‘Unrecognizable in 5 Years’: New Political Ideologies Reshape a South Carolina Town

Greenville, South Carolina is seeing waves of conservative residents moving in who all seem to share new cultural and political values. These transplants are coming from more liberal communities where they feel misunderstood and judged, but in Greenville, they say they feel as if their ideologies are accepted and they can be free to be themselves.

A New Home in Greenville

Jen Hubbell, a real estate agent in Greenville, South Carolina, is driven by her belief that a good life begins with a good home. Her phone is constantly ringing from potential out-of-state clients who are drawn to a promise of a new life of acceptance.

Seeking Like-Minded Neighbors

Most of Hubbell’s callers are staunch conservatives from overwhelmingly liberal states like New York, California, and Washington. They want to relocate to communities where their political beliefs are shared, and they wonder if Hubbell can guide them to such communities.

Heartfelt Welcome

Hubbell’s response assures them that they are going to love it there. Her confidence and success has made her a key figure in South Carolina for Conservative Move, a company specializing in helping conservative people relocate.

A Boom in Conservative Relocation

Under Hubbell’s lead, South Carolina has now surpassed Florida as the fastest-growing state, which is especially appealing to conservatives. The company’s motto encapsulates their mission: ‘relocate if your community doesn’t mirror your values.’ Hubbell and her colleagues cater to clients whose move is motivated by cultural and political preferences, from abortion rights to pandemic policies.

The Rising Star of the South

Initially, South Carolina wasn’t the first choice for relocators, according to Paul Chabot, president of Conservative Move. Recent trends, however, have placed it alongside Texas and Florida as a top destination for the company’s clients.

Preferred Locale: Greenville County

Greenville County is the most popular choice among buyers, known for its strong conservative and Christian values. Hubbell finds it easy to promote Greenville’s allure, especially to those coming from big cities. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and neighborly charm, a combination that resonates with many newcomers.

Urban Life Amidst Natural Beauty

Greenville boasts attractions like Broadway shows and chic rooftop bars, yet maintains a close-knit community feel with features like a pedestrian bridge overlooking Reedy River Falls. The absence of homeless encampments also adds to the city’s appeal.

Affordable and Welcoming

Real estate in Greenville is modestly priced with an average home costing about $360,000, much less than in many parts of the country. The city’s plethora of Christian churches and the presence of Bob Jones University cement its evangelical character and appeal to conservative potential residents.

A Conservative Haven

Lina Brock, a recent transplant from California, was thrilled by the abundance of Christian values in Greenville—from the music in public spaces to the community’s welcoming spirit. She felt at home and embraced by a community that shared her beliefs.

The Perfect Fit

Real estate agents often describe South Carolina using a Goldilocks analogy: not too hot like Texas, not too costly like Florida, and more uniformly conservative than Tennessee. For many, South Carolina is just right, as Hubbell confidently tells her clients.

Demographic Shifts

In the past year alone, thousands from New York, California, and North Carolina chose South Carolina for their new home, contributing to a population that is now over 5.3 million. While these moves might not immediately  politically transform the state, they underscore a growing trend as being a haven for conservative values.

Polarization’s New Geography

As America’s political divide widens, many conservatives find themselves moving to South Carolina to escape conflict with neighbors whose views differ from their own. In Greenville, new residents often describe their relocation as a tough but necessary choice driven by a desire for community and understanding.

Finding Political Harmony

Yana Ghannam, a recent transplant from California, needed a fresh start in Greenville where her conservative values wouldn’t be under constant judgment. Tired of the pressure to conform back home, she moved to find peace among friends who respect her political and personal choices.

Beyond Politics

South Carolina’s appeal isn’t solely its political climate; the state also offers promising job prospects and beautiful weather. The burgeoning electric vehicle industry is just one example of an industry experiencing growth and is contributing greatly to the state’s economic success.

Simple Attractions

For many, like real estate agent Pamela Harrison, the decision to move is straightforward—beautiful weather, like-minded politics, and a general discontent with liberal states are the main drivers. The state’s growing reputation as a conservative haven makes it an easy sell.

The Great Migration

Spartanburg agent Brad Liles and his peers have dubbed the influx of conservative movers as “the great migration.” This new demographic often seeks spacious, somewhat secluded properties where they can live independently and sustainably.

A Quest for Independence

Newcomers like Lauren Gomes are drawn to the autonomy that rural South Carolina offers—including her new backyard chickens and vegetable gardens. After facing political hostility in Minnesota, Gomes and her family welcomed the opportunity to live according to their own rules.

Escaping Hostility

The move was also a flight from intolerance for Gomes, who was harassed for her conservative views on masking and abortion back in Minnesota. Her move was as much about finding educational and social environments that aligned with her family’s values as it was about personal comfort.

Policy Appeal

Many conservatives are attracted to South Carolina’s restrictive abortion laws and other conservative policies. Local policies like moving transgender-themed children’s books to a different library section resonate with new residents concerned about social and cultural issues.

Displacement Concerns

Greenville’s transformation has not been entirely positive for everyone. The influx of wealthier, predominantly white families into traditionally Black neighborhoods has driven up property values, making it increasingly challenging for longtime residents to afford their homes.

A New Beginning

For the Cutler family, moving from New York to South Carolina was about more than just finding a new home—it was about seeking a community that shared their values. Their journey reflects a new and growing trend of Americans searching for a sense of belonging in an increasingly fragmented society.