The National Association of Realtors had identified Greenville as a top 10 city that can expect an influx of baby boomers. With a resurgence of the economy, many of the boomers are going to be moving south to warmer climates, where the cost of living is lower and temperatures are warmer. According to a study done by NAR, these boomers have an income of about $92,000 and purchase homes around $210,000. They are also thought to be about 30% of all buyers nationwide. That's a pretty big slice of buyers. Greenville's average price for a home is $190,700 for 2014. The pricing and low taxation rate has been attracting boomers to Greenville for years. And with the super attractive nature of the city center, the area is competing with other boomer cities in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and New Mexico.
The Cunningham Team BLOG is designed to help readers make the best decisions on purchasing real estate in and around Greenville, South Carolina for resale, appreciation value and quality of life. It includes real estate and Greenville advice, news, developments, recreational opportunities and fun events with an emphasis on the downtown area.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Hotel Visits are up in Greenville
If you are planning to visit Greenville, make sure you book early. This October broke the record for hotel visits in the area, as lots of visitors flocked in to check out our fair city and the things offered here. A recent push marketing the city called VisitGreenvilleSC.com probably had something to do with it, which began in 2013 and began to define Greenville, SC as a destination city, not just a business stop. You get the idea on the title page of their site, Yeah, That Greenville. It's full of reasons to stop here for the weekend. Oh, and there are plans for another 1000 rooms to be built in the next few years, so perhaps the shortage will ease during the big months.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Michelin Opens Plant for new Tweel product
Local manufacturing giant Michelin is opening a new plant in Piedmont to produce a new wheel / tire design called the Tweel. The Tweel made the cover of Time Magazine in 2005 and has been touted as a huge breakthrough in automotive technology. The airless design incorporates a molded tread band on a steel rim that is connected to the hub with a series of energy absorbing polyurethane spokes. Michelin has been working on a partnership with John Deer on this innovation and looks to have an impact on the commercial mowing market. The plant is located near the current Michelin plant at the SCTAC airport, formerly known as the Donaldson Center.
Greenville County Schools and Greater Greenville Market Update
Greenville County Schools Improve / Report Card System to Change
The
SC state report cards are back in with Greenville County District logging in
substantial improvement over last year. Greenville has indeed shown an
effort to collaborate and innovate their systems in order to prepare students
for career and college readiness. But the system of measuring progress in
the schools will be changing, to merge the South Carolina and federal
systems. Since the federal program “No Child Left Behind” was implemented,
the schools have been getting two report cards, which have led to differing
results. The new report cards will add weight to the federal tests, which
are more rigorous and easier to interpret. We can expect those new report
cards in 2015.
From
the recent SC report cards, Greenville County received the highest award in
Absolute Rating with a score of Excellent. It also showed improvement in
Growth, with a score of Good, which is up from last year’s Average rating and
indicates that local policies for change are working. On-time graduation
hit its highest score ever with 81.7%. Overall, almost all (86 of 88) the
districts received an Excellent, Good, or Average rating.
Market Update
The
market in our area has continued to remain active, even though the Spring and
Summer season is over. Inventory of homes has been increasing a bit after
Labor Day, but the strong demand is snapping up the good homes fairly
quickly. Through October, the number of closed transactions has risen 28%
over last year, and the median price has increased to $161,900.If
you would like to know what your home is worth, click here
for an instant property value.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS!
Friday, October 31, 2014
New Walmart coming near Furman University
There are finally buildings coming out the ground at the intersection of Duncan Chapel and Old Buncombe Rd, just behind the Publix Market at University Square. The main attraction will be a Walmart Neighborhood Market, which is smaller than the full size model, and is expected to be running in early 2015. Greenville Health System is also building a new Children's Clinic at the location and hope to be finished by the middle of November in time for the winter sick season. You can also look for another restaurant and more retails space. This location marks a major development along the corridor between Travelers Rest and the Cherrydale area of Greenville. The area has been gaining attention from the Swamp Rabbit Trail that offer a biking and walking path between those areas.
Bass Pro Shops Purchases 75 acres on I-85
Just when I thought the Bass Pro Shops deal was fading, I see that Bass Pro Shops closed on 75 acres at I-85 and Hwy 101 yesterday. That is really going to alter the landscape for development in the "Golden Box" which runs along the Greenville and Spartanburg County line. The location is just across Hwy 101 from the BMW plant, which employs several thousand in the area. And Greer is not expected to annex the complex, which has been their on their agenda for several years. Time frame for completion is 2016 and Bass Pro Shops will be the anchor for a hotel, restaurants, and other retail outlets.
Monday, September 15, 2014
New Trollys on Main St, New Hotel & Luxury Condos, Plus a Greenville Market Update
Downtown Greenville, SC |
New Trolleys on Main St.
Our beloved trolleys that service downtown Greenville’s Main Street are getting an upgrade and extended running hours. The trolleys were originally created to ferry riders to the Greenville Drive baseball games from the upper reaches of Main Street. But they have become so popular for getting around town in general that the city will offer the service every night from Thursday through Sunday. The end goal is to offer it every day of the week. The system has a few new kinks to it. Riders will catch it at 20 fixed stops and can access a phone app to see where the bus is located in real time. The return northbound loop will run on parallel roads to Main and on designated weekends, there will be a detour route to serves the Heritage Green area and the Children’s Museum. The new trolleys will also feature a conductor who will show off the downtown area. Best of all, they will continue to be FREE.New Hotel and Luxury Condo Projects Downtown
Two prime spots near the Peace Center are getting close to starting new developments. The Greenville News which has been a landmark for 50 years, will be torn down and replaced by a major complex that will include a hotel, residential units, as well as office and retail space. That lot is 3.96 acres and will certainly change the landscape. Just across Broad Street and directly across from the Westin Poinsett Hotel on East Court Street, there are plans to build a luxury condo six stories tall with mixed use space below. For those who know the street well, it’s right behind the small plaza next to Bellacinos’s where there is a statue of city founder Vardry McBee. The lot is pretty small at one-fifth of an acres, so they will be going up to gain space. This project still need approval of the City’s Design and Review Board. If you are looking for more information on existing downtown condos for sale click here.
9 Roanoke Hills Ct |
Quick Residential Market Update
After a huge season in 2013, things have cooled off a bit in 2014 with closed sales only 1.5% above last year so far. More inventory has hit the market, primarily from new home construction that continues its march forward. Even with more homes on the market (5% increase), prices have continues to push upward, with the average sales price up 5.2% to $191,000. Interest rates are still very low which makes the affordability of purchasing a house pretty good, and the 4% increase in GDP through July means we Americans are earning money. Even though the inventory has increased this year, the average days on market has dropped to 85 days, so indeed, the money is flowing in the residential market with new and updated homes taking the majority of share. Specific to the area around downtown Greenville, the housing supply is extremely low, so finding a condo can be tough task.Current Greenville Weather
Relief from 90+ degree temperatures is here folks! After a mild summer, August heated us up!! This week we are enjoying much cooler temperatures with fall just around the corner. This past weekend was cool and overcast with a few rain showers cooling things down. Today and Tuesday has highs in the 80s with a small chance of pop up thunderstorms. The rest of this week has overnight lows around 60 with highs in the 70s. This weekend will be in the low 80s with some clouds dotting the skies.Saturday, September 6, 2014
Claussen Bakery Building Sees Upfit
This landmark building on Augusta Road is being converted to office space. It's in the growing West End of Greenville's downtown area near the Drive stadium and Greenville High School. Just down the road Scott Towers high rise was recently demolished to make way for new development. Greenville is pushing out this way both in commercial and residential real estate.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Contractor for New Interchange at I-85 and I-385 Chosen
I'm not sure when this project will have the green light to start tearing up the road, but it will probably be fairly soon. The time line is to finish in just short of 3 years. There is a lot of work that will include work from Salters Road up to Pelham Rd, and from Roper Mountain Road to Smith Hines Rd. It is guaranteed to be a big mess, it will help solve the biggest congestion in our area. Currently a lot of commuters come up I-385 from residential homes in Simpsonville and the Woodruff Road area, and they run into the heavy I-85 traffic with a lot of trucks. There also has been a lot of discussion about how to alter Woodruff Road at this interchange, so we will see how it all pans out. Buckle your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride for a few years.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Expect delays on I-85 between GSP and Spartanburg
Road construction has begun on the section of I-85 between the Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and I-26 in Spartanburg. This is a pretty big project that will continue over the next 2 years. The stretch is about 12 miles long and will see extensive full depth repairs to the road surface, as well as shoulder and guardrail improvements. Some of the major points along that route that will be affected: Greer's Inland Port, the BMW manufacturing plant, and the upcoming Bass Pro Shops development that is upcoming.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
More apartments coming to Greenville West End
Another 217 apartment complex is targeted for the Greenville west end, which brings the total apartments arriving to almost 850. New construction of downtown condos has been flat recently, which shows that apartments are in first position for investors of downtown property. Condo prices are thus on the rise. Even with these 850 units coming on the market, there is plenty of demand for professionals who want to live close to downtown and walk to work. These new style apartments are offering upscale amenities such as additional living spaces that include courtyard space, swimming pools, rooftop terraces, and bicycling storage and tune up benches.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Development at Church Street in downtown Greenville
This multiuse commercial development is really coming out of the ground. Situated close to the county buildings and the Falls Park I expect to see a lot more development along this section of Church Street. Another high rise condo is slated to begin on a parcel behind this development. And across church street the old Scott Towers was recently demolished in order to put in another high-rise condo.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Greenville get the World Cup of Para-cycling 2014
The U.S. is hosting the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Para Cycling Track WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS and GREENVILLE, SC is the host city!!!!
Greenville has put up a website for the event here --> http://www.greenvillesc2014.com and even more information can be obtained at the actual UCI website. The event will be held in August 28-September 1, 2014. Over 45 countries will be represented in this championship. The race will span 5 days and will include time trials and road races. Check out the websites above to see more details, but this is going to be a HOT event here is Greenville, SC.
This is a BIG thing for Greenville, not that we weren't on the Cycling map already with the US Pro Road Championships we hosted from 2006 - 2012. Greenville has been on the map for Bicyclists for awhile with George Hincapie making his home here.
The Cycling community in Greenville is strong with the Greenville Spnners Bicycle Club of 700+ members. They host many regular rides and support new and experienced bikers. The mountains around Greenville offer challenges for mountain climbers and the Donaldson Center track give time trial junkies a place to hone their skills.
Greenville has put up a website for the event here --> http://www.greenvillesc2014.com and even more information can be obtained at the actual UCI website. The event will be held in August 28-September 1, 2014. Over 45 countries will be represented in this championship. The race will span 5 days and will include time trials and road races. Check out the websites above to see more details, but this is going to be a HOT event here is Greenville, SC.
This is a BIG thing for Greenville, not that we weren't on the Cycling map already with the US Pro Road Championships we hosted from 2006 - 2012. Greenville has been on the map for Bicyclists for awhile with George Hincapie making his home here.
The Cycling community in Greenville is strong with the Greenville Spnners Bicycle Club of 700+ members. They host many regular rides and support new and experienced bikers. The mountains around Greenville offer challenges for mountain climbers and the Donaldson Center track give time trial junkies a place to hone their skills.
Location:Greenville, sc
Greenville, SC, USA
Friday, May 23, 2014
Aloft at Heritage Park
Location:Greenville, sc
Greenville, SC, USA
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Greenville-Pickens Traffic Relief, Esurance Coming to Greenville, Greenville West End Improvements
Traffic Relief Projects
The Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study (GPATS) has two big projects designed to ease local traffic congestion-one to bypass Easley in Pickens County and another to give more access points to Woodruff Road at Miller Rd, which is in Greenville County. The Easley project is ready to start right of way construction so that Highway 153 can be extended behind the Wal-Mart and connect with Prince of Peace and Saluda Dam roads. That will create a parallel corridor to take some of the pressure off Hwy 123 through the center of Easley. The Woodruff Road project creates a thoroughfare from Miller Road near Frankie’s Fun Park over I-85 that will connect to Verdae Boulevard. Along the way it will pick up several dead end streets that spur off Woodruff Road: Woodruff Industrial Lane (by Target), Green Heron Rd (across from Cheddar’s), and Ketron Court (across from Costco). There may also be a connection to Salter’s Road which already has a bridge going over the interstate. The Woodruff Road project has yet to be approved, and funding is short at this time, so there is no solid time frame. There has been a lot of development along Woodruff road lately, so this project will certainly allow motors to navigate a bustling part of Greenville.
Esurance Coming to Greenville with 450 Jobs
Insurance industry leader Esurance has announced a new sales office will open in Greenville, bringing 450 jobs to the area in 2014. Esurance is a large, quality company or personal line coverage that was acquired by Allstate in 2011. It has nearly doubled in size since then and now has more than 3000 employees. Inside sales positions with the company have an average annual base of $50,000 with a comprehensive benefit coverage, so these are pretty good jobs indeed. The Greenville Area Development Corporation stated that the reason Esurance is coming to Greenville is the availability of a quality work force and class A office space. Having an appealing and diverse community such as Greenville also makes it easy to attract talent to the area. South Carolina has added 10,600 service industry jobs since 2011, so there must me something about southern hospitality!
Greenville West End Improvements
Business owners in The West End of Greenville have been putting their heads together in an effort to increase foot traffic down toward the baseball stadium. Many pedestrians stop at the junction of S. Main and Pendleton, not aware of what enticing new shops and services await them just a short walk farther. The big issues are signage and additional lights, topics that the City has embraced and acted on quickly. Trees have been trimmed so that the existing lights emit more light that will enhance pedestrian safety, and additional street lights are planned for University Street. There is also a push for more directional signs that list specific businesses and where they are located, similar to what you will see along the Main Street above the Reedy River Bridge. Establishing this type of infrastructure will help the West End grow, and make no mistake, it is coming. There are three apartment complexes coming to the West End that will add about 350 units and plenty of foot traffic - 150 units at Wardlaw and Rhett Streets, 100 units with the Stadium Apartments at Rhett and Markley, and 107 units at 121 Rhett St.
Weather
Yesterday and today’s cold rainy days were not a great start to spring in Greenville. But hold on, the flowers here are already showing off their color, trees are blooming, and the latter part of the week is looking up. Thursday should bring sunny skies with highs in the 70s. Bring it on Mother Nature!
Location:Greenville, sc
Greenville, SC, USA
Monday, February 17, 2014
Greenville News Relocating, Gateway to Greenville Development , Nine Times Forest Conservation, Greenville SC Weather
Greenville News to Relocate Printing
Greenville News building, Downtown Greenville, SC |
Sitting on a prime corner at S. Main and Broad Streets in downtown Greenville, the Greenville News has around since 1874 and in the current building since 1970. But the future use of this corner across from the Peace Center is unknown since the parent company Gannett has announced that printing operations will be moved to Spartanburg and Gastonia. That will result in a loss of 42 full-time and 75 part-time jobs; however, whatever goes into this 4-acre downtown site will certainly generate more employment. And with the way commercial and apartment projects have been popping up downtown, it might not take too long to reach fruition.
Gateway to Greenville gets Apartment Complex?
Having sat empty since 1997, the land across from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena (formerly the Bi-Lo Center) might be the future home of 4-story apartment complex called the Broadstone Gateway Apartments. There is an application in on this project to the City pending review, and officials are hopeful it will be the right use for the parcel. Since the Greenville Memorial Auditorium was taken down, several developers have attempted to utilize the awkward wedge of land that is squeezed between two busy one-way streets. The projects never worked out on the location that truly acts as a “gateway” into Greenville as motorist come in on I-385 and enter the City center.
The apartment concept for the Gateway comes as no surprise as Greenville’s downtown appeal has attracted residents resulting in a spate of apartment construction. Currently there are apartment projects at McBee and Spring (site of the failed Peacock Hotel) and Rhett and Wardlaw in the West End. Another proposal under review puts 300 units in at Reedy View and Westfield, very close to the Linky Stone Park on the Reedy River and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Nine Times Forest get Conservation Status
On the other end of the development spectrum, a large chunk of land in Pickens County has been recently purchased to create a protected forest that is an ecological jewel of the Upstate. Located off scenic Highway 11 near Lake Keowee and close to Jocassee Gorges, the 1600 plus acres offers three mountains with granite outcrops that overlook the pristine Blue Ridge escarpment rising to the north. Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever had been working to acquire the land for 10 years and were able to purchase it for $3.5 million from Crescent Communities with the help of several contributors. The U.S. Forest Service provided a grant under the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, one of only 10 nationally. Fred and Nancy Stanback from North Carolina made a generous donation, and Duke energy provided more than $1 million as part of negotiations to renew their lease for their Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project. It’s nice to have scenic areas of protected land within an hour drive from Greenville and there are plenty of great areas to explore along this wonderful portion of South Carolina’s Upstate.
Snowstorm Hits Greenville
Some rare South Carolina snow! |
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Bank of America Parking Garage Torn Down
If you pass by W. Washington and Richardson Streets in downtown Greenville, you will notice that the parking deck next to the BofA building has been leveled. Looks like Hughes Development Corp is ramping up to put in some more commercial and upgraded parking space. It's unclear what exactly will occupy the space, but rumors are that a hotel and retail space are likely. There are several companies that were unable to obtain space in the almost completed Project One right next door, and these will be prime opportunities. Hughes is also planning a major renovation of the BofA building. All this sits around the public plaza Piazza Bergamo that the city is upgrading.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Snow Event Looms over Southeast
School is out today in Greenville County and much of the Southeast along the I-85 corridor as a big snow storm is moving our way. It's not all that much compared to our northern neighbors, but we are just not prepared to deal with it on the roadways and thus it paralyzes us. Right now it's snowing big wet flakes and barely sticking, but forecasters say this will continue with conditions cooling down in the next day with more snow on the way. Humm, colder weather after a storm that will freeze everything up? That's not our normal cycle....usually it snows a bit, then warms up and melts everything in true Southern fashion. But freezing up will put a different spin on on things, literally, as cars meet overpasses and slick roads.
So after the catastrophic snow in Atlanta a few weeks ago, officials will be very conservative. My guess is that normal business activities will grind to a standstill in the next couple of days, then we all struggle to catch up. Even my 11-year old son said that a day off of school for snow was great, but too many days off just created a big workload to catch up on. Sounds familiar. But what the heck, might aswell have fun while it's here. Stay safe out there on the roads y'all.
So after the catastrophic snow in Atlanta a few weeks ago, officials will be very conservative. My guess is that normal business activities will grind to a standstill in the next couple of days, then we all struggle to catch up. Even my 11-year old son said that a day off of school for snow was great, but too many days off just created a big workload to catch up on. Sounds familiar. But what the heck, might aswell have fun while it's here. Stay safe out there on the roads y'all.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Stuken Corporation Expands Fountain Inn Plant
The local manufacturing base continues to grow in Greenville County as well as the Upstate of South Carolina. Stuken has some precision deep draw metal technology that is in demand for automotive fuel injection and braking system; and local auto manufacturer BMW probably likes that. Fountain Inn has a fair number of industrial plants that serve the automotive and other industries and these cutting edge processes will demand more skilled labor as time goes on. Look to the Fountain Inn and Simpsonville area to continue growth in the residential housing market as more jobs are created.
Bassmaster Tournament Back to the Upstate in 2015
Wow, the Superbowl of Fishing is coming back to Lake Hartwell in 2015. That is pretty big deal for the area with all the TV coverage and business brought into the hotel industry. The event was here in 2008 and they used the BiLo Center in downtown Greenville to host the nightly weigh-ins. We were in the middle of a drought back then and the lake levels were really low; fortunately, all the lakes are back to full pond right now. Hopefully they will be that way for next year.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Greenville West End Improvements
Business
owners in The West End of Greenville have been putting their heads together in
an effort to increase foot traffic down toward the baseball stadium. Many pedestrians stop at the junction of S.
Main and Pendleton, not aware of what enticing new shops and services await them
just a short walk farther. The big
issues are signage and additional lights, topics that the City has embraced and
acted on quickly. Trees have been
trimmed so that the existing lights emit more light that will enhance
pedestrian safety, and additional street lights are planned for University
Street. There is also a push for more
directional signs that list specific businesses and where they are located,
similar to what you will see along the Main Street above the Reedy River
bridge. Establishing this type of
infrastructure will help the West End grow, and make no mistake, it is
coming. There are three apartment
complexes coming to the West End that will add about 350 units and plenty of
foot traffic - 150 units at Wardlaw and
Rhett Streets, 100 units with the Stadium Apartments at Rhett and Markley, and
107 units at 121 Rhett St.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)