Located in North Carolina's Coastal Plains region just east of Interstate 95, Greenville serves as county seat to Pitt County. The 2000 Census recorded the population at just over 60,000 and still growing. Pitt County's population rose almost 25% in the past decade. The region had been primarily agricultural, as a chief cotton exporter. Today, Pitt County is the top tobacco producer in the nation.
Trends are shifting to a more industrial emphasis. A number of large companies such as Rubbermaid, NACCO and Grady White Boats moved into the area, providing high-wage, white-collar employment. Home to the Pitt County Memorial Hospital and the Brody School of Medicine, part of the East Carolina University campus, Greenville attracts international physicians and patients. Pitt County boasts the third-highest percentage of physicians in North Carolina. Following in the wake of these developments, a huge surge of upscale retail store and restaurants have settled here, making it a leader in the retail and service industries as well.
The economic shift away from agriculture has placed a higher emphasis on education in the Greenville Metropolitan Area. Pitt County’s public schools are consistently recognized as models for excellence, and CAT scores are higher than regional, state, or national average. Area residents receive training for the new jobs in industry and technology through the ECU campus and Pitt Community College. An amazing 67% of Greenville residents obtain college degrees.
ECU provides more than excellent education. The theatrical, musical and art departments draw students as well as audiences to their many cultural performances. First class concerts, theatrical productions and lectures can be attended almost any night. Greenville residents are avid fans of the school’s many sports teams.
A physically beautiful city, Greenville, NC boasts one of the largest greenway systems in the Southland. Networks of sidewalks and gravel pathways wind through green wooded areas separating each neighborhood. Residents use these and the numerous lovely parks for jogging, biking and simple strolls to enjoy their splendid home. Greenville, North Carolina is an award-winning city today, with a bright and promising tomorrow.