If you're considering a move to South Carolina, you might be wondering which city is better to live in: Greenville or Columbia. Both cities have their own unique charm and appeal, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at Greenville and Columbia, comparing them in terms of demographics, cost of living, education, climate, transportation, and more. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which city might be the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
Greenville and Columbia are two unique cities in South Carolina, each with their own pros and cons.
Greenville has a lower cost of living and better job opportunities, while Columbia has a more diverse population and a thriving arts scene.
Ultimately, the decision between Greenville and Columbia comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
Demographic and Cultural Comparison
Population Statistics
When comparing Greenville, SC and Columbia, SC, it's important to look at the population statistics. According to BestPlaces.net, Columbia is 0% more densely populated than Greenville, with a population of 133,451 compared to Greenville's population of 73,589.
Columbia has a higher percentage of African American residents, with 40.2% of the population identifying as such, while Greenville has a higher percentage of White residents, at 68.7%. Additionally, Columbia has a higher percentage of Hispanic or Latino residents, at 8.3%, compared to Greenville's 5.7%.
Cultural Landmarks and Events
Both Greenville and Columbia have a rich cultural history and offer a variety of landmarks and events. Greenville is home to attractions such as Falls Park and Cleveland Park, which offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and nature. The city also offers a variety of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and performance venues, such as the Peace Center and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Columbia, on the other hand, is home to the South Carolina State Museum, which features exhibits on art, science, and history, as well as the Columbia Museum of Art. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Congaree National Park. Additionally, Columbia hosts a number of annual events, such as the South Carolina State Fair and the Columbia International Festival.
Overall, both Greenville and Columbia offer a variety of cultural landmarks and events, making them both great places to live for those interested in history, art, and outdoor activities.
Cost of Living and Economic Opportunities
If you're thinking of moving to either Greenville or Columbia, it's essential to know the cost of living and the economic opportunities available in both cities. Here are some of the key factors you should consider:
Housing and Real Estate
When it comes to housing and real estate, Columbia is slightly more affordable than Greenville. According to BestPlaces.net, Columbia's housing costs are 27.4% less expensive than Greenville's.
However, it's important to note that Greenville's housing market is growing rapidly, with an increase in demand for real estate. This means that while Columbia may be more affordable now, Greenville's housing market may become more competitive in the future.
Job Market and Employment Rates
Both Greenville and Columbia have a strong job market, with numerous employment opportunities available in various industries. According to Salary.com, you would have to earn a salary of $61,130 to maintain your current standard of living in Columbia, which is 1.9% higher than in Greenville. However, employers in Columbia typically pay -1.9% less than employers in Greenville.
This means that while the cost of living may be slightly higher in Columbia, you may be able to earn more in Greenville.
Taxes and Household Income
When it comes to taxes and household income, Columbia has a lower household income than Greenville. According to BestPlaces.net, household income in Columbia is 19% less than it is in Greenville and is 41% below the national average.
Additionally, Columbia's sales tax rate is 7%, while Greenville's is 6%. However, it's important to note that Greenville's property tax rate is higher than Columbia's.
Overall, both Greenville and Columbia have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost of living and economic opportunities. It's important to consider your personal preferences and priorities when deciding which city is better for you.
Education and Family Life
Schools and Educational Quality
When it comes to education, both Greenville and Columbia have their fair share of quality schools. According to BestPlaces.net, Greenville has a slightly higher number of schools than Columbia, with 2,557 schools compared to 1,239 schools.
However, South Carolina's graduation rate is a bit higher at 82.5% compared to 77.6% in Columbia. Additionally, South Carolina's SAT scores are a bit higher.
In Greenville, some of the top-rated schools include Eastside High School, Riverside High School, and Mauldin High School. In Columbia, some of the top-rated schools include Dreher High School, A.C. Flora High School, and Spring Hill High School. Both cities have a mix of public and private schools, so you have a variety of options to choose from.
Family Amenities and Activities
When it comes to family amenities and activities, Greenville is the clear winner. According to a Reddit post discussing the two cities, Greenville has a nicer downtown area with more attractions such as Falls Park and Cleveland Park. Columbia has a larger bar scene, but Greenville wins in the foodie arena. Both cities have great breweries, but Greenville has been experiencing a buzz and excitement over the last 5-10 years.
In Greenville, you can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Greenville. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and performance venues such as the Peace Center. Columbia has some great family-friendly attractions such as the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and the South Carolina State Museum, but it doesn't quite compare to Greenville in terms of overall family-friendliness.
Overall, both Greenville and Columbia have their pros and cons when it comes to education and family life. However, if you're looking for a city that offers more family-friendly amenities and activities, Greenville is the better choice.
Climate and Geography
When it comes to climate and geography, there are some notable differences between Greenville and Columbia. Here's what you need to know:
Weather Patterns
Both cities experience a humid subtropical climate, meaning they have hot summers and mild winters. However, Greenville tends to be slightly cooler than Columbia, with average highs in the mid-80s during the summer months compared to the upper 80s in Columbia. Greenville also tends to get slightly more rainfall than Columbia, with an average of 51 inches per year compared to 45 inches in Columbia.
Natural Environment and Outdoor Recreation
Greenville is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means it offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city is home to Falls Park on the Reedy, a scenic park with a waterfall and walking trails, as well as the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile paved trail for walking, running, and biking. Greenville is also close to several state parks, including Table Rock State Park and Paris Mountain State Park.
Columbia, on the other hand, is located in the center of the state and is surrounded by forests and lakes. The Congaree National Park, located just outside of Columbia, is home to one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast. The city is also close to Lake Murray, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Overall, both Greenville and Columbia offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and take in the natural beauty of South Carolina.
Transportation and Accessibility
Moving around in a city is essential, and Greenville and Columbia have different public transit systems and traffic conditions. Here's what you need to know about transportation and accessibility in these two cities.
Public Transit Systems
Both Greenville and Columbia have public transit systems, but Greenville's system is more extensive than Columbia's. Greenville's Greenlink Transit offers 12 fixed bus routes, paratransit services, and a free trolley that runs through the downtown area.
On the other hand, Columbia's public transit system, The Comet, offers limited routes with longer wait times between buses. However, The Comet is expanding its services and has plans to add more routes in the future.
Traffic and Commute Times
Traffic can be heavy in both cities during peak hours, but Greenville has a better overall commute time than Columbia. According to BestPlaces.net, the average commute time in Greenville is 20.6 minutes, while in Columbia, it is 23 minutes. Greenville's downtown area is also more walkable and bike-friendly, which can help reduce traffic congestion.
In terms of accessibility, both cities have airports, but Greenville's Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is larger and offers more flights and destinations. Additionally, both cities have access to major highways, with Columbia being closer to I-20 and I-77, while Greenville is closer to I-85.
Overall, Greenville has a better public transit system and shorter commute times, but both cities have access to major highways and airports.
