Enjoy all Spartanburg, S.C., and the Upstate Have to Offer

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Upstate South Carolina: Stunning Landscape, Southern Charm, Affordable Living

There’s just something about Upstate South Carolina. It could be the mild weather, or the stunning landscape covered in lush forests, rolling rivers, serene lakes and mountain foothills. Or perhaps it’s the region’s captivating southern charm, or the affordable cost of living. Come to think of it, it’s really all that and more.

Spartanburg, S.C., is the place United Country Real Estate | Upstate Property Sales Inc. calls home, and we feel lucky to live here for the exact reasons mentioned above. We serve clients across the Upstate region in counties such as Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, Oconee, Laurens and Union. And our hope for anyone new to the area is that they end up loving it the way we do.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons visitors and new residents alike are drawn to the Upstate.

Rural Living, Recreation and Relaxation in Spartanburg and Beyond

Upstate South Carolina is especially rural, anywhere from around 65-75 percent in counties such as Greenville or Spartanburg to almost entirely rural in counties such as Laurens, Union or Abbeville. While there are some urban areas in the region, you’ll find far more wide-open spaces, wooded acreage and other places for recreation and relaxation amid natural beauty.

With thousands of acres of protected land in the Upstate, there’s bound to be some incredible scenery. Outdoor adventurers and nature lovers flock to the region for its massive lakes, rivers, rolling mountain foothills and gorgeous parks. In Spartanburg alone, often just minutes from downtown you’ll find several nature preserveswith trails and waterways to enjoy. But for top-notch recreation on a larger scale, you’ll want to check out the local Lake Blalock and Lake Bowen, both 1,000 plus-acre lakes ideal for boating and fishing.

Or, head out to one of the many state parks in the Upstate. There’s Lake Hartwell State Park in Oconee County, where you can enjoy picturesque hikes and bird watching. The nearby Devil’s Fork State Park offers the 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee, fed by mountain streams and waterfalls. Head to Caesars Head State Park in Greenville County to marvel at the state’s tallest waterfall and the amazing views from the tops of the trails.

If you’re into riding trails on horseback, check out Croft State Park in Spartanburg, one of the largest in South Carolina. Or perhaps you’d rather paddle down the Catawba River, surrounded by rocky shoals spider lilies. In that case, head to Landsford Canal State Park in York County (Watch for the local bald eagles!). Lastly, Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site provides a Revolutionary War history lesson amongst nice trails, the Enoree River and Horseshoe Falls.

Enchanting Downtowns, Arts, Culture and Other Upstate Attractions

Any time of year is a great time to live in Upstate South Carolina. But spring and early fall in particular bring ideal weather for strolling downtown through the enchanting Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, or touring Spartanburg’s Downtown Cultural District.

Both downtowns are big on supporting the arts and you’ll find art galleries, public displays, performing arts venues and many other attractions here. The local shops, breweries and wineries, and museums also stand out, as do the restaurants — many featuring dishes from some of the country’s most innovative chefs.

The Greenville Zoo is a great place for family fun, while the BMW Performance Center allows adrenaline junkies to get behind the wheel and take on various courses (the BMW manufacturing plant and museum are also local).

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For many, the extensive number of colleges and universities are a draw to the Upstate. Beside the well-known Clemson University,, top-rated schools such as Furman University and Wofford College are also here (the NFL’s Carolina Panthers train annually on Wofford’s campus). This region is filled with stunning natural beauty, thriving arts and culture, rich history and so much more. Plus, the cost of living is lower than the national average … and in Spartanburg almost 20% lower, per BestPlaces.net. Come witness the wonder of our area personally, and welcome to Upstate South Carolina!

Sources: southcarolinaparks.com; spartanburgconservation.org; discoversouthcarolina.com; spartanburgparks.org; visitgreenvillesc.com; visitspartanburg.com; stacker.com; bestplaces.net; en.wikipedia.org