life.
Nothing like a sunset or sunrise on the Blue Ridge.

 

[89s rule]

Greenville is great. I've lived there off and on over the last 2-3 years. Don't know about elementary schools but the best university in the southeast is just 30 miles up the road in a small town called CLEMSON!

PS: bring those rock sliders and aussie window latch for me when you come....

I wondered who got those sliders

 

[Team Zissou]

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

Turkeypen: Excellent info on the schools and jobs in Asheville. I wasn't aware of a couple of those opportunities and will have to start looking more in that direction. Once both of us end up in jobs we'll be living comfortably in a few years' time, but the immediate future is uncertain with student loans to payback and now baby bills to consider. Cost of living is a consideration but a secure job could certainly help mitigate that.

Mongo: Thanks for the info on the Ft Mill/Rock Hill area. Charlotte is definitely a consideration for us because of the availability of jobs in that area, but is a larger town than we necessarily are looking for. We'll be sure to drive through the SC suburbs now!

Trollhole: The recreation in the area is the real draw for me. Prior to transplanting myself into corn and soybean country I lived in Colorado and Washington state for 8 years. The lack of outdoor recreation in central Illinois is slowly killing me (although I don't have much time for it anyway). After I sell my current home in IL, I'll be looking at $200,000 as the upper limit I could spend on housing. I'll be sure to look into Greer and I'd love to live by Paris Mountain as well.

VTCruiser: My apologies on the sliders and window latches. Someone local bought my cruisers as a package and I couldn't pass that sale up purely because of the time constraints I was under.

Everyone, thanks again for the information and recommendations. With a baby now coming 2 months after the date we're looking to move, I'm not going anywhere without first getting a job and that will ultimately decide where we live. I hope its the Upstate though!

Travis

 

[VTCruiser]

VTCruiser: My apologies on the sliders and window latches. Someone local bought my cruisers as a package and I couldn't pass that sale up purely because of the time constraints I was under.

I figured that's what happened. No big deal, just giving you a hard time! Good luck with the search, $200,000 should be plenty to find a decent house in or around Greenville, especially with the current market.

 

[boombapslappy]

Something is in the water in Fort Mill...the schools are the best, and even though it's growing like mad, the small town feel still exists. I'd be back there in a heartbeat.

 

[89s rule]

If you are looking over that way check out Clover as well still has 1 stoplight, but very close to Gastonia or Charlotte. But it might be smaller than you are looking for. (I love that lieelt town though.) The Eagles nest has some good Sweet Potato Fries and Milk Shakes!!

 

[Carp]

Travis,

My wife and I have been in Greenville for about 2.5 years now, and we love it. We moved here from Charleston, and it was the best thing we've done. We now have 10 month old daughter and can't imagine a better place to raise our girl. This is a young town, and great for families, or at least we think so.

If you have your resume ready, let me know. I can submit it to Michelin for you. I work at the R&D center, so that might help you too.

Best of luck in the move!
Carp

 

[boombapslappy]

The Eagles nest has some GREAT Sweet Potato Fries and Milk Shakes!!

Fixed now...

Dude, you are so the man!!! I haven't even heard anyone mention that place in so long. We'd make special trips for peanut butter milk shakes during exams at Winthrop. We always took our own jar of JIFF because they ran out of PB once...we had to get chocolate...F that mess.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmpeanutbuttermmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sorry for the hyjack...Anywhere in the upstate is a great place to be. You'll both enjoy raising your little cruiser buddy here.

I'm gonna get out the blender now...