Affordable Living, Upstate Charm: Discover Greenville's Best Neighborhoods for Renting Apartments

I'm Jesse, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Greenville, South Carolina. I fell in love with this outstanding city in 2004 when we first lived in the downtown area. Although we now reside in a nearby city, I have clients in Greenville, which provides the perfect excuse to visit frequently.

As one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, Greenville boasts a unique and interesting blend of culture, arts, business, food, entertainment, and attractions, and has a well-earned reputation as one of the Southeast's most desirable places to live.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Greenville

Current Rental Pricing for Rental Homes in Greenville

Featuring the perfect combination of old world charm and modern convenience, Greenville neighborhoods have something to offer people of all ages and from all walks of life. Below are ten neighborhoods that offer affordability, convenience, and enjoyable living.

1. Downtown Greenville

Greenery surrounds virtually every commercial establishment and apartment complex in Downtown Greenville. Whenever I'm in town combining business with pleasure, Greenville’s award-winning Main Street is a designated stop, rain or shine. It’s home to an entire block of iconic eateries, featuring world-class cuisine and indoor-outdoor dining.

Most apartments are high-rise style and are within walking distance of popular attractions, such as Falls Park on the Reedy, the Heritage Green museums, the Peace Center Performing Arts venue, and, of course, the Greenville Zoo. Local breweries, art galleries, specialty boutiques, and friendly people complete the engaging environment of Greenville's downtown district.

2. Overbrook Historic District

Whenever I visit this area, I'm struck again by its quaint southern charm and beautiful, centuries-old oak trees. Numerous revitalization projects are often underway, yet the district's leisurely pace and close-knit feel remain unaffected. Most rentals in this district are single-family homes converted to apartments and are exceptionally convenient for commuters. I-385 runs straight through the neighborhood, and other areas are easily reached via Greenlink’s 509 bus line or the route 909 trolley.

Overbrook also hosts frequent festivals and is home to an 18-hole golf course, located in Timmons Park, one of the area’s many well-maintained public parks. I often meet my clients at the Fork and Plough, an iconic farm-to-table restaurant featuring a menu of fresh, locally sourced foods and sustainable wines.

3. West Greenville

This neighborhood is described as the SoHo of Greenville, and I assure you the description is accurate. Its diverse combination of traditional businesses and creative arts make it one of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods. It's ideally located near Greenville's main interstate, I-85, and the neighborhood is also within walking distance of most local businesses. A variety of apartment styles pepper the area, from complexes to converted homes.

Situated about two miles from downtown Greenville, West Greenville features an abundance of boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries. I never pass up an opportunity to enjoy a latte from The Village Grind and a stroll through the Spoonbill Gallery, where the exhibits never fail to surprise me. Finally, if you like engaging nightlife options, this neighborhood belongs on your shortlist.

4. Southernside

Southernside borders downtown Greenville, and from what I've observed, this district is a rising star among South Carolina’s “friendly and trendy” neighborhoods. The overall personality of the area seems to center on small business culture and outdoor recreation with a genuine community vibe among its residents. Newcomers are welcomed with a sense of small-town familiarity, so you'll likely find it easy to fit in should you choose this neighborhood.

If you have young children, you'll also be pleased to know that the A.J. Wittenburg Elementary School has a GreatSchools rating of eight, and a five-star rating from parents. Here, apartments range from modern duplexes or high rises, to older, multifamily homes converted into individual units.

5. Augusta Street

Augusta Street, which locals often refer to as "August Road," is a historic subdivision of Greenville, and, in my opinion, is ideal if your objective is to be near the downtown district but not directly in its center. People from this neighborhood say that Augusta Street offers the best of both worlds. New developments as well as apartments built into historical buildings are available in this area. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other Greenville neighborhoods, but it boasts top-notch schools, both private and public, and some of the best shopping and dining in the state. A convenient, friendly, upscale neighborhood, Augusta Street is perfect for families with children and professionals from all walks of life.

6. North Main

If you prefer a suburban, tranquil atmosphere but don't want to give up urban convenience, the North Main neighborhood of Greenville fits the bill. A unique blend of city and suburb, it is a historic neighborhood that also manages to offer a lively and modern entertainment district within walking distance from most apartments. A bustling downtown section featuring charming tree-lined streets and numerous outdoor dining establishments round out this district. I recommend the Northgate Soda Shop or the Bohemian Café if you’re craving homemade food or diner-style ice cream sundaes. In this interesting neighborhood you'll also find attractions such as community gardens, walking trails, and the nationally recognized Liberty Bridge; an architectural wonder overlooking Reedy River Falls. Modern complexes and older apartment buildings are available in this district.

7. Nicholtown

Once overlooked, Nicholtown is now reaching the forefront of Greenville’s growth spurt. Founded by nine African American families in the 1870s, it has experienced decades of growth and change. If I didn't visit the city regularly, I may not even recognize it as the old neighborhood I remember from my sojourn in Greenville. New apartment complexes seem to appear every time I pass through.

The surge in growth, however, has not changed the close-knit community atmosphere that has always characterized Nicholtown. The area is also home to an ever-expanding Community Center that opens its doors each day to residents of all ages searching for companionship and wholesome activities. Interestingly, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” the award-winning novel by Jacqueline Woodson, was based on the author’s memories of life in Nicholtown.

8. Mauldin

Mauldin, according to many retirees, is one of Greenville’s best neighborhoods and most apartments are found in modern complexes. Many working families and singles also call Mauldin home. This is because it's a tranquil suburb that's perfect for anyone in search of a quiet lifestyle.

If you're an outdoor lover, you'll be pleased to find that this district has numerous parks, and is home to the Conestee Nature Preserve, which boasts several observation decks, multiple hiking and walking trails, and a large dog park. The Mauldin Cultural Center is also considered a gem in the center of this pleasant, friendly community. Additionally, easy access to the Greenville airport and all major highways makes this neighborhood ideal if you like to travel, but want peace and quiet when you're at home.

9. White Horse

Although the White Horse Tavern after which this neighborhood got its name is no longer in business, White Horse is still a thriving, historically significant district. It’s situated a mere 2 1/2 miles from downtown Greenville and offers some of the best and easiest access to the famous Greenville Zoo. It's also home to the White Horse Flea Market, which is a shopping opportunity I highly recommend: it's the largest flea market in a 100-mile radius of the city.

This isn't surprising since the neighborhood began as an 18th-century trading post. Both modern apartments and those built into historical buildings are found in this district. Residents enjoy the vast array of restaurants and shops located on White Horse Road, which extends from the center of the neighborhood to its southern edge. Ultimately, there's always something to do and see in this friendly, engaging district.

10. Valley Creek

Buffered by a lovely, dense field of trees, Valley Creek is located directly between the Greenville Downtown Airport and Interstate 385. It is a somewhat new suburban development featuring modern apartments, but has gained attention for its laid-back characteristics and friendly residents.

Multiplex apartments, wide streets, mature trees, numerous green spaces, and sidewalks designed for leisurely strolls all add to its casual atmosphere. Surrounded by shopping centers and close to both the Children's Museum of the Upstate and Roper Mountain Science Center, it has also acquired a reputation as a cultural district. I've been keeping my eye on this developing neighborhood, as it is clearly an up-and-coming choice for new Greenville residents.