According to the people who live here (and a few national publications) the Upstate is one of the best and friendliest places to be, but what makes it the best? We decided to ask the people who know the area best, our agents! Below are responses from a select amount of our Prime agents. 

Question 1: Why do you love the Upstate of South Carolina?

Jackie Dowling: “I love the Upstate because it is close to the mountains and close to the beach! You can take a day trip to either!”

Lindsay Jasionowski: “I love that the Upstate offers “big city” experiences, yet still manages to feel like a small-town home. The upstate is very passionate about keeping things local. Almost all of the restaurants are sourced by local farms, small businesses selling products produced by local artists and designers. And my favorite of all, the amount of people who spend time outdoors – running, biking, walking, hiking – rain or shine, you can almost guarantee to see activity around you.”

Tracy Tate: “I love the Upstate of South Carolina because of the people that live here. I am originally from here, but I love that so many people have found our great area and love it enough to move here. People are kind and helpful.”

Sierra Wright: “I love the location! Greenville SC is driving distance to the beach, the mountains, and also bigger cities. The climate is always nice, and cost of living is lower than up north and the West Coast.”

Mary Krcelic: “The Upstate has been my home for over 35 years. Love it because of the closeness to so many other places, activities, change of seasons, football and because Greenville is amazing!”

Matt Poole: “I love the Upstate because of its proximity to so many things. Hiking, Lakes, the beach, Charlotte, and Atlanta are all within a couple of hours. I also love that there is so much you can do and with so many new businesses and companies coming into the area, that list continues to grow.”

Rebecca Henderson: “It’s the best location! Close enough to the mountains for a day hike and lakes/beach for some fun on the water, our area has something to offer in all seasons.”

Amy McMahan: “I love the smaller town living. The proximity to the mountains and the beach makes it a great place to live.”

Erin Halperin: “Accessibility to mountains, coast, ATL, Asheville, Charlotte without the price tags.”

Question 2: What is your favorite place in Upstate S.C.?

Rebecca Henderson: “How am I supposed to choose one?! If I had to choose, it would be the Greenville Zoo!! I have adored and been fascinated by animals all my life, so the zoo is a very happy place for me. A close second is the Roper Mountain planetarium…call me crazy but the illusion of experiencing galaxies far far away is hypnotic. Having gone there as a kid for many field trips, there’s something a little nostalgic there as well.”

Matt Poole: “My favorite place in the Upstate is Downtown Greenville. I love the food scene and the vibe that downtown provides. It is a beautiful place to walk around, shop, enjoy good food and good times with your friends and family.”

Mary Krcelic: “I love Downtown Greer. There are so many cute places and wonderful restaurants. I also love Landrum and it’s cute downtown.”

Sierra Wright: “The Swamp Rabbit Trail is the best place for walking and bicycling, it is also very relaxing!”

Erin Halperin: “Anywhere outside, but the Swamp Rabbit Café has amazing local groceries and delicious treats!”

Tracy Tate: “I love Paris Mountain. It is beautiful and a short drive from my home.”

Lindsay Jasionowski: “Falls Park – How many states have a massive waterfall nestles right into the heart of the City?!”

Jackie Dowling: “The Children’s Museum! We frequent often and love the ever-changing exhibits. It’s fun for all ages.”

Amy McMahan: “Downtown!”

Question 3: What is your favorite thing to do in the Upstate of South Carolina?

Tracy Tate: “I am a runner, so my friends and I make great use of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We met at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe, get our miles in and then have breakfast.”

Amy McMahan: “We live to walk downtown and have lunch and shop!”

Matt Poole: “My favorite thing to do in the Upstate is driving. I know that sounds weird, but there are so many amazing places around that you see so much. Taking a drive down Highway 11 at the base of the mountains in the fall or around Keowee in the Summer or through many of the small towns. There is just so much to see and enjoy.”

Rebecca Henderson: “Eat! So many incredible places to enjoy a great meal, from the local family-owned kitchen to the national chains; there’s something for everyone!!”

Jackie Dowling: “Go hiking or biking along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.”

Lindsay Jasionowski: “Explore the outdoors!!”

Erin Halperin: “Walk or bike the trail”

Sierra Wright: “Travel to the beach and enjoy the events Downtown Greenville.”

Mary Krcelic: “I love all of the events in Greenville, some of my favorites are Fall for Greenville and Euphoria.”

Check Out More Prime Realty Blogs About South Carolina

If you are looking for recommendations of more places to go or things to do, check out Prime Realty’s other blogs all about the Upstate of South Carolina, linked below. If you are thinking about relocating here or just moving to a different area, contact one of our Upstate  real estate agents today!