According to historians, an area of Union was supposed to be home to the United States Military Academy, but one vote in Congress resulted in the facility's West Point location instead.
The city of Union is located within the County of Union, South Carolina. Isn't that a mouthful? With a population of approximately 8,393 and an area of eight square miles, it is near the Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan area. The town was originally called Unionville, named after the historical Union Church, which was erected during colonial times. The first settlers to the area were from Virginia and Pennsylvania, and most of them were of Scottish-Irish heritage. During the Revolutionary War, Union saw a lot of action. The Battle of Musgrove's Mill is among the most notable, ending with the defeat of more than 300 British loyalists. With more than 100 churches and a small town atmosphere, Union will welcome you with a loving and peaceful community.
Moving to Union
If you are considering a move, don't delay your search for rental properties in Union. You especially need to plan ahead for an August or September move, with coincides with the start of the college semester. Though there are an abundance of rentals, landlords will also have an abundance of applications from college students. Make sure you make your application stand out by gathering all of the information you will need to supply your potential new landlord. Have you been good about saving up your funds? Consider paying a couple months rent in advance to make your application more attractive. Landlords want to know that you have the money to pay your rent on time and in full every month. If you have been doing that for a while, ask your current landlord for a letter of recommendation before making your big move.
Union has a good inventory of city apartments, condo rentals and houses available. If you are making the move by yourself, you will find an abundance of affordable one bedroom apartments. Are you planning for a roommate to split the costs? Finding a 2 bedroom apartment will be a breeze. If you are bringing your family along, a house rental would be ideal. Union offers a variety of charming neighborhoods, with new and older, historical homes. With ample preparation, you can find the perfect rental.
Neighborhoods of Union
Divided up into three different main neighborhoods, the city of Union has slightly older rentals with a strong sense of character. Take advantage of the deep sense of community permeating through the town.
Mt Vernon: This is a quiet community in a country setting. Located 10 minutes from downtown Union, it boasts spacious homes, with inviting front porches and sun rooms. Large yards are complemented by lightly wooded areas through the community.
Duncan Acres: An established community, Duncan Acres has a mixture of multi-story and ranch styled homes. The area is located close to local restaurants, shopping centers and grocery stores.
Cherokee Estates: Cherokee Estates is one of the area's oldest subdivisions. With beautiful, large brick homes with expansive yards. The neighborhood covenants ensure that the community remains well- maintained and beautiful.
Living in Union
Educational opportunities abound in Union, home to the University of South Carolina at Union Gamecocks. This satellite campus of the University of South Carolina was established in 1965 to extend educational opportunities throughout the state. The school offers numerous degree programs, along with various continuing education opportunities for you to choose from.
Once you get your fill of the classroom, switch gears to some fun and recreation at the Uniquely Union Festival. Music abounds at the fair, with a gospel choir to lift your spirits and an acoustic stage for folk and classic rock. Get your belly full at the barbecue competition, along with a variety of other foods to explore. Make sure you bring your wallet to purchase some of the unique works of local artists and craftsmen. Another fair you can't miss is the Union County Fair, held in October of each year. This celebration of agriculture is a week long event with entertainers for grown-ups, as well as the kids. You can see livestock, climb aboard farm equipment and even ride a pony or horse.
Another opportunity for fun is available at the Big Buck Racing Course. Watch dirt bikes and ATV's race around the track at record setting speeds. In 1997, it became the home to the first Big Buck Grand National Cross Country race. Keeping the race theme, don't forget to visit the Union County Dragway for automobile and motorcycle speed. The town also offers numerous parks and playgrounds for your enjoyment, including two recreation centers.
If the arts are more your style, check out regular performances by Boogaloo Folk Life Productions. The annual event invites residents to provide their historical recollections and put them all together in a play for the community.
Union also offers plenty of shopping opportunities for you to spend your hard earned dollars. You have a your choice of grocery stores for those weekly trips. There are also plenty department stores and you can even have some outlet shopping within a short drive. Whatever you need, from tennis shoes to designer clothes, can be found at the outlets. You can even get an amazing deal on some chocolate for those sweet tooth attacks!