Socastee

Established | Its official start as a community is unknown, but dates back to at least the early 1700s.

Origin of name | The origin is probably Native American and was recorded as “Sawkestee” in the 1711 will of a man named Percivell Pawley, who received the original land grant of 200 acres in the area.

What it’s known for | The area at the junction of S.C. 544 and S.C. 707 is one of Horry County’s largest unincorporated communities. Socastee is considered a specific area by the U.S. Census despite not having a charter as a town or township. The Census reported a population of nearly 15,000 in 2000, and the 2010 Census showed Socastee’s population had grown to 19,952.

Major employers | There are a number of restaurants, health care centers and Socastee-area schools along the major corridors of S.C. 544 and S.C. 707, but no single large company employers.

Local buzz | Residents fought to keep the Socastee Swing Bridge as an alternative travel path from Forestbrook Road to S.C. 707, an extra bonus for area shoppers looking for a shortcut to The Market Common shops.

Local favorites | Socastee residents launch campaigns to support local businesses from Cooter’s Bar and Grill to the Waccatee Zoo. Socastee residents know their neighbors and spend many of their dollars at home.

Tourist flavor | Socastee has both historic flavor and modern recreation options. The Socastee Historic District includes several buildings constructed after the Civil War, such as the Sarvis-Ammons home built by a Confederate soldier in 1881, a general store and post office from the turn of the century and a the swing bridge. There’s also modern entertainment options for outdoor types including paddle boat, personal watercraft and other boat rentals on the Intracoastal Waterway. Area businesses also host a number of events during fall and spring motorcycle events.

Property tax rate | 90 mills or 209.3 mills for a secondary property or parcel of land. Another 2 mills are assessed for homes in the special recreation tax district. Figures include both county and school millage.

Numbers to know

Horry County councilmember | Bob Grabowski, 843-236-1272, 843-457-3237 or mbbob@yahoo.com. His term expires Dec. 31.

This story was originally published September 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Socastee."