In my mind I’m gone to Carolina
Can’t you see the sunshine?
Can’t you just feel the moonshine?
– James Taylor
“In my mind I’m going to Carolina. Can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I’m going to Carolina in my mind”
-James Taylor
Why I would not want to live anywhere, but the ‘864’? By Renia N. Trickett
I have been a realtor servicing the Upstate of South Carolina, for over fourteen-years. Durning my time in Real Estate, I have had the pleasure of working with a diverse group of buyers and sellers, and many of them become repeat clients.
However, one of my favorite aspects of my chosen career, is working with buyers moving into the 864- area code from somewhere else. Please do not get me wrong, I truly enjoy servicing local buyers and sellers; however, there is something to be said in regards to seeing the Upstate for the first time through my relocating clients’ eyes.
No matter how many times I get asked by a perspective transplant, “Why do you live here?”, I never lose the passion in my voice when responding to them with my answer. I live here, because I love the community and genuinely appreciate everything the Upstate of South Carolina has to offer. I could not see myself living anywhere else.
The next question from my client is usually, “Why?”. Why do I carry such affection for my little corner of the world? I promise you, when giving them my explanation on my devotion to my hometown and my home state- it is not with lip-service!
People often make life decisions based on their circumstances. The two most powerful elements in facilitating the determination are- feelings and facts. Finding which part of the 864-area is right for my buyer helps me develop a partnership with them. I give them the facts and they in turn give me their feelings, on what seems right for their particular lifestyle.
Here are some facts on why I choose to call the 864-area code, my home.
The 864, also known as The Upstate, is comprised of the following counties- Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Cherokee, Oconee, Union, and Laurens. Each county has a true uniqueness that sets them apart from one another.
The Upstate was once home to the Cherokee Nation of Native Americans. In 1754 it became a trading post for trappers. Then, in 1816, Vardry McBee, known as the Founding Father of Greenville, purchased the land from its original owner Lemuel J. Alston. McBee donated this land in order to see it prosper. New structures, such as, churches, academic centers, a cotton mill, and a railroad were built in the years after McBee’s donation. The railroad allowed Greenville and the surrounding areas to grow in population. Around the turn of the 20th century the Upstate became a top vacation spot for visitors from the low-lining coastal areas of South Carolina, due to its scenic mountain views and cooler summer weather.
Today Greenville is the epicenter of the Upstate, and its downtown is its heart. Boosting award-winning restaurants, businesses, retail living, event venues, and festivals. With all of Greenville’s downtown attractions, there is something for everyone.
For the Cultural Admirer-
- The Peace Center- a performing arts center that includes a concert hall. Here you can take-in a Broadway Show, a Ballet, or concert.
- Artisphere- A festival held every May, on Greenville’s Main Street. Artists, working in all types of mediums, come from all over the United State to display and sell their pieces.
- The Greenville Art Museum- Many well-known American artists have shown their collections here. A few note- Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keefe, and Andy Warhol.
For the Foodie- Jenn Rice, a contributor for Vogue Magazine Online, wrote her November 2017 article about Greenville’s cuisine ” Greenville, South Carolina, might not be on every epicure’s list (yet), but it’s only a matter of time”. Her editorial could get anyone’s taste buds watering. In my opinion Greenville’s variety of eateries is equal to that of South Carolina’s most famous culinary city, Charleston.
- Other noteworthy palate driven events- Euphoria Greenville is an annual three-day gathering
- Fall for Greenville is a three-day music and food street festival held each fall
- Downtown Greenville Farmer’s Market- open April-October
For the Nature Lover and Sports Enthusiast–
- The Swamp Rabbit Trail- Named after the indigenous swamp rabbit, this 19.9-mile running and biking trail extends from downtown Greenville to the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail has hosted both world-renowned cycling races and marathons, and is exceptional for biking, walking, running, or just taking a stroll.
- Falls Park on the Reedy, a large regional park in the West End with gardens and several waterfalls, a pedestrian suspension bridge overlooking the Reedy River. Falls Park is only one of many state parks located around the Upstate.
- Home of the Greenville Drive- A Class A baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. The stadium itself was built in 2006, and its design is mirrored after the famous Fenway Park
- Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Team- Its home is the 16,000-seat arena located in Downtown Greenville. When the Swamp Rabbits are not playing, the arena doubles as a venue for large concerts and events.
- If Golf is your sport, then you are in luck! Not only is the Upstate home to dozens upon dozens of golf courses, that vary in skill-level, price and size, but it is also only two-hours away from Augusta National.
For Family Fun
There are so many activities located in the Upstate that are dedicated to children and family activities.
- Greenville Zoo- This lovely 14-acre zoo is home to African Lions, dozens of different primates, Masai Giraffes and a petting zoo. Surrounding the zoo is Cleveland park, a multifacility park with tennis courts, a state-of-the-art playground, and the beginning of the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
- The Children’s Museum of the Upstate- The museum has over 80,000 square feet of fun. It is the 7th largest children’s museum in the country and on average has over 100 hands-on exhibits at any given time. With an indoor and outdoor playground and 18- interactive exhibits that change seasonally, it is no wonder it is a preferred destination for kids of all ages.
- The Roper Mountain Science Center- Built in 1985, this extraordinary brainchild came from both public and private donors, whom wanted to make available more Natural Science resources for children of the Upstate. The center boasts the 7th largest planetarium in the country, as well as, an observatory, natural trails, and a butterfly garden. Open to the public, there is something for everyone at this 68,000 square-feet center.
Commerce-
Once regarded as “The Textile Capital of The World”, the Upstate’s industries have become more diversified in the last few decades, allowing for continued growth in the economy. Favorable wages and tax benefits have made South Carolina, particularly the Upstate, a hot spot for over-seas companies, tech start-ups, and small businesses to make a home here. The 864-counties have some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, and is well under the national average of 4%.
- Greenville ranked #2 best city in America to start a business –Xome 2016
- Greenville listed as Top 10 Small Cities Where Business is Thriving – NerdWallet and Entrepreneur study 2016
- #1 Micro City of the Future, #1 City for Economic Potential, #2 City for Business Friendliness – fDi’s American Cities of the Future 2015/16
