Smyrna is a tiny South Carolina town 50 miles from Charlotte
As one of the smallest towns in South Carolina, Smyrna has a population of 55 people within its city limits as of the 2020 U.S. Census. Although, many homes in the larger surrounding area also share a Smyrna address. Located just across the North Carolina border, Smyrna offers country living about an hour from Charlotte. "It is very rural, but that's the appeal," says Lee Whitley, Broker/Realtor at Mossy Oak Properties serving the area. "And you're still 15 minutes away from shopping and civilization."
Properties include ranches on acres of land
Most homes in Smyrna sit on several wooded acres rather than in subdivisions. "It is a feeling for people really looking for rural properties, that want some space from their neighbors," Whitley says. Ranch-style houses in Smyrna are typically valued between $250,000 and $350,000, while some larger homes can sell for more. Because of the area's rural nature, many real estate sales in Smyrna are for undeveloped land. Land generally goes for between $10,000 and $15,000 per acre. "It has a lot going for it, and the prices are certainly less than Rock Hill," Whitley says. According to Whitley, Faulkner Well Drilling & Pump is a locally owned business that drills many of the private wells for area residents.
Large state parks and more recreation nearby
Smyrna Town Park has a couple of picnic tables and an old baseball diamond, but residents have plenty of rural outdoor space to enjoy all around them. "You have all the normal outdoorsy stuff: hunting, four-wheeling, fishing by the [Broad] River," Whitley says. Kings Mountain State Park is about 7 miles north. This 4,000-acre park, a battleground during the American Revolution, has hiking trails, campsites and historical attractions. Just beyond Kings Mountain, Crowders Mountain State Park has hiking trails with sweeping views of the landscape from the top.
Shopping and dining near Smyrna
Smyrna's Main Street has a post office, volunteer fire department and Whitesides General Store. This family-owned country store has convenience items, hot food and a gas station. Smyrna Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is also just off Main Street. Hickory Grove is another small town about a five-minute drive south. It is home to the Sandifer Feed & Seed and JL Gaddy Enterprises Inc, a convenience store distributor where Whitley says some locals work. For more, the town of York is 11 miles east and has a Walmart Supercenter, Tractor Supply Co, and locally owned restaurants such as York Coffee Roastery and Towne Tavern York.
Students attend the York School District
Most Smyrna students are zoned to attend the York School District. Kids may begin at Hickory Grove-Sharon Elementary, which has a B-minus grade from Niche. York Middle School has a B grade, and York Comprehensive High School has a B-minus grade. The high school has over two dozen student clubs and organizations, including Math Club, Future Farmers of America, Presidents Council and Yearbook.
Driving to Charlotte and the airport from Smyrna
Smyrna is about 50 miles southwest of downtown Charlotte. Drivers can get there on state Road S-46-11 and Interstate 85. "The post-COVID work-from-home has really ignited all of the rural buyers, but if you want to commute into Charlotte, you're an hour away depending on the day it is," Whitley says. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub airport, and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport are both about an hour away. Cherokee Medical Center is a hospital about 20 minutes from Smyrna. Smyrna has a CAP Index crime score of 1, lower than the national average of 4.
Events
HoneyStrong, a beekeeping supply store about 3 miles from town, holds classes and events, including an April spring craft show with more than 80 vendors, food trucks and live music. The business also offers some volunteer opportunities and private tours.
Photography Contributed By
William Neary
