At the start of the 21st Century, the challenges of global economic competition create an ever growing emphasis on the improvement of our educational system. And in South Carolina, this issue takes center stage. We are one of the five states leading the nation in systematic reform of education.

Cost of living in York County ranks as one of the lowest in the southeast. While access to Charlotte is immediate, the advantage of York County's location is distinct.

York County, South Carolina is rich in cultural heritage. From the Museum of York County, which boasts the Southeast's largest collection of more than 200 full-mounted African animals, to the out-of-this-world experience of the Settlemyre Planetarium to "reliving the past" through Historic Brattonsville's Revolutionary War battle reenactment.

Entertainment is abundant in York County, South Carolina. We are home to the Carolina's largest amusement center, Carowinds. We are also right next door to a wealth of professional sports teams like the 2003 NFC Champion Carolina Panthers and the NBA basketball team Charlotte Bobcats.

Whether it's water sports on Lake Wylie, activities at one of the more than 50 public parks, working out at the Rock Hill YMCA or golf and tennis at any one of numerous facilities throughout the county, when it comes to outdoor recreation, York County offers something for everyone.

Located in the heart of the Carolina Piedmont, just across the South Carolina line from dynamic metro Charlotte, York County, South Carolina brings together the grace and charm of life in a small community with the opportunities and advantages of the big city.

Life in York County, South Carolina also means having access and protection of the community services that let us all live a little easier. The excellent hospitals, low crime rate, and low level of bureaucratic red tape enhance the lives of all the 160,000 people who live here.

There are nine municipalities within York County: Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Rock Hill, Sharon, Smyrna, Tega Cay and York. The City of Rock Hill is the commercial and financial center, while the City of York is the county seat.

For more info about York County, see their site. For general information about South Carolina, click here.