📍 About GSP & the Upstate
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is located in Greer, SC — part of South Carolina’s fast-growing Upstate region between Greenville and Spartanburg. The area features a blend of southern charm, revitalized downtowns, mountain views, and excellent job growth. Whether you're looking for a downtown apartment, quiet suburb, or family-friendly community, the Upstate has great options close to the airport.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Downtown Greenville – Walkable, scenic, upscale apartments, active nightlife
- Greer – Close to GSP, growing downtown, affordable
- Taylors – Suburban, convenient, breweries and parks
- Five Forks – Newer apartments, modern retail centers
Best for Families
- Simpsonville – Great schools, family events, suburban neighborhoods
- Boiling Springs – Quiet, affordable homes, great for kids
- Spartanburg – Revitalized areas, growing family-friendly suburbs
- Mauldin – Safe, good schools, close to downtown Greenville
- Travelers Rest – Laid-back, near mountains, charming downtown
🚗 Commute Times to GSP Tower
- 5–15 min: Greer, Taylors, Five Forks
- 15–30 min: Downtown Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin
- 30–45 min: Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Travelers Rest
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Paris Mountain State Park, Table Rock, Caesars Head
- Biking & Trails: Swamp Rabbit Trail (22 miles from Greenville to Travelers Rest)
- Lakes: Lake Hartwell, Lake Robinson, Lake Bowen for kayaking & fishing
- Camping: Jones Gap State Park, Croft State Park
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Performing Arts: Peace Center in Greenville, Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg
- Museums: Greenville County Museum of Art, Spartanburg Science Center
- Breweries: Birds Fly South Ale Project, Liability Brewing, RJ Rockers
- Shopping: Haywood Mall, The Shops at Greenridge, downtown boutiques
✈️ Nearby Airports
- GSP (Greenville-Spartanburg International): On-site — American, Delta, Southwest, United
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): ~1 hour — good backup option
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT): ~1.5 hours — major hub
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL): ~2.5 hours — largest hub in the Southeast
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Greer: Low to moderate crime depending on neighborhood — downtown is revitalizing fast
- Greenville: Generally safe; West End and Downtown are well-patrolled
- Simpsonville, Mauldin, Travelers Rest: Very safe suburbs, family-friendly
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price: $285,000 (Greer/Simpsonville); 1BR rent: $1,100–$1,400/month
- Taxes: SC has low property taxes and a moderate state income tax (~7% max)
- Groceries: About 3–5% below national average
- Utilities: ~$140–$200/month for apartment
- Gasoline: ~$3.20–$3.50/gallon (below national avg)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Greenville: Bustling, scenic, award-winning Main Street
- Greer Station: Historic downtown with shops, events, restaurants
- Simpsonville: Well-planned suburbs, schools, and parks
- Travelers Rest: Quaint and close to the mountains
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild with light snow or frost (rare accumulations)
- Spring: Blooming, warm, occasional thunderstorms
- Summer: Hot and humid — upper 80s to mid 90s°F
- Fall: Pleasant temps, colorful foliage in nearby mountains
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Car needed: Public transit is very limited across Upstate SC
- GSP access: Easy via I-85 and SC-14, low airport traffic
- Traffic: Light to moderate depending on time of day
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Prisma Health – Greenville Memorial Hospital
- Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
- Urgent Care: AFC Urgent Care, MD360, Prisma Health Urgent
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young professionals: Greenville nightlife, craft beer scene, music venues
- Families: Parks, library programs, community festivals, farmers markets
- Church/Volunteering: Strong community involvement across the Upstate
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Greenville: Soby’s, Jianna, Tupelo Honey, Gather GVL
- Greer: The Strip Club 104, Select, Cartwright Food Hall
- Spartanburg: Cribbs Kitchen, The Kennedy, Willy Taco
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live close if possible: Greer, Taylors, or Five Forks are ideal for short commutes
- Shifts: Rotating schedules — invest in blackout curtains and white noise
- Community: Many GSP controllers live in Simpsonville, Greer, and Mauldin
📦 Moving Tips
- Spring/fall: Best time to move for weather and availability
- Rental market: Growing quickly — act fast if you find a good listing
- Utilities: Set up with Duke Energy and local water/sewer authorities
❓ FAQs
- Is GSP a busy airport?
It’s moderate — growing each year but still manageable - Is Greer safe?
Yes — especially in newer and western neighborhoods - Can I live in Greenville or Spartanburg?
Yes — both are within a 30–40 minute drive depending on location