Rock Hill, SC

Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, which is in north central South Carolina. The 65,000 residents of the city have local amenities such as 31 parks, 4 recreational centers, 400 acres of trails, and easy access to the metropolitan conveniences of Charlotte, North Carolina, which is only 20 miles away. With 24,000 residents in York County commuting to Charlotte for work on a daily basis, Rock Hill's economy is tied to the economy of Charlotte.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

• The city's low taxes make it an ideal place for businesses.
• The majority of the city's labor market is concentrated downtown.
• The bulk of the growth in York County's economy is in logistics/warehouse and distribution.
• The city has five business parks that offer office space in close proximity to theaters, restaurants, and shopping.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Textile Corridor: The area's private residences are surrounded by small businesses and by sections of the Winthrop University campus. The 250-acre urban center is also home to the historic Cotton Factory, Family Trust Credit Union, Rock Hill Printing, and Finishing and Spring Industries.

Old Town: The historic downtown area is broken up into five communities:

• Hagins Fewell was built around a textile mill that has since been torn down and has 1,100 residents.
• Highland Park has 100 senior housing units and the refurbished Highland Park Mill.
• East Town is Rock Hill's first neighborhood. The city's first home still stands there.
• Renaissance Square is a developing townhouse neighborhood in the community.
• Saluda Corridor is an area in need of revitalization. The city is trying to find ways to bring affordable housing and new economic investment to the struggling neighborhood.

BEST BETS

• Civitas: Four 22-foot golden statues are located through the city. The statues were designed as a female version of Michelangelo's "David." Each civitas holds a different circular emblem to represent the city's pillars of industry, knowledge, inspiration, and energy.
• Carowinds: The 112-acre amusement park offers thrill rides, family rides, a waterpark, and live shows.
• Historic Brattonsville: The 775-acre historic site details the history of the Brattons, a family with at least six generations of history in the medical community of York County. The site is home to Hightower Hall, an Italian mansion that was a location used to film The Patriot. At the farm, visitors can see demonstrations of historical farming techniques, as well as view the sheep, poultry, cattle, pigs, and horses. Also on the property are the Walt Schrader Trails, an 8.5-mile network of paths that weave through forests, wetlands, and prairie.
• Discovery Place: The three-level science and technology museum has exhibits on plants, the rainforest, and chemistry. It also includes the Charlotte Nature Museum and an IMAX dome.
• Museum of York County: The museum explores the culture and history of the county and also houses a planetarium.

EVENTS

Two of the biggest events in town include:

• Christmasville: For four days each year, this holiday village celebrates the art of Vernon Grant, a former Rock Hill resident who is renowned for creating the Kellogg's Rice Krispies characters Snap, Crackle, and Pop. There is also a chili cook-off, five-kilometer run, dog costume contest, carriage rides, a snow village with 20 tons of real snow, carolers, and artwork.
• Come-See-Me: Rock Hill's premiere festival showcases the city during spring. The event includes food, a parade, concerts, and a fireworks show. The main attraction for the festival's 125,000 attendees is the Glencairn Garden, which features 3,500 azaleas surrounded by camellias, dogwood, and wisteria.

Other popular events designed to bring together the Rock Hill community include:

• Daddy/Daughter Dance
• Mother/Daughter Fashion Show and Tea Party
• Youth Service Day

The city also hosts a number of classes in art, fitness, and gardening throughout the year.

EDUCATION

• Winthrop University: The university was founded in 1886 with 21 students in a single classroom. Today, the school enrolls 6,500 students and offers 80 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate degrees throughout four colleges. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• York Technical College: The two-year associate's degree-granting public college has 7,200 for-credit students and 90 credit programs. The 15-building campus also offers continuing education programs for 9,000 residents and some businesses.
• Clinton Jr. College: The historically black college was founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The college is a two-year institution with a liberal arts focus.

GETTING AROUND

Rock Hill is located on the I-77 corridor. Flights are available at both the local Rock Hill/York County Airport and the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, which is 20 minutes north of Rock Hill. Amtrak service is also available 25 minutes away in Charlotte.