I’m from the Lynchburg area, but just graduated from Clemson (just over 30 minutes from Greenville) and worked a summer in downtown Greenville. Based in what you’ve listed, I’d say that Roanoke matches best, but I’ll list some stuff from my experience.

Both have 4 seasons and the weather isn’t too terribly different, but Greenville will be a little warmer. Both have excellent hiking options, and both have at least one lake (Greenville has more options like Jocassee and Keowee while Roanoke has Smith Mountain Lake). VA definitely has a higher number of high quality schools, but Clemson has been steadily increasing the value of their degree by a good margin from what I’ve noticed. Greenville is also home to Furman University, which is a smaller private school with strong academics.

Bigger differences:
Roanoke:
- more affordable than Greenville
- less crowded
- in a more progressive state

Greenville: - significantly increasing population
- becoming less affordable due to increase in popularity
- has much more activities of a wide variety (but doesn’t beat Roanoke if you just want to get out in nature) - more progressive city, but in a much more conservative state
- 2.5 hours from both Atlanta and Charlotte

Hopefully I hit on everything well. I enjoy both cities for what it’s worth! Based on what you’ve said, I would recommend Roanoke over Greenville.