Hey, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Spartanburg sits at 1,186.6 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 38,578 people. With a population of 38,578, Spartanburg is a smaller city. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Camila B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
39 upvotes
Jaxon Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Lucy Thomas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
willow_walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
James W.
spot on
21 upvotes
Joseph J.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The cultural scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Wyatt G.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
Jaxon Ross
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
