Where Growth Meets Hometown Heart

Balancing rapid economic growth with the preservation of its authentic Texas charm.

Since our last conversation with Greenville’s leadership, the city has accelerated its growth trajectory, now emerging as one of Texas’s fastest-expanding communities, blending strategic development with a steadfast commitment to its small-town character. Mayor Jerry Ransom underscores this balance, “we’re trying to prepare our city for providing amenities for our citizens that they haven’t had in the past,” he says, citing new recreational facilities, retail developments, and an ongoing downtown revitalization.

This growth is anchored by serious infrastructure investments, including a $250 million water system upgrade to secure resources for decades. High-paying jobs at Orbis Corporation and SPR Packaging amplify Greenville’s appeal, while real estate demand mirrors its rising profile. Yet amid expansion the city retains its authentic charm, historic landmarks, a thriving farmer’s market, and community programs foster a quality of life that resonates with businesses and residents alike. For leaders seeking opportunity without sacrificing hometown values, Greenville delivers.

Greenville’s Growth and Strategic Vision

Greenville’s rapid expansion positions it as a model for managed growth in Texas. With a current population of 34,000, projected to exceed 40,000 by 2030, the city is preparing for its future with 8,000 platted lots and over 2,000 apartments in development. “We’re one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas for cities our size,” says Ransom. “It’s not whether we grow, it’s how we grow that matters.”

This growth is fueled by strong economic fundamentals. Sales tax revenues, now surpassing property taxes, compound at 15% annually, reflecting Greenville’s rise as a regional retail hub. Strategic infrastructure investments ensure sustainability, including a $250 million water system upgrade. “Water has become liquid gold,” Ransom notes. “We’re spending quite a bit of money to ensure our supply for the next 30 to 40 years, and that is attractive to a lot of developers.”

Location amplifies Greenville’s appeal. Just 45 minutes from Dallas and served by five major highways, the city attracts both families and employers. Migration trends include professionals from California and the Northeast, as well as those from the inner city seeking “better schools and less crime,” the mayor explains. For businesses and residents alike, Greenville offers a rare balance of dynamic growth anchored by intentional planning.

Downtown Revitalization and Community Engagement

Greenville’s downtown transformation blends historic charm with modern appeal through strategic investments. A dedicated steering committee is implementing a downtown plan focused on pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and business growth. “We’re adjusting the street diet to create a more pedestrian-friendly zone,” explains Micah McBay, Community Engagement Director. The city offers facade grants of  $25,000-50,000 annually to enhance building exteriors while preserving historic gems like the Landmark Building (a restored post office) and Texan Theater.

Downtown’s vitality continues to strengthen through its popular attractions. The seasonal farmer’s market has become so popular that “we don’t have enough slots for everybody,” says McBay. 

Tourism Manager Stacy Foley, a lifelong Greenville resident, points to the successful Antique Fishing Lure and Tackle Show as evidence of the city’s tourism potential. However, Greenville’s current facilities limit growth. “I have lots of ideas of things I’d like to try here and have something for everybody. We’ve outgrown our Civic Center, and we need a facility where we can get bigger with our events,” Foley explains. 

She envisions expanding Greenville’s offerings while maintaining its character. “We are growing, but I don’t want to lose our small-town feel, the sense of hospitality and community and connection,” she adds. This balance, she believes, will drive tourism while preserving community identity.

Cultural anchors enrich community life. Landon Winery, recognized as “one of the top wineries in the state of Texas” according to Gregory S. Sims, President and CEO of Greenville Economic Development, occupies 15,000 square feet downtown. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers 100+ programs, while the library hosts 70-80 annual initiatives, creating what Ransom calls “a full spectrum of services for our citizens.” These elements combine to maintain Greenville’s welcoming character amid growth.

Economic Development and High-Paying Job Creation

Greenville’s economic engine thrives through strategic business recruitment and retention. The city recently secured major employers like Orbis Corporation, which invested $81 million in capital investment, taking over a 1.1 million square foot building, while providing 190 jobs in the plant. “That project will create an additional 248 indirect jobs and their average annual salary is about $85,000 a year,” notes Sims.

Complementing this growth, Spain-based SPR Packaging is building a $75 million agricultural film plant, adding 49 new positions with an average salary of $75,000 annually. Local manufacturer Martin Saddlery exemplifies retention success, with a $6 million expansion preserving 85 jobs. “We kept them in town so they didn’t have to go outside to build a new facility,” explains John Dickson, Director of Business Retention and Development.

The Downtown Economic Development Agency fuels growth through innovative programs, including rental reimbursement for businesses and infrastructure upgrades. “We work with local business owners to help with public infrastructure repair needs, sidewalks, water, sewer,” says Dickson. 

Sims emphasizes efficiency. “We focus on how many industrial jobs we can create per megawatt and per million gallons of water.” This targeted approach ensures sustainable growth while providing high-quality employment opportunities that support Greenville’s expanding residential base.

Housing and Real Estate Market

Greenville’s real estate market reflects its dynamic growth, with veteran broker Randy Tarpley of Tarpley Realtors observing 56 years of evolution. “We’ve moved from traditional downtown homes to new subdivisions that are meeting the demands of young families that are moving into the area,” he explains.

Strategic initiatives boost affordability and inventory. A successful program sells discounted city-owned infill lots to builders, revitalizing existing neighborhoods. “It has improved our outlook considerably,” Tarpley notes. This approach attracts both national developers and local builders, creating diverse housing options.

“The real estate market is good in Greenville. I’ve seen it both ways, and I’m glad to see that we’re moving upwards. I think we have a great opportunity to move forward and continue to be a part of the Metroplex growth,” he adds. 

The market prepares for future demands, particularly from major employers. While 40% of L3Harris’ 6,500 employees currently live in Greenville, housing expansion aims to increase local residency. Proximity to Sherman’s $30 billion Texas Instruments project also presents opportunities. “We’ll have people living here and working there,” says Ransom, highlighting the city’s strategic position. With balanced growth and innovative programs, Greenville’s housing market supports both current needs and future expansion.

Future Priorities and Challenges

Greenville’s leadership is shaping an ambitious roadmap for sustainable growth. Mayor Ransom identifies a pressing need for “an upscale conference center with a full-service hotel,” noting current events like Chamber meetings must turn away up to 100 attendees due to space limitations. The recent selection of Greenville as only the second U.S. location for Cinemark’s innovative entertainment complex, featuring movies, bowling, and laser tag, signals strong corporate confidence. “It says a lot that a major corporation would pick us,” Ransom emphasizes.

Critical infrastructure remains a cornerstone, with the $250 million water system upgrade ensuring supply for decades. “We’ll have plenty of water for our citizens and the people around us,” Ransom states, recognizing this as a key competitive advantage.

Recreation investments will further elevate quality of life, including upgraded sports facilities and partnerships with East Texas A&M University. Foley is cultivating collegiate sports opportunities, noting nearby universities currently house teams in distant suburbs. These strategic priorities, from infrastructure to amenities, position Greenville to capitalize on its growth while maintaining the community character residents cherish.

The Greenville Advantage

Greenville exemplifies how strategic planning and community focus can transform rapid growth into sustainable prosperity. By balancing expansion with preservation, from downtown revitalization to water infrastructure investments, the city maintains its character while welcoming new opportunities. High-paying jobs at Orbis and SPR Packaging complement diverse housing initiatives, creating a thriving ecosystem for businesses and residents alike.

As Mayor Ransom observes, “we’re trying to grow and maintain our hometown culture that we’ve always had here.” This vision resonates through every aspect of Greenville’s development. With major employers drawn to its resources and location, Greenville is poised to become an even greater regional leader.

“We focus on creating as many high-paying jobs as we can for the entire cycle of economic development,” says Sims, capturing the city’s momentum. For executives and entrepreneurs seeking a dynamic yet welcoming community, Greenville offers both the infrastructure for success and the quality of life that makes growth meaningful.

AT A GLANCE

Who: City of Greenville, TX

What: One of Texas’s fastest-growing small cities with major corporate investments, a revitalized downtown, and strategic water infrastructure

Where: 45 minutes northeast of Dallas

Website: www.ci.greenville.tx.us