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Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Your Rock Hill, SC Real Estate Questions Answered

Downtown Rock Hill SC

Are you interested in living in Rock Hill, South Carolina? You’ve picked a great place to call home. One of the state’s fastest-growing cities wins people for its amenities, culture, and friendly neighbors. Much of its growth is due to its proximity to Charlotte, North Carolina. Rock Hill, South Carolina, real estate is thriving because it’s part of a larger metropolitan area.

If you want to know more about Rock Hill real estate, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some common questions we answer about finding a home in Rock Hill.

About Rock Hill, SC

Rock Hill is the largest city in York County and the fifth-largest in South Carolina. Part of its appeal is that it’s about 27 miles from Uptown Charlotte. The city and all of York County are considered part of the greater Charlotte metro. This part of the Carolinas is thriving for so many reasons: lots of high-quality jobs in multiple industries, entertainment like professional sports, live music, and events, and top-rated schools. It’s easy to get to, thanks to Interstate 77 directly east of town.

Despite its size and access to urban amenities, residents benefit from a comparable cost of living. In 2024, the cost of living in Rock Hill, SC, was on par with the national average. Drives around town are still short, and housing is affordable compared to trying to live in Charlotte.

Is Rock Hill, SC growing?

The 2020 US Census counted 74,372 residents, an 11% increase from the 2010 report. Rock Hill added around 8,218 residents in the last decade. Around 23% of residents were 18 years or younger, while 13.7% were 65 and older. The Rock Hill Comprehensive Plan projected the city would reach near 100,000 residents by 2030, representing around 28% of the county’s total population growth.

Looking at the big picture, York County has a population of 252,860 residents and is projected to have 287,870 residents by 2030.

Big picture on Rock Hill real estate

The Rock Hill real estate market has followed trends for the greater Charlotte area. Home prices have shown signs of stabilization since 2023, following the pandemic-area pricing growth felt in most housing markets.

For the year-to-date ending August 2024, Rock Hill reported a median home sale price of $340,000, an increase of 4%. Even with the price increase, the inventory of homes for sale remains low. August 2024 ended with a 2.5 months supply and an average of 31 days on the market. Part of the increase is the increasing number of new listings coming to the housing market. That is up 15.5% in Rock Hill for the YTD. However, the market will need more new listings to match the demand.

What is the median home price in Rock Hill, SC?

Based on August 2024 data, the city had 292 active real estate listings and a median sale price of $383,000. The average price per square foot was $210. A typical home had three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,400-2,000 sq ft. For comparison, the national average home price in Q2 2024 was $412,300.

The low end of the market started at $7,000 for a vacant lot. The market maxed out at $2,150,000 for a home with four bedrooms, 4.5 full bathrooms, and 4,429 sq ft on 30 acres. This is for all properties. including single-family homes, acres of land, multifamily homes, and condominiums.

Real estate markets frequently fluctuate, so check EZ Home Search for the most recent listing data on the Rock Hill real estate market. Our database refreshes every 15 minutes to give you the most accurate access to listings.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Rock Hill, SC?

Rock Hill has expanding condominium and townhome properties. In September, the market had 77 active homes, with prices starting at $115,000 for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom historic duplex. The maximum listing was downtown, with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on the market for $995,000.

Some places around the city to look for condos or townhomes are Allston, Sunset Point, Manchester Village, Millwood Plantation, Lexington Commons, Dilworth South, Ridge Point, The Woodlands, Wintercrest, Camellia Corners, Brookside, and Olde Towne. A local real estate agent can help you pinpoint more communities with this type of real estate for sale.

What are Rock Hill property taxes?

South Carolina charges a statewide property tax. Primary residences are assessed at 4% per $100 of assessed value, and second homes are charged at a 6% rate. The City of Rock Hill had a 220.0 millage rate for owner-occupied homes in 2023. The York County millage rate varied by the taxing district, ranging from 120.5-171.1.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Rock Hill, SC?

Rock Hill is close to the Catawba River and Lake Wylie, with a small part of the city limits along Lake Wylie. It is more challenging to find waterfront properties inside the city limits. A small sliver of city borders touches the arms of Lake Wylie.

However, the new River District development changes the lack of waterfront properties. This slice of Rock Hill along the Catawba River will be a mixed-use community with townhomes, condos, and single-family homes within walking distance of a town center. Some will have Catawba River views.

Other places for waterfront in the city are pond views near the Meadow Lakes Clubhouse and along one section of Manchester Creek and Big Dutchman Creek. Otherwise, no significant lakes or rivers run through the town. 

However, waterfront living exists in greater York County. Lakefront or riverfront property can be found in some surrounding towns, like Indian Hook. Most of the city lacks ample lakes or riverfront, so waterfront houses for sale are uncommon. In October 2024, the market had 102 waterfront houses for sale at a median price of $690,000.

How is golf in Rock Hill, SC?

Discover a course to test your game if you enjoy a morning on the fairways practicing your stroke or your bunker skills. Five golf courses are within the city limits, and another 23 golf courses are within 20 miles of Rock Hill. You have your choice of public, municipal, and private courses.

Winthrop University’s Golf Course is the oldest nearby, having opened in 1942. Their course is just two miles from the town center. The Rock Hill Country Club is a private course three miles from downtown. The longest course is the Harry L Jones, Sr. Golf Course, which is 7,360 yards. Another top-rated course is the Golf Club at Ballantyne. Some other golf courses, such as Quail Hollow Club and the Club at Longview, have won awards. Three-time US Open winner Hale Irwin designed the celebrated Links at Waterford Golf Club.

Are there golf course communities in Rock Hill, SC?

The real estate market has a few options for those who enjoy golf course views or the amenities of a golf course community. Country Club Estates has views of the Rock Hill Country Club. Another option with golf-front houses for sale in Waterford Glen, which is against the Waterford Golf Club.

What county is Rock Hill, SC in?

Rock Hill is the largest city inside of York County, South Carolina. Situated in South Carolina’s Piedmont region, the county was recognized by USA Today as having one of the Best Small Town Cultural Scenes. Residents live close to some prime outdoor recreation spots and enjoy festivals and events all year.

York County has the advantage of being accessible to two large metropolitan areas: Charlotte, North Carolina, and the state capital, Columbia. I-77 runs through the eastern part of the county, and I-85 slices through the northwestern part. The Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, with its major carriers and regional airlines, is under 30 minutes away.

As a Rock Hill resident, you benefit from South Carolina’s lower cost of living and property taxes while being near Charlotte’s major metropolitan amenities if and when you need them.

What school district serves Rock Hill, SC?

York County has several of South Carolina’s best school districts. The town has its own district, known as Rock Hill School District or York County School District 3. It serves over 16,000 students across 24 schools, including a technology center and IB programs. Cherry Park Elementary School of Language Immersion is a dual-language public school, while Northside School of Arts focuses on creative studies. Sunset Park School of Accelerated Studies is for academically motivated kids. South Pointe High is a STEAM-focused upper-grade school. Rock Hill High School has IB and AP coursework for its students.

What areas are near Rock Hill, SC?

The nearby town of York is the county seat of York County. York has been recognized as one of the best small towns for its arts and culture scene.

Neighboring Fort Mill is another popular town to live in York County and the Charlotte metro. Its real estate market is one of the fastest growing in the nation. Another excellent school system and a thriving downtown center complement the small-town vibes.

The expansive Lake Wylie is a tourism and residential draw. Locals enjoy escaping the summer heat in its cool waters, heading out for swimming, fishing, or boating. Lake Wylie is just a few miles from the town center.

Across Lake Wylie is Tega Cay, a recreational community known for its access to the reservoir, public golf, and tennis.

In some ways, Rock Hill acts like a satellite for Charlotte, North Carolina. You are about 30 minutes from the Charlotte city center and the Charlotte International Airport. Locals gain professional sporting events, live music, and many retail options in less than an hour while benefiting from Rock Hill’s lower cost of living. The Carowinds Theme Park, straddling the Carolinas border, is an easy drive for a fun day.

Finding Rock Hill, South Carolina, Real Estate

Before moving to Rock Hill, learn more about this dynamic and growing city in upstate South Carolina. While the many amenities make life worth living here, you want to find the right home for you and your family. Market properties don’t last long in this high-demand area. If you have any questions about Rock Hill SC real estate, let us know, and we will be happy to answer them.

Updated October 2024

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Preston Guyton