Established in 1786, York is the county seat of York County, South Carolina. The Cherokee and Catawba tribes were the first residents before Scots-Irish immigrants moved down from Pennsylvania and founded the city. The settlers named their new town Yorkville to honor their European roots and the War of the Roses, leading to Yorkville’s nickname of “White Rose City.” The city shifted from a rural center to a modern town when residents built the current courthouse in 1915. The city’s name was changed to York, and the population has continued to grow since. In 2020, York’s population exceeded 8,000, and the World Population Review estimates there will be over 9,000 residents by the end of 2024.
York may be losing some of its farmland to new subdivisions, but family farms and the Yorkville Historical Society work to keep the city’s rural roots alive. The community is diverse, and many move in for the housing prices, small-town atmosphere and history. Jan Carlisle is a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate who has been selling homes in South Carolina for over 10 years. “Clover and Lake Wylie are getting expensive, so people are moving out to York,” Carlisle says. “There are five home builders working in York, and that’s a big indicator of how York is booming. It’s on the map now, and that wasn’t always the case.”
York is known as a friendly town that is rich with history and southern charm.
The Historic Downtown York is known for it's southern style homes with large porches.
York is known as the "White Rose City" after The War of the Roses in the 1400s in England.
You can drive 20 minutes north to enjoy a beautiful sunset on Lake Wylie.
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Brand-new construction near 1800s homes
Cape Cods, bungalows and Craftsman homes are abundant throughout York. Properties closer to downtown were often built in the 1900s or earlier. “York is known as the ‘Charleston of the Upcountry’ because there are lots of historic homes built in the 1800s with big front porches and double staircases,” Carlisle says. “There are historic districts, too, where you have to get permission from the historical society to even paint your house.” The city’s population growth has sparked new construction on the city’s outskirts, which is still ongoing. Subdivisions like Monterey Park are almost built out, but McFarland Estates is just getting started.
Homes with three or more bedrooms usually sell between $225,000 and $400,000. Properties for $475,000 or more often feature expansive lots or historic homes, and those for less than $200,000 need renovations. York homes take an average of 55 days to sell, and the median home price is $358,000. In November 2024, the National Association of Realtors reported a national median home price of $418,700.
Downtown York still has some homes built in the early 1900s.
In the outer lying areas of York, you can find newer traditional homes.
There are communities newly constructed homes attracting new residents to York.
The impressive historical homes surrounding York are truly a sight to behold.
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Manufacturing workers and small business owners
Manufacturing, engineering and distribution jobs lead the economy, though many residents commute outside the city for work. Some take an almost hourlong commute to Charlotte for jobs. Fomas, Inc. and Duke Energy are some of the biggest employers in town, and downtown is full of locally owned businesses. The York County Economic Department and the city of York are working to fill the East York Industrial Park and bring additional jobs to the city. The almost 400-acre space will expand around pre-existing commercial businesses, like MacLean Power Systems: York and Wheel Pros York.
York is located approximately 27 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Some manufacturing companies are smaller and have long residencies around York.
York continues to grow and the government buildings showcase that growth and development.
Large manufacturing plants help draw new residents and provide jobs to locals of York.
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Upgrades on the way for York parks
The York Recreation Complex is the largest park in the city, with five athletic fields, and it neighbors the York Greenway Trailhead. Cyclists and walkers can park at the recreation complex and wind down 4th Street to hop on the trail. City Park is under construction to add new features like a pedestrian loop trail, splash pad and amphitheater. A new walking and biking trail will connect downtown, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors and then head to the city center to refuel with coffee or lunch. The York Recreation Center organizes youth basketball, softball, baseball and football leagues. York sees all four seasons, with humid summers and mild winters, leaving plenty of time to be outdoors. According to the FBI, The city had a 9% decrease in reported violent crimes from 2022 to 2023, and reported nonviolent crimes dropped 17%.
York's youngest residents love to play at the playground at Lincoln Park.
You can drive 20 minutes north to enjoy a beautiful sunset on Lake Wylie.
The City Park is a greenspace in the heart of downtown York.
York residents can challenge their neighbors to a game of pickleball at Field Park.
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York Summerfest and airstream gatherings
The City of York organizes events throughout the year to keep the community connected, like the Annual Running of the Turkeys and Hometown Christmas Parade. One event that’s unique to York is Silver in the City. The first day starts downtown with an opening ceremony, and airstream owners park along Congress Street before getting out and exploring the city. The York Summerfest has been a city tradition for over 40 years, and an estimated 10,000 visitors participated in 2024. Downtown York becomes a festival full of live music, car shows, vendors and a golf tournament.
While currently closed, this historic Sylvia Theater in York is more than 100 years old.
You can enjoy a shaded picnic at Moore Park in York.
Main Street transforms to take on the excitement of each season on the sidewalks of York.
York has a beautiful small downtown with locally owned dining and retail on Main Street.
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Small businesses in downtown York; chain stores nearby
South Congress Street has locally owned restaurants and small businesses, like The Blush Blossom Boutique and Sweet Tea Refill. “Downtown York is coming along,” Carlisle says. “It’s mainly independent businesses, but there are chains that are moving in. Starbucks might open a store in York, but independent coffee shops are already there. And some people like the quaintness of small stores instead of chains.”
Hoof & Barrel serves steaks and barbecue, while The Garden Café has a menu full of Southern comfort food. Chain stores and fast-food restaurants are along East Liberty Street. Bush-N-Vine Farm welcomes visitors to pick seasonal produce or shop around the farm market for farm-to-table products. Black’s Peaches has grown and sold fruit in York for over 300 years, and the Black family continues the tradition with a small grocery store and locally sourced produce.
The small local business draw locals and visitors to the quiet and peaceful downtown York.
The small locally owned eateries welcome residents and visitors of York like family.
York is supportive of the many small locally owned business like the popular Hoof & Barrel.
The York community is like a large family with friendly and welcoming residents.
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Driving around town and north to Charlotte
York is 37 miles from central Charlotte and 14 miles from Rock Hill. Commuters can use U.S. Route 161 to connect to Interstate 77 or Highway 321 to reach I-85. “It is very common for locals to commute to Charlotte, even though it’s about an hour away. Aside from the prices, people chose to live in York because they like that it has less traffic and more space,” Archer says. Residents can also visit Rock Hill, 14 miles to the east, to visit the Piedmont Medical Center, though York has the Piedmont West Urgent Care for more immediate concerns. U.S. Route 49 leads 31 miles north to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. York has multiple churches from various denominations, some of which have been in town for over a century. First Presbyterian Church on West Liberty Street was built in 1862, and First Baptist Church on West Jefferson Street, built in 1892.
Downtown York features sidewalks that run past storefronts and government buildings, but the residential areas often have sidewalks along one side of the street or none at all. The York County Council on Aging helps transport older residents from York to Rock Hill when they need to visit the doctor, pharmacy or grocery store.
Public schools with growth in mind
York School District 1 has eight schools and earns a B from Niche. In 2024, residents voted to pass a $90 million bond referendum to go toward a new middle school and upgrade existing schools. The city’s growth has led to classrooms reaching their capacity, and the ability to build a new school and expand an existing campus would create more space and jobs. All private school options are in Rock Hill.
York Comprehensive High School provides education in the neighborhood of
Outlying York County.
Castle Heights Middle School provides education in the neighborhood of Rock Hill.
Hunter Street Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
Outlying York County
The Clover High School is ranked 29th in high schools in South Carolina.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Gwilliam
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in York, SC sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in York, SC over the last 12 months is $366,199, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the Manchester! Walk in straight from your front covered porch and embrace the homey feel of your foyer. Through the foyer you'll be greeted with a spacious kitchen, with an island for more space to cook and entertain. Equipped with stainless steel appliances, side-by-side refrigerator and a kitchen island with a sink, you'll feel like a chef! With our open floorplan, you have easy
New construction across from Allison Creek Park, starting from the $400s! Welcome to Lakeside Glen and the Burton plan. Offering 2,491 sq. ft., this home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a spacious loft. The open-concept main level includes a generous family room and gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave and a large island perfect for entertaining. LVP
Chavnaia BarefieldDRB Group of North Carolina, LLC
Enjoy happy hour on the Chandler's covered back patio. Inside, the sprawling kitchen island overlooks the great room. In the primary suite, dual sinks and a walk-in closet simplify busy mornings.
Welcome home to 1601 Charlotte Highway, where modern country living meets peaceful privacy on approximately 7.74 acres. Built in 2024 and meticulously maintained, this beautiful home offers the perfect blend of contemporary finishes, functional design, and room to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're looking for space to roam, room for equine companions, or simply a quiet retreat, this property
***Up to 10k in Seller Paid Closing Costs with acceptable offer*** Welcome home to this lovely move-in ready home on over an acre just outside of historic downtown York with no HOA! This cape cod style home offers a very liveable floorplan. The primary suite on main features huge dual side glass shower, dual vanities, plenty of closet space. Two bedrooms share jack and Jill with separated vanity
SELLER INCENTIVE: SELLER IS OFFERING- $5,000 toward Buyers Closing Costs or interest rate buy down.WELCOME HOME TO THE LAKE WYLIE LIFESTYLE! Discover the exceptional Gentry at Handsmill on Lake Wylie, a community of just 129 homes offering beautiful surroundings, resort-style amenities, and a welcoming sense of community.This beautiful low-maintenance home features 2 spacious
Beautifully updated home situated on a spacious corner lot with a fenced backyard offering added privacy. Fresh interior paint, updated fixtures, plush new carpet, and gorgeous LVP flooring installed in 2024 enhance the home’s modern appeal. The open-concept floor plan features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, staggered white
Enjoy the beauty of spring from the inviting front porch or entertain guests on the spacious back deck of this beautifully updated modular home. Inside, you’ll find fresh paint, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, and upgraded plumbing and lighting fixtures that create a modern, move-in-ready feel. The open-concept kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and flows seamlessly
Short Sale-Offer expiration 10/7/26. This better-than-new Elston floor plan is packed with thoughtful upgrades, including a fully installed, white privacy fence for added style and function. Perfectly positioned backing to community green space, the setting offers a rare sense of privacy.Inside, the open-concept main level is designed for both everyday living and easy entertaining. The
HUGE PRICE CHANGE, NOW PRICED AT ONLY $275.00 PER HEATED SQ FT INCLUDING THE LAND! SAVING YOU OVER ONE MILLION IF YOU TRIED TO DUPLICATE!Experience the very best of Lake Wylie living in this exceptional waterfront estate, where luxury feels comfortable, inviting, and easy to enjoy. Designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind, the home features a spacious island kitchen
Full brick and natural stone home designed for elevated everyday living and effortless entertaining. The wraparound front porch is perfect for iced tea mornings and relaxing evenings. Inside, soaring 11-foot ceilings on the main floor and tall ceilings throughout create an airy feel, while site-finished hardwood floors span the first floor with no carpet anywhere in the home. The layout features
Back on the market. If you are looking for a single family home in York County that's updated WITH a 2 bay workshop that has electrical and plumbing and NO HOA -- today's your lucky day. This home is back on the market -- inspections complete & appraisal passed.Set on 1.58 private acres in the established Montclaire neighborhood, 1512 Kinglet Drive delivers a combination that buyers LOVE:
Beautifully stick build ranch-style home situated on a peaceful private 1 acre wooded lot. This 3-bed, 2-bath home with a large kitchen and panty offers a light, bright & open layout with updates throughout, complete with 2 spacious living areas, the first is a large interior living space and the other is even larger and a very spacious 28' x 10' four season bonus sunporch with tiled floors for
Five acres doesn't come along often in this close to Lake Wylie, and when it does, it tends to disappear fast. This 5.01-acre parcel sits in a corridor known for exactly this: big lots, mature trees, and the kind of privacy that's getting harder to find. No HOA to answer to here, which means no committee reviewing your plans, no cookie-cutter requirements, no clock ticking on your build timeline.
Property Id: 759784 This duplex has 2 bedrooms upstairs and a full bath. Downstairs houses a living room, eat in kitchen, laundry hookups and a powder room. Directly across the street from the elementary school.
Property Id: 765769 Historic building apartment over retail space. Assigned parking space. This beautiful apartment has high, bead board ceilings. The floors in the main living area are original hardwood with tile and vinyl in the other rooms. It has a very open, eat-in kitchen/living/dining area with a deck off of the dining/kitchen. Walkable to all of York's downtown amenities. No pets or
Property Id: 1263772 Walk in, look around, and breathe. There is ROOM here. If you’ve been searching for a home with serious space, a fresh clean feel, and enough room for everyone to spread out, you need to see this one. The entire home has just been freshly painted from top to bottom, the carpets have been professionally cleaned, and the home shows bright, fresh and
Meticulously maintained and ready to move Home on a corner lot in Austen Lakes. As you step into the entry hall there is a formal dining room/ flex space. The kitchen and living areas are open and airy. The Gourmet kitchen includes a huge island perfect for gatherings with Granite countertops, tile backsplash, stainless-steel appliances and walking pantry complete this beautiful kitchen including
Discover modern living at 233 Lincoln Road in York, SC! This stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,359 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, just a short walk from historic downtown York.The kitchen comes fully equipped with a complete appliance package — washer/dryer, electric stove, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher — ready for you to move right
Open & bright 2-story 2-bedroom apartment situated on the 2nd floor of the old York County Jail apartments. Lots of historic & original features, wood plank flooring, brick walls. Large lofted area can be 2nd bedroom area or work space. Located in the heart of downtown York, Ready for Immediate Occupancy and Pet Friendly. Tenant Responsible for All Utilities and tenant insurance policy. Pets
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in York, SC! Featuring a comfortable layout, inviting living spaces, and plenty of space for everyday living. Enjoy a convenient your location, close to local shops, restaurants, schools, parks, and more. A great opportunity to settle into a comfortable home and a welcoming community.
3 bedroom, 2 full bath brick home with spacious living room and designated dining area. The galley style kitchen features a refrigerator and electric range with ample storage space. Fresh paint and all new LVT flooring, this home is a must see!**This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.**
Located just minutes from shopping and dining of Liberty Street in York. Built in 2024 This beautiful townhome features the finishes you'd expect in a newer home. Floor plan includes 2 bedrooms with full baths, half bath on first level, dining area, open great room and storage room/closet attached.Located off of 197 Cooperative Way, York SCPets ConsideredDon’t wait—this
Overlooking Big Allison Creek on Lake Wylie, this home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an additional room and a loft area. Original heart of pine flooring remain while renovations abound. The spacious Master Bedroom wing has double His & Hers closets and private bathroom. There is a laundry room that allows for a full-size washer and dryer. The kitchen has a pantry, abundance of cabinets and
***RENT SPECIAL: 1/2 OFF 1ST MONTH'S RENT*** 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on a nice wooded 1-acre lot. Clover School District! Features a kitchen with eat in dining area, laundry area, living room with built-in bookshelves, covered rocking chair front porch and large sunroom. Kitchen appliances include brand new stove and dishwasher. This home also has a brand-new roof. Lease Terms: One
Renovated 1840 home with all the upgrades. Features tile bathrooms, granite counters, upgraded vanities, laminate wood floors in main living areas, Central heat and air, washer dryer hookups and upgraded closet shelving. Contact us today to schedule a time to see this one of a kind home in downtown York. Apply online at
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