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Greenville, S.C.
An old city with lots of new attractions
By LORI JOHNSTON
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/25/07
Greenville, S.C. — The Old South is still visible, from the towering oaks to
the huge houses that dot a few quiet thoroughfares. The New South is seen in Greenville's
downtown face-lift, from trendy restaurants and art galleries to amphitheaters
adjacent to nature's centerpiece, Reedy River Falls.
 The 60-foot waterfall and Liberty Bridge is the focal point of Greenville's rejuvenated
city center, which is vibrant even on Sunday mornings, alive with folks seeking
a cup of coffee or a relaxing brunch.
The city has played up the falls' location in the middle of downtown by creating
not only the $4.5 million curved suspension bridge, which spans 355 feet and was
completed in 2004, but two amphitheaters, walking trails and gardens, plus plenty
of picnic space in Falls Park.
It's a gathering spot. During our visit, we stood almost shoulder to shoulder
with people on Liberty Bridge, watching hikers of all ages carefully treading
the falls' rocky surface, with some even daring enough to use it as a slippery
slide into the water, despite signs saying it's prohibited. The beats of salsa
music reverberated through the park as part of a special "Rhythm of the Tropics"
festival.
That concert was just one of near-continuous free outdoor entertainment options
beckoning folks to stay downtown after work and return on weekends throughout
the year.
We found dozens of restaurants, from fine dining to quick fare to a surprising
number of international options lining the route from downtown to the minor league
baseball team's stadium, which opened in 2006 in the historic area known as the
West End.
 The Greenville Drive team is affiliated with the Boston Red Sox, and West End
Field is styled after Boston's Fenway Park — down to the mini Green Monster.
We dined al fresco at upscale barbecue restaurant Smoke on the Water, munching
on brisket in front of a statue of Shoeless Joe Jackson while listening to a street
musician. There are nearly 60 restaurants downtown and 120 shops, according to
the city, a testament to the success of the area's redevelopment.
Families and couples strolled by as we ate, stopping in boutiques and art galleries,
and sometimes pausing to listen to the music. Some were making their way to the
Peace Center for the Performing Arts, a classy downtown venue where Harry Connick
Jr. was performing that night.
Despite the crowds, we didn't have a problem finding a parking spot on the street,
and signs point to plenty of public parking areas.
The colorful signs that also lead visitors to attractions reflect the welcoming
attitude that we experienced among everyone we met during our weekend away.
 The city provides a no-stress setting that encourages you to relax, maybe take
your shoes off at Falls Park.
Along the Reedy River, there's the new RiverPlace development, a multi-building
project with residences, retail and offices. The six-story Hampton Inn and Suites,
and restaurants such as a branch of the popular Charleston eatery High Cotton,
already have opened.
Other hotel options include the grand Westin Poinsett, which dates to the 1920s
and boasts an elegant Piano Bar that served as a nice refuge from the heat.
The Saturday Market is set up in front of the hotel during the morning.
At our Hilton, a few miles from downtown, the Southern hospitality continued
with a warm welcome, followed by a phone call to make sure there were no problems
as we were settling into our room.
The next morning, we were surprised to see families and other folks out and about
joining us in our search for breakfast along downtown's Main Street.
We ended up at Coffee Underground, a cozy eatery where we got our day started
with large scones and bagels.
We left Coffee Underground and Greenville, already making plans to return.
IF YOU GO
Getting there
Greenville, S.C., is about 145 miles from Atlanta, a little more than a two-hour
trip. Take I-85 north into South Carolina. Take Exit 51C (I-385). Travel I-385
north until it ends in downtown Greenville. Turn left at the third red light onto
Main Street.
Where to stay
• Greenville has a variety of accommodations, from bed and breakfasts to luxury
hotels. Here are a few:
• Hilton Greenville, 45 West Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, S.C. 29615. 864-232-4747,
www.hilton.com.
Festivals and events
• Carolina First Saturday Market: South Main Street between McBee and Court streets;
8 a.m.-noon through Sept. 29. www.saturdaymarketlive.com
Information
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Quality of Life in Upstate South Carolina is getting some notice in Mountain
Homes Southern Style Fall 2006
And the 2006 issue of Carolina Living magazine continues to rate South Carolina as one of the most affordable and
best states in which to live or retire. Despite the focus this year on property
taxes, South Carolina still has some of the lowest taxes in the nation for retirees.
Comparing the tax burden of different states, families with an annual income
of $60,000 will pay, per individual:
$1,518 - South Carolina
$2,434 - Georgia
$3,330 - North Carolina
$3,424 - Florida
In a cost of living comparison, South Carolina real estate market prices are
consistently ranked 3% to 10% below the national average. Only in Hilton Head
do prices exceed the national average by 3.6%.
As for property taxes (which are soon to be radically changed under new state
laws), a $200,000 home is taxed as follows:
$1,275 - Camden (lowest in SC)
$3,032 - Newberry (highest in SC)
$2,000 - SC average
Another advantage for SC retirees is that their social security income is not
taxable under state law. Social security income is taxable under federal law in
all 50 states.
Communities like Aiken have become hot spots for retirees, particularly the half-backs
("half-way" back to the Northeast after moving to Florida) and horse lovers who
are tired of the Florida hurricanes.
REALTORS would do well to market what South Carolina has to market retirees -
LOWER TAXES and HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE. The retiree market (presently dominated
by the baby-boomers) is a growing niche market that is not impacted by the ups
and downs of the stock market, interest rates, or the overall housing market.
Retirees have a positive impact on all markets and the SC economy in general.
"Sieze the Day!"
Jim
Jim Peters, RCE, CAE, e-Pro
Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Association of REALTORS
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Equal Housing Opportunity.