Greenville, SC combines a downtown lifestyle with Southern scenery. Whether you’re searching for the perfect hiking spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains or want to discover the next best local eatery, Greenville has the unique city appeal you’ve been looking for.
The five most affordable neighborhoods in Greenville are:
Woodruff
Average One Bedroom Rent in Greenville- $1,301
Average One Bedroom Rent in Woodruff- $772
Woodruff is the perfect suburb for those looking for the quiet life. Located roughly 30 minutes from Greenville and Spartanburg, Woodruff is the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for a quaint community. Despite its small, centralized feel, the town of Woodruff has many sights to see that locals feel makes Woodruff special.
Woodruff has seen rapid growth in construction of housing and mass facilities. The town used to be a textile mill; therefore, it has all the capabilities of large-scale manufacturing. The town’s downtown area is where you will find the older mill homes with a historical feel, meanwhile the suburbs are booming with new traditional, modern homes.
Main Street in downtown Woodruff is the place to be if you are looking to try all the local spots. Restaurants like Tap Three offer live entertainment, while Caludio’s Bistro gives you a chance to sit back and relax. McKinney Park is also located downtown, offering locals a chance to walk, run, play basketball, baseball, or have fun on the playground and splash pad. Main Street also hosts parades and events for almost all major holidays throughout the year, calling locals to show up and show out for their community.
Woodruff residents are car dependent, therefore easy accessibility to U.S. Route 221, State Highway 101. I-26, and I-85 can be found throughout the area.
Piedmont
Average One Bedroom Rent in Greenville- $1,301
Average One Bedroom Rent in Piedmont- $844
Piedmont is an ever-growing subsection of Greenville County. Set in the southern countryside, this community has the perfect mix of urban and rural appeal. Located only 20-30 minutes from Downtown Greenville, residents find themselves situated in the perfect spot to experience both walks of life.
Augusta Road has the perfect blend of chain and local food joints. Restaurants like Clock offer quintessential Southern comfort food, while down the road at 3 Friends Bar and Grill, customers can take part in karaoke, open mic, and bingo night while enjoying delicious food with friends. Happy Cow Creamery is a local and tourist favorite that serves homemade ice cream and dairy products, all locally sourced! If you’re looking for a place to get your steps in, look no further than the trails at Conestee Nature Preserve. This 13-mile trail attracts joggers, bikers, and hikers alike due to its 400 acres of woodlands.
U.S. Route 25 and I-185 ensure residents have an easy path to and from downtown Greenville. Living in Piedmont offers renters the opportunity to explore downtown Greenville while also living in a community that feels like a family.
Pickens
Average One Bedroom Rent in Greenville- $1,301
Average One Bedroom Rent in Pickens- $874
Located near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and 20 miles from downtown Greenville, Pickens is the perfect small-town oasis. Whether you’re a hiker, work in the city, or just looking for a laid-back community, Pickens has everything and more to offer you.
If you prefer downtown living or long for the country life, the housing in Pickens has it all! Residents that live within 2.5 miles of Main Street enjoy the suburban vibes and friendly neighbors who greet each other every morning from their porch. Meanwhile those who live in the Pickens countryside enjoy the seclusion and quiet of rural living.
Main Street in downtown Pickens houses the many local and small businesses in the city. Customers can browse local and antique collections at shops like Finder’s Keepers, Full Circle, and Bee Well Honey Natural Market. Restaurants like Coyote Coffee Café, Mikoshi Japanese and Fiesta Grill, and Burning Brick Tavern are just a couple places locals get together to chat, play trivia, bingo, or karaoke. Town Creek Trail is where you can play tennis or walk in the natural scenery. The 8.5-mile-long Doodle Trail is a hotspot for runners and walkers alike to enjoy the scenic mountain views.
U.S. Route 178 runs right down the center of Pickens and offers residents easy access to both downtown Greenville and anywhere else they want to go in the large state of South Carolina.
Saxon
Average One Bedroom Rent in Greenville- $1,301
Average One Bedroom Rent in Saxon- $909
Saxon is the definition of a growing community. With home renovations, new businesses popping up, and families moving to take advantage of the stellar school system, this little neighborhood houses residents with big plans. Living in Saxon gives you the best of both worlds- you are only 15 minutes from downtown Greenville, and roughly only seven minutes away from downtown Spartanburg. These two South Carolina hotspots are within arm’s reach for renters.
With local scenery like the Salvation Army Century of Service Park and Spartanburg Methodist College nearby, residents of Saxon have no shortage of beautiful afternoon strolling spots. Runners and walkers are sure to love Clevland Park with its 120 acres of space and lakeside views. And don’t forget to check out “The Great Adventure”- this newly built park has climbing towers, sandboxes, slides, caves, and so much more.
Attractions like WestGate Mall and both downtown areas offer residents more adventures to embark on. Restaurants on West Main Street like Main Street Pub and Cribb’s Kitchen show off some of the local cuisine and culture. A Saxon-staple is a sandwich served on a bagel over at Sully’s Steamers on North Church Street.
Other than its location and affordability, Saxon prides itself on its school system. With a B+ rating provided by Niche.com, all the Spartanburg County District 6 schools use the nationally recognized Lincoln Science Center and Planetarium to teach kids about astronomy and earth science. Spartanburg High School was specifically recognized for its new campus that highlighted environmental and sustainable efforts. Saxon is the perfect place to call home if you are looking to settle and put down roots.
Welcome
Average One Bedroom Rent in Greenville- $1,301
Average One Bedroom Rent in Welcome- $992
Welcome to Welcome! In this Greenville, SC suburb, the people are as friendly as the name promises. With a combination of residents who are Welcome born and raised and those moving to be close to downtown Greenville at an affordable price, this community provides renters with an opportunity to discover a hidden gem in South Carolina.
Dolly Cooper Park is on the southern end of the area and is set along the Saluda River. Residents flock to this area to fish, kayak, and go tubing down the river. For less aquatic activities, Welcome Park has walking paths and refurbished playgrounds that serve as perfect afternoon activities. Local favorite spots like Gus’s Streetside Café house a staff that never forgets a name or face and La Michoacana Ice Cream Factory, the ideal place to be on a hot summer day.
Welcome hosts a yearly even called “Rhythm on the River.” This festival takes place on the first weekend of May and features food trucks, vending booths, local artists, and live music. This is a family-friendly event that draws a big crowd year after year.
Residents of Welcome are car dependent as no public transportation is offered throughout the community. White Horse Road is the main road in the city, while access to I-85 and downtown Greenville can be found on the southern side of the city.
Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s June 2025 reports
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