Monday, we asked the community what type of Greenville they would like to live in and what they loved most about Greenville. 100+ of you took to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, even our inboxes, to provide us with some killer feedback.
We compiled all of the feedback we received and broke it down into the topics respondents cared most about (nature, growth, community etc.).
Asked: What type of Greenville do you want to live in?
Answered (by the community): I want to live in a Greenville that/where:
Nature:
- I want to live in a Greenville that/where/with plants 5 more noble (important descriptor) trees for every tree and shrub removed by development….and builds 5 more low income housing units for every two new apartments.
- I want to live in a Greenville where nature is never far away and the city is clean and full of healthy, happy people.
- I want to live in a Greenville where we do not have the dirtiest river in SC (aka reedy river) and has a commitment to supporting local businesses and continues to responsibly grow the city with the environment in mind and without displacing low income residents
- I want to live in a Greenville that recycles glass!!!
- I want to live in a Greenville that has outdoor events everyday of the week! I enjoy the outside vibe of Downtown!
- I want to live in a Greenville that is “green” and focusses on sustainability, recycling, and taking care of it’s parks. I Also agree with many that I hope it doesn’t become too overdeveloped because then it’ll lose its charm. Charm is very important.
- I want to live in a Greenville that keeps a lot of green space incorporated into its growth and that stays unique with initiatives like public art, interesting activities, and a balanced perspective so that we become neither a boring area nor become known as a partying town.
- That still has vast grassy expanses in town, on Main Street.
- I want to live in a Greenville that has more bike paths that are protected and separate from roads for vehicles, and a Greenville, and surrounding area, where there are sidewalks in neighborhoods.
Diversity:
- I want to live in a Greenville that houses all its citizens adequately.
- I want to live in a Greenville where all citizens have access to purposeful public transportation, where food deserts don’t exist, and where citizens/neighborhoods integrate income levels to embrace as neighbors and part of the community encouraging people to be the best they can be.
- Cares for the less fortunate.
- that prioritizes equality of access and minimizes wealth gaps
- where one doesn’t have to worry about unwanted attention, esp. for LGBTQ/minority groups
- with lots of nature and diverse communities available to people of all ages/incomes/sexes/races
- I want to live in Greenville where there is safe, affordable housing for middle class families and offers something like a Carowinds type water park.
- I want to live in a Greenville with a gay bar, and therefore a tolerant & loving Greenville with a thriving LGBTQ+ community.
- I want to live in a Greenville that is inclusive and has a culture of people that “do something” for their community. Which, by the way, I have already seen a ton of vs. other cities we have lived.
- I want to live in a G’ville where kindness and compassion are the rule. And where they quit building ugly buildings and the Sprawl stops now! Guess that’s not a very kind statement ,huh?!
- I want to live in a Greenville who’s growth doesn’t just cater to wannabe yuppies.
- I want to live in a Greenville that is a 24/7/365 city.
- want to live in a Greenville that has more activities, eateries, concerts etc aimed at senior citizens instead of the millenials. Tons of retirees here..
- I also want to live in a Greenville that embraces diversity.
- I want to live in a Greenville that cares as much for its low-income natives as its high-income transplants
- I want to live in a Greenville that looks out for all residents and doesn’t cater to wealthy developers. Where affordable housing, transportation, good schools, and grocery stores are readily available to all residents. Keep it balanced!
- that helps creatives grow and is ridiculously dog friendly!
- That takes action in providing for those who are less fortunate in our community.
- That is a shining example of progressive Southern culture (hospitable, literary, cuisine, entertainment, enjoyable) and open to all.
- The “have-nots” are not forgotten when it comes to affordable housing, homelessness and shelters
- I want a Gville that breaks down social divisions welcoming all.
- I want to live in a Greenville where we are known for happy people and good hospitality. Our guests at the hotel I work for always comment on our happy staff. This can be achieved throughout Greenville if employers realize that making their staff happy results in happy guests/customer/clients.
Growth:
- I want to live in a Greenville that maintains its charm and small town feel amidst all the growth and development, most importantly protecting its green spaces and its resistance to big chain take overs (I’m talking food here).
- That respects its history and plans for a future that ensures its architectural and historic character is true to its location in the upstate of South Carolina, its setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and and holds tight to its own sense of place and its own character.
- that has more local f&b stops than chains (like, why is Basil coming up here from Charleston when Thai Jing is WAY better?)
- Live in a Greenville that controls apartment development and provides ample parking to visit our numerous restaurants
- I want to live in a Greenville that plans for smart growth and good public transportation so that we don’t become Atlanta in terms of traffic woes.
- I want to live in a Greenville that is still affordable and accessible to everyone.
- I want to live in a Greenville that is creative and unique and that doesn’t get overrun by big chains #keepitlocal
- I want to live in a Greenville that maintains its unique character, charm, and smaller city feel as it continues to grow, all while maintaining a cost of living downtown that is affordable to the young professional population.
- I want to live in a Greenville that controls the growth downtown, still has old brick buildings and does not allow every empty green space to be developed.
- I want to live in a Greenville that’s growing but where you can still walk down main street and bump into someone you know
- I want to live in a Greenville that maintains its charm and does not become over developed.
- I want to live in a Greenville that continues to grow & thrive but does so through planned centers where culture, fitness, shopping, green space, dining, grocery & entertainment come together. I also want Greenville to continue to grow its outdoor recreation.
- I want to live in a Greenville that does not become overpriced, overpopulated, over taxed, or that has an imbalance between “conservatives” and “liberals”. Let’s keep Greenville “purple” not red or blue lol.
- Also I want to live in a Greenville the builds up, not out. No sprawl like Florida or LA. It shouldn’t take forever to get from one side of the city to the other. Keep the traffic as it is now.
- That will keep growth somewhat controlled so the infrastructure can keep up with demand. Continue to make it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
- want to live in a Greenville that isn’t all about winning prizes and wild growth, but about inclusion, equality and affordability for everyone who contributes to making this a nice place to call home.
- I want to live in a Greenville that starts incorporating old time feel back in to town instead of all these modern angled buildings!
- I want to live in a Greenville that has kept up with growth with all the infrastructure needed.
- I want to live in a Greenville that doesn’t turn in to the next Charlotte or Atlanta.
- I want to live in Greenville that has a downtown that doesn’t consist of over priced apartment buildings!
- I want to live in a Greenville that has reasonable cost of living in relation to the stagnant wages. Stop artificially inflating housing costs by keeping state-owned forclosed homes off the market and stop allowing condos/apartments to be constructed every half mile with no consideration for parking or daily commutes of existing residents.
- I want to live in a Greenville that refuses to be overbuilt. Please watch it, Greenville, because you’re overdoing it a bit
- I want to live in a Greenville that puts more thought into zoning and development. If we allow the “fox to watch the hen house,” we’re going to end up with gridlock at every artery, no places to park, and an infrastructure that will be outgrown before its ever in place.
- I want to live in a Greenville that is safe, inclusive of all people and not overbuilt. Slow down the new construction and make sure the infrastructure is in place to deal with more people and cars.
- That ALWAYS keeps and NEVER forgets its Southern Hospitality and Culture no matter how populated it becomes.
- is more than just new restaurants and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Thinks outside of downtown and East Side. Yes, focus on Poinsett Corridor!
- I want to live in a Greenville that honors the past struggles and achievements and embraces the future of a dynamic city.
- I want to live in a Greenville where mom and pop shops can still afford to own businesses and where every store is not a big chain / mega store.
Transportation:
- Have a downtown where pedestrians feel safe crossing streets and where people on bikes respect and warn pedestrians they are passing them.
- where it’s easier to get around by bike than by car
- I want to live in a Greenville where there is ample parking.
Head over to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram to tell us what type of city you want Greenville to become.
