Everything You Need to Know When Moving to or Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg is a beautiful historic city in South Carolina that is tucked into the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With plenty to do and see, Spartanburg makes a great choice for young professionals and families looking to relocate. If you're thinking about moving to Spartanburg, our crews at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving can help transport your belongings to your new home. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Spartanburg, so you can decide if it's a good fit for your next big move.
Demographics
Spartanburg is has a cozy small-town feel, and with a population of 38,732, you'll see plenty of friendly faces as you walk along its streets. With a population density of 1,874 people per square mile, there's an abundance of space within the city's limits, making it a great place for families with small children.
The median income in Spartanburg is around $40,053, which is below the national average of $62,843, but homes and living expenses are also much lower than in other cities throughout the United States. It's also a very diverse place to live, with a racial breakdown listed below:
- White: 46.8%
- Black or African American: 47.5%
- Hispanic or Latino: 4.7%
- Asian: 2.3%
Cost of Living
Living in Spartanburg is much cheaper than in other big cities throughout the states, and 46.2 percent of residents own their own homes. Houses sell for around $125,600, on average, which is well below the national average of $217,500. Mortgage rates are also on the lower end, averaging around $1,113 per month. If you're thinking about renting a home or apartment, the average price is around $810 per month, which is below the national average of $1,062.
Job Market
There are many opportunities for employment in Spartanburg in a variety of fields. As of August 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate in Spartanburg was at 4.3%, which is similar to the national average of 4.8%. Some of the largest employers in Spartanburg are listed below:
- BMW of North America, LLC: 10,916 employees
- ABM Onsite Services, Inc.: 4,500 employees
- Spartanburg Medical Group PA: 4,121 employees
- Spartanburg Regional Health Services District, Inc.: 3,444 employees
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: 2,662 employees
- Spartanburg County: 1,545 employees
Spartanburg residents also take education very seriously, and they're on par with national averages in high school diplomas and bachelor's degrees. 84.9% of residents in Spartanburg over the age of 25 have received their high school diploma, and 29.9% have gone on to obtain at least a bachelor's degree.
Public Transportation
Navigating the city is easy, thanks to the SPARTA bus system that travels throughout Spartanburg and beyond. From the website, you can download routes and check the status of the buses that operate six days a week. Adult tickets are $1.25 and students and seniors only pay $0.75. Kids always ride SPARTA for free, and monthly passes are available at a discounted rate.
A free shuttle service is also available for residents and visitors to use Monday through Saturday to get to downtown restaurants and shopping spots.
Spartanburg residents experience commute times of around 20.3 minutes, thanks to the variety of transportation options that are offered. This is below the national average of around 26.9 minutes.
If you need to find a parking spot, in the city, you're in luck. There are several of parking garages available throughout the city, as well as on-street parking spots. There's also a free valet service offered in certain parking areas on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30pm-10:30pm.
Things to do in Spartanburg
Spartanburg is a small city with a booming downtown area, and there's always something fun to do. If you're thinking about moving to Spartanburg, you'll never run out of new places to explore and fun restaurants to enjoy. The nightlife scene is filled with opportunities to have a good time once the sun goes down. Ground Zero is a world famous concert venue, and Midtown Bistro and Lounge has a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of handcrafted cocktails that you can sip with friends.
If you're looking for a great burger, check out Cribb's Kitchen on Main, a local hot spot that serves American cuisine along with cocktails and beer on tap, and Wade's Restaurant is an old-school diner that specializes in Southern comfort food. For the best brunch in town, stop by Mon Amie Morning Cafe to enjoy a perfect omelet with grits.
If you're a history buff, check out the Spartanburg History Event Schedule. Guided tours are offered daily so you can learn about the region's rich history that dates hundreds of years back to the Spanish explorers. For families with young children, The Children's Museum of the Upstate is a must-see. This museum is one of the nation's largest children's museums and they've got over 6,000 square feet of exhibits to explore.
Libraries
If you move to Spartanburg, you'll have access to the Spartanburg County Public Library system, that has 11 different locations. The library's facebook page is frequently updated with fun events and activities to enjoy that are completely free.
Outdoor Activities
The weather in Spartanburg remains mild throughout the winter, with highs rarely dipping below the mid 50s, and the city sees less than an inch of snowfall. Summers get very warm, often reaching the low nineties, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking and swimming.
With such a lovely climate and a rich history, there are many outdoor parks to explore in Spartanburg. Croft State Park is a historical landmark that was once used during WWII as a POW camp and Army training base. Today, it's a 7,000 acre expanse that's used for camping, hiking and biking. Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is another lovely place to explore, consisting of 10 acres of public garden space and it was placed in the top 10% of attractions worldwide on the Trip Advisors 2020 Travelers' Choice List.
Glendale Shoals Preserve and Waterfalls has over 13 acres breathtaking scenery including a waterfall on old Glendale Mill on Lawson's Fork Creek, and for hiking enthusiasts, the Cottonwood Trail is a 3.5 mile trail that winds through 115 acres of nature preserve including Fork Creek and several feeder streams.
Top Neighborhoods in Spartanburg
If you're thinking about moving to Spartanburg, it's important to explore the city's many neighborhoods to find the one that fits your needs best. Some of the best and most popular neighborhoods are listed below.
Converse Heights
This downtown spot is in a prime location and it's within walking distance of the top-rated Pine Street Elementary. Families with small children especially love Converse Heights because of its modern single-family homes and proximity to local restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Fernwood
This well-established neighborhood has quiet tree-lined streets with homes that were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Many families are drawn to Fernwood, thanks to its convenient access to major highways as well as nearby shopping and local attractions like the Cottonwood Trail. Highly rated school systems are also nearby, making it a great place to raise kids.
Wadsworth Hills
Like Fernwood, Wadsworth Hills is filled with 1960s style homes that are perfectly priced for families with children. Houses are set on quiet streets, but the neighborhood is located right next to the Dorman Center, one of the best shopping plazas in Spartanburg. Schools in this neighborhood are top-rated and there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, grabbing coffee with friends or participating in community events.
Hampton Heights
As the oldest neighborhood in Spartanburg, Hampton Heights is having a bit of a renaissance. This neighborhood is filled with historic homes and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Many families and young professionals are flocking to this neighborhood, thanks to its unique architecture and new restoration projects that are currently underway. Hampton Heights is diverse, and there are many unique restaurants and shops to check out nearby. Families also prefer this neighborhood because of its proximity to several private and public schools, along with a highly esteemed Montessori school.
Relocation Expenses, Registrations and Taxes
If you relocate to Spartanburg, it's important to get all your paperwork in order within the 45 days allotted to you. Check with the South Caronlina DMV to obtain a new license and transfer your vehicle's registration. Much of the paperwork can be done online, but if you're moving from out of state, you'll probably have to stop by to complete the process.
Important Things to Know Before Moving to Spartanburg
There's a lot to consider before making a cross-country (or cross-state) move to Spartanburg. Here are a few things to think about to help you decide if this southern city is right for you.
- Spartanburg experiences very warm summers and mild winters. If you're someone who enjoys warm weather, this city is a great fit, but if you prefer snow during the winter months, you may want to relocate somewhere further north.
- This city is on the smaller side, and residents have plenty of space. If you're looking for the hustle and bustle of a big city like Chicago or LA, Spartanburg's slower pace may not be a great fit. If, on the other hand, you like a small-town community feel with plenty to do, Spartanburg may be a great choice.
- Spartanburg has a rich history. For history buffs, this city is a wonderful place to call home, since there are so many historical sights nearby to visit.
Whether you decide to move to Spartanburg or somewhere else entirely, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving is here to help. Our crews will carefully and efficiently move your things to your new home, so your experience is stress-free. Contact us today to schedule your big move.