Growing South Carolina community away from the urban sprawl
The city of Florence sits at the intersection of Interstates 20 and 95, right in the heart of South Carolina’s Pee Dee Region. Once a railroad hub and manufacturing center, this city of 41,000 has seen significant growth in recent years, with major companies like Nan Ya Plastics, OTIS Elevator and RUIZ Foods Inc. opening. "We are growing so much, and we have so much industry coming to our area," says Florence Mayor Teresa Ervin. "We have retirees, college students, some lifelong residents and some who left (and) then moved back to raise a family."
Even with its recent growth, Florence has maintained its small-town feel. "As we grow, you don't have the skyscrapers and can still be away from the hustle and bustle of larger areas like Charleston," says Crystal Stroud, a Realtor with My Real Estate Group who was born and raised in Florence and has over 20 years of experience.
Florence
Florence
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Taking a stroll on the Rail Trail
The city is home to over a dozen parks and open spaces, with Jeffries Creek Park being the largest of the group. Jeffries Creek spans more than 55 acres and features natural trails and playgrounds along the creek. Timrod Park 's namesake green space has 14 lighted tennis courts and seven pickleball courts. One of the more popular recreation activities here is the Rail Trail, a 5-mile trail along an old railroad track that loops through the woods. "If I have a friend visiting Florence, one of the things we are doing is going to walk the Rail Trail," says Stephanie Grosick, vice president of Business Development for Florence County Economic Development Partnership.
Local residents enjoy the pickleball courts at Timrod Park.
Residents from West Haven enjoy going on morning walks at the Rail Trail Park.
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Award-winning block party downtown
Florence's stand-out event is the SC Pecan Trail, highlighting local businesses and restaurants that use pecans in food and crafts. The city also celebrates the holidays with various festivities, including a Christmas tree lighting. On the final Friday of each month – between May and September – is Florence After 5, an award-winning block party downtown. Deemed the "Best Local Attraction and "Best Outdoor Event" by SCNow, the party includes live music and several food and drink vendors.
Creative sculptures can be found in downtown Florence near Windsor Forest.
Downtown Florence and its amenities are a short drive away from Olde Mill.
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Charming downtown at the heart of the Pee Dee Region
Due to its significant growth, Downtown Florence has blossomed into a hotspot in the Pee Dee area for retail and dining, with over a dozen independently owned restaurants and unique shops. "I love the community in Florence; I love the quality of life. I got to see this downtown revitalization first hand," Grosick says. In South Florence, Pamplico Highway is a growing commercial corridor with several strip malls, restaurants and newer businesses. CrossRoads Center in West Florence is close to several chain restaurants and big-box stores like Target and Home Depot. About 8 miles outside of downtown is Buc-ee's, a nationally known travel center and convenience store favored for eclectic gifts, knickknacks, and clean bathrooms.
Florence
Florence
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Suburban homes and modest properties near downtown
The median home price for Florence homes is about $255,000, lower than the national median price of $417,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. "We call it ‘Affordable Florence,’ " Stroud says. "Compared to other areas in the state, we have phenomenally cheap property taxes." Suburban neighborhoods like Olde Mill and Parkwood offer modern and contemporary builds with natural surroundings that cost an average of $325,000. Areas like West Haven and Green Acres have more modest homes close to downtown, ranging from $96,0000 to $280,000. "We have a lot of people looking to move to Florence and a lot of new residential developments, which is needed because the companies that are coming here and growing need more workers,” Grosick says.
Olde Mill homes come in various shapes and sizes, with the average home around 2,400SF.
Ranch homes are found throughout the neighborhood of Parkwood.
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High marks for Florence schools
Students will attend Florence Public School District One, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche and serves over 16,000 students. The district includes 17 elementary, four middle, and three high schools. There are several private institutions in the area, including King's Academy. The Pre-K-12 academy earns an A-minus and is ranked the 11th-best Christian High School in the state by Niche. Advantage Academy offers students a chance to get a taste of the work force through various programs, including welding, nursing and culinary arts.
Wilson High School.
Timrod Elementary School.
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Near the intersection of Interstates 20 and 95
Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority offers public transportation options throughout Florence and nearby areas. The city is right off the intersection of Interstate 95 and Interstate 20. Interstate 95 runs south to Miami and north to New York City. The Florence Regional Airport is just a couple of miles east of downtown. McLeod Regional Medical Center and MUSC Health Care Florence are the two main hospitals in town.
There are many shops in West Florence, near Windsor Forest.
Highland Park sits between two primary retail and restaurant areas.
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Prepare for potentially heavy rains and flooding
According to FBI data, violent crime in Florence climbed from 2018-2020 but has steadily decreased since. Property crime counts have gone down in the last five years. Violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average, with violent crime rates about twice as high as national rates, according to FBI statistics.
Florence's location is less than 100 miles from the coast, which means it is prone to heavy rains, flooding, and high wind gusts when a tropical storm or hurricane hits the coast.
Pee Dee Regional Airport connects Olde Mill commuters to destinations near and far.
The McLeod Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals near Windsor Forest.
Hello! My name is Tilly Thompson and I am a real estate agent in Florence, South Carolina.I am known for my exceptional customer service and dedication to my clients needs. Being a lifelong resident of Florence gives me extensive knowledge of the Pee Dee region. I strive to make every transaction as smooth and stress free as possible.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
