It’s easy to think the Greenville secret only just broke during the pandemic. Truth is, this Blue Ridge Mountains gem has been building momentum since the oughts. From 2000 to 2020, the city effectively added six new households a week. Today, Greenville is buzzing with new developments, new opportunities and new places to dine after a day on the banks of the Reedy. The city will soon pair its #9-ranked green spaces with South Carolina’s tallest tower. The 29-story Gateway project, unveiled at the end of 2024, will introduce 340-plus apartments to a city that continues to attract talent and companies alike. It joins the $1-billion County Square redevelopment—a formidable, 40-acre placemaking project set to open in the 2030s. Greenville also ranks #52 for Large Companies, hosting the likes of GE, TD Bank and Michelin North America’s HQ. Vehicle manufacturer Isuzu arrived in 2025, a $280-million investment in tow. EnerSys, GE Vernova and Magna International have all announced expansions in the region. But life here isn’t all hard work and no play. Furman University (ranked #45 in our University subcategory) supplies a curious student population who keep its downtown lively. Meanwhile, Greenville’s convention center, ranked #38, hosts events year-round.