Big Decision (Rock Hill vs. Fort Mill) (Lancaster, York: jobs, hospitals)

[Soon to be South]

Hi everyone! We have a big decision on our hands. We have a contract on a new home in Rock Hill and it is BEAUTIFUL! We were looking in Rock Hill because I thought I could find a teaching job there. I have not at this point, and now we are thinking about going to Fort Mill or Tega Cay instead- since we don't have a job to worry about with location. I hear the area is better in Fort Mill, but I will probably not be able to find as nice of a house that we have on contract. Should I give up the house for a better location- or do you all think that Rock Hill is not that bad of a place to even worry about?? I have mixed feelings and need some advice (truthful advice). You can pm me if you would rather not post to everyone.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Confused,
Soon To Be South

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by Soon to be South

Hi everyone! We have a big decision on our hands. We have a contract on a new home in Rock Hill and it is BEAUTIFUL! We were looking in Rock Hill because I thought I could find a teaching job there. I have not at this point, and now we are thinking about going to Fort Mill or Tega Cay instead- since we don't have a job to worry about with location. I hear the area is better in Fort Mill, but I will probably not be able to find as nice of a house that we have on contract. Should I give up the house for a better location- or do you all think that Rock Hill is not that bad of a place to even worry about?? I have mixed feelings and need some advice (truthful advice). You can pm me if you would rather not post to everyone.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Confused,
Soon To Be South

Hey there Soon to be South - I am confused too? Okay let me see if I have this right...you have found a home in Rock Hill, SC that you have fallen in love with...yet you are concerned about buying it because you haven't found a teaching job in Rock Hill...is that right? Who said that just because you may live in Rock Hill you have to teach in Rock Hill too? Heck my neighbor (here in Tega Cay, SC) is a teacher in Rock Hill, SC. If in fact you live in Rock Hill you are within an easy commute to several different school districts (Fort Mill, Clover, Lancaster, and even schools within Charlotte, NC). Anyone one of these schools districts that I have mentioned are exploding with growth so why not expand your horizons and look outside of Rock Hill?

[BKQC]

Originally Posted by Soon to be South

Hi everyone! We have a big decision on our hands. We have a contract on a new home in Rock Hill and it is BEAUTIFUL! We were looking in Rock Hill because I thought I could find a teaching job there. I have not at this point, and now we are thinking about going to Fort Mill or Tega Cay instead- since we don't have a job to worry about with location. I hear the area is better in Fort Mill, but I will probably not be able to find as nice of a house that we have on contract. Should I give up the house for a better location- or do you all think that Rock Hill is not that bad of a place to even worry about?? I have mixed feelings and need some advice (truthful advice). You can pm me if you would rather not post to everyone.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Confused,
Soon To Be South

If you have kids, there's no debate - you want to live in Fort Mill, Tega Cay or possibly Clover over Rock Hill. True, your money will get you more house in Rock Hill than Fort Mill, so I guess it depends on your priorities. Don't get me wrong, Rock Hill's not a bad place, but I think Fort Mill or Tega Cay are better choices and better investments in the long run as well. I will admit that I'm biased, as we close on our house in Fort Mill on Monday, but I think most from that area would agree with me.

[Akhenaton06]

The Fort Mill/Clover school districts are ranked better, but Rock Hill's school district isn't bad, and fares better than a lot of districts within the state.

[Soon to be South]

I did not mention that my husband will be working close to Ballytine (spelling?)I really like Tega Cay, but hear it is an awful commute there, since you need to go all the way around Ft. Mill to get to where he needs to be? Do you think that is true? I guess what I am afraid of, is that I have not been in the area of Rock Hill enough to see what it is really like. How do I know if I am really in a nice area? Fort Mill, I would have no doubt.

[moedog]

Can't believe you signed a contract on a home before you completely decided where to live. But relax--Rock Hill is considered a very good place, and the schools are rated highly. Of course, it is more urban, and is actually a real city, with over 60,000 population. Amenities, such as shopping, hospitals, schools are already in place, with several more schools under construction or in the planning. You will not have to worry about enrollment caps in the schools, as is the standard in FM now. On the plus side, Rock Hill is more diverse and the school board has been able to keep the schools well balanced. The difference in commuting times to Charlotte are negliable. I say stay with your Rock Hill decision, and good luck in finding a teaching position--it is still early in the hiring season. If you stay in Rock Hill, don't forget to try the York and Clover school districts for jobs. They are both good districts and fast growing. Also, you might try Chester County---the Richburg schools are a quick commute south on 77. A rural district, more like the real SC, but still a possibility.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by Soon to be South

I did not mention that my husband will be working close to Ballytine (spelling?)I really like Tega Cay, but hear it is an awful commute there, since you need to go all the way around Ft. Mill to get to where he needs to be? Do you think that is true? I guess what I am afraid of, is that I have not been in the area of Rock Hill enough to see what it is really like. How do I know if I am really in a nice area? Fort Mill, I would have no doubt.

Gosh I am not sure where you are getting your information as far as commute times (course even some of the information your getting from others on this site is incorrect as well).

First off I live in Tega Cay...I have family that lives in Ballantyne/South Charlotte. I take this drive at least 2 to 3 times a week. I have two choices (there are several other ways as well...but these are the quickest) on how to go from Tega Cay...I can take the I77 to the 485 and exit Johnston Road (521), to Providence Rd West, and it takes me 15 minutes. Or I can take the back road of Hwy 160, left on Barberville Rd (which turns into Providence Rd West) and be at Johnston Rd (521) in 20 minutes. I know several folks that live here in Tega Cay and work in the Ballantyne area and love the commute.


In regard to the home you fell in love with in Rock Hill...call the Rock Hill Police Department and give them the location of the home (they can tell you better than anyone what...or if any crime activity there is).

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by moedog

You will not have to worry about enrollment caps in the schools, as is the standard in FM now.

To clarify the above statement. At the start of the new school season (2007) there will be 2 elementary schools within the Fort Mill School District that will be under an enrollment cap (Orchard Park Elementary, and Gold Hill Elementary as well). New children into the district will be rerouted to Riverview Elementary (which is within FMSD). There are several other elementary schools within the district, we had a new middle school open this year, and a new high school that is set to open the start of the new school year (2007). Another piece of information...Fort Mill School District does not add mobile units if at all possible...yet will add on to a school, or build new ones (which are in the process now).

Enrollment caps are Not the standard in Fort Mill