Florence, situated in the northeastern part of South Carolina, began as a railroad community almost 150 years ago and has emerged into a major metropolitan in what is known as the “Pee Dee” region taking the name from the Pee Dee River which flows through the bottomland forests, cypress swamps, and ultimately into the coastal flats.

Much of the growth of Florence can be accredited to its strategic location at the intersection of two main thoroughfares, I-95 and I-20. With almost 75% of the nation's population within a day's drive, this advantageous position has made Florence a center for industry, medicine, education, retail, recreational and cultural opportunities.

Transportation is a major advantage to those people coming and going to the Florence area. Direct rail service to two regional seaports in Charleston, SC and in Wilmington, NC is available, while the Florence Regional Airport provides daily commercial connections to major southeastern and international hub airports in Atlanta and Charlotte.

When you arrive in Florence you will be impressed with the two major hospital systems, McLeod Regional Hospital and The Carolinas Hospital. Both provide leading edge health care services and have been great assets to the people of 8 counties by offering many other accompanying services.

Florence brings regional audiences to its many entertainment and cultural opportunities. The Florence Little Theatre exhibits local talent with a professional feel, while The South Carolina Dance Theatre, the Florence Symphony Orchestra, and Masterworks Choir enriches the lives of so many. Florence inhabitants are proud of our local schools, Florence/Darlington Technical College, Coker College and Francis Marion University for their contribution to the arts as well as their academic programs. These offer a broad range of educational and extracurricular opportunities. Families enjoy the activities and programs presented at the 10,000 seats Florence Civic Center including games of the Florence Phantoms, a team of the American Indoor Football League.

Florence holds special pleasure for the outdoor enthusiasts. Many parks, tennis courts, golf courses and the Pee Dee River provide something for all. The southern climate allows for year round participation in sports and other outdoor activities. Last, but certainly not least, if you are a race fan, you won't want to miss the nearby Darlington Raceway.

Even with all the amenities Florence has to offer, the residents enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in South Carolina. Add that to affordable housing and a gracious lifestyle and you may just have found Camelot. Florence offers a wonderful blend of the old south with the advantages of the new south for its people who have chosen our community.

The hub of retail trade, healthcare, business, services and entertainment for a regional population of nearly 700,000, Florence County enjoys the assets well beyond those found in most metropolitan markets of this volume in the United States.