17 Jun Spartanburg South Carolina
Spartanburg is second largest city in the Upstate region of South Carolina. Located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Spartanburg offers a mild climate, with four distinct season that provide great outdoor activities year-round. Conveniently located 80 miles west of Charlotte and 190 miles northeast of Atlanta, Sparanburg’s population was 40,387 in the 2009 census.
Spartanburg has the look and feel of a college town with southern charm. The city is home to Converse College, Wofford, Spartanburg Community College, University of South Carolina Upstate, and Methodist College. The tree-lined residential streets interspersed with locally-owned cafes, pizzerias, and ethnic restaurants give this part of Spartanburg a definite uniqueness and charm. Great schools make this a popular area with families.
The city of Spartanburg boasts a rich southern history. Established in the 1780s as a courthouse village, Spartanburg is named after the Spartan regiment of the South Carolina Militia. Spartanburg was incorporated in 1831 during the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens. The city’s streets and architectural record reflect the changes of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Morgan Square, the city’s primary downtown hub, is the original courthouse village. The Magnolia Street Train Depot is one of the older buildings in the city and stands as a reminder of Spartanburg’s old nickname “the Hub City.” Hampton Heights Historic District is the city’s oldest intact downtown neighborhood, located a couple of blocks south of Morgan Square.
Spartanburg’s economy benefits from the world headquarters of Extended Stay Hotels, Advance America, QS/1 Data Systems, and Denny’s. Other small businesses include RJ Rockers Brewing Company.The economy of Spartanburg also benefits from the BMW manufacturing facility. Spartanburg is also home to the world headquarters and research facility for Milliken & Company.
Upscale condo developments are on the rise, especially closer to Spartanburg’s more urban center. Single-family homes range from more modest gatehouse-style cottages in tree-filled residential communities to grand estates on expansive lots. Many neighborhoods are historic and well-preserved, with some dating back to the 1800s. Residents inhabit a variety of lovely Victorians, Southern Colonials, and Tudor homes, as well as some newly constructed homes in planned neighborhoods. Apartments and condos are also plentiful.
