Commute between SC & NC (Greenville, Rock Hill: to rent, crime, townhouses)

[bandd76]

Husband & I are relocating to Charlotte area in Jan. Found a couple of townhouses in Fort Mill/Indian Land area we are interested in. I will be working in Fort Mill on Stateview Blvd, my husband needs to commute to North Charlotte - Hutchinson McDonald Rd. His commute will be about 22 mi up I-77 from the area we are looking for home. I'm wondering what the rush hour is like - how long, etc., if he left home around 5:30 AM & began his return around 3:30 PM? Is there a better route? Also, is there a different area we should consider? We are active late 40's - early 50's, grown children (none at home), no pets, non-smoking. We're used to living in small community with lower crime in close proximity to metropolitan area. Initially looking to rent for year or two until we can decide on purchase. Husband wants me to be closest to work because my hours can be long, but I don't want him to have a horrible commute through downtown Charlotte every day.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We don't know anyone in the area and I feel we are really flying blind trying to find the right area for us.

[MHord]

Hi - I will be glad to help you - I am a local realtor who was born and raised in this area, so I hope I can give you some good advice. Your husband should have an easy commute during those hours of the day. Leaving at 5:30, he'll be able to zip up the interstate with no problem, and if his hours end at 3:30, then he'll be off the interstate long before the 4:30 rush begins. The morning rush is usually its heaviest between 7:15 and 8:15 and gets congested right before the downtown areas. Depending on where your townhome is, I may be able to suggest some alternative routes for you - quick "backroads" routes. You will LOVE the Fort Mill area - it is such a wonderful community with easy access to EVERYTHING! And the people are so inviting and friendly. I don't think you'll regret your decision for one second. Best of luck to you, and I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

[GVLbikeNboard]

I in school at Winthrop, in Rock Hill, and am from Greenville. I was heading home one weekend and made the mistake of leaving Rock Hill around 5. I-77 can get pretty slow around Charlotte between 4:30 and 6 or so.