Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County which is the largest county in the state. This area is located within the Piedmont region of the Carolinas, which is two hours east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and three hours west of the North Carolina coast. Mecklenburg County is also centrally located on the east coast between Maine and Florida and is easily accessible by four major interstates: I-85, I-77, I-277 and I-485. This strategic location has been a key factor in why so many businesses and residents chosen to make this area their home.
Charlotte is the 19th largest city in the U.S. with nearly 800,000 residents making it the largest city in the region and Mecklenburg County has a population of nearly 1 million people. With over 7.1 million residents in a 100 mile radius, Charlotte has become one of the largest urban areas in the United States. Mecklenburg County has seven municipalities including the Charlotte (county seat), Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville.
Charlotte has a tremendous pro-business environment and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. It has also become a financial, distribution and transportation center for the entire region and is headquarters to many national and international companies. In fact, Charlotte is the 2nd largest banking and financial center in the U.S. Nine Fortune 500 companies with headquarters in the Charlotte region including: Bank of America, Lowe’s (Mooresville), Nucor, Duke Energy, Sealed Air Corp, Sonic Automotive, Family Dollar, SPX Corporation, and Domtar (Fort Mill, SC). In addition, over 325 of Fortune’s top 500 companies have one or more facilities in Mecklenburg County. The region is also a major manufacturing force with over 1,800 manufacturers representing all sectors and comprises the largest concentration of manufacturing plants in the Carolinas. The growing number of international companies is of great importance to the area and over 850 foreign-owned companies have Charlotte area facilities.
Mecklenburg County is also home to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the 8th busiest airport in the country and offers over 700 daily flights including 155 non-stop domestic and international flights. In addition, public transportation includes the Lynx commuter light rail line that runs from I-485 at South Boulevard to Uptown with expansion plans in the works. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses offer over 70 local, regional and express routes and Amtrak provides train transportation to New York, Raleigh and New Orleans and all stops in between. Charlotte even has a Charlotte Trolley system with vintage streetcars and is a fun way to get around or explore Uptown.
The Charlotte region has a mild year-round climate with an average of 218 sunny days and an average rainfall of 45 inches per year. Residents enjoy a spectacular display of foliage throughout all four seasons. Spring and fall are a favorite among residents and visitors with average temperatures in the mid-70s. Our winters are short and mild and, though we have an occasional snowfall, severe winter weather is rare.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system is the second largest in the Carolinas and one of the largest employers in the county. There are a growing number of independent, private and charter schools. In addition, the Charlotte region has 35 colleges and universities including the Central Piedmont Community College, which is the state’s largest community college, and Johnson and Wales University, a premier culinary school.
Charlotte has a nationally renowned healthcare center with 12 major hospitals in the Charlotte region representing two major healthcare systems: Carolinas HealthCare System operates eight hospitals including the renowned Levine Children’s Hospital and Novant Health operates four regional hospitals.
When it comes to professional sports, the Charlotte region is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Semi-professional sports are also well-represented by the Charlotte Checkers minor league hockey, Charlotte Knights AAA baseball, Charlotte Hounds lacrosse, and Charlotte Eagles (men and women’s) soccer teams. Each spring, golf fans enjoy the PGA’s Wells Fargo Championship and we are also proud to have the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a world-class training and sports adventure center. Professional motorsports are especially popular to the region and Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Museum. Each year, hundreds of thousands of fans cheer on their favorite drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway in nearby Concord which is the largest sports facility in the southeast and has set the standard for racing for the past 50 years. Over three quarters of the NASCAR industry’s race teams, employees and drivers live nearby.
The superb quality of life is one of the main reasons why Charlotte has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the United States. There are thousands of options for shopping, dining, performing and cultural arts, museums, art galleries, music venues, live entertainment, and indoor and outdoor recreation including hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails, sailing, waterskiing, fishing, or boating on Lake Norman, Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake. The quieter side to Mecklenburg County is home to hundreds of churches with every religious denomination represented.
There are so many reasons why residents choose to make Charlotte their home. Whether you prefer golf course or lake communities, urban or suburban living, historical homes, art communities, or swim and tennis neighborhoods ~ HM Properties will help you find the home to best suit your lifestyle. We look forward to working with you!
Cities & Towns
Charlotte* (731,424)
Cornelius (24,866)
Davidson (10,944)
Huntersville (46,773)
Matthews (27,198)
Mint Hill (22,722)
Pineville (7,479)
Uptown (11,230
First Ward
Second Ward
Third Ward
Fourth Ward
* County Seat
Lake Wylie (8,841) – Based in York County, SC, Lake Wylie also has shores along Mecklenburg and Gaston counties.
Lake Norman (7,411) – Shores in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Lincoln and Catawba counties.
Useful Links
Mecklenburg County Web Site
Charlotte Center City Partners
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
Charlotte Regional Partnership
Charlotte Region Tourism
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Lake Norman Conventions & Visitors Bureau
Mecklenburg County Public Schools
Mecklenburg County Private Schools
Mecklenburg County Tax Information
Mecklenburg County Utility Information
Located northeast of Charlotte, Cabarrus County has been going through an unprecedented growth explosion for nearly a decade and has become a magnet for developers, new businesses, and residents. Easy accessibility has been one of the main reasons for this growth especially with the near completion of the I-485 beltway around Charlotte. The beltway provides easy access to several main highways that cut through Cabarrus County including: Hwy 49, 29, 27 and I-85 which also connects to Highway 73 in northern Cabarrus County. In addition, the Concord Regional Airport, owned by the City of Concord, is located off I-85 and has become the 4th busiest airport in North Carolina. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is just a short drive to Charlotte and Amtrak has a convenient stop in Kannapolis.
Cabarrus County has over 178,000 residents and includes six incorporated cities and towns: Concord, the county seat, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Locust, Midland and Mount Pleasant.
While the beginnings of the county’s wealth stemmed from farming and agriculture, America’s first gold was discovered in the late 1700’s in Midland at what is now known as Reed Gold Mine, the nation’s first authentic gold mine. In the 1830’s, it was discovered that the soil in western Cabarrus County was ideal for growing cotton which led to the construction of cotton mills throughout the county. With the inception of the railroad in the mid 1880’s, the textile industry exploded in this region and one of the main merchants, James “Jim” W. Cannon, built several giant textile manufacturing plants in the early 1900’s including a model mill village which became Kannapolis. The legacy of what Jim Cannon and his son, Charles A. Cannon, created lay the foundation for Cabarrus County’s early growth and, while the textile industry is no longer vital part of the local economy in this region, the positive effects of it remain a rich part of the county’s history. In addition, while the town of Kannapolis still offers residents small town charm, it has been leading the way in the region with groundbreaking biotechnology, agriculture and nutrition research at its 350-acre North Carolina Research Campus.
This county has long been known as “NASCAR Country” and is the center of American motorsports. The Charlotte Motor Speedway, formerly known as Lowe’s Motor Speedway, draws hundreds of thousands of fans each year to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series races throughout May and October. This track includes the quarter mile long zMax Dragway which is the only 4-lane, all concrete drag strip in the world and is home to NHRA Drag Racing and the Summer Drag and Brag street racing series. In addition, The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, is a state-of-the-art facility with a four-tenths mile red clay oval track and features late model stock cars, World of Outlaws, Spring cards, and monster trucks. There is a second popular but smaller track that also calls Cabarrus County home and it is the Concord Speedway which features quarter and half mile tracks. In addition, there are many professional race shops headquartered in Cabarrus County.
Cities & Town
Concord* (79,066)
Harrisburg (11,526)
Kannapolis (42,625)
Locust (2,930)
Midland (3,073)
Mount Pleasant (1,652)
* County Seat
Useful Links
Cabarrus County Website
Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce
Cabarrus Economic Development
Cabarrus County Public Schools
Cabarrus County Private Schools
Concord Downtown Development
Cabarrus County Tax Information
Cabarrus County Utility Information
Gaston County is situated west of Charlotte and is the third largest county in the Charlotte region. It has 15 incorporated towns with Gastonia holding the county seat, and 11 unincorporated communities. It is easily accessible from I-85 which runs through the center of the county, the I-485 beltway around Charlotte, US 74, US 321, NC 16 and US 29. It is also close to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte and has a municipal airport as well as an Amtrak stop in Gastonia.
Gaston County was founded in 1846, during a three year industrial boom from 1945-1848, during which the first three cotton mills were established in the county. While Gaston County is well-known for its history in the textile industry, museums, and unique tourist attractions, it is just as famous for its popular fish camps, barbeque restaurants, and good old southern hospitality. With the convenience of close proximity to the Charlotte metro area, most residents and businesses have chosen to reside in Gaston County to enjoy a little slower pace of life and lower cost of living. The historic downtown area of Gastonia is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment to draw more businesses and residents to that area whereas Belmont and Mount Holly have been the fastest growing towns in recent years because of the easy commute to Charlotte.
The county slogan is “Gaston’s Got It All” and it’s true…there is a tremendous array of attractions and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss the US National Whitewater Center located just over the border of Gaston County. It is an amazing outdoor recreation facility situated on the banks of the Catawba River and includes 307 acres of woodlands encompassing the world’s largest circulating river for whitewater rafting, 14 miles of biking, hiking and running trails, numerous zip line courses, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and one of the world’s largest outdoor climbing facilities. Other options include spending the day hiking Crowder’s Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain located off I-85, or relaxing in one of the many county parks including Cramerton’s 30-acre Goat Island Park and the Gaston County Park in Bessemer City. Residents and visitors also enjoy public access to the Catawba River and South Fork River where they can fish, boat and kayak.
There is a wide variety of museums to visit including The Schiele Museum of Natural History which features a planetarium, exhibits and special programs for all ages; as well as The Gaston County Museum of Art and History, Carolina Harley Davidson Museum, Brevard Station Museum, American Military Museum, Piedmont Carolina Railroad Museum, and the Grier Beam Truck Museum.
The world-renowned Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is a spectacular way to spend a day. It is situated on over 380 acres offers beautiful nature trails, a conservatory, and lovely walking paths throughout the grounds. Race fans will enjoy Carolina Speedway, also known as “The Action Track”, in Gastonia with a 4/10th of a mile oval dirt track and sports fans can take in a Gastonia Grizzlies game featuring college baseball players preparing to play professional ball. A must see each Christmas season is McAddenville’s “Christmastown USA” which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for its annual holiday lights display throughout the town.
Shopping enthusiasts won’t want to miss visiting Belmont’s Catawba River Antique Mall located in an old textile mill featuring over 350 vendors selling antiques and vintage items, or the nearby Piccolo Antique Mall with more than 70 vendors, and Belmont General Store. If you love a bargain, be sure to visit the Barnyard Flea Market in Dallas. You’ll definitely go back for seconds and thirds.
Gaston County is also home to Gaston College in Dallas and Belmont Abbey College in Belmont.
Cities & Towns
Belmont (10,076)
Bessemer City (5,340)
Cherryville (5,760)
Cramerton (4,165)
Dallas (4,488)
Dellview (13)
Gastonia* (71,741)
High Shoals (696)
Kings Mountain (10,296)
Lowell (3,526)
McAdenville (651)
Mount Holly (13,656)
Ranlo (3,434)
Spencer Mountain (37)
Stanley (3,556)
Unincorporated Communities
* County Seat
Iredell County is located north of Charlotte and is situated within the Piedmont Region of central North Carolina. It is one of the longest counties in the state and spans nearly 50 miles from its southern to northern borders and is divided into 17 townships. The overall population is 159,437, and the largest town is Mooresville with over 32,000 residents. The second largest town, Statesville, is the county seat, and has over 24,000 residents and a quaint historic downtown area.
Iredell County is also located in a key transportation area of the state with I-77 and I-40 which crosses through the center of the county in Statesville.
Iredell County dates back to 1788, and a large portion of the northern third of the county is dotted with small towns and remains mostly rural with many dairy farms. While farming has been a major industry for centuries in northern and southern parts of the county, the southern portion of the county has been growing rapidly over the past 15 years and part of that reason is the proximity to Charlotte and popularity of Lake Norman, which is North Carolina’s largest man-made lake with shorelines extending into Iredell, Lincoln, Catawba and Mecklenburg counties. Iredell County is home to Lowe’s corporate headquarters and Ingersoll Rand’s North American headquarters. It is a major hub for NASCAR racing including many race shops mostly in Mooresville, which is proudly known as “Race City USA”. It is also headquarters to the NASCAR Technical Institute which offers racing related instruction to prepare students careers in the racing industry. Mooresville also features The Pit Indoor Kart Racing, a 14,000 sq. foot facility and popular destination for race fans. Many NASCAR drivers live in the Lake Norman and Mooresville areas.
Some of the smaller towns include Love Valley, nestled in the Brushy Mountains, which resembles an old western town and is well-known for its 800 acres of horse riding trails, variety of shops, and a variety of camping resorts. Harmony is located in the northeast corner of the county and is a small historic town. Troutman has over 2,300 residents and is located 30 miles north of Charlotte and is just outside of Statesville. It is also home to Lake Norman State Park. Statesville is host to two annual festivals: the National (Hot Air) BalloonFest which draws thousands from all over the country and the Statesville Pumpkin Festival. Residents throughout Iredell County enjoy the small town feel with nearby access to big city amenities.
Cities & Towns
Davidson (partial) (10,944)
Harmony (531)
Love Valley (90)
Mooresville (32,711)
Statesville* (24,532)
Troutman (2,383)
* County Seat
Incorporated Townships
Barium Springs
Barringer
Bells Crossroads
Bethany
Chambersburg
Coddle creek
Concord
Cool springs
Doolie
Eagle Mills
Fallstown
New Hope
Olin
Sharpesburg
Sheperd/Shepherds
Shiloh
Turnersburg
Useful Links
Iredell County Official Website
Iredell-Statesville Public Schools
Iredell County Private Schools
Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce
Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lake Norman Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce
Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Iredell County Tax Rates
Lincoln County is no longer one of the best kept secrets in North Carolina for those who enjoy a little slower way of life without all the commercialization and big box stores. The past decade has been one of tremendous growth for Lincoln County by way of business growth which has brought an influx of new residents and a multitude of new neighborhoods. Accessibility has played a key factor in this growth. Lincoln County is located approximately 29 miles northwest of Uptown Charlotte and is easily accessible from I-85 on its southern border; Hwy 321 runs north through the center and connects to I-40; Hwy 16 connects to Uptown Charlotte; and I-77 is approximately 25 minutes east of the Town of Lincolnton.
The Lincoln County Regional Airport is centrally located in Iron Station and services corporate and private clients and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is just 20 minutes south. In addition, the county operates the Lincoln County Express which is part of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and provides direct service from East Lincoln County to Uptown Charlotte.
Lincolnton and Denver are the only two towns within the county, but there are several unincorporated areas including Iron Station, Boger City, Westport and Vale and one census designated place, Lowesville. The City of Lincolnton, which is the county seat, is situated in the heart of the county and is a thriving cultural arts community with abundant charm. The downtown area of Main Street is retains a historic look and feel and is home to many quaint restaurants, specialty boutiques, antique shops, pottery shops, art studios, and hosts numerous community events including concerts, plays, and exhibits throughout the year.
Lincoln County was one of the largest counties in North Carolina in the 1840’s and lead the state in producing wheat, orchard and dairy products. By the 1850’s, manufacturing took hold. There were iron plants, saw mills, grist mills, tanneries, paper mills and potteries thriving throughout the area. With the emergence of textile mills in the early 1900’s, Lincoln County flourished and the town of Lincolnton became its central community. The downtown area of Lincolnton was centered around its majestic county courthouse called court square and the area was divided into quadrants with four main streets that still exist today. Two of the streets: South Aspen Street and North Aspen Street are on the National Register of Historic Districts. Throughout Lincoln County there are 23 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and numerous State Historical Markers.
There are so many reasons why residents and businesses have chosen to make Lincoln County home. For those who love boating, swimming, water or jet skiing, and fishing then Lake Norman is the place to be on the eastern side of the county. Music lovers will enjoy the Alive After Five Summer Concert Series that plays downtown in Lincolnton. Each September on the third Saturday, the Apple Festival takes over downtown Lincolnton and is attended by thousands from near and far. Woodmill Winery is located in Vale and is a terrific way to spend a day and has special events throughout the year. In addition, there a number of parks each offering a multitude of outdoor activities. Those who enjoy local produce can shop at the Farmers Markets located in downtown Lincolnton and Denver and every Saturday and Sunday you’ll find many people shopping at the Lincolnton Flea Market. One can also fish year-round in one of two lakes at the Catfish and Carp Country in Iron Station and golfers can choose from several public courses.
Cities & Towns
Lincolnton* (10,486)
Maiden (3,310)
* County Seat
Unincorporated Areas
Boger City (554)
Laurel Hill (1,254)
Polkadot
Pumpkin Center (2,228)
Toluca (partial)
Vale (607)
When the influx of new residents started flocking the Charlotte region in the early 2000’s, Union County was one of the first counties to see explosive growth and that has not slowed down over the years. It remains one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina. It is conveniently located south of Charlotte and widening of main roads as well as the completion of the I-485 beltway have shortened commute times to the Ballantyne, SouthPark and Uptown areas as well as to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport which is about a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic. In addition, the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport in Monroe is just 35 minutes south of Uptown Charlotte.
While tax rates have risen slightly over the years to accommodate the building of new schools, improvements of infrastructures, and the expansion of police and fire departments, residents and business owners continue to enjoy a high quality of life complete with all the conveniences of big city living just minutes away.
One of the nicest surprises to newcomers are the quaint, pedestrian friendly downtown areas in many of the towns and the way residents cherish their very own small town America with parades, farmers markets, smaller outdoor concerts, special community events throughout the year, and even listening to comforting rumble of the CSX trains that pass through many of its towns throughout the day and evening hours. In addition, there is a tremendous selection of housing options throughout the county and in all price ranges and a highly rated school system.
There are over 201,000 residents in Union County which is comprised of 14 towns… each with a distinct personality and character. They include: Fairview, Hemby Bridge, Indian Trail, Lake Park, Marshville, Marvin, Mineral Springs, Monroe, Stallings, Unionville, Waxhaw, Weddington, Wesley Chapel and Wingate. The towns with the steady growth in terms of new housing developments, schools and shopping centers are in the northwestern section of the county closest to Charlotte which includes Weddington, Marvin, Wesley Chapel and Waxhaw while the eastern side of the county remains more rural. Indian Trail borders Charlotte and has the highest population with over 33,000 residents which has surpassed the population of the Monroe, the county seat.
Union County offers many recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts such as hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. While many of the towns own and manage their own parks, Union County Parks and Recreation owns and operates three parks including Waxhaw’s Cane Creek Park which is home to one of three North Carolina trophy bass lakes; Fred Kirby Park in Lake Park, and the Jesse Helms Park in Monroe. Each offers a wide variety of activities with something for everyone to enjoy. Waxhaw is also part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a 15-county regional network of 200 miles of trails. In addition, golfers can choose from many beautiful public and private golf courses and there are numerous sports complexes, swim and tennis facilities, and ballparks throughout the county.
The town of Waxhaw hosts events regularly downtown and is known for its annual 4th of July and Christmas parades as well as antique shops, art galleries, metal, pottery and glass studios, the Museum of the Waxhaws, and the Alphabet Museum at JAARS. Mineral Springs is home to the annual spring event of the Queens Cup Steeplechase, of one steeplechase horse racing’s major events. Marshville is host to its annual Boll Weevil Festival, an annual street fair and carnival each fall. The other towns also hold many special community events throughout the year.
If you choose to move to Union County, chances are you will find many residents are from out of state and are more than proud to call this quaint county their new home.
Cities & Towns
Fairview (3,324)
Hemby Bridge (1,520)
Indian Trail (33,518)
Lake Park (3,422)
Marshville (2,402)
Marvin (5,579)
Mineral Springs (2,639)
Monroe* (32,797)
Stallings (13,831)
Unionville (5,929)
Waxhaw (9,859)
Weddington (9,459)
Wesley Chapel (7,463)
Wingate (3,491)
* County Seat
Located just south of Charlotte across the North Carolina border, Lancaster County has become a magnet for developers, new businesses and residents due to the development of South Charlotte’s Ballantyne area over the past decade. In addition, the completion of the I-485 beltway surrounding Charlotte has made Highway 521, which runs north and south through Lancaster County, easily accessible. The county’s western border is comprised of the Catawba River and Sugar Creek with the east side by Lynches River. Town and county planners have worked tirelessly to plan for the growth by widening roads including highways, by-passes and secondary roads as well as upgrading and expanding utility services.
Lancaster County has become an attractive destination to businesses including those relocating national and international headquarters; developers, and residents because of the lower tax rates, affordable and diverse housing and commercial property options…all while having the convenience of big city amenities just minutes away.
The county has over 76,000 residents and encompasses three main towns: Lancaster, known as “The Red Rose City”, is the county seat and has over 8,500 residents; Kershaw has 1,800 residents and features a business district with unique shops for antiques, collectibles and pottery; and Heath Springs is a smaller town with under 1,000 residents that was known the 1800s for its healing, bubbling springs. The Battle of Hanging Rock Historic Site and Heath Springs Depot are also on the National Register of Historic Places. Indian Land is one of four unincorporated areas that has seen the most explosive growth in recent years because it is located down the Highway 521 corridor.
Located in the center of the county, the City of Lancaster has an excellent transportation network with SC Hwy 9 connecting the city to Interstate I-77 just 10 miles to the west, and US 521 connecting to Charlotte and Interstate I-485 just 25 miles to the north. Historic downtown Lancaster hosts many festivals, parades and community events throughout the year and is a wonderful cultural arts community that has become a hot spot for local artists, businesses and residents who appreciate small town American way of life. The University of South Carolina Lancaster branch is also located north of downtown off Hwy 521 and Hwy 9 by-pass.
Lancaster County is rich in history and here are 27 properties and districts throughout the county that are listed on the National Register including two National Historic Landmarks: Lancaster County Courthouse and the Lancaster County Jail. The county was originally inhabited by the Catawba, Cherokee and Waxhaw Indians before immigrants from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina began moving here in the early 1750’s. In the late 1800’s, the textile industry, farming, brick and block manufacturing and cattle production dominated the economy in this area. The early 1900s through today brought an influx of manufacturing including battery production, electrical and electronic products, steel fabrication, metalworking, packaging materials, and nuclear power facilities.
Residents and visitors can enjoy numerous parks and recreational venues and the county is part of the Carolina Thread Trail and a network of greenways and hiking/biking trails. One of the natural wonders is the Forty Acre Heritage Preserve which is actually a 2.4 mile long trail in Kershaw that features a waterfall and is a wonderful place to spend the day hiking, walking, picnicking or bird watching. The Andrew Jackson State Park offers camping, hiking trails, fishing lake, and an on-site museum dedicated to the former 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson who grew up in Lancaster County. The Landsford Canal State Park is located on the Catawba River and canoeing and kayaking fans can be found year-round.
Cities & Towns
Heath Springs (790)
Kershaw (1,803)
Lancaster* (8,526)
* County Seat
Unincorporated Areas
Over the past decade, York County has become a popular destination in the region for developers, residents and businesses. Known as “Charlotte’s Southern Neighbor”, York County is located just over the North Carolina state line and is easily accessible by I-77, Highways 160, 521 and 49 in addition to a large network of two and four lane highways that cross through the county. Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas International Airport are just a half an hour commute and the Rock Hill/York County Airport located is in Rock Hill offering full service to corporate fleets, general aviation and hangar space.
York County’s has over 226,000 residents and it is comprised of nine main cities and towns: Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York (county seat), Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon and Smyrna. In addition, there are six unincorporated communities and six census designated places including Indian Land off Hwy 521 and Lake Wylie on the west side of the county which have exploded in growth in the past few years.
York County is rich in history and in 1785, it became one of the original counties in the newly formed state of South Carolina. At that time and throughout the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, York County’s economy was tied mainly to farming. Railroad development began in the area after the Civil War, and in 1880, the Rock Hill Cotton Factory became the first steam powered cotton factory in the state. This led to an unprecedented expansion of agricultural and industrial development in the area, and throughout the 20th century, Rock Hill’s cotton production led the way in the textile industry. One of the most significant developments in the southeast United States’ industrialization was the completion of the Catawba Dam and Power Plant in 1904, which led to the founding of the Duke Power Company (now called Duke Energy), and series of dams and hydroelectric facilities that were later built on the Catawba River in North and South Carolina.
In many ways, York County is the epitome of Southern charm and hospitality. Town planners have worked hard to maintain the small town feel throughout each of its communities while incorporating modernization to provide big city advantages. The biggest draws to York County are the lower taxes, a high quality of life, abundant and affordable housing options, and good quality schools.
Whether it’s performing or cultural arts, sports, outdoor venues and activities, visiting one of the many national historic sites, museums, festivals and special events, or the taking advantage of the abundant shopping and restaurants options – there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, York County has four public school districts and Rock Hill is home to Winthrop University, York Technical College, and Clinton Junior College.
With mild year-round temperatures in this region, there are plenty of places to take advantage of the great outdoors. York County has over 50 parks and greenways including the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding, Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill features Riverwalk Greenway along the Catawba River, and Glencairn Garden, a tranquil park in downtown Rock Hill.
Lake Wylie and the Catawba River are also popular destinations for watersports. Lake Wylie covers a surface area of about 13,400 acres and has 325 miles of shore line in York, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. The Catawba River features River Park, a 70-acre park with a kayak and canoe launching area, trails, and picnic areas; and Camp Canaan, a 100-acre island on the Catawba River, offers kayaking, a high ropes course, zip lines, disc golf, rock climbing, summer camps and retreats. In addition, kids from all over the Carolinas come to the YMCA’s Camp Thunderbird located on the shores of Lake Wylie each summer.
Residents and visitors also enjoy strolling through the historic downtown areas of Rock Hill and Fort Mill throughout the year which always have something going on whether it be festivals, parades, music or art shows, and other community oriented activities. A little further south, you’ll find Historic Brattonsville, which is a 775-acre Revolutionary War era site in McConnells that hosts battle re-enactments and tours of the plantation. One of the most popular places to visit is Carowinds, which is the largest amusement and water park in the Carolinas. A fairly new venue in Rock Hill called Giordana Veldrome opened in 2012, and features a 250-meter embanked cycling track which has made the city a hub for national cycling competitions. Rock Hill also features the Novant Health BMX Supercross Track which is the first (public) Olympic caliber BMX training facility on the east coast.
While county and town officials have been doing their best to provide well-planned growth, it is inevitable that roads and new schools will continue to be under construction/expansion for years to come to keep up with the influx of residents and businesses.
Useful Links
York County Website
York County Economic Development
York County Regional Chamber
York County Visitors Bureau
Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
York County Public Schools:
District 1 (York)
District 2 (Clover)
District 3 (Rock Hill)
District 4 (Fort Mill)
York County Private Schools
York County Tax Information
York County Utility Information