Are you new to Spartanburg County? You have come to the right place! Kidding Around Spartanburg has all the information you need to know about “Sparkle City” to feel right at home. From relocation tips to essential guides for families in the area, this guide has it all.
Tips for Moving to (or in) Spartanburg County
by our real estate sponsor, Melissa Patton, REALTOR®, REMAX MOVES®
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So many people are now discovering our beautiful slice of heaven on Earth called the Upstate of South Carolina. During your preparations to move to or around the Upstate the steps for you to take are the same. Considering these 10 tips will help make your relocation from around the corner or around the world smoother!
1. Get preapproved with a reliable lender. This #1 tips seems obvious, but so many buyers begin their search without finding out how much home they can afford or if they even qualify for a mortgage. After 2008 the mortgage industry became much more tightly regulated. If you haven’t purchased a home since the collapse of the market, I’d strongly recommend that you contact a lender before you begin driving around exploring for homes. If you need a recommendation for a great lender contact me, I know several who can help you!
2. Find a buyer’s agent who will spend time educating you about our market. Relocating to a new area can be exciting, scary and confusing. In order to make the right decision for your family, you’ll need to understand what each county and community within the Upstate has to offer. I’ve lived in 3 of our beautiful counties and I criss-cross the Upstate on a weekly basis. I’d be happy to help you discover which corner of the Upstate you should call your home!
3. If you have school-aged children find out about the schools in the area that you are considering. Spartanburg County is comprised of seven school districts. To see which areas of the county are zoned for which Spartanburg County school districts click here. To view school report cards click here.
4. Make a list of your needs and your wants. Bring several copies of this “Dream Home” list with you when you are touring homes. Rank the homes you are touring against your list. This will help you objectively consider the homes you have chosen to tour. Also, give a copy of this list to your buyer’s agent. He/she will help you stay focused on your objective.
5. Drive by the homes on your short list before you make appointments to tour. A lot buyers see a home on the internet and automatically add it to the list of homes to tour. If you will take time to drive by the home and through the neighborhood before you tour the home you may discover that it does or does not meet a lot of the criteria on your “Dream Home” list. This will save you a lot of time in the long run.
6. Register to receive updates daily email on new listings hitting the market. The Upstate housing market strong. Homes that are priced competitively will likely not last more than a few days on the market. Make sure that you are among the first to see any new listings entering the market! If you are in the market to buy a home, you really need to register on a website like 864RealEstate.com for your “Dream Home Alert” to receive an email daily of new listings that meet your criteria. This will allow you to get a jump on the competition and tour the new listing before any other buyer.
7. Keep up to date with new listings. If you don’t want to receive a daily email with new listings search homes just listed this week. You don’t want to waste time viewing the same homes that you have combed through before.
8. Check the Sex Offender Registry before you fall in love. Click here to check Spartanburg County Sex Offender Registry before you make an offer.
9. Drive, Drive & when you think you’ve seen it all…drive some more. Nothing you can read on the internet will prepare you better for a move across the country or across town like spending time observing the people and places that make this area so special. If you want to know more about the lifestyle of the neighborhood or community, drive through it at all times of the day and days of the week. This will give you the best understanding of the area that you are considering making your next home.
10. Get more information on the area. The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce offers statics on the business climate. The VisitSpartanburg.com website offers a list of area attractions and upcoming events for you and your family. The Spartanburg YMCA is an invaluable resource for youth sports and activities. And, the Spartanburg Public Library System offers free services, materials, and events for Spartanburg locals.
Following these simple tips will not only save you time and aggravation, but will likely save you money as well. Welcome to the Upstate and good luck with your home search!
by sponsor Melissa Patton, REALTOR®, REMAX MOVES®, connect with Melissa at 864RealEstate.com
Understanding the Different Areas of Spartanburg
Newcomers to Spartanburg County will learn that people refer to the entire county using directional cues (i.e., North Spartanburg, Westside, Southside). Since Spartanburg County covers over 815 miles and includes seven different school districts, it is helpful to know the different areas of the county. You can also see this map of the Spartanburg area to gain a better understanding.
North Spartanburg – This is the area north of Interstate 85 including places such as Boiling Springs, Campobello, Inman, and Landrum. Lake Bowen is a good reference point. It is home to District 1 and District 2 schools.
Westside – This is the area west of I-26 including places such as Spartanburg, Moore, Duncan, Wellford, and Lyman. Westside is home to Westgate Mall and Target. It is home to District 5 and District 6 schools.
Eastside – This is the area east of I-26 including places such as Spartanburg, Pacolet, and Glendale. Eastside is home to downtown Spartanburg. It is home to District 3 and District 7 schools.
South Spartanburg – This is the area south of Interstate 85 including places such as Woodruff and Enoree. It is home to District 4 schools.
The school districts listed above are based on the general locations. However, please check with the county to see which school district your home is zoned for and check the district zoning map.
Helpful Guides for Parents
If you are moving to Spartanburg and looking for preschool options or after school programs for your children (or free food!), we have you covered.
- The Ultimate Guide to Preschools in Spartanburg
- The Ultimate List of After School Programs for Kids
- Kids Eat Free (or Cheap) in Spartanburg
Things to Do in Spartanburg
We specialize in telling people what to do in and around Spartanburg, with a special focus on family-friendly activities and events. Here is our list of useful resources to help you find new places to go and exciting things to do with your family. See Kidding Around Spartanburg to find even more guides and reviews.
- Our Spartanburg Calendar
- Things to Do Inside
- Things to Do Outside
- The Ultimate Spartanburg Guide to Kid’s Activities
- Moms’ Groups in Spartanburg
Amazing Places in Spartanburg
You will soon find that Spartanburg has tons of amazing places for families to visit. Check out our lists of some of the best places to explore and mom reviews to help you decide where to go on your next adventure.
- Downtown Spartanburg. Here’s What to Do
- A Guide to Headquarters Library Downtown
- A Guide to Spartanburg Science Center
- Where You Can Skate in Spartanburg
- Spartanburg County Parks
- Three Parks in Boiling Springs Your Kids Will Love
- Mom Review: Happy Hollow Park
- Mom Review: Cleveland Park
- Mom Review: Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve
- Mom Review: Hub City Bookshop, and Little River Coffee Bar
- Mom Review: Hub City Farmer’s Market
What tips do you have for those moving to Spartanburg?
Jennifer relocated to Spartanburg seven years ago, and now spends her days working from home and taking care of her two kids. She loves this area because we can go from rural areas to urban areas to the mountains within an hour. Her favorite things to do with her kids are using their imaginations and visiting Spartanburg County local libraries. Follow Jennifer at www.litlovingmom.com. 