Greer, SC

Greer is a rapidly growing city in South Carolina, with portions in both Greenville and Spartanburg counties. The city spans around 16 square miles and is located 90 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina; 100 miles from Columbia, South Carolina; and 157 miles from Atlanta, Georgia. Greer's population continues to grow as people are drawn to the area's favorable climate, affordable cost of living, low crime rate, and award-winning schools.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Historic downtown Greer, perhaps better known simply as Greer Station, covers approximately 12 square blocks with retail, dining, entertainment, and personal and professional service establishments. Greer Station is home to more than 40 buildings on the National Historic Register and the downtown area itself is designated as a National Historic District. Greer Station has some of the greatest concentrations of turn-of-the-century buildings in Greenville and Spartanburg counties. These buildings are complemented by a unique street pattern that conveys an intimate scale and small village atmosphere.

Some of Greer's popular residential neighborhoods include:

• Barrington Park: With its spacious design and peaceful, park-like setting, this family-friendly neighborhood includes more than 120 large homes. Barrington Park was first developed in the 1980s, and its residents enjoy easy access to local shopping and dining.
• Brushy Meadows: Originally developed in the 1990s, this neighborhood is still expanding. The most recent developments are mostly large, family-friendly homes.
• Carisbrooke: Just minutes from downtown, this rural community was initially a patchwork of farms and small forests. Carisbrooke features a small lake at its center, where residents can fish and bird-watch.
• Devenger Place: Devenger Place was established in 1973 and is one of the area's older subdivisions. This large neighborhood on the East side of town includes architectural styles from traditional Colonials to Victorians to English Tudor to modern designs.
• River Oaks: First developed in the 1980s, this eastside neighborhood offers more than 230 homes in a variety of classic brick and stucco styles. The River Oaks Recreation Association helps preserve local green spaces and owns and maintains more than 100 acres of undeveloped land surrounding River Oaks.
• Sugar Creek: This neighborhood is one of Greer's largest communities and dates back to the 1970s. Sugar Creek features classic single and two story designs.
• Other residential neighborhoods include Hammett Creek, Mahaffey Plantation, Pelham Falls, Silverleaf, and Thornblade.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Greer's pro-business environment has attracted a number of businesses and industries to the area, including BMW Manufacturing Co., whose U.S. manufacturing plant is located within the city. This influx of businesses has spurred the development of a number of new industrial parks and commercial construction. Businesses in Greer benefit from the city's police and fire protection, upgraded infrastructure, low utility costs, and the opportunity to be a part of a growing community. Redevelopment in Greer's downtown, known as Greer Station, further enhances economic growth in the area.

Greer's largest employers include BMW Manufacturing Co., Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Honeywell, Allen Bennett Hospital, and Michelin.

Greer Medical Campus is operated by Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center. Facilities operating within the campus include:

• Greer Memorial Hospital, a 68-bed facility with a Women's Center, a pediatric unit, state-of-the-art operating suites, imaging services, an emergency room, family care centers, and a café
• Greer Medical Office Buildings, which house the medical specialties of oncology, cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine
• Cottages at Brushy Creek, a 144-bed facility specializing in short-term rehabilitation and nursing care in a residential-style setting

Village Hospital, operated by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, is also located in Greer. This 48-bed facility features medical and surgical care, maternity services, and emergency services.

FOR VISITORS

Visitors to Greer can stay at one of the city's four hotels or the Candleberry Inn bed and breakfast. Attractions in and around Greer include:

• Greer Station
• Recreational lakes
• Bi-Lo Center
• Golf courses
• Skiing in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

Tourists and residents alike also enjoy access to Greer's many shops and restaurants.

FAMILY FUN

Greer's Parks and Recreation Department provides both recreational facilities and programs. Parks and facilities maintained by the city include:

• City of Greer Parks and Recreation Operations Center: This location includes the administrative offices for the department and offers a storefront for program registration.
• Tryon Street Park and Recreation Center: With six lighted tennis courts, this facility houses the Tennis Academy. A fellowship hall is also on-site and can be rented for parties and meetings.
• Century Park and Kids Planet: Century Park includes a disc golf course, a baseball and softball complex, a concession stand, picnic areas, and the Kids Planet playground.
• Country Club Sports Complex: This park includes baseball and softball fields and multipurpose athletic fields and is one of the city's newer facilities.
• Horace McKown Jr. Center: Formerly known as the Cannon Street Gym, the Horace McKown Jr. Center is currently under renovation.
• Victor Park and Gym: The gym is home to basketball and volleyball programs, as well as senior programs, after-school programs, and a summer camp. This facility's field is also currently undergoing renovation.
• Needmore Center: This facility offers amenities including meeting rooms, a computer room, a kitchen, a playground, a picnic area, and a basketball court. Many senior and after-school activities are offered here.
• Greer City Stadium: This 3,000-seat venue, formerly the Greer High School stadium, is the home of the city's youth soccer, football, and cheerleading programs.
• Stevens Field: Also under renovation, Stevens Field is planned to be a state-of-the-art youth baseball facility.
• Suber Road Soccer Complex: This lighted facility includes multiple soccer fields.
• Turner Park: Recently renovated, Turner Park includes two lighted baseball and softball fields and bleachers.
• Veteran's Park: Complete with a monument honoring those who have served in America's Armed Forces, this park includes a gazebo and a walking path.

Greer's Parks Department also operates six local neighborhood parks: Greentown Park, City Park, Edwards Park, Victor Mini-Park, Wards Creek Park, and Springwood Park. These smaller parks feature such amenities as playgrounds and picnic areas.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• The Greer Cultural Arts Council brings music, dance, drama, and art to the residents of Greer and its surrounding areas. One division of the council is Greer Children's Theatre, offering youth dramatic performances. The council also offers a variety of classes to children and adults, including piano, voice, drawing and painting, acting, and dance.
• During the summer the Tunes on Trade concert series offers musical performances along downtown's Trade Street.
• The Fall Gallery Walk features photography, drawing, painting, and ceramics, as well as musical performances.
• Greer Family Fest is an annual festival sponsored by Village Hospital, with craft vendors, musicians, and street performers.
• The title of "Greer's Best Chili" is awarded at the annual Greer Chili Cook-off, a community event featuring celebrity judges, cash prizes, live musical entertainment, and fun zones for children.