HomeColumbiaSouth Carolina's double win: Columbia & Spartanburg soar in Southern Living's rankings

South Carolina’s double win: Columbia & Spartanburg soar in Southern Living’s rankings

Columbia, South Carolina – The “South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024” list from Southern Living puts two cities in South Carolina in the top five. The state capital, Columbia, was ranked fifth, and Spartanburg, which was not far ahead, took third place in this prestigious list.

This list was put together by Southern Living and includes numerous significant factors that help a city grow and progress. These rankings were made based on an analysis of U.S. Census statistics, research done by the magazine’s editors, and results from a survey with responses from over 20,000 readers. As part of the selection process, cities must have active downtown areas, strong economic growth, thriving arts communities, food scenes, and the recognizable Southern hospitality.

About Columbia ranking

Columbia’s ranking is based on a few main factors that show how popular the city is becoming. Southern Living remarked the University of South Carolina’s importance to the city’s development. A lot of young students move to Columbia all the time, which adds to the city’s lively atmosphere and national diversity.

The magazine additionally addressed the big investment of $2.37 billion in the area in 2023 and the exciting things that could happen in 2024. These include the renovation of the Blossom Street Bridge and the ongoing development of the West Columbia neighborhood, projects that promise to further enhance the city’s appeal and infrastructure.

Read also: McEntire Produce to bolster local economy with $26.2 million expansion in Richland County

About Spartanburg ranking

Spartanburg’s amazing third-place finish shows how quickly it has grown and how big its plans are for the future. The city of Spartanburg has made a detailed plan to continue and speed up its growth after being ranked 12th on US News & World Report’s list of the fastest-growing places for 2023–2024.

Spartanburg local residents are eagerly anticipating the brand-new, high-tech stadium to be finished so that it can host a relocating minor league baseball team in the spring of 2025. Additionally, a 16-acre mixed-use development and plaza in the heart of downtown are in the works, promising to significantly boost Spartanburg’s appeal and livability.

Read also: Columbia’s innovative program takes center stage in White House challenge to combat hunger

The fact that Columbia and Spartanburg made Southern Living’s list shows how important South Carolina is becoming in the South. These cities have a lot to offer in terms of culture, business, and making life better for both residents and tourists. They are great examples of both Southern charm and new ideas.

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Henry Hall
Henry Hall
News Desk Lead Henry Hall leads the news desk and directs coverage of breaking news, public safety, local government, and investigative reporting. A journalist with several years of experience, he previously reported and edited at daily newspapers across South Carolina and the Southeast. Henry is known for building deep sources throughout Florence County and for his ability to translate complex issues into reporting that matters to residents. A longtime resident of the Florence area, he is deeply invested in the community he covers.

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