Anderson and Spartanburg are two cities in South Carolina that have a lot in common, but also have their differences. Both cities have a rich history, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. However, when it comes to deciding which city is the best place to live, there are several factors to consider.
Geographic and Demographic Overview: Anderson is located in the northwest part of South Carolina, while Spartanburg is located in the upstate region of the state.
Anderson has a population of approximately 27,000 people, while Spartanburg has a population of around 38,000 people. The median age in Spartanburg is 1.4 years older than in Anderson.
Economic Factors: Both cities have a diverse economy with a mix of industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. However, Spartanburg has a slightly higher median household income than Anderson. Spartanburg also has a lower unemployment rate than Anderson, making it a more attractive option for job seekers.
Key Takeaways
Anderson and Spartanburg are two cities in South Carolina that have a lot in common, but also have their differences.
Spartanburg has a slightly higher median household income than Anderson and a lower unemployment rate, making it a more attractive option for job seekers.
When deciding which city is the best place to live, factors such as quality of life, housing and real estate, and transportation and accessibility should also be considered.
Geographic and Demographic Overview
Location and Landscape
Anderson, SC and Spartanburg, SC are both located in the upstate region of South Carolina. Anderson is situated in the northwestern part of the state, approximately 30 miles southwest of Greenville. Spartanburg is located in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 30 miles northeast of Greenville. Both cities are near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provide scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The landscape of Anderson is characterized by rolling hills and forests, while Spartanburg is located on a relatively flat plain. Anderson is home to several lakes, including Lake Hartwell and Lake Russell, which offer boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. Spartanburg is situated near the Piedmont region, which is known for its red clay soil and abundant textile mills.
Population and Demographics
According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Anderson has a population of approximately 28,000 people, while Spartanburg has a population of approximately 37,000 people. Anderson has a slightly higher percentage of residents who identify as White (62.5%) compared to Spartanburg (54.8%). Spartanburg has a higher percentage of residents who identify as Black or African American (33.5%) compared to Anderson (29.1%).
Both cities have a similar median age, with Anderson at 39.3 years and Spartanburg at 39.4 years. The median household income in Anderson is $45,281, while in Spartanburg it is $41,744. The cost of living in both cities is relatively low compared to the national average, with Spartanburg being slightly more affordable than Anderson.
In terms of education, both cities have a similar percentage of residents with a high school diploma or higher, with Anderson at 86.3% and Spartanburg at 85.1%. However, Spartanburg has a higher percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher (30.5%) compared to Anderson (23.7%).
Overall, both Anderson and Spartanburg offer a variety of amenities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. While they have some differences in terms of location, landscape, and demographics, they are both great places to live and work in the upstate region of South Carolina.
Economic Factors
Job Market
Anderson and Spartanburg both have a diverse job market, with opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail.
According to BestPlaces.net, the unemployment rate in Spartanburg is slightly lower than Anderson, with 3.3% and 3.7%, respectively. However, Anderson has a higher job growth rate at 2.3% compared to Spartanburg's 1.8%. Both cities have a median household income of around $50,000.
Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, Spartanburg is generally cheaper than Anderson.
Spartanburg's overall cost of living is 7.6% lower than Anderson's. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly lower in Spartanburg, with a 16.1% difference in median home cost. However, healthcare expenses are slightly more affordable in Anderson, with a 14.3% difference in health-related expenses.
Economic Growth
Both Anderson and Spartanburg have experienced economic growth in recent years. Spartanburg has been named the "best place to live in South Carolina" by U.S. News, thanks in part to its thriving job market and low cost of living.
Spartanburg's population has grown by 2.7% in the past decade, while Anderson's has grown by 1.2%. Anderson has also seen growth in its downtown area, with new restaurants and retail shops opening up in recent years.
Quality of Life
When it comes to quality of life, both Anderson and Spartanburg have a lot to offer. Here is a closer look at some of the factors that contribute to quality of life in these two cities.
Education
Both Anderson and Spartanburg have a number of highly-rated schools, including public and private options. In Anderson, there are several schools that have received a 9 or 10 out of 10 rating on GreatSchools.org, including Concord Elementary, Midway Elementary, and McLees Elementary.
Spartanburg also has a number of highly-rated schools, including Spartanburg High School, which has received a 9 out of 10 rating.
Healthcare
Both cities have a number of healthcare options, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. In Anderson, AnMed Health Medical Center is the primary hospital, while Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is the primary healthcare provider in Spartanburg. Both healthcare systems have received high ratings for patient satisfaction.
Safety
Both cities have a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities in South Carolina. According to NeighborhoodScout, Anderson has a crime rate that is lower than 54% of other cities in the state, while Spartanburg has a crime rate that is lower than 32% of other cities in the state.
Recreational Activities
Both cities offer a variety of recreational activities, including parks, museums, and cultural events. Anderson has a number of parks and outdoor spaces, including the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center and the Anderson County Museum. Spartanburg also has a number of parks, including the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve and the Spartanburg County Regional Museum of History.
Additionally, both cities offer a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and art shows.
Overall, both Anderson and Spartanburg offer a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are looking for excellent schools, quality healthcare, a safe community, or a variety of recreational activities, both cities have something to offer.
Housing and Real Estate
Housing Market
Anderson and Spartanburg both offer a variety of housing options to meet the needs of different lifestyles and budgets.
According to BestPlaces.net, the median home price in Anderson is $146,500, while in Spartanburg, it is slightly lower at $139,900.
However, the housing market in both cities is competitive, with homes selling quickly and often above asking price.
In recent years, both cities have experienced a steady increase in housing prices. According to a PDF report, new home sales prices in Spartanburg increased by 14% in 2021, while Anderson saw a 7.8% increase in home values in the past year. Despite the increase in home prices, both cities still offer more affordable housing options compared to other cities in the state.
Property Taxes
When it comes to property taxes, Anderson and Spartanburg have different rates and assessment methods. According to BestPlaces.net, the property tax rate in Anderson is 0.61%, while in Spartanburg, it is slightly lower at 0.58%. However, property tax rates are not the only factor to consider, as the assessed value of a property can also affect the total tax amount.
In Anderson, the assessed value of a property is based on 4% of the market value, while in Spartanburg, the assessed value is based on 6% of the market value. This means that a property with the same market value in Spartanburg may have a higher assessed value and, therefore, a higher property tax amount compared to Anderson.
Overall, both Anderson and Spartanburg offer competitive housing markets with affordable options and increasing home values. When considering property taxes, it is important to take into account the assessed value of a property in addition to the tax rate.
Transportation and Accessibility
Public Transportation
Anderson and Spartanburg both have public transportation options available for residents and visitors. The South Carolina Department of Transportation provides a list of public transit agencies in the state here. Disability Rights South Carolina is the Protection and Advocacy System for South Carolina, and provides information on accessible public transportation here.
In Anderson, the local public transportation system is called Electric City Transit. It offers fixed-route bus service throughout the city. The fare for a single ride is $1.50, and monthly passes are available for $40.00. The buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks.
Spartanburg has a similar system called Spartanburg Area Regional Transit Agency (SPARTA). It provides fixed-route bus service throughout the city, as well as paratransit service for those who are unable to use the fixed-route system. The fare for a single ride is $1.50, and monthly passes are available for $35.00. The buses are also wheelchair accessible.
Traffic and Commute
When it comes to traffic and commute times, Spartanburg has a slightly longer average commute time than Anderson. According to BestPlaces.net, the average commute time in Spartanburg is 20.4 minutes, while in Anderson it is 18.6 minutes. However, Spartanburg has recently implemented a Downtown Transportation Plan to improve walkability and traffic flow in the city center, which may help reduce commute times.
Overall, both Anderson and Spartanburg are easily accessible by car, with major highways such as I-85 and I-26 running through the area. However, traffic can be heavy during peak travel times, particularly on I-85 near Greenville and on I-26 near Spartanburg.
