Spartanburg 76 Excellent
Spartanburg Livability #24 ranked city in South Carolina#3,679 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Spartanburg

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in Spartanburg?

Spartanburg is a moderately-sized city located in the state of South Carolina. The city has a population of 38,808 inhabitants. Spartanburg is mostly populated by White (48%) and Black or African American (46%) ethnic groups. Spartanburg is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 44% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Spartanburg is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Spartanburg could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Spartanburg and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Carolina and national averages.

Using data and statistics Spartanburg has received a livability score of 75 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Spartanburg ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Based on the scores for each individual category, Spartanburg has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Spartanburg ranks poorly for, including: employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

If you're living in Spartanburg, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Spartanburg an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve, Hub City Railroad Museum, and Chapman Cultural Center.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Spartanburg apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Spartanburg. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Spartanburg are affordable. Median real estate prices in Spartanburg come in at $241,634, which is 7.1% lower than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Spartanburg, the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 0% lower than the South Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Spartanburg

See all the best places to live around Spartanburg

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Compare Spartanburg, SC Livability

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      Spartanburg transportation information

      Statistic Spartanburg South Carolina National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.0%82.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.3%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home4.4%3.6%4.6%
      Source: The Spartanburg, SC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.