Firstly why Spartanburg, South-Carolina?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Spartanburg
- State: South-Carolina
- Population: 37,444 people
- Spartanburg’s quick summary would be Recognized for its rich history in the textile industry and the vibrant downtown arts district.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 4,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 5,000 annually
- Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
- Number of Homeless people: 300
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a growing job market and access to outdoor activities attracting families
Perk #1: Spartanburg Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $46,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Spartanburg is $50,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Spartanburg’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,378
- Property Tax %: 1.23%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
- Rent for an average house: $1,500
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Spartanburg
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Spartanburg, Boiling-Springs, Greenville, Inman, and probably could include Cowpens
- Avg. Age of Homes in Spartanburg: 63 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Spartanburg’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Spartanburg are Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare
- Spartanburg Job Scene: moderate job market primarily in manufacturing and healthcare
- The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene with emphasis on manufacturing and logistics , ,
- Spartanburg Resident’s pay $500 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Spartanburg: 7%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 20 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 4
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Spartanburg
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-85 runs through Spartanburg connecting it to Atlanta
- Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on I-85
- Transportation Score: 38 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Spartanburg: 50,000
- Cars registered per Person: 1.3
- No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Spartanburg: scdmvonline.com
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
- Local Airport: Greenville-Spartanburg International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Spartanburg’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Spartanburg is best described as has mild winters and hot summers with significant rainfall throughout the year
- Winter Weather in Spartanburg i’d describe as mild and rainy
- Spring Weather in Spartanburg can be described as warm and humid
- Summer’s in Spartanburg are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Spartanburg is usually mild and sunny
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 26 days in summer
- Days in a row in Spartanburg below Freezing: 5
- Average Annual Rainfall: 47 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by regional growth
- Spartanburg Winter Air generally good air quality with few local impacts
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Spartanburg Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Spartanburg 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Spartanburgs’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Spartanburg County Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Spartanburg Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Spartanburg only Doctors is about 70
- Local Hospitals here is 6
- Full-time Spartanburg only Police Officers is about 300
- Crime Rate Index: 55/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Spartanburg’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
- Spartanburg’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Spartanburg’s Water Quality Score: 75
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Spartanburg
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: city known for its history and vibrant community events
- You might enjoy performances at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Spartanburg has a charming nightlife with local bars restaurants and cultural events creating a fun atmosphere
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Spartanburg
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes Southern dining and local favorites
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Spartanburg
- The Popular Sports Team is Spartanburg Spartans
- Top Level Political Climate in Spartanburg can be described as conservative area focusing on local industry and development
- Spartanburg’s Longer standing religious establishment is Spartanburg First Baptist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Spartanburg Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Spartanburg has 30 Parks?
- Spartanburg County Parks is Spartanburg’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Spartanburg Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Spartanburg Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Spartanburg can be described as moderate pace with a focus on culture and community events
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Spartanburg hiking local trails community events exploring parks
- The Cities people commute to from Spartanburg are Greenville 14 miles away Taylors 12 miles away Spartanburg 17 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Spartanburg or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: heavy traffic on I-85. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Spartanburg’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Spartanburg is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Spartanburg are Greenville 14 miles away Taylors 12 miles away Spartanburg 17 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Spartanburg has 5 days in a row below freezing and 26 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Spartanburg people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
300 homeless people living in Spartanburg. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general conservative area focusing on local industry and development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Spartanburg.
Retiree & Senior Life in Spartanburg
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax exemptions aimed at enhancing financial security
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
- Spartanburg Senior Center offers health resources recreational activities and meal services for seniors
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Spartanburg, South-Carolina?
If Spartanburg, South-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Spartanburg, South-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!