Southern Living Recognizes Spartanburg and Columbia as ‘South’s Best Cities On The Rise’

By HERE News

Spartanburg and Columbia make Southern Living’s prominent list

In a recent declaration that recognizes the flourishing South, esteemed lifestyle magazine Southern Living lauded two South Carolina cities, Spartanburg and Columbia, as part of its prestigious “South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024” list. The cities didn’t just make the list of 25 dynamic southern cities, but both figured in the elite top five, with Spartanburg ranking at No. 3, and Columbia closely following at No. 5.

Spartanburg’s Vibrant Growth

The vibrant city of Spartanburg captured attention due to its inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of fastest-growing places for 2023-24. Celebrated for its visionary and comprehensive plan to aim for higher achievement, the city is marked by major strides in its development sector. A prominent factor in its selection was the magnificent $1 billion downtown development project that includes a minor league baseball stadium, expected to uplift the city’s sporting scene and offer countless opportunities for budding local talents.

Columbia’s Massive Investments

Not to be overshadowed, Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, managed to secure investment worth an impressive $2.37 billion last year, forecasting a promising future beyond 2024. The city plans to prioritize transport infrastructure with a major renovation of the Blossom Street Bridge, intending to make it more pedestrian-friendly. This initiative aims to encourage more foot traffic, increasing engagement with local businesses and promoting healthier living. The city is also paying heed to the ongoing redevelopment of West Columbia, focusing on enhancing residential and commercial spaces to accommodate its growing population.

About the Southern Living’s List

The annual list curated by Southern Living magazine pays tribute to the cities that have shown remarkable resilience in the face of global changes, exhibiting strong growth trends and potential for future development. This recognition serves to highlight the hard work and determination of the respective city’s communities and administrations to improve the quality of life for their citizens and promote sustainable urban development. This year’s list features an eclectic mix of venues exhibiting growth in various sectors such as education, transport, healthcare, and leisure activities.

Recognition from such a prominent publication celebrates not just the progress of Spartanburg and Columbia, but also shines a spotlight on South Carolina as a beacon for urban development in the South. As the cities continue their journey of expansion and innovation, the close-knit communities remain optimistic about the boundless opportunities that the future presents.