Region Rundown: Upstate

While many associate South Carolina with its coastal beauty, the Upstate is riding under the radar no longer! Amidst Blue Ridge Mountain foothills and vibrant cities, innovation is happening in these ‘ten at the top’ counties. This is a region where heritage and business hubs converge. Once known as Upcountry, this area serves as a the northwestern economic hub of South Carolina. 

Cities like Greenville and Spartanburg balance the wealth of nature with the excitement of city life, meaning you can start your day off with a hike on one of their gorgeous trails and spend your evening at a show or grab dinner downtown! Anderson and Greer are growing; while manufacturing and business are powering their economies, these cities still keep in touch with their small-town charm. That's right, the folks up here in Upstate are friendly and sweet as peaches, probably because this area produces the most of South Carolina's crop. 

Ten At The Top Counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Union Counties.

BWM Spartanburg Plant (photo credit - BMW News)

The Upstate region is a huge player in the automotive and manufacturing industry. The BMW Group Plant Spartanburg assembles more than 1,500 vehicles daily and employos over 11,000 individuals at its campus. Bonus, their only museum in North America, 'BMW Zentrum', lets you learn all about the cars while they are being assembled next door. 

And what good is a car without tires? The United States Headquarters for Michelin Tires is in Greenville, but the company now has seven plants across the state. Their location in South Carolina is for more than just burning rubber. The Michelin Americas Research Center has over 600 employees contributing to design, testing, and more. 

F-16 Fighting Flacon (photo credit - Lockheed Martin)

In Upstate, the wheels don't have to stay on the ground, Lockheed Martin takes business to the sky with their Greenville operations. The site is the home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon production line and provides modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul services for all kinds of aircraft. Many aviation technicians, engineers, and managers work at the site that covers 276 acres! Dotted with tech parks and innovation hubs, Upstate is a hotbed for startups and established firms alike. The region is home to over 500 international companies and three international airports! Big on brunch? Denny’s headquarters is in Spartanburg. 

Here in Upstate, you can spend a weekend on Lake Hartwell, soaking up the sun and the fishing scene. Looking to spend some time in the community? Greenwood hosts the Festival of Flowers, and the Peace Center Concert Hall always draws a crowd. Baseball fan? Check out the Senior League World Series in Easley or catch a game at Flour Field to see the Greenville Drive. There's something for folks of all ages. 

Perhaps none flourish in this area the way college students do! You can expect to see a lot of orange in Upstate! Clemson University offers a small-town atmosphere with the benefits of a college town. For those interested in liberal arts, Furman University is the oldest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina. These universities, along with community colleges and technical schools, provide a skilled workforce pipeline that fuels the region's economy and innovation ecosystem. 

Major Institutions of Higher Education:

• Clemson University
• Greenville Technical University
• Tri-County Technical College
• Spartanburg Community College 
• University of South Carolina-Upstate
  
• Furman University

Clemson Student At The Electronic Microscopy Facility (photo credit - Clemson Photography)

Big city meet Blue Ridge here in the Upstate region, from the ground to the sky this is a region made for taking chances and encountering opportunities. Whether you're seeking urban centers or tranquil mountain vistas, the Upstate offers the perfect blend.