Housing Affordability and Mixed-Use Development in Greenville: Balancing Growth and Equity
As Chief Marketing Officer at a leading Digital Marketing Company in South Carolina, we engage daily with developers and real estate professionals. In Greenville, the rise of mixed-use developments like the Backyard at Pelham—a 30,000-square-foot hub slated for fall 2026—symbolizes opportunity but also raises alarms about housing affordability. With rising home costs and limited affordable units, the conversation around growth, equity, and community impact is more urgent than ever. Our role emphasizes the importance of inclusive, transparent communication to align stakeholders and keep Greenville livable for all.
The Housing Crisis and Mixed-Use Development in Greenville
Greenville’s population has surged 8.7% since 2019, straining a market where median home prices hit $350,000 and 40% of renters spend over 38% of their income on housing. With only 30 affordable units per 100 low-income households, new developments like Backyard at Pelham—alongside luxury apartments such as Markley + Main—raise both hopes and concerns. While these projects stimulate commerce and provide amenities, they also intensify debates about displacement, traffic, and equitable access to housing in a city that once promised affordability.
Perspectives of Interested Parties
Real Estate Agents
Agents see walkable, mixed-use communities as attractive to buyers seeking lifestyle convenience. With Greenville’s listings up 12% in 2025, they note a growing market, especially compared to pricier metros like Charlotte. However, luxury developments make affordability harder to sell. Agents advocate for mixed-income housing, highlighting incentives like seller-paid closing costs, and call for clear messaging to counter buyer resistance around congestion and rising prices.
Developers
For developers like Centennial American Properties, Backyard at Pelham is both an economic engine and a real estate showcase. Leveraging Greenville’s relaxed zoning laws, they argue commercial revenue sustains the viability of housing components. Yet, the $200,000 cost per affordable unit challenges margins, requiring public-private support. Developers are pushing for expanded tax incentives—like 2024’s $10M in state housing grants—to balance profitability with inclusive development.
Government and Regulatory Bodies
The City of Greenville and the Greenville Housing Fund have pledged 1,000 affordable units by 2030, though progress has been slow, with just 150 delivered since 2022. State-level initiatives, such as tax credits and infrastructure funding, aim to encourage mixed-use projects. However, zoning limits and rising property taxes (up 5% in 2025) hamper momentum. Critics argue that public subsidies—like the $5M supporting Pelham-area projects—must be better aligned with resident needs, not just developer goals.
Greater Greenville Community
Community sentiment is split. Longtime residents in areas like Overbrook fear rising traffic, displacement, and the erosion of neighborhood character. Meanwhile, newcomers and younger families see economic growth as beneficial but express concern over limited affordable housing. Advocacy groups like Greenville Forward push for mandates—such as requiring 20% of new units to be affordable—drawing on Charleston’s success with inclusionary zoning. Across forums and town halls, the call for transparent planning and community-first development is clear.
Social Media Buzz
On X, the Backyard at Pelham’s groundbreaking drew praise for economic potential but sparked backlash over housing access. One post noted a 10% rent hike near Pelham Road since project announcements. Another criticized the prioritization of luxury over livability. Trending hashtags like #GreenvilleHousing and #SCdevelopment reveal a city grappling with growth—and how to make it equitable.
The Path Forward
Greenville’s path to equitable growth lies in collaboration. Real estate agents, developers, and city leaders must unite behind shared goals: affordability, smart zoning, and inclusive infrastructure. Tools like tax credits, mixed-income housing requirements, and transparency in development plans are essential. As marketers, we believe communication must go beyond promotion—it must build trust. With collective commitment, Greenville can grow while staying accessible to all who call it home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer | Relevant Parties |
|---|---|---|
| Why is housing unaffordable in Greenville? | Population growth, rising home prices ($350,000 median), and a shortage of affordable units (30 per 100 low-income households) drive the crisis. | Greater Greenville Community, Real Estate Agents |
| What is the Backyard at Pelham project? | A 30,000-sq-ft mixed-use development opening in fall 2026 with retail, dining, and entertainment that highlights Greenville’s growth priorities. | All Parties |
| Why do developers support mixed-use projects? | They generate revenue from commercial space and benefit from zoning flexibility, though high costs limit affordable unit inclusion without subsidies. | Developers, Government and Regulatory Bodies |
| Why do residents express concern? | Fears include traffic, gentrification, and luxury developments overtaking local needs—especially in historically working-class neighborhoods. | Greater Greenville Community |
| How do real estate agents contribute? | By marketing inclusive housing options, addressing affordability concerns, and helping buyers understand evolving neighborhoods. | Real Estate Agents |
| What role does the city play? | The city supports housing through grants and zoning reforms but faces pressure to ensure subsidies benefit residents, not just developers. | Government and Regulatory Bodies |
Author: Todd Hunnicutt
Todd Hunnicutt is a dynamic media personality, entrepreneur, coach, and Chief Marketing Officer at Real Internet Sales. Renowned for his technology expertise, he's been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic, and major news outlets. As a nationally syndicated technology writer, Todd is a sought-after voice in marketing, ai, entrepreneurship, and economics, frequently interviewed by industry publications. A proud South Carolina native, he cherishes outdoor adventures, BBQ, Tuesday family dinners, and Sunday church services. A passionate baseball fan, Todd enjoys games alongside his wife, Elizabeth, whose umpire-call critiques rival instant replay. With an extensive background, he's collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit startups, and political campaigns. A serial entrepreneur, Todd thrives on innovative ideas and loves hearing a compelling pitch!
