New to Catawba, South Carolina (Rock Hill, York: new home, college, camp)

[jacksongirl]

My sister n law is relocating to catawba, SC. Anyone have any informatin for a newcomer? They are moving from New Jersey and bought a nice home and anxious to move in and get settled. Any suggestions, hints, etc? What to do or what to stay away from?

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by jacksongirl

My sister n law is relocating to catawba, SC. Anyone have any informatin for a newcomer? They are moving from New Jersey and bought a nice home and anxious to move in and get settled. Any suggestions, hints, etc? What to do or what to stay away from?

While I don't have a whole heck of alot of information for you in regard to Catawba...I didn't want you to think we we're ignoring you.

Considered a rural area...Catawba is about as far out as you can go...and still be in York County, SC. It is probably best known for the Bowater plant, its proximity to the river, and the Indians that the area is named after.

Not much I know...but I do hope your SIL enjoys her new home and the area!

[AmericanRoadGirl]

Hi, jacksongirl! A big welcome goes out to your sis-in-law. So nice of you to do some research for her. I see you've met my pal LTC above. I live north of Catawba, in an area of uninc. Rock Hill known as Friendship. Friendship is the area hugged on two sides by the big bend in the Catawba River. This area of southeast York County enjoys a beautiful, heavily wooded, rural setting. It's quiet and private with excellent big city proximity. Lots of creeks and wildlife, small horse ranches and farms, and nice residential areas. The area boasts a large number of homes with long winding drives and beautiful setbacks into the woods.

Hints and tips for a newcomer?

Gathering info... Use City-Data would have to be the best tip I could give a newcomer, honestly. There's LOTS of valuable info on the Y & L and CLT forums. Some of it is stuff you simply can't find anywhere else. The York County CVB is a great source of info to help one orient themselves to RH and York County with maps and c & h/restaurant/ shopping/entertainment info.

Getting around... Speed limit on our section of I-77 is 60 mph. There are cops in unmarked vehicles. In our direction, on the south side of Rock Hill, the cheapest gas can usually be found at Cone or Pride at exit 77 off of I-77. The nearest gas station/convenience store for your SIL is going to be the one on SC 5 in her vicinity. You can't miss it. Also, there is a convenience store at the intersection of 21 and Hall Spencer. There are some mom and pop convenience stores/gas stations on Lesslie Hwy between RH & Catawba. Being so close to SC 5 is great because she can head east on 5 over to 521 and on to points north (Ballantyne, S. Charlotte) or south. The area around 521 is growing from a commercial standpoint and will probably eventually offer new shopping opportunities.

For fun... Rock Hill & surrounds - I am a BIG fan of hanging out in downtown RH. Great happenings there and and elsewhere in RH, plus there are a ton of fun events and fests throughout the region. Also, Winthrop College has alot going on (Go, Eagles! Big South Champs 4th year in a row!). Everything your heart might desire from many perspectives is always very nearby in Charlotte.

People... Everyone is EXTREMELY polite, friendly and neighborly. In our neck o' the woods, it is considered bad form not to wave to each and every car/person that passes by your home. Good conversation is the norm. We find it very easy to meet new people. The service and hospitality from management and staff at local businesses exceeds 4 and 5 star at times IMO. Incredible. I'm talking restaurants, shops, convenience stores, everywhere. Genuine warmth and hospitality.

Compared to where I used to live... I'm a native to a small town in WV, so I thought I was pretty laidback, but, after living in metro South FL for about 20 years, well, needless to say, I had to learn to "turn it down a notch" when we moved here in early '07. I didn't even know I had an "it" to turn down. I love it, though. In the dictionary under laidback, there is a picture of this place. It is a different lifestyle. Much less stressed.

Hope this helps. Again, welcome goes out to your SIL.

[CarolinaWoman]

Living in Catawba she will be real close to the Catawba Fish Camp in Fort Lawn ... they have great hushpuppies! And the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Fort Lawn has delicious fried squash ... a great Sunday buffet.

Catawba is convenient to the Galleria Mall in Rock Hill and just as easy to take 521 to Pineville and Carolina Place Mall.

I hope your s-i-l and family will enjoy South Carolina and their new home and sure hope you will visit our area too.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by CarolinaWoman

Living in Catawba she will be real close to the Catawba Fish Camp in Fort Lawn ... they have great hushpuppies! And the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Fort Lawn has delicious fried squash ... a great Sunday buffet.

Catawba is convenient to the Galleria Mall in Rock Hill and just as easy to take 521 to Pineville and Carolina Place Mall.

I hope your s-i-l and family will enjoy South Carolina and their new home and sure hope you will visit our area too.

Oh my parents came over the other day...and were just raving about the Catawba Fish Camp! In fact they even brought me back.....a Menu!