Historic raceway and rural roots shape Darlington today
Darlington has grown from an agricultural center to an auto racing hub in rural Darlington County. Historically, the city of roughly 6,000 was rooted in cotton and tobacco farming, and though it’s still surrounded by miles of cropland, Darlington has been better known for its NASCAR raceway since the 1950s. The historic Darlington Raceway, known by fans as the “Track Too Tough to Tame," was the company’s first paved superspeedway. It draws over 90,000 visitors annually for the NASCAR Southern 500 race. When racing season isn’t in full swing, longtime local Tom Snyder, Realtor with ERA Leatherman Realty, says, “it’s a nice, quiet country town.” Darlington is near outdoor recreation and major employers, such as the H.B. Robinson Nuclear Plant and hospitals in Florence. “The primary draw is the cost of living,” Snyder says. “It’s also within driving distance of Myrtle Beach.”
Historic cottages and ranch homes mix with newer builds
For the most part, home prices range from under $100,000 to around $400,000. However, condition, age, square footage, acreage and other factors can push certain listings past the $500,000-mark. The median sale price is about $185,000. Historic properties include quaint cottages and rustic farmhouses from the early 20th century. Midcentury ranch-style homes give many streets an old-school suburban look. The more contemporary properties range from Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals to new construction builds. Properties within special flood zones, like those with creeks running behind them, may require flood insurance for a federally backed mortgage.
Darlington schools include a top-rated STEM magnet
The Darlington County School District receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Students can complete prekindergarten through second grade at Pate Elementary, graded B, before attending Brockington Elementary Magnet for third through fifth grade. J.L. Cain Elementary, graded C, and St. Johns Elementary, graded B-minus, also serve the community. Darlington Middle and Darlington High both have B-minuses. The city also has a magnet option, Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology, which is among South Carolina’s top five public high schools with an A-plus. High schoolers can dual enroll with Florence Darlington Technical College, less than 5 miles away.
Golf, tennis and dining at historic Darlington Country Club
Darlington Country Club, founded in 1926, offers a scenic 18-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, and elegant dining and event spaces. Just outside of Darlington, the 2,725-acre Great Pee Dee River Heritage Preserve protects a 7-mile stretch of river. It has many avenues for hiking, birdwatching, fishing and primitive camping. The massive green space is managed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, which allows seasonal hunting for quail, deer, and turkey through a permit system.
Southern diners, pizza joints and seafood spots near Pearl Street
Local eateries are in the heart of the city, around Pearl Street. Takis Diner is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a classic Southern menu. It’s known for its quirky midcentury decor, complete with statues of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and James Dean. Mamma Mia is a go-to for hot pizza pies, but it also has hamburgers, wraps and pasta on the menu. For surf rather than turf, folks drive about 3 miles outside of Darlington to eat at the popular Mayflower Seafood Restaurant. Fast-food joints like Wendy’s and Bojangles are on U.S. Route 52, along with chain stores Food Lion, Walmart Supercenter and Tractor Supply Co.
Darlington is close to Florence’s hospital and Amtrak station
Car-dependent Darlington is less than 10 miles from a ramp onto Interstate 20, a direct route to Columbia, roughly 75 miles away. The highway also connects to Interstate 95 nearby, and the intersection is in Florence, about 10 miles away. U.S. Route 52 is a straight shot into Florence, which also has the closest Amtrak station, regional airport and 24-hour hospital, McLeod Regional Medical Center.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
