Industrial jobs and housing growth shape Lyman’s evolving identity
Roughly halfway between Greenville and Spartanburg , Lyman is a multifaceted community of residential growth, industrial opportunity and ample recreation. While the town maintains many established 20th-century homes, contemporary housing developments have increased significantly over the past 20 years. Employment opportunities have also grown, both inside the community and in neighboring areas. “We are growing in leaps and bounds,” says Leverne McBeth, Middle Tyger Branch librarian for Spartanburg County Public Libraries. “Every time I turn around, we have new growth coming in, and yet, Lyman is able to keep that small-town charm. It’s just a beautiful mix of families, people who are retiring, and people from different states.” Locals can connect during annual events, and spots like Lyman Park invite people to go outdoors more often.
Master-planned and lakefront homes join established subdivisions
Lyman has a wide-ranging collection of neighborhoods. Most have sprawling grass yards, mature shade trees and driveways in front of every home. Residential areas closest to the town’s center typically offer Craftsman-style, Cape Cod and ranch-style homes from the 20th century. However, major residential growth has happened in the past 20 years. Many master-planned subdivisions, townhome communities and independent new constructions are clustered in the town’s northwest side or around Lyman Lake and Lake Cooley. New Traditional and custom architecture is standard in these areas. Newer homes often sell between $230,000 and $580,000, but some cost as much as $1.2 million. Homes built before 2000 typically sell in the $160,000 to $450,000 range, with a few listings reaching up to $600,000.
Lyman Park events, Lake Cooley boating and Tyger River walks
At Lyman Park, kids play on the playground while people jog around a paved trail or picnic during their lunch hour. The park’s amphitheater is popular for events, like open-air performances and movies under the stars. Pets can enjoy The Bark Park, a new addition to the area. Tyger River Park, also known as River Place Park, offers trails surrounded by trees and expansive views of the riverfront. A few miles from the town’s core, Lake Cooley is a hub for boating, kayaking and fishing. Facilities around the shoreline include a playground, picnic shelters and paddleboard rentals. Lyman Lake is another option for boating, but its public boat ramp is only open seasonally. Many locals live around the lakes for year-round waterfront views.
First Street reports that Lyman has a minor risk from flooding; however, the town experiences regular rainfall, which can occasionally flood roads. Heatwaves can also be common, as the town has a major heat risk. This also means a moderate risk of wildfires, which are avoided through seasonal burn bans.
Public schools include a new elementary and a ninth-grade academy
Spartanburg County District 5 serves the area. Many kids attend the recently built Tyger River Elementary, followed by Beech Springs Middle and James Byrnes High. The elementary is currently unrated by Niche, but the middle and high have A-minus and B ratings. Some kids go to Byrnes Freshman Academy, a specialized ninth-grade campus, to better prepare for the transition into high school. It earns an A-minus score. Other school options include Wellford Academy of Science and Technology and D. R. Hill Middle, which have B-plus and B Niche scores.
Highway 29 has casual yet varied dining options and supermarkets
Most commercial options are along Highway 29. Botanical Brew’s lushly decorated café sells fresh coffee and the plants inside the shop. People can eat American fare at Clock Restaurant of Lyman before getting a sweet treat at Big Ben’s Desserts & Ice Cream next door. Pho Luck! Restaurant offers Vietnamese dishes, while Red Hill Hot Dogs serves handhelds from its cash-only window counter. Food Lion is the area’s primary supermarket. At the intersection of Highway 29 and state Route 129, there are fast food chains, pharmacies and several Mexican restaurants.
Industrial growth and highway access support Lyman’s economy
There are several industries around Lyman, including a large Walmart warehouse and a TTI distribution center. “We’re blessed being so close to Duncan and their industrial growth,” McBeth says. “BMW is just down the road and has so many partnerships with other companies that are coming in. I think the job market is doing well here.” If residents need to commute, Highway 29 and Interstate 85 reach Greenville and Spartanburg within 25 miles, or 30 minutes, depending on traffic. State Route 129 can be an alternative route for Highway 29, but it often gets congested during rush hours. Drivers are about 13 miles from the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and 10 miles from the Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital.
Two active industrial railways pass through the town, but trains don’t often impede traffic, even on roads with train crossings.
Summer brings outdoor movie nights and Music on the Hill concerts
Lyman has many events. June brings the Food Truck Rodeo, which features local cuisine, live music and a petting zoo. Throughout the summer, people enjoy outdoor movie nights and Music on the Hill concerts at the Lyman Amphitheater. Trick or treaters walk all around the town during Halloween, and crowds gather for the annual Light Up Lyman tree lighting in December. Winter celebrations also include pictures with Santa, carriage rides and a Christmas parade.
