With 30 years in the industry

Mortgage Broker in Spartanburg, SC

Ask Dan Anything843-478-5612

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Classic Home Mortgage Providing Trustworthy Mortgage Guidance for Over 30 Years

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments that you will ever make. Like most good things, finding the perfect home comes with a lot of work. From your initial search online to your home tour and finally closing, there are many difficult decisions to make along the way. The bottom line is that the entire home buying process can be very stressful, especially when it comes to finding the right mortgage broker and loan for your new home. Since market conditions and mortgage programs change frequently, you have a lot riding on your broker's ability to provide quick and accurate financial advice. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or own several residential properties, you need a mortgage broker in Spartanburg, SC, who can educate you on mortgage rates and provide trustworthy guidance to help you make an informed decision.

My name is Dan Crance - Spartanburg's most trusted mortgage loan officer with more than 30 years in the mortgage industry. I bring unparalleled insight and decades of experience into your home loan process. If you're looking for a new home loan, are interested in refinancing your current mortgage, or need information regarding FHA, VA, or other types of loans, Dan Crance is Your Mortgage Man.

Unlike some mortgage loan officers in Spartanburg, my primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage choice for you and your family. Mortgage lenders have a horrible reputation for turning over clients quickly to expedite cash flow and make the most money possible. While some mortgage brokers come off as pushy and impatient, I encourage my clients to take as much time as they need to ask questions and review their mortgage agreements. I'm here to help answer those questions and provide you with easy-to-understand advice so that you can rest easy knowing you made the right choice. I could say that I strive to provide service that exceeds your expectations, but I'd rather show you. In the end, I want you to leave feeling confident in the loan you've selected, as well as in your choice of broker.

Service Areas
Mortgage Broker Spartanburg, SC
 Refinance Spartanburg, SC

Why Choose Dan Crance As Your Mortgage Lender in Spartanburg, SC?

Clients choose my mortgage company because I truly care about helping them navigate the often-confusing landscape of the mortgage process. I am fiercely dedicated to my clients and make every effort to provide them with trustworthy advice and an open line of communication.

In my business, I work for two different customers. On one hand, I have the buyer: the person entrusting me with the responsibility of guiding them through one of the most important decisions ever. Serving homebuyers is not a task that I take lightly. I work with them daily to help them through the process and provide timely updates and news on their mortgage status. On the other hand, I have the realtor: the person who works with my client to find their dream home. Since their commission is in my hands, working with realtors is also a very important task. I update these agents on the status of their customers weekly. Only when I take care of both parties can I say my job as a mortgage loan officer is complete.

As a mortgage broker with more than 30 years of experience, I pledge to give you the highest level of customer service while providing you with the most competitive loan products available. That way, you can buy the home of your dreams without second-guessing your decision.

Ask Dan Anything843-478-5612
 Conventional Mortgage Spartanburg, SC

Home Financing in Spartanburg, SC

At Classic Home Mortgage, our team works diligently to close on time without stress or hassle. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or are buying your new home in Spartanburg, we understand how much stress is involved. Our goal is to help take that stress off of your plate by walking you through every step of the home loan process. Because every one of our clients is different, we examine each loan with fresh eyes and a personalized approach, to find you the options and programs you need.

With over 30 years as a mortgage professional in Spartanburg, Dan Crance will help you choose the home loan, interest rate, term options, and payment plans that fit your unique situation.

 FHA Mortgages Spartanburg, SC

When you work with Classic Home Mortgage, you can always count on our team to:

  • Put your needs first.
  • Work efficiently and quickly. Many of our home loans close in 30 days or less.
  • Offer you a variety of home loans to choose from, and help you make an informed decision.
  • Provide you with competitive rates that make sense for your budget and lifestyle.
Ask Dan Anything843-478-5612

While no two loan terms are the same, a few of the most common loan types include:

30-Year Loan - This loan is often considered the most secure option to choose. With a 30-year loan, you can lock in a low payment amount and rest easy knowing your rate won't change.

FHA Loan - If you're not able to make a large down payment, an FHA loan could be the right choice for you. With an FHA loan, many of our clients have successfully purchased a home with less than 4% down.

VA Loan - This loan is reserved for military veterans and active-duty men and women. Those who qualify may be able to purchase a home with no down payment and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

Choosing a home loan is an important step in the home buying process. At Classic Home Mortgage, we are here to make choosing a loan as easy as possible, so you can focus on the joys of being a homeowner. Contact our team of experts today and ask how you can get pre-qualified for your home loan in Spartanburg, SC.

Refinancing in
Spartanburg, SC

Because home mortgage rates in the U.S. have been so low over the last year, many current homeowners are opting to refinance their home loans. Simply put, refinancing is replacing your existing mortgage with a different mortgage under new terms. Homeowners who refinance their homes enjoy lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, and even turn their home's equity into cash. If you're interested in refinancing your home, it all begins with a call to your mortgage broker in Spartanburg, SC - Dan Crance.

Here are just a few reasons why more homeowners in the U.S. are taking advantage of lower rates and refinancing their homes:
 Home Ready Mortgages Spartanburg, SC
Shorter Term Loan

Shorter Term Loan

Refinancing from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage might seem counterproductive on the surface because your monthly payment usually goes up. However, interest rates on 15-year mortgages are lower. And when you shave off years of your previous mortgage, you will pay less interest over time. These savings can be very beneficial if you are not taking the mortgage interest deduction on your tax returns.

Do Away with FHA

Do Away with FHA

FHA loans are notorious for paying premiums for the life of the loan. Mortgage insurance premiums for FHA loans can cost borrowers as much as $1,050 a year for every $100k borrowed. The only way to get rid of mortgage insurance premiums is to refinance to a new loan that the Federal Housing Authority does not back.

Switch to Fixed Rate or Adjustable-Rate Home Loan

Switch to Fixed Rate or Adjustable-Rate Home Loan

Sometimes, borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages refinance so they can switch to a fixed rate, which lets them lock in an interest rate. Doing so is beneficial for some homeowners who like to know exactly how much their monthly payment is each month. Conversely, some homeowners with fixed rates prefer to refinance to an adjustable-rate mortgage. Homeowners often go this route if they plan on selling in a few years and don't mind risking a higher rate if their plans fall through.

 Mortgage Banker Spartanburg, SC

Common Questions About Home Loans

Finding the right loan can be a difficult proposition, even if you have been through the process before. This is especially true since mortgage rates and market conditions change frequently. If you're like most of my clients, you probably have questions about interest rates, refinancing options, and a litany of other topics. To help alleviate some of your stress, here are just a few common questions with answers so that you can better educate yourself as we work our way to securing your loan.

Generally speaking, you should consider refinancing when mortgage rates are 2% lower than the current rate on your home loan. For some homeowners, refinancing makes sense when there is only a 1% difference. Reducing your mortgage rate is a great way to save money or apply your savings to a home upgrade. The money you save on your refinanced loan depends on your loan amount, budget, income, and charges from interest rates. It's crucial that you work with a trusted mortgage loan officer in Spartanburg, SC, to help calculate your refinancing options.
This is one of our most frequently asked questions at Classic Home Mortgage. In simple terms, points let you make a tradeoff between the upfront costs of your loan and your monthly payment amount. Points are essentially costs that you have to pay to your mortgage lender to get financing under specific terms. A point is defined as a percentage on your loan amount. 1-point is equal to 1% of the loan. So, 1 point on a loan worth $100,000 is equivalent to $1,000. When you pay some of the interest on your home loan upfront, you use discount points to lower your interest rate.
If you plan to live in the property for a few years, it makes a lot of sense to pay points to lower your interest rate. Doing so will help lower your monthly loan payment, which you can use to save money. Paying points may also increase the amount of money that you can borrow. If you do not plan on living in the property for at least a few years, this strategy might not make financial sense because you might not be able to make up the amount of the discount points you paid up-front.
In short, yes, your mortgage lender will need to know your credit score. Credit scoring is a system that creditors use to decide whether they will give you credit. Your credit score helps creditors decide how creditworthy you are or how likely you will repay your loan. In most circumstances, creditors will use your FICO scores during the loan process. Your score will fall between high risk (350) and low risk (850). Your credit score plays a big role in the loan process, and as such, your score must be accurate before submitting a credit report when applying for a loan.
The answer to this question depends on how money you choose to put as a down payment on your home. On a conventional loan, if your down payment is less than 20% of the price of your home, your mortgage broker in Spartanburg may require you to get Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI for short. This insurance protects your lender in the event you default on your mortgage. The best way to avoid paying for this insurance is to make a down payment of 20% or more of the purchase price of your home.
 Mortgage Company Spartanburg, SC

Trust Dan Crance

Your Mortgage Lender in Spartanburg, SC

Whether you're selling, buying, refinancing, or building the home of your dreams, you have a lot riding on your home loan specialist. When you need a mortgage broker who works tirelessly for you, answers your questions, provides guidance, and does so with a genuine smile, Dan Crance is your mortgage man. Contact Dan today at 843-478-5612 to get pre-approved and discover why Spartanburg loves Classic Home Mortgage.

After hours by appointment only. CONTACT DAN

Latest News in Spartanburg, SC

Winter Guide to Spartanburg, SC

Are you looking for things to do this winter in Spartanburg, SC? Our Winter Guide is full of our best winter content with ideas about things to do this winter, places to go, winter travel, shopping and more! Enjoy the Upstate this winter!Winter TreatsWintertime is perfect for a steaming cup of something warm and delicious. Check out these places our readers recommend for hot chocolate and a great cup of coffee in Spartanburg....

Are you looking for things to do this winter in Spartanburg, SC? Our Winter Guide is full of our best winter content with ideas about things to do this winter, places to go, winter travel, shopping and more! Enjoy the Upstate this winter!

Winter Treats

Wintertime is perfect for a steaming cup of something warm and delicious. Check out these places our readers recommend for hot chocolate and a great cup of coffee in Spartanburg.

Dine Outdoors This Winter

Want to eat outdoors? These Spartanburg restaurants have heated outdoor patios and dining spaces. You can enjoy a meal outside even if it’s a bit chilly out there.

Get Outdoors This Winter in Spartanburg

Get outdoors and hike this winter! Here’s a list of parks and trails in and near Spartanburg that are perfect for wintertime hikes.

While there might not be snow on the ground here in Spartanburg, nearby there are several places where you can enjoy winter on the snowy slopes for tubing and skiing. See Places to Ski and Snow Tube Near Spartanburg and Upstate SC.

Hunt out some frozen waterfalls in nearby Western North Carolina. Make a day of it with this Waterfall Driving Tour of WNC. See all these waterfalls without any hiking. This tour is a Kidding Around staff and reader favorite day trip adventure.

Winter Getaways

Book one of these cozy mountain vacation rentals. Bring some hot cocoa and a good book and maybe you’ll even get some snow. With all the amenities at these rentals, like fireplaces, pool tables, and hot tubs, we don’t think you’ll mind getting snowed in!

Indoor Things to Do This Winter Near Spartanburg

Here’s our gigantic list of indoor things to do in Spartanburg, SC. You’ll find activities for families with kids of all ages including trampoline parks, pottery studios, museums, libraries and so much more!

Keep the little kids busy with these indoor things to do.

Fill up the kids’ closet this year for less with these winter consignment sales.

What is your favorite winter activity to do in Spartanburg, SC?

SCDOT expects to pick up Helene debris in most impacted areas before year's end

When Tropical Storm Helene arrived on land on Sept. 27, it swept across South Carolina, leaving destruction from high winds and rains.Homes, businesses, roads, and parks were destroyed or damaged, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.The South Carolina Department of Transportation and state, city, and county workers in the Upstate continue to clean up debris more than two months after the storm. The ongoing cleanup process involves removing fallen trees, clearing blocked roads, and repairing damaged infrast...

When Tropical Storm Helene arrived on land on Sept. 27, it swept across South Carolina, leaving destruction from high winds and rains.

Homes, businesses, roads, and parks were destroyed or damaged, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation and state, city, and county workers in the Upstate continue to clean up debris more than two months after the storm. The ongoing cleanup process involves removing fallen trees, clearing blocked roads, and repairing damaged infrastructure.

“This is one of the largest debris removal missions in our agency's history," Deputy Secretary for Engineering Rob Perry said in a statement. "We want to reassure the community that we are here to help. We recognize that properties in the hardest-hit areas are still waiting for their initial pickup. We appreciate the patience of our community members as we work closely with our maintenance teams and contracted services to clean up the mess left by the storm in our state.”

According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, nearly 1.8 million cubic yards of debris have been collected across the state since work began in October. This includes more than 983,000 cubic yards in Spartanburg, Cherokee, Laurens, Newberry, and Union counties alone.

More than 289,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, and McCormick counties.

Meanwhile, over 181,000 cubic yards have been cleaned in Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee counties.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation expects debris to be collected by the end of the year in most impacted areas.

Crews will continue collecting debris for the first several weeks of the New Year in the areas with the most significant storm damage and debris.

This schedule is weather-dependent, and SCDOT officials have expressed that they will continue communicating with residents in impacted areas to provide updates on any changes. They urge residents to stay informed through official channels and remain patient as the crew works to complete the cleanup process.

Greenville City picks up debris

According to the City of Greenville, contractors and Public Works crews made their final pass on Monday, December 9, ensuring that all remaining debris is collected.

According to a City of Greenville Facebook post, it has already picked up over 380,000 cubic yards of debris.

County residents can report debris using the email address debris@greenvillecounty.org.

Greenville Public Works float cheered at Christmas Parade

According to a City of Greenville Facebook post, the float by the City of Greenville's Public Works Disaster Team was one of the most cheered entries in the Poinsettia Christmas Parade. Crews led off the parade hauling storm debris, riding in bucket trucks and marching down Main.

Spartanburg picks up debris

According to a Spartanburg County Facebook post, Spartanburg County is working with DRC Emergency Services to remove storm debris. They currently have around 35 crews working 12-plus hours a day, seven days a week.

Seven debris management sites are strategically placed throughout the county. These are where the crews haul debris, monitor it, and then ground it into mulch. Over 400 debris monitors were hired to ensure the process was completed properly so FEMA could reimburse.

The county expects to collect well over a million cubic yards.

According to the social media post, Spartanburg County has already picked up and hauled off nearly 350,000 cubic yards of debris. Crews are averaging around 6,000 cubic yards a day in their pickups.

Here is what you need to know about debris pickupfor Hurricane Helene.

What to know about the final day for debris pickup?

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that residents must pile up all Hurricane Helene debris for pickup by December 16.

Residents need to organize their debris according to the SCDOT guidelines.

Debris removal guidelines

If you need debris picked up, please have the pieces cut into 12-foot sections or less and place them beside the roadway for removal.

Residents having trouble getting debris to the right of way due to limited road frontage or debris blocking the way are encouraged to call us at 855-467-2368.

Debris removal from private property or private roads

This service does not include debris removal from private property or private roads. Residents must contact local debris removal companies to ensure their properties are cleared.

If you don't know what type of road you live on, you can tell by the letter in front of the number on the upper right side of the street sign. C stands for county roads, S stands for state roads, and P stands for private. Other letters, such as AN, PN, PZ, WP, WM, BN, HP, ST, or IV, indicate municipal roads.

Debris resources for the elderly

Storm debris removal resources for the elderly are available through the ACSC Gov App. This app provides assistance and guidance for senior residents who need help with debris removal and connects elderly individuals with community services that can help them clear vegetative debris from their properties.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

5+ Fun and Free Things To Do This Holiday Season Near Spartanburg, SC

If you are celebrating the holidays on a budget and are looking for free things to do this Christmas near Spartanburg, SC there are a few that are wonderful! The holidays can be a financially stressful time for a lot of families. Finding festive activities to enjoy that are free and low-cost can help when you are trying to keep the kids occupied during winter break.For more Holiday fun – check out Kidding ...

If you are celebrating the holidays on a budget and are looking for free things to do this Christmas near Spartanburg, SC there are a few that are wonderful! The holidays can be a financially stressful time for a lot of families. Finding festive activities to enjoy that are free and low-cost can help when you are trying to keep the kids occupied during winter break.

For more Holiday fun – check out Kidding Around’s Guide to the Holidays in Spartanburg

Free Things to Do This Christmas: Spartanburg, SC

There are already so many extra things to spend money on during the holidays, a little extra fun with no cost is a welcome thing to see. For more fun things to do in Spartanburg, and beyond, don’t forget to check our event calendar regularly!

Check out the KA Calendar, with events through the Upstate!

The 2024 Dickens of a Christmas is December 3rd, 2024, from 6 to 9 pm.This FREE Downtown Spartanburg festival transports people to the setting of a hallmark movie. Carolers dressed in Victorian clothes, live scenes set up in-store windows, choirs of children, and more! It is one of the most special holiday events in Spartanburg, with the tree lighting bringing the true magic.Kidding Around Review of A Dickens Of A Christmas

The Museum will host Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 am – 1 pm on Saturday, December 21st, 2024Children can visit the museum and let Santa know what is on their list at this free event. The museum is run on donations, so they are always appreciated. Kidding Around Spartanburg Review of The Hub City Railroad Museum

Check out our cheat sheet for Where else to Find Santa in the Upstate this Christmas Season

The Boiling Springs Christmas parade will start at 4 pm on Saturday, December 7th, 2024Christmas parades are a huge part of the holiday season for families. They’re a time for communities to show off their talented members and for children to get that first glimpse of Santa Claus. One of Spartanburg’s most popular family-friendly parades is the one that takes place in Boiling Springs.Kidding Around Review of The Boiling Springs Christmas Parade

For more Spartanburg parades to enjoy check out the Kidding Around Guide To Holiday Parades in Spartanburg

The Christmas Laser Light Show in Jolly Park is FREE and happens every thirty minutes from 5 pm to 10 pm from December 6th-8th, 2024.

Check out our list of Over 25 Holiday Light Displays in Upstate, SC

Now through December 24, 2024Head over to Greenville to visit Santa at Cabela’s! You can get your photo taken with Santa for free and kids can enjoy making a different craft every week leading up to Christmas. In Santa’s, Winter Wonderland kids can also write a letter to Santa for free!Kidding Around Review of Santa At Cabela’s Winter Wonderland

Mail Your Letters to Santa

Drop off letters to Santa at these Santa Mail Drop-off Locations: Make sure your letter to Santa arrives on time.

Bonus Freebie That Is Worth The Gas Money

For 65 years, this North Carolina town just outside of Charlotte has been known as Christmas Town USA. Driving through this town is always free and you can park and enjoy a walk around the lake. Kidding Around Review of Christmas Town USA.

We hope you enjoy all kinds of fun this holiday season!

Shop Local: Visit These Locally Owned Shops in Spartanburg, SC

Are you looking for places to go shopping in Spartanburg, SC to support local small business owners? Spartanburg is home to many unique small businesses offering everything from special services to food products to clothing to pet products. For those of you wanting to shop on Small Business Saturday or shop local any day of the year, we’ve compiled this list of 40+ local Spartanburg businesses to guide your wallet.Gifts & Toys for Kids ...

Are you looking for places to go shopping in Spartanburg, SC to support local small business owners? Spartanburg is home to many unique small businesses offering everything from special services to food products to clothing to pet products. For those of you wanting to shop on Small Business Saturday or shop local any day of the year, we’ve compiled this list of 40+ local Spartanburg businesses to guide your wallet.

Gifts & Toys for Kids

Imagination Station A downtown Spartanburg specialty toy store

Playthings Aplenty A Spartanburg favorite on the Eastside of town offering a wide variety of unique toys and sensory play items

Showoffs Kids Boutique A kids clothing shop on Reidville Road in Spartanburg

Clothing and Unique Gift Boutiques

Inside Irwin’s Adjoined to Ace Hardware on the Eastside, this is a specialty store offering decor, women’s accessories, children’s, and gift items

Palmetto Twist Women’s clothing store (plus monogramming) in Boiling Springs

Southern Charm Gifts and Boutique Located in Inman, this store offers women’s clothing and gifts for fans of all things Southern

The Kindred Spirits Marketplace with all things one of a kind and handmade in downtown Spartanburg

Spartanburg ThreadsThis Spartanburg boutique (formerly Southerndipity Gifts) offers local courier monogramming and embroidery gifts.

Market on MainThis market has local jewelry, treats, arts, furniture, and everything in between and features more than 30 artisans; they also host DIY classes

Pink on MainLocated in Spartanburg, Pink on Main is a clothing and accessory store with inventory that includes Lily Pulitzer and Mommy-and-me matching sets.

Arrowhead Design CompanyA website and advertising firm in Spartanburg that also offers screen printing!

Two Doors Down

A woman’s boutique in downtown Spartanburg with seasonally rotating clothing

Gifts for Foodies

Palmetto Olive Oil CoOffers premium olive oils and balsamic vinegar (You can visit the downtown storefront for tastings)

Blue Moon Speciality Foods Offers flavored seasonings, sauces, and marinades, as well as fresh food and gift baskets. You can also find Spartanburg fav’s Those Pickle Ladies at Blue Moon! If someone in your life loves pickles, you must give them a jar of flavored pickles from this Spartanburg favorite

Little River RoastingLocal coffee shop in downtown Spartanburg. You can purchase coffee and gift cards

Gifts for the Book and Art Lovers

Hub City Bookshop A local independent bookstore in downtown Spartanburg with books for all ages

Paint It UpCommissioned paintings as well as art classes for locals

Friends of the Library StoreLocated in Headquarters Library, this store offers unique items from local merchants, as well as gently-used and rare books

The Tangled Web Local Spartanburg comic book store with comics, games, and more

The Art Lounge Custom framing store in Spartanburg

Sparkle City SnapsArtist Nick Trainor offers one-of-a-kind photos in Spartanburg

Gifts for the Nature Enthusiasts

Botanical Brew This neighborhood coffee and plant shop is in Lyman

Home and Garden Classics A Southern lifestyle store that is home to rite at Home (fine stationery), Sugah Cakes (bakery), and The Brides Club of Spartanburg (Bridal Registry). It also sells interiors, kitchen accessories, and more.

Coggins Flowers & GiftsSend flowers from this local Spartanburg florist for the perfect gift

The Local Hiker Located in downtown Spartanburg, this store offers hiking, camping, and backpacking gear

The Urban PlanterUnique plant shop in downtown Spartanburg offering house plants, art pieces, and more

Local Experience Gift Ideas

Speed Factory Indoor KartingGift recipients of all ages will appreciate a lap around the track at this indoor karting facility.

Other Local Favorite Spots For Picking Out Holiday Gifts

Artists CollectiveA Holiday Artists market from November 5th – December 28th.

Paisley Paw For the pet lovers in your life, Paisley Paw is a pet boutique offering gifts that will make pet owners and their four-legged friends happy

Stone LightingLighting store in Spartanburg

Oops Clothing Store (SC local) The Oops! Co. is a South Carolina company that offers deeply discounted clothing with new shipments daily

11 Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Spartanburg, SC

Discover what makes the Hub City unique.There’s only one Spartanburg, SC, and inside its borders is a collection of cool things you might not expect to find. Whether you’re new to the region or visiting, the following list will help you uncover the unique, lively area that is Spartanburg.In This Article1. Historic Mill YardsSpar...

Discover what makes the Hub City unique.

There’s only one Spartanburg, SC, and inside its borders is a collection of cool things you might not expect to find. Whether you’re new to the region or visiting, the following list will help you uncover the unique, lively area that is Spartanburg.

In This Article

1. Historic Mill Yards

Spartanburg County was at the center of the South’s textile industry for a century, with the area’s railroad connections and proximity to cotton cultivation transforming the local economy beginning in the late 1800s. Many of these old textile mills and villages have now been revitalized into apartments, retail shops and offices, such as Drayton Mills, a luxury apartment complex with a connected marketplace.

2. Morgan Square

A cool aspect about Spartanburg, SC, is the history of its downtown square. Though it was established in 1787, it has kept pace with the changes of the city. Over the years, it has transitioned from a dusty open lot to a brick-paved courtyard crossed by streetcar tracks to a wide-open roadway and parking lot to a pedestrian main street. The square is named for the Civil War monument at its center that honors Gen. Daniel Morgan at the Battle of Cowpens.

3. Multiple Municipalities

Did you know Spartanburg County has 13 municipalities? Each has its own unique personality, appealing to a variety of residents. Many of these, like Cowpens, Wellford, Duncan, Landrum, Greer, Inman and Chesnee, got their start as railroad towns. Greer is known for its charming downtown, where it regularly holds community fairs and events. Other municipalities, like Cowpens and Landrum, are known for their top-notch antique shops.

4. Chapman Cultural Center

Designated a Cultural District by the South Carolina Arts Commission, downtown Spartanburg offers a multitude of artistic experiences. Chapman Cultural Center houses many of the premier arts and cultural organizations of the area, such as Spartanburg Little Theatre, Spartanburg Art Museum and Spartanburg Science Center museum and classroom, to name a few.

5. BMW

Spartanburg is home to BMW Plant Spartanburg, which is responsible for producing the X series of BMW vehicles. The facility, which opened in 1994, produces up to 450,000 vehicles annually. The Spartanburg location also features a “Driving Experience” track, which is ideal for speed exercises and fast turns, striking the perfect balance between useful and exciting.

6. Wade’s Restaurant

Wade’s Restaurant offers Southern cooking at its finest. With an ever-changing menu and a meat-and-three-style dining experience, this establishment has been a Spartanburg staple for over 75 years. Residents love its variety, quality and customer service, not to mention its affordability. In 2024, Wade’s won the highly competitive James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award for the Southeast.

7. Hub City Bookshop & Press

This nonprofit organization has made a name for itself in the publishing industry, amplifying underrepresented Southern voices for 30 years. Initially, it began as a writer’s project, and the bookshop followed as a natural complement. Hub City Bookshop & Press hosts writing workshops, author events and more in a unique building, a 1927 Masonic temple. Local and regional authors have found a home and support system in this cool Spartanburg, SC, space – both in the shop itself and the residents who support it.

8. The Pharmacy Coffee

This cool coffee shop is one of Little River Roasting Co.’s four locations in Spartanburg, SC. The parent company, which has been around for over 20 years, was Spartanburg’s first coffee roaster. The Pharmacy Coffee is in the historic Montgomery Building, which opened in 1924 and was the city’s first skyscraper. The building sat empty for many years and was about to be torn down when it was purchased and renovated, offering retail spots to local businesses. Little River Roasting Co. was first in line, and they’ve turned that location into a signature spot for those who enjoy quality ambiance with their coffee of choice.

9. Parks and Trails

Outdoor enthusiasts have an ample supply of cool destinations when it comes to recreation in Spartanburg, SC. One is Airport Park, an airport-themed park in front of Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport, a general aviation airport. Other options include Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park and the Panthers NFL Play60 course, which caters to kids and families along the Mary Black Rail Trail, the city’s most-used outdoor amenity. The Daniel Morgan Trail System, affectionally referred to as “The Dan” by residents, is a 55-mile trail that spans natural and urban areas alike.

10. Spartanburg Northside Initiative

For many generations, Spartan Mills stood as the textile mill closest to the heart of the city, but its closure in the late 1990s left the surrounding neighborhood in decay. The Spartanburg Northside Initiative is working to reverse that, undertaking one of the nation’s most ambitious neighborhood revitalization efforts. Its “inside out” approach to community transformation pairs public and private partnership with longtime residents to bring more housing and amenities to the area with the goal of reducing poverty and increasing quality of life and access to opportunities.

11. Higher Education Options

Another cool thing about Spartanburg, SC, is its proximity to higher education institutions. There are niche options, like Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Sherman College of Chiropractic, for those looking to specialize in a specific profession as well as more general options for those wanting a wider selection. Converse University, Spartanburg Community College, Wofford College, Spartanburg Methodist College and University of South Carolina Upstate all call this region home.

This article is sponsored by OneSpartanburg Inc.

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