Thinking of relocating? It’s important to research the local real estate market to see if an area is right for you.

Fort Mill is a fast-growing community in the central part of Northern South Carolina. You might be wondering what this Charlotte suburb has to offer for prospective homeowners.

Fort Mill features an eclectic blend of rural and suburban features. To the south there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, while a short trip north brings you to the hustle and bustle of a major city.

Learn more about Fort Mill and its real estate market in this guide.

Where is Fort Mill, SC?

Fort Mill is a medium-sized town within York County, a 696-square-mile area of northern South Carolina. Bordered by the Broad and Catawba Rivers on its western and eastern sides, it sits along the North Carolina state line. Mecklenburg County, NC, is its northern border.

The town is considered part of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. In fact, Uptown Charlotte is just a 25- to 30-minute drive from Fort Mill, a historic textile mill town. As the second most populous city in the Southeast, Charlotte is jam-packed with entertainment, has a thriving job market, and essential life amenities like health care access and education.

But if you’re looking for something less crowded, southern York County beckons with thick forests, rolling hills, and dramatic rock outcroppings. Outdoor attractions include Henry’s Knob, a former open pit kyanite mine, and three lifted summits with stellar views: Joes, Nanny’s, and Kings Mountain. Lake Wylie and the Catawba River beckon for water recreation. Even though it’s small-town living, find delicious dining options using the local farms and seasonal produce.

Is Fort Mill, SC, growing?

Fort Mill grew significantly between the 2010 and 2020 Censuses. The overall population more than doubled, going from 10,811 people to 24,521. It’s growing rapidly and is one of the fastest-growing towns in South Carolina and the Charlotte metro. The US Census estimated over 30,000 people now call the town home as of 2022.

The town expanded to 6,130 households from 4,168. That has brought a lot of new construction and development around the area.

What is the cost of living in Fort Mill, SC?

The population growth has led to the overall cost of living in Fort Mill increasing to be on par with the national average. Living here costs about 11% more than elsewhere in South Carolina.  Particularly expensive are healthcare and housing, where spending is 11.3% and 28% above the national average, respectively.

While grocery spending is 3.5 percent higher than the South Carolina average, it is on par with the national average. Utility costs also track near the national average, but are 3.5% less than what most South Carolinians pay.

What is lower is the average spending on transportation and miscellaneous expenses–child care, movie tickets, clothes, etc.

Living costs are higher in this town than in other York County towns, but they are still less expensive than in-demand Charlotte neighborhoods like Pineville and Ballantyne.

How is the Fort Mill housing market?

The astonishing growth has led the town to rank among the nation’s fastest-growing towns. In July 2023, it ranked no. 13th for its growth. More people translates to a more competitive market. Accompanying this growth is a bevy of new construction homes and neighborhood developments.  About 7,000 new units were approved from various projects as of spring 2023.

What is the average price of a home in Fort Mill, SC?

For the year-to-date in August 2024, Fort Mill had 868 closed home sales, a drop of 0.6% year-over-year. The median home sale price of $491,330 was 10.7% more than this time last year, showing high demand for market properties.

Active home prices in Fort Mill for September 2024 ranged from $60,000 for a 0.78-acre lot to $4.49 million for an eight-bed, 5.5-bath property on the Lake Wylie waterfront.

Like much of the country, the average home price in Fort Mill, SC, is trending upwards. The 8.7% year-over-year increase in August 2024 does exceed the national average. Properties sell for about 2.4% under the asking price; the monthly median sale price was $499,950.

Even with 1,244 new listings, up 27% over the prior year, August 2024 had a 2.4-month supply of homes for sale. This indicates that the market is currently positioned in the seller’s favor, and there are more buyers than homes currently available. Fort Mill is a competitive market, with an average of 33 days on market until going under contract.

Keep in mind the price ranges when you start looking for houses in Fort Mill. Remember that the state of the real estate market and the type of home you’re interested in can significantly affect the median home price. Demand also causes the number to fluctuate, so get an updated detailed market report from a local real estate agent.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Fort Mill, SC?

Most of Fort Mill’s housing consists of traditional, single-family homes, but there is a strong supply of condos and townhomes.

As of September 2024, there were 110 active listings. The lowest price was $175,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 925 sq ft condo. The most expensive was $525,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhome with 1,560 sq ft.

Some places to look for condos and townhomes for sale are Beacon Knoll Villas, Baxter Village, Regent Park, Catawba Village, Masons Bend, Whitley Mills, Wellsley Ford, and Gold Hill.

If you’re interested in a condo or townhome in Fort Mill, we recommend contacting a local real estate agent who can help you find and consider your options.

What is the property tax rate for Fort Mill, SC?

South Carolina has one of the lowest property tax rates in the United States, but property taxes are slightly higher in Fort Mill than in surrounding counties. The state assesses property taxes at 4% of property value for residential homes and 6% for other homes (vacation or second homes).

York County charged 74.5 mils for incorporated areas in 2023. Fort Mill charged 85.7 mils for property tax and 369.5 mils for the school district.

What neighborhoods are in Fort Mill, SC?

Fort Mill comprises many different neighborhoods and subdivisions that form a diverse range of living areas, from suburban to rural. Many options on the housing market are newer construction homes.

The historic downtown district is at the center of town. Main Street attractions include the Fort Mill History Museums and a full bevy of local restaurants serving classic Southern barbeque and ice cream. The charming city center is the go-to place for local events, including parades, fireworks, food trucks, live music, and a week-long Strawberry Festival held in the spring.

Kingsley Town Center mixes entertainment with multi-family living. The district curls around a 10-acre lake, including a brewery, coffee shop, local restaurants, a main square outfitted to host festivals and events, and interactive play elements.

To the northwest is the swim and tennis community of Knightsbridge. Around 450 homes range from 2,500 to 3,500 sq ft, and in 2022, typical list prices ranged from $300,000 to $500,000. The pool, tennis and basketball courts, and clubhouse make this a perfect community for recreation.

One of the newer developments is Baxter Village. It is designed to have its own charming downtown area with a quaint village vibe, complete with plenty of stores and restaurants. Market properties in its residential side, Baxter homes range from 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft, with list prices in between $300,000 and $800,000.

Regent Park is perfect for new or established families and young professionals, featuring condos, townhouses, and single-family units. Recreation includes walking trails, sports fields, and the nearby amusement park called Carowinds. Homes in this area are smaller, from 500 to 2,000 sq ft, with list prices ranging from $130,000 to $400,000.

The Springfield subdivision is purely residential, with beautiful new homes ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 sq ft with golf course views. Typical list prices range from $650,000 to upwards of $1 million. Part of the community borders the Anne Close Springs Greenway, a historic park with horseback riding, walking, and biking trails.

Finally, one of the most popular areas near Fort Mill is Tega Cay, situated on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Wylie. Besides the waterfront, Tega Cay has a park-like lifestyle, with tennis courts, multiple parks, and a golf club. These Fort Mill homes for sale average 2,500 sq ft but are a little more expensive, with list prices ranging from $450,000 to over $1 million in 2024.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Fort Mill, SC?

With three major bodies of water nearby—the Broad and Catawba Rivers plus manmade Lake Wylie—find a handful of communities featuring waterfront properties in Fort Mill. The largest is Tega Cay, a neighborhood on the shores of Lake Wylie. But another option is Riverview, where some homes are close to the Catawba River. Not all homes will have direct water access, but they may have water views.

How is golf in Fort Mill, SC?

Golfers will be happy that Fort Mill has three golf courses in town: the Fort Mill Golf Club, the Springfield Golf Club, and the Tega Cay Golf and Conference Center.

• Fort Mill Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course.  Donald Ross designed the front nine in 1948, and George Cobb added the back nine in 1959. The course rolls through tree-lined fairways.
• Springfield Golf Club is a Clyde Johnston-designed layout with 6,906 yards and a par 72. It opened in 2001 but was inspired by classic courses of the 1920s. It plays beside Sugar Creek a few watershed creeks.
• Tega Cay Golf Club has 27 holes of golf on over 200 acres surrounding Lake Wylie. It has public play and memberships available.

Are there golf course communities in Fort Mill, SC?

Extensive neighborhoods surrounded all three golf courses, giving a variety of housing options. The best places to find homes with golf course views are the neighborhoods of Madison Green, Springfield, and Firethorne.

What areas are near Fort Mill, SC?

Charlotte is the closest major city, with downtown about 25 minutes away. This major metro has countless attractions, like the Museum of Illusions and Discovery Place, the US National Whitewater Center, and hundreds of restaurants.

Within the town is the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,000-acre preserve with extensive trails for hiking and biking. Find a variety of other outdoor recreational activities, like kayaking and fishing.

Looking to cool down on a hot summer day? Lake Wylie has several beaches, with the closest access at Ebenezer and Spencer Parks. SouthTown Wake Park offers wakeboard and paddleboard lessons and kayak rentals.

Thrill seekers will be excited to learn that the amusement park, Carowinds, is at the back door. The park will give you an adrenaline rush with 50 rides and attractions. It has the largest water park in the Carolinas, Carolina Harbor!

Rock Hill is about an 18-minute drive over the Catawba River. It’s the center of York County and the fifth-largest city in South Carolina. This “Boom Town” has a university, a thriving arts and culture scene, and excellent restaurants.

What to know about living in Fort Mill, SC

Overall, Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a fast-growing, mid-sized town with various housing options. As a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, locals gain access to more career choices, fun attractions and entertainment options, and the international airport. From hiking to amusement parks, find something to do for everyone in and around Fort Mill.

Keep in mind that housing prices and the cost of living are slightly higher in Fort Mill than in surrounding areas. If you want to live in Fort Mill, contact a local real estate agent to find the right neighborhood.