Living Elevated: Home Buying in the Upstate

The aftermath of covid and national turmoil has left many US residents searching for a place to call home. Space and tranquility have replaced the urban penthouse as the commodity of choice. This change in mentality has led tens of thousands of Americans to settle their roots in the beautiful Upstate of South Carolina. With affordable housing, tax breaks, scenic views at every turn, and an unlimited selection of activities, the Upstate has become one of the most embraced areas in the country.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS:

South Carolina has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the country, coming in at a meager 0.57%. Senior residents of at least one year can also benefit from the Homestead Exemption which exempts them from paying taxes on the first $50,000 of their home’s value. Additionally, South Carolina implements one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the country. Small business owners have access to additional tax breaks and even grants to catalyze their endeavors. The combined economic benefits have brought droves of new residents seeking South Carolina’s ever proliferating job market and economic opportunities.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION:

Greenville has become a hub due to its proximity to major transits. Both Charlotte and Atlanta are within a 2-hour drive, great for weekend adventures or for the nomadic business professional. In addition, Greenville residents can be in the mountains in minutes and walking on the beach in mere hours.

HIGHER EDUCATION:

The region is home to several top-ranked universities and colleges, including Clemson University, Furman University and North Greenville University. These top tier universities attract students from all over the country. This strong education system provides opportunities for students of all ages and attracts a highly skilled and educated workforce to the area. For businesses, this means that they can find the talent they need to succeed, and for families, this means that their children will have access to top-notch educational opportunities.

HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE:

Situated in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has an abundance of activities available for the outdoor enthusiast. The associated roads and trails attract bikers and hikers from all over. A wide selection of lakes and WMA’s (Wildlife Management Areas) cater to hunters and fishermen alike, and with some of the highest species diversity in the country, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a must-go-to destination for birders and other wildlife enthusiasts. Scenic views are in no short supply either. Table Rock, Lake Jocassee, and Clemson’s Botanical Gardens are a few of the scenic vistas the Upstate provides. Accessibility, low crime rate, thriving businesses, and a flourishing cultural scene found in the Upstate provides the perfect conditions for exciting community leisure. Families can expect a safe environment that offers an unlimited opportunity for fun and excitement. Business owners and industries set up shop knowing that their employees will benefit from all the amenities South Carolina has to offer. Not to mention college football! Tailgating is one of the Upstate’s cultural traditions and should be experienced by every South Carolinian. And a game at Clemson’s Death Valley is described as a cathartic experience for any sports fan; Tiger fan, or not.