I am a 33 yr old, African American black woman who met, feel in love and married the love of my life who led me here to Greenville. Since being here hasn't been the greatest of experiences i have to say i agree with Roger on a few points especially that it IS VERY depressing here. Considering the reception i received from my -in-laws wasn't the warmest upon arrival, i too discovered the very many limitations this state has to offer on career/employment growth and development and most of all entertainment. Now, by no means are we the club hoppers and nightlife crawlers but if you are car-less the transportation for one, SUCKS. It not only stops running by 6:00pm M-F but does not run AT ALL on Sundays. Well, for those of us who dare to have a job that requires weekend or 2nd/3rd shift hours, we're screwed. Why should i have to be forced to make alternative arrangements and put my job on the line? And why is it that the "drivers" of this state feel that there shouldn't even BE a bus service here? Daily transit commuters make up at least 40% of the population, more or less. Secondly, i shouldn't even have to point out the one most very obvious statistic that reads on this very site about the unemployment rate at %16 compared to that of the nations average??? Are u kidding me!!? Need i say more? I mean, you could have 15(or more) years manufacturing work experience and with allllll these plants and manufactures down here it seems that almost EVERY plant that hires,lays their people off within that same year. No job security what so ever but then again that probably can be said for a majority of the industries out there with our economy. But in my experience, its a lot more prevalent here. I mean, i am a well educated/experienced woman seeking work and no one is calling. Some people have even said that being "over qualified" can hinder your ability to find employment too? WHAT?? I've NEVER experienced that!!?
Anyway 3rdly as Rogers mentioned, architecturally Greenville reminds me a lot of Detroit (no pun intended). Most of the homes/streets/closed down commercial buildings are very run down, tattered, abandoned and gloomy but on the upside, i can probably give the city about a 4 out of 10 for trying to rebuild, renew and restore some of the much needed communities around here with new housing structures and such. There are some great hotels in and around the city, a really large library downtown, a children's museum in which i have yet to visit. 3 movie theaters (not all movies come here). Several strip clubs (if thats your flavor)and the Bi-Lo Center is where you can enjoy concerts and some major special events. Also i might add that coming from a big city myself, its a pretty big adjustment to a city that pretty much shuts down after 8pm. The night life is restricted to a few bars and menial teeny bopper night clubs downtown, the street/store lights shut off after dark - its a ghost town.
I love the outdoors and yes the mountains are beautiful and refreshing but after asking several people with whom are born and raised here, there are FEW family parks. There's one large park located downtown called Cleveland Park but on Sundays, EVERYONE is at this park. Very overcrowded. Paris State Mountain Park (i think is the name) is another beautiful park for hiking and bb-q's but u gotta pay admission.
Religion is the abundance here. It's one of the bible belt states. But on the upside, it is a family oriented place, quiet, very conservative and there is a stench of racism here. Needless to say, Greenville is not for everyone. Yes beauty is in the eye of the beholder but there are certain facts that still remain about Greenville. I have spent 2 yrs here which is quite enough and as we speak, seeking out a new destination for departure come the new year. I am still somewhat young and have started the ground work for a new business idea that simply will not thrive as well here. So its time to scadadal!
Good luck to all who now or will decide in the future to call Greenville home.
Lady |
Greenville, SC |
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