Greenville Real Estate vs Other Markets: Key Comparisons & Insights w/ Seth Teegarden

In this special episode of Selling Greenville, Stan McCune steps outside the usual format to chat with his longtime friend Seth Teegarden—youth pastor, former house parent, DIY deck restorer, and proud resident of the mountain resort town of Ellijay, Georgia. While this conversation covers plenty of ground—from renting vs. owning to bear-proofing trash cans—it also offers some fascinating comparisons between Greenville, South Carolina and other communities across the Southeast.

Let’s dig into the key takeaways from this unique and refreshingly candid discussion.

Greenville Real Estate vs Other Markets: Key Comparisons & Insights w/ Seth Teegarden

Comparing Greenville Real Estate to Other Markets

Greenville, SC isn’t just growing—it’s standing out. And when you compare it to smaller mountain towns like Ellijay, Georgia, or even broader markets like Atlanta, you start to see some meaningful distinctions in terms of lifestyle, affordability, housing stock, and long-term appeal.

Seth and Stan discuss how Greenville remains accessible, vibrant, and community-oriented, despite its expansion. With restored mills, dynamic mixed-use developments, and revitalized downtown areas, Greenville strikes a rare balance: it still feels intimate while offering all the conveniences of a larger metro.

Owning vs. Renting: Real-Life Lessons

Having lived in ministry housing, rental homes, and now a log cabin in North Georgia, Seth offers a unique take on the pros and cons of each housing type.

Renting Pros & Cons

• Pro: Less responsibility—ideal when you're in transition or not ready to commit.

• Con: Less control over maintenance, aesthetics, and long-term costs.

Owning Pros & Cons

• Pro: Equity, freedom to renovate, and the satisfaction of making a space truly yours.

• Con: Maintenance can be expensive and unpredictable—especially when you’re fixing a three-level deck on the side of a mountain.

Seth, who is both handy and resourceful, notes that one major factor in choosing to own was the ability to take repairs and upgrades into his own hands without waiting on a landlord. But for those less inclined to DIY, renting might be the more practical option—especially when local home prices are steep.

What It's Really Like Owning a Log Cabin

For years, Seth and his wife dreamed of living in a log cabin. Now that they do, he shares both the joy and the reality of log cabin ownership.

The Perks:

• Charm & Character: No drywall, just warm wood everywhere.

• Nail Freedom: Hang a picture anywhere—no stud finder needed.

• Cozy Aesthetic: Handmade chandeliers and chainsawed “wooden thrones” included.

The Challenges:

• Heating & Cooling: Open lofts and high ceilings make temperature control tricky.

• Pests: Carpenter bees burrow into the wood, attracting hungry woodpeckers.

• Unconventional Layouts: Smaller closets and quirky floorplans are common.

Seth emphasizes that many cabins weren’t built to be lived in full time, which can lead to strange layouts and inefficient HVAC systems. However, with mini splits, fan upgrades, and regular pest control, their home now strikes the right balance of comfort and character.

Living in Ellijay: Greenville's Outdoor-Loving Cousin

Ellijay (or “LA,” as locals call it) is a small but vibrant mountain town in North Georgia. It boasts a charming walkable downtown, apple orchards, wineries, kayaking spots, and hiking trails—including the start of the Appalachian Trail. As Seth puts it, “We’re big enough to have a Chick-fil-A, Walmart, and Lowe’s. We’re not that small.”

The downtown area feels similar in vibe to Travelers Rest or Greer, but unlike those suburbs, Ellijay isn’t connected to a larger metro. It’s its own self-contained community—and a great weekend destination for Upstate residents looking to unplug.

For those wondering if it’s a place to visit or even live, Seth encourages folks to explore it firsthand, and he’s more than happy to share local insights.

Real Estate Reality: What Seth Learned Watching Stan Work

As a close friend who’s observed Stan’s journey into real estate from the very beginning, Seth shares a unique perspective. His biggest takeaway? The job is far more complex and demanding than it appears.

Before knowing the ins and outs of the business, Seth assumed real estate was an “easy way to make cash.” But through years of witnessing Stan navigate transactions, respond to clients, analyze market trends, and juggle late-night calls—even on vacation—he’s developed a deep respect for the craft.

He now sees just how much value a great agent brings—not only during a transaction but long after. From contractor referrals to ongoing support, a dedicated agent becomes a long-term partner in your housing journey.

What Outsiders Should Know About Greenville

Seth seriously considered moving to Greenville before settling in Ellijay—and he still speaks highly of it. His highlights for families or individuals looking to relocate:

• Parks & Green Spaces: “Some of the best disc golf and family parks I’ve seen.”

• Community Life: Churches, schools, and welcoming neighborhoods abound.

• Vibrant Downtown: Unique restaurants, restored mills, and mixed-use developments.

• Diversity: A blend of cultures, cuisines, and experiences.

• Proximity: Easy access to Asheville, Charlotte, Atlanta, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Even though he didn’t ultimately land in Greenville, he remains a fan—and his perspective offers meaningful validation for those considering a move.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re deciding between renting or owning, eyeing a mountain getaway, or considering Greenville for your next move, this episode reminds us that real estate is personal. It’s about where life happens, where memories are made, and where roots take hold.

Watch or Listen to the Selling Greenville Podcast

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Selling Greenville wasn't your typical deep dive into housing stats or price trends. But in many ways, it offered something even more valuable: a real, unfiltered conversation about the lived experiences behind the headlines.

From the quirky details of cabin life to the deep respect that grows from witnessing a friend’s dedication to his craft, Stan and Seth’s friendship provides a rich and honest lens through which to view real estate—not just in Greenville, but across the Southeast.

Follow @StanMcCune for more data-driven insights, market trends, and expert strategies in real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, Stan McCune breaks down complex real estate topics into practical advice you can use to make smarter decisions in the Greenville market and beyond.

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville