Rock Hill, SC

Located in York County, South Carolina, Rock Hill is the fourth largest city in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Just 25 miles south of uptown Charlotte, Rock Hill is home to approximately 66,000 people. Situated along the Catawba River, Rock Hill is approximately 150 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and 75 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, making exploring the state on weekend trips fun and easy.

The town of Rock Hill came into existence after the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad decided to send a rail through the area. The three largest landowners saw the advantage of the rail system being close by, and granted right-of-way, thus allowing the railway station and post office to open in 1852. This railway station became a Civil War transfer point for troops and supplies. Trade and commerce built the town rapidly. In 1961, the Friendship Nine, young African-American men, were jailed as a result of a sit-in at the segregated McCrory’s lunch counter. Their actions gained national coverage. Later that year, Rock Hill was the first stop for the Freedom Riders, including John Lewis, who were beaten as they emerged from the bus, which also drew national attention. In 2002, Rep. Lewis returned to speak at Winthrop University and accepted an official apology from Mayor Doug Echols.

Rock Hill’s historic downtown is anchored by twelve contiguous buildings renovated to offer unique shopping and dining options, while nearby Charlotte offers many art, history and science museums. You can learn more about the history of the Catawba Indian Nation at the Catawba Cultural Center. In Spring, enjoy the ten day Come-See-Me festival celebrating all the season has to offer.

Kids of all ages love Carowinds Theme Park, with the thrill rides and water park offering a fun-filled active day. The park, located on the state line between North and South Carolina, also offers concerts and seasonal activities, such as Scare-o-winds during Halloween.

For those who love professional sports, you can’t beat this area! Home to the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, Charlotte Checkers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Prime Time Players, there are endless opportunities to cheer on your new favorite teams. Love motor sports? You’re in luck, as the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Charlotte, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway is just up the highway in Concord, North Carolina. Many of the racing teams call this area home and offer tours and career opportunities.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Glencairn Garden is a lovely way to spend the day strolling through the trails leading to flower gardens and sculptures. The Anne Springs Close Greenway, a nature preserve of 2,300 acres of lakes, forests, and pastures offers trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Lake Wylie is a short drive away and offers fishing, boating and watersport opportunities year-round. The U.S. National Whitewater Center, located in Charlotte, offers family fun for all ages and interests, including rafting, kayaking, wall climbing, ropes courses and outdoor concerts in the summer.

Rock Hill enjoys a true four-season climate, although winters are typically mild and summers humid. York County School District 3 operates 27 public schools. Two charter schools serve the area, York Preparatory and Legion Collegiate Academies. There are also a variety of religious private schools. York Tech Community College offers many certification programs and two-year degrees, and two notable colleges offer four-year and graduate degree programs. Winthrop University, a public liberal arts university and Clinton College, an HBCU founded in 1894.

Health care is always close by, with Atrium Health and Novant Health care systems offering several convenient locations of hospitals and specialty offices. Nearby Charlotte is home to many notable specialized health care centers as well.