Bishopville is a South Carolina town grappling with economic decline
The small Lee County town of Bishopville is nestled amid the natural landscape of South Carolina’s Pee Dee Region. This community of 3,000, which is also the county seat, stands out for its historic architecture. Officials recently began long-term efforts to revitalize Main Street and spur the retail economy. “It’s an older, rural area. There’s not a lot of new construction because there’s not a lot of jobs there,” says Cedrick McKnight of JPAR Magnolia Group, who has sold homes in the area. “A lot of people have to travel for work.” U.S. Route 15, which runs through the community, provides convenient travel to Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, about 15 miles away, and Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, about 20 miles away. Nearby Interstate 20 offers direct access to the regional cities of Florence and Columbia.
Homes in the heart of town feature historic architecture
The architecturally diverse offerings here include Cape Cods, Victorians and Tudors. Craftsman and neoclassical elements are incorporated into several homes. Large porches and porticos are common architectural flourishes. These homes grace quiet streets with mature trees. Midcentury ranch-style designs can be found throughout the community and often feature spacious lots, which are common on the outskirts of town. “In the downtown area, there are older, more historic-type homes,” McKnight says, “but as you get out into the more rural areas of the county, you’ll find modular homes.” Of homes sold in the past year, prices ranged from $50,000 to about $335,000. Residents can expect hot, humid summers, but they get a reprieve with mild winters.
Community is home to four schools, including a K-12 charter option
The Lee County School District, which earns a C from Niche, is headquartered in Bishopville. Dennis Elementary, rated C-minus, is conveniently located near the center of town. Lee Central Middle and Lee Central High schools, rated C-minus and C, respectively, share a campus south of town near Interstate 20. The Lee County Career & Technology Center offers several career-oriented courses. The Pee Dee Math Science & Technology Academy is public, K-12 charter option that Niche gives a B-minus. South Carolina allows students to apply for transfers to schools outside of their geographic zones.
Community has a plan to revitalize Main Street
Bishopville Diner is a popular soul food restaurant downtown that serves up Southern-style favorites. Main Street offers a small collection of stores and eateries, but many businesses have closed amid the downtown's decline. “They’re still dealing with that,” says McKnight, who adds that the community "has the potential for growth.” In April of 2024, city officials released a nearly 50-page master plan laying out their vision for downtown revitalization. Downtown does continue to host a unique signature event. The Bishopville Stomp is an annual celebration of the legendary Lizard Man, whose statues can be seen around town. Main Street is also Route 15, and more dining options can be found along the commercial corridor heading away from downtown and closer to the interstate. Residents have two grocery stores from which to choose.
Community parks, Lynches River are top recreational destinations
Flag Park is a downtown attraction that serves as a memorial for the armed services. It features a statue of Felix “Doc” Blanchard, a South Carolina native who won the Heisman Trophy for Army in 1945. Nearby Old Grammar School Park features children’s playscapes and open spaces. Dennis High Memorial Park is anchored by ballfields. Lee State Park is a popular regional destination that offers access to outdoor recreation along the Lynches River. “Fishing is big in that area,” McKnight says. Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden is another popular attraction, which features 3 acres of artistically crafted landscaping.
Appealing access to Florence and Columbia via I-20
McKnight says Bishopville would typically appeal to those “looking for a cheaper area to live that provides you with access to Florence and Columbia.” I-20 connects residents to Florence, about 30 miles away, and Columbia, about 50 miles away. Columbia is the state capital and home of the University of South Carolina. Florence Regional Airport is about a 35-mile drive.
Written By
Matt Pallister
