Here & There – Greer, SC
Greer, South Carolina –
Greer is a good example of a small town that took advantage of a manufacturing base and convenient location to create jobs and increase population over the past decade, proving that opportunity does exist when a community comes together to achieve a common goal.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greer is one of South Carolina’s fastest growing cities. In 1998, Greer’s population was just over 17,000. That number topped 27,000 in 2013 – a 60% increase – and may climb to 40,000 residents by 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau forecasts.
With 26% of jobs in manufacturing, Greer is home to the national headquarters for Michelin North America and Mitsubishi Polyester Inc., as well as BMW’s only United States manufacturing facility. The South Carolina Inland Port opened in 2013, just the second facility of its kind on the East Coast, and served by Norfolk & Southern and CSX Transportation railroads.
Since 1998, 72% of Greer’s job growth has come from existing businesses, with $1.6 billion invested and over 5,000 new jobs created in the past six years. In 2014, BMW announced a $1 billion investment in their Greer facility.
Spanning more than 20 square miles, Greer’s city limits to the north offer outdoor recreation at Lake Robinson and Lake Cunningham, while the city’s southern boundary includes a major transportation corridor with Interstate 85 and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Controlled development and infrastructure improvements have kept pace with the city’s growth. Families and young professionals have discovered Greer’s first-rate services, outstanding park facilities, recreation programs, and big-city amenities, while preserving a small-town feel. Greer’s Central Business District, also known as Greer Station, has become a destination in itself with approximately 12 square blocks of retail, dining, entertainment, and professional services.
The cost of living index in Greer is 87, similar to Decatur’s affordable 84.5.
Vital Statistics Decatur, IL Greer, SC
Population: 74,710 27,167
Median HH Income: $38,974 $43,261
Median Home Value: $82,600 $144,785
2610 Forest Green Dr.
Price: $145,000
Square Feet: 2645
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2.5
Year Built: 1977
Style: Ranch
Garage: 2-car
Updated kitchen, master suite, finished lower level, patio, fenced yard.
120 Forest St.
Price: $145,000
Square Feet: 1190
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Year Built: 2007
Style: Ranch
Garage: 2-car
Hardwood floors, master suite, deck, slab construction, fenced yard.
Here & There is sponsored by the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County. Housing details provided by Realtor.com. For information on area business opportunities, go to www.decaturedc.com or call 217-422-9520.
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2015 issue of Decatur Magazine.
It may not be reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent.
© Copyright 2015 Decatur Magazine – First String Productions. All rights reserved.