Small manufacturing town in Upstate South Carolina
Though Union's population has dropped more than 20% over the last 50 years, local leaders hope economic growth spurred by a new manufacturing plant along with downtown improvements will lure people back. Union is located in South Carolina’s Piedmont Region, about 70 miles northwest of Columbia. It is the seat of Union County and currently home to about 8,000 residents. A California-based biotech company opened a manufacturing plant in the city in 2023, bringing hundreds of jobs. Other manufacturers, including those that make parts for America’s only BMW plant in nearby Spartanburg, are some of the city’s other big employers. “Overall, there’s a lot of opportunity for investment, if people want to build or have farms or start businesses,” says Jenna Fleming, a Realtor with Keller Williams on Main. She says affordable prices also make Union a good place to buy properties to rent out.
Union is a good place to buy and rent out properties.
New manufacturing plants, like Standard Textile, can be found in Union, SC.
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Brick ranch-style homes dominate in Union
The median home price in Union is close to $220,000, below the roughly $250,000 median in Columbia and nearby Spartanburg. Fleming said most available properties are single-family homes. Many of the city’s houses are brick ranch-style homes built between the 1930s and 1980s. Some farmhouse style homes are also available. “People really are looking for homes with some acreage,” says Fleming, a lifelong Union resident. “If I list a nice farmhouse style on a couple of acres, it goes immediately. It’s a little harder to find those.”
There is a mix of single family and brick ranch-style homes throughout Union, SC.
Many farmhouse style homes sit on large plots of land in Union.
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Career tech programs at Union County schools and a growing USC satellite campus
The city is served by Union County Public Schools, which earns a C-plus on Niche. Union County High School has a B-minus. The district’s career and technical education center is popular, and many students are enrolled in its agriculture, finance and health science programs. Spartanburg Community College has a campus in Union, as does the University of South Carolina. In early 2025, which marks the 60th anniversary of USC Union, the university unveiled a 10-year master plan that includes building a new multipurpose facility and expanding the athletic department.
The Union University of South Carolina is a popular destination for students living in the area.
The Spartanburg Community College campus offers a plethora of programs for Union residents.
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Union home to historic sites, including community-centered Carnegie Library
Many buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Carnegie Library and Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site. The library was built in 1905 in the Beaux-Arts style. Since then, it has been remodeled multiple times – including the addition of a slide as an alternate way to access the downstairs children’s section. The local United Way and other community partners operate out of the library. The Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site was a cotton plantation for more than 100 years. In the mid 1800s, the plantation had nearly 200 enslaved people at one time. The property now belongs to the South Carolina State Park Service and hosts lots of educational and historical programs.
The Carnegie Library was built in 1905 in the Beaux-Arts style in Union.
The local United Way and other community partners operate out of the Carnegie Library in Union.
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Festivals and outdoors activities in Union
Union hosts multiple events throughout the year. The Uniquely Union festival is held on Main Street every September. The weekend includes live music, food vendors, corn hole tournaments and carnival rides. The Grand National Cross Country Series – an offroad motorcycle and ATV racing series – kicks off at Union’s Big Buck Farm each February. Foster Park is popular among residents, who enjoy its playground, pond and paved walking trails. The Timken Sports Complex has ballfields and batting cages. The city’s YMCA has a pool available for public use.
Foster Park offers a playground, pond, and paved walking trails for Union locals.
The Union's YMCA has a pool available for public use.
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Mix of dining and retail options and a new medical facility in Union
Downtown Union features multiple boutique shops, plus a locally-owned coffee shop and seafood restaurant. Other cuisine options range from Mexican and Japanese food to barbecue and diner fare. The main thoroughfares are Highways 176 and 49. Spartanburg is about 25 miles northwest along Highway 176. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is about 50 miles from Union. The new Union Medical Center opened in February 2025 to replace an older facility. The building, run by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, includes an emergency room and hospital and offers primary care services.
Elle Bell Cafe in located in the heart of Union downtown.
Union has a number of great shopping plazas along Highway 176.
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Moderate weather and a higher-than-state-average property crime rate
Union has a more moderate climate than the more southern parts of the state, seeing fewer days extreme heat. Winters are mild and snow is minimal. The city is also typically shielded from hurricanes, though it was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024, with many residents losing power for more than a week.Year-over-year overall crime is on the decline in Union, as in the rest of the state, according to 2022 and 2023 data from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. But Union has one of the highest property crime rates in the state, at about 337 crimes per 10,000 residents.
Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Viktor Zagorevskiy
Video By
Mark Barakat
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**Welcome to 112 Woodrow Street, Union, SC!** This newly updated 3-bedroom, 1 bath home offers move-in ready comfort with modern upgrades throughout. The interior features fresh paint, updated flooring, and stylish finishes that create a bright and inviting atmosphere. The entire home has been refreshed. The spacious living area is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Situated on a level lot,
Turnkey student housing investment near USC–Union, fully leased for the 2026–2027 school year. This 2,245 sq ft, 6-bed dormitory-style building generates $2,700/month ($450/bed) in rental income. Each unit features jack-and-jill bathrooms and a private closet. The building has attractive LVP flooring throughout, a fully equipped community kitchen (microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator), and an
3 +/- acres of unrestricted land located just outside the Union city limits. Situated along a dual-lane highway, this property offers prime accessibility. It borders the Spartanburg Technical College site and sits directly across from the SC Department of Transportation building, making it a versatile opportunity for various uses.
9.5 acres consists of rolling hills, pines and hardwoods, creek bottom, and scenic hilltop views. This lot has a entrance established to the powerline and a few homesites. Located off SC Hwy 49 across from Bruce O Wilson road approximately 2.6 miles from downtown Union. Several homesites and plenty of room for a building, barn, or shop. An abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, rabbits,
96 Acre Farm Union County, SCLocated just outside of Jonesville in Union County, this 96 acre farm offers a rare combination of functional improvements, natural beauty, and recreational opportunity.The property features a well-maintained mix of fenced and cross-fenced pastures, mature hardwoods, and pine timber, making it ideal for livestock, farming, or a private country
5 acres consists of gentle slope to rolling hills, pines and hardwoods, creek bottom, and scenic hilltop views. This lot has an entrance off Terry Drive at the corner with the 7 acre lot. Located off SC Hwy 49 approximately 3 miles from downtown Union. There is a homesite just off the powerline. An abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, quail, and doves. No HOA but minimum
Union County GIS #085-00-00-132-00043 acres1,500 ft. of creek frontage500 ft. of road frontage on Fairview Church Road4 5 miles from Downtown UnionBorders The Wild Turkey Habitat Demonstration AreaInternal trails that could act as fire breaksExcellent hunting potentialTimber is 20 year old natural regeneration with a mix of hardwoods and pinesPublic water,
7 acres consists of gentle slope to rolling hills, pines and hardwoods, creek bottom, and scenic hilltop views. This lot has an entrance off Terry Drive at the corner with the 5 acre lot. Located off SC Hwy 49 approximately 3 miles from downtown Union. There is a homesite just off the powerline. An abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, quail, and doves. No HOA but minimum
8 acres consists of rolling hills, pines and hardwoods, creek bottom, and scenic hilltop views. This lot has an entrance at the powerline off Hwy 49. Located off SC Hwy 49 approximately 2.5 miles from downtown Union. There is a homesite just off the powerline. An abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, quail, and doves. No HOA but minimum deed restrictions to ensure like-kind
11.97 acres consists of rolling hills, pines and hardwoods, creek bottom, and scenic hilltop views. This lot has an established driveway to a homesite with septic, power, and public water. Located off SC Hwy 49 approximately 2.5 miles from downtown Union. There is another possible homesite and/or room for a building, barn, or shop. An abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels,
Spacious 19.2 +/- acre property offers endless possibilities! Whether you're looking to build a private single-family home or develop multiple home sites, this land is a perfect fit. With road frontage on Furman L Fendley Hwy, it also presents a great opportunity for commercial use. Make it your own and schedule a showing today!
• ±592 Acres ideally located approximately 2 miles from Downtown Union• Convenient access and frontage along Lovers Lane• Beautifully wooded with multiple established stands of mature hardwoods and pines• Exceptional hunting, recreational, and outdoor lifestyle opportunities• Impressive 5,000± SF residence featuring 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, and 2 half baths• Over 3,000 linear
Welcome to Rose Hill Garden Apartments, located at 175 Industrial Park Road in Union!Our newly renovated two and three bedroom apartments combine comfort, convenience, and style. Each home features waterproof LVP flooring, modern appliances, refinished cabinetry, and sleek countertops, creating a fresh and inviting space.Rose Hill Garden places you just minutes from downtown Union
Property Id: 1161173 This one bedroom, one bath private unit is completely renovated with new laminate flooring, fresh paint, painted cabinets & new hardware. Washer & Dryer in unit Very spacious layout, quiet neighborhood, close to shopping NO PRIOR EVICTIONS OR RULE TO VACATE WITHIN 3 YEARS Moses Realty Group, LLC Diane Moses
Welcome home! This charming, newly renovated house has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom oversized bedroom and family room, a huge kitchen with plenty of counter space and eat-in space. The home also includes new carpet and flooring throughout, newly painted, new HVAC system, and a nice front porch perfect for sitting and relaxation. This home has so much to offer, so don't miss out!Tenants
Welcome to 207 Erwin in Union, SC! This charming house features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, perfect for those seeking a cozy and comfortable living space. Located in the heart of South Carolina, this home offers convenience and accessibility to all that Union has to offer. With a well-maintained interior and a spacious layout, 207 Erwin is the ideal place to call home. Don't miss out on this
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