Neighborhood Guide: Overbrook

Just a mile and a half outside the heart of downtown Greenville sits Overbrook, one of the city’s first historic districts. In this neighborhood, old meets new through its original homes and recently opened businesses. If you haven’t explored in a while, it might be time to rediscover why so many people — maybe even you — love to call it home.

Need to know

You’re not the only one with your eyes set on Overbrook. Between 2020 and 2022, there were 300+ homes sold. Wondering why? While we can’t say for sure, Overbrook is known for its rich history, walkability to shops, restaurants, and parks, and its proximity to Greenville schools like East North Street Academy and Bob Jones University.

The early days

The extension of Greenville’s trolley line in 1910 was the catalyst for Overbrook, a neighborhood that, today, gives off an eclectic, secret garden vibe. In 1913, the Woodside brothers (yes, those brothers of Woodside Mill) bought land in the area for $7,500. If only that was possible nowadays, right?

They later sold a portion of the land to R.J. Rowley who is cited as the developer of the first section of Overbrook’s 120 homes that were predominantly craftsman bungalows. Homes (and their lots) built in the neighborhood in the early 1920s were larger as they were developed for “well-off” businessmen + professionals.

Can’t miss

Running low on time? A trip to Overbrook isn’t complete without stopping for a scoop (or three) of honey vanilla or a seasonal flavor of ice cream at Clare’s Creamery, so be sure to factor it into your day. You’ll thank us later.

Shop

Overbrook is your one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs, from gifts for friends to your medication prescriptions.

• Given is a sister-owned shop stocked from floor to ceiling with ethically minded, socially conscious goods — from apparel and accessories to candles and tabletop decor.
• Maybe you’re on the hunt for a vintage vase, or maybe you just need a prescription filled. Whatever the case, Shaw’s Pharmacy, which has served Overbrook since 1952, will have it in stock.
• Calling all sewers. Bernina… We’re In Stitches is considered one of the oldest quilting, sewing, embroidery, and heirloom shops in the Upstate and can help with all things sewing. It also offers classes and sewing machine repair services.
• Before you hit the Upstate’s hiking trails or the Lowcountry’s surf, stop into Half Moon Outfitters for your apparel and accessories, outdoor guides, and equipment.
• Bonus: After your workout class wraps at C.O.R.E Grow Strong (see the Services and Self Care section), peep its merchandise, including women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, workout equipment, and more.

Outdoors

While Overbrook’s largest park spans 20+ acres, its smaller parks are packed with just as much charm and ways for anyone to enjoy the outdoors.

• Stroll through Timmons Park’s 26.6 acres, hit one of eight lighted pickleball courts, crack the bat in the baseball field, or fling with friends on the 18-hold disc golf course.
• Watch for Greenville’s bird species while taking a walk through Hessie T. Morrah Park, a “naturalistic park” used by residents for birdwatching. The park’s namesake was a “pioneer in Greenville’s beautification” and artist.
• Bring the kids to the climb on the playground or play in the grass at Railroad Mini Park, but don’t worry — there are no active railroad tracks.

Eat + drink

There’s no shortage of restaurants to enjoy in Overbrook, whether you’re craving a hoagie stuffed with all the ingredients, fresh seafood, or a slice of cake.

• Indulge in Fork and Plough’s daily rotating menu, which offers featured drinks plus unique dishes like a vegetable plate, duck egg rolls, and cornmeal fried catfish. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Sunday brunch.
• Having opened in fall 2022, European gastropub Perch offers pub-style table fare like döner kebabs, local beers, and curated cocktails. DYK it’s founded by the same folks who started Birds Fly South Ale Project?
• Mr. Crisp is another recent addition alongside Perch in Overbrook Village, and specializes in fresh seafood dishes (think: oysters on the half shell) and a variety of cocktails — we could drink the Lion’s Mane over and over.
• Craving a classic hoagie? Enter: Harry’s Hoagie Shoppe. Started by the family behind Mike’s Cheesteaks & Roast Pork, Harry’s has your sandwich cravings covered. Might we recommend The Godfather?
• Sometimes you want to have your sandwich + cake and eat it, too. Clayton’s Deli and The Pound Cake Man, which both share a space on East North Street, can make that happen. Grab a Hot Sando like the Havana Syndrome before snagging a slice of Banana Pudding pound cake.
• Not a cake night? Make it a pie night with Pizza Purists. Start with an order of Pizza Rolls (trust us) before digging into a 20-in Overbrook Pizza and finishing it off with a dessert tart.
• Come to Tetrad Brewing Co. for a craft beer, like the Elevated Surfaces Stout, and stay for one of its weekly events, including Trivia Tuesday, Charcuterie and Wine Wednesday, Music Bingo on Thursdays, and live music with Spencer Grey on Fridays.

Services + self care

Whether you’re looking to care for yourself, or for man’s best friend — Overbrook has a mix of salons and spas that take care to the next level.

• Treat yourself to a space day at OASE Day Spa, which offers services like facials, full body massages, eyebrow tinting and waxing, and more.
• Find your center and strengthen your core at C.O.R.E. Grow Strong, a pilates and yoga studio that hosts a variety of classes, from aerial yoga to TRX pilates.
• GLAM by Jessie Hamby is a single chair, private salon offering hair and makeup services for producers, models, brides, and everyday looks.
• Stop into Liberty Fine Cuts & Shaves for a clean cut, shave, and cool garage vibe.
• Bring your good, scruffy pup to The Corner Pet Grooming — the local groomer has been in business for 30+ years.

Where to live

If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, here are some housing options currently on the market:

• 1405 E. North St. | 4 BD, 3 BA | $785,000 | This home is every entertainer’s dream, from its expansive, vaulted ceiling kitchen to the outdoor patio and grilling station to the bonus room with a bar and movie screen.
• 512 Overbrook Rd. | 3 BD, 2 BA | $599,900 | Located just one mile from Timmons Park, this charming home — complete with a basement, walk-in closets, and a large backyard — is fully renovated, with new plumbing, electric, and windows.
• 116 Converse St. | 3BD, 2 BA | $450,000 | Modern design meets historic charm in this cozy, pink door home with original hardwoods, 10-ft ceilings, new cabinets and appliances, and an outdoor workshop space.