This Charming City Is One of the Best Places to Retire in South Carolina—and It's Located Between Charlotte and Atlanta

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

Catch a Spartanburgers baseball game.
Sip a cold beer and enjoy some live music at Rockers Brewing Co. The Son of a Peach ale is something of a local legend.
Spend time outdoors at Cleveland Park, home to walking trails, playgrounds, and more.
Stay at the AC Hotel Spartanburg in the heart of downtown, close to restaurants, parks, and the ballpark.
Have dinner at stylish but cozy The Kennedy, which serves a menu of Southern-inspired dishes.
South Carolina is filled with towns that blend Southern hospitality, delicious food, and a touch of natural beauty—and Spartanburg is no exception.
Located between Charlotte and Atlanta, Spartanburg is an under-the-radar gem that offers all the makings of a great weekend getaway: scenic parks, walkable downtown streets, excellent coffee, and burgeoning culinary and craft beer scenes. What really sets it apart, though, is its balance of small-town warmth and big-city energy.
I recently spent a few days exploring this vibrant Southern city and found myself amazed by its lively local events, minor league baseball games, tucked-away trails, and locally inspired restaurants.
Spartanburg was also named one of the best places to retire in South Carolina—which means you can expect exactly what I found: a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, remarkable affordability, and a balance of energy and relaxation. Whether you're into hiking, patios with string lights, or sipping something peachy at a local brewery, Spartanburg delivers with heart.
Here's everything you need to plan your own unforgettable South Carolina escape. Aerial view of the main road through Spartanburg, South Carolina.
ChrisBoswell/Getty Images
If you're flying in, the closest airport is Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP), located about 30 minutes from downtown. GSP offers direct and reasonably priced flights to and from major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Miami, and more.
Spartanburg is also easy to reach by car. It's about 1.5 hours from Columbia, less than 1.5 hours from Charlotte, and roughly three hours from Atlanta. I made the scenic drive from Virginia, passing through scenic foothills and stretches of farmland. Pocket park in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Spartanburg is walkable, affordable, and packed with personality. While it's growing rapidly, the city hasn't lost its small-town soul. Everyone I met, from baristas to bookstore owners, was genuinely kind and proud of their city.
Zach Fox, director of communications for Spartanburg, agrees, saying, "Spartanburg, particularly downtown, is a very welcoming place. It blends some big-city offerings with small-town charm."
For those who love the outdoors, like myself, it's a good idea to pack comfortable shoes. There are scenic trails, peaceful gardens, and well-kept parks either within walking distance or just a short drive from downtown.
Last but not least, if you're a beer lover or foodie, come hungry and thirsty because Spartanburg knows how to serve up flavor. A sunny day in a Spartanburg park.Summer is packed with energy, from outdoor concerts to baseball games, and the brewery patios are buzzing. If you're looking to hike or relax in a garden, spring and fall are equally lovely, with mild weather and blooming wildflowers or changing leaves.
Fox says his favorite time in Spartanburg is the fall, when the crisp, cool air finally rolls in after the hot, humid summer—a refreshing change that makes those first few weeks especially enjoyable. Main Street in Downtown Spartanburg South Carolina.
This lakeside park offers walking trails, shady trees, and peaceful views. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a busy morning of exploring downtown.
Grab a seat at Fifth Third Park and enjoy an evening of baseball under the lights. The home crowd brings plenty of energy, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a fun stop whether you're a sports fan or just in it for the snacks.
If you're looking to escape the sun, but still want to stay active, head to Streaking Birdies. This indoor golf spot, located across from the AC Hotel, features high-tech simulators and a fun vibe that makes for a good time, whether you're practicing your swing or just playing for laughs.
This independent bookstore is a downtown favorite, filled with titles by Southern authors and charming gifts. It's a great place to cool off, browse, and support Spartanburg's literary scene.
Right next door is Little River Coffee Bar. There's nothing quite like pairing a good book with a delicious cup of coffee, so I highly recommend combining the two.
From stylish clothing and outdoor gear to handmade gifts and teas, Spartanburg's walkable downtown area is filled with shops worth exploring. The mix of boutiques lends the area a creative, welcoming energy.
Fox says, "I usually recommend a stroll through downtown Spartanburg, especially because I came to [the city] at a time when downtown was really on life support. Many storefronts were still empty, and there weren't many people around. That has definitely changed over the years." The pool at the AC Hotel Spartanburg.
Chic and centrally located, the 10-story AC Hotel Spartanburg in the heart of downtown made an ideal home base during my visit. It features a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city and the curated art collection throughout the property adds a thoughtful, creative touch. One of the best perks is the outdoor pool, a perfect way to cool off in the South Carolina summer. Plus, the property's location is just a short walk from coffee shops, restaurants, and the baseball stadium.
The Spartanburg Marriott has an outdoor pool and an American restaurant with plenty of seating outside, plus it's just a short walk from downtown, making it an overall convenient stay. A closeup of a sandwich from FR8yard.
I love it when a place offers upscale, delicious food without feeling too formal, and The Kennedy hits that sweet spot. Every dish is a winner, but what really stood out to me were the cocktails, cheddar biscuits, and chicken parmesan.
As a big fan of biergartens, I was excited to check out FR8yard, known for its lively atmosphere that welcomes adults, kids, and dogs alike. Fox says it's one of his favorite spots, sharing, "They have a great selection of drinks and some really solid bar food. On top of that, they have live music almost every night, and when there isn't a performance, they often break out a large projector for movie nights or show big sporting events."
Start your day with a flavorful breakfast at this gourmet market and cafe. I loved the house-made sauces and Southern specialties, especially the quiche.
Cribb's Kitchen is a must for burger lovers. This modern bistro offers a diverse menu featuring elevated sandwiches and hearty Southern classics, including deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes, all served in a friendly environment.
Fox says one of his favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Spartanburg is combining a few local favorites: catching a Spartanburgers game, stopping by FR8yard either before or after, and then wrapping up the day with dinner at Cribb's Kitchen.
For craft beer enthusiasts, Rockers Brewing Co. is a local favorite renowned for its innovative brews and inviting taproom. It's a great place to unwind and sample Spartanburg's best beers.