Handsmill on Lake Wylie
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Florence, South Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Florence
Florence is located in the coastal plain of South Carolina, with a population of approximately 40,000 (2020 census). It's a historical town known for its role as a railroad center for the Confederacy. After the war, Florence became a railway hub, and the the transportation industry is still important to it today, along with the healthcare industry, business and finance. Downtown Florence has been undergoing major redevelopment over the past several years and was one of 3 winners of the 2023 Great American Main Street Award from Main Street America. Francis Marion University is located here. Photo of Aerial view of Florence Civic Center courtesy of Wikipedia and Florence Conventions and Visitors Bureau, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0/. McLeod Medical Center photo from Wikipedia Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/.
Where to Retire in Florence and Home Prices
The National Association of Realtors reports the median sale price of a home in Florence to be $208,200, in the 2nd quarter of 2023.
What Is Special about Florence
Florence is in a good location as it is where two interstates intersect (I95 and I20), which makes for easy traveling and allows it to be an industial hub. It is half-way between New York City and Miami, Florida, and not far from the beaches. Winner of the 2023 Great American Main Street Award. There are many neighborhood parks on over 600 acres and miles of trails. Although summers are hot, the other three seasons are mild.
What Is Not Special about Florence
Florence has hot and humid summers and a high crime rate. It is not considered a walkable community.
Who Will Like Retirement in Florence
Retirees who would like a small to mid-size college town that has mild winters, many modes of transportation, and a new Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library. Florence offers quality healthcare with two major hospital systems, along with a VA Primary Health Care Center. Myrtle Beach is only about 70 miles away.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Industry, healthcare, business and finance
Climate and Physical Environment
The summers in Florence are hot and humid with the average July temperature 81 degrees. The other three seasons are mild with the average January temperature 45 degrees. The wettest month is July.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The Art Trail Gallery, Florence After Five Concert Series, Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library, Florence Little Theater, Florence Museum of Art, Science, and History, The 10,000 seat Florence Civic Center.
Crime
The crime rate in Florence is over twice the national average, with most crimes involving theft.
Medical facilities
McLeod Regional Medical Center, Carolinas Hospital System, VA Primary Health Care Center
Transportation
Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, Florence Regional Airport, Amtrak
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