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With more than 250 manufacturers in the region, including more than 27 international companies, the upstate region has a thriving business climate. The top major industries in the area include manufacturers of automotive products, metal products, industrial machinery, plastics, publishing and textiles. And BMW has a manufacturing plant in the region that draws related industries to the area. There are more than 27 BMW suppliers in the upstate, which is recognized internationally as an automotive supplier hub. The plastic industry has a strong presence in the upstate with 244 plastic companies located within the 10 counties of the northwest corner of SC. Anderson County alone has 11 automotive suppliers and is a major player in the plastic industry, with 27 plastic companies located within its borders. The economy of the upstate region is strong and continues to grow.

The network of healthcare services and facilities are second to none in the Upstate Region, where exceptional health systems operate world-renowned teaching and research hospitals and medical centers. The powerful presence of major research universities continually elevates the entire region to the leading edge of technological and medical breakthroughs. Residents are provided with a variety of high-quality health care choices and a broad, sophisticated network of professionals and organizations offering everything from primary care to emergency care, preventive care to high-tech procedures. Several area hospitals and medical centers are rated among the best in the nation. The regions counties are home to small, local medical centers and larger, comprehensive county or regional medical centers. In addition, there are a number of highly specialized hospitals and medical practices spread throughout the region. Medical facilities such as AnMed Health, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Greenville Hospital System and the world famous Shriners Hospital for Children provide the residents of this area with unsurpassed and nationally recognized medical services and facilities.

Educational resources are equally exceptional in this region, where award-winning schools and some of the state’s finest public school districts combine with innovative charter schools, options for a private education, and progressive programs for high school students. The public school systems are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students, from special needs to academically gifted, college prep to technical. In addition, the school systems offer magnet schools, which allow children to focus on specific areas of interest and to choose from various methods of instruction. Magnet programs range from foreign language immersion to open education, international baccalaureate to traditional academies and cultural arts. The area is also home to several charter schools, independently operated public schools designed to serve as laboratories for innovation in education. Created and run by parents, teachers and/or community leaders, charter schools receive the same per pupil funding as other public schools. The region is home to a wide variety of independent secular and parochial schools. Because each private school has its own distinct philosophy and approach to learning, you’ll want to research schools, talk to parents and take a tour. Private schools often provide innovative teaching programs, special classes for students with learning disabilities, religious training and character-building among other unique education offerings.

The upstate region is full of higher educational opportunities including the nationally acclaimed Clemson University, Furman University, Bob Jones University, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College and Greenville Technical College as well as several others. The upstate counties also offer residents numerous opportunities through several community college systems with convenient campus locations throughout the region. The community college system provides excellent academic programs for university bound students as well as works with area employers to develop highly specialized technical training programs for local industry.