Florence's cultural scene centers around the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, which hosts major concerts and theatrical productions, while the Florence Little Theatre showcases local talent through classic and contemporary plays. Outdoor recreation thrives along the 13-mile Florence Rail Trail and at Lynches River County Park, where residents enjoy kayaking, hiking, and an Environmental Discovery Center. The downtown area features Julia Belle's Restaurant, known for its Blue-Plate Specials and White Russian Pecan Pie, alongside Victor's upscale dining with craft cocktails and outdoor seating at James Allen Plaza.
The Florence housing market presents diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. The median sale price in Florence is $255,000, with single family homes in Forest Hills commanding a median price of $545,000 and Windsor Forest at $612,000. More affordable options exist in Highland Park with a median price of $221,500 and Timrod Park at $186,500. Townhomes throughout Florence have a median price of $154,500, while two bedroom condos typically list at a median of $128,500.
Property taxes in Florence County maintain a 0.44% effective rate, while the combined sales tax rate is 7.50%. The city's educational landscape includes highly rated public schools such as Lucy T. Davis Elementary and West Florence High School, both rated A minus by Niche. St. Anthony Catholic School, rated A plus, serves the Windsor Forest and Green Acres areas. Major employers include McLeod Health, MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, and Honda of South Carolina. The city's location at the intersection of I-20 and I-95 provides convenient access to Myrtle Beach, 70 miles east, and Columbia, 80 miles west.
