Not much to offer
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11/8/2008
We've lived in Florence for about 2 years and can honestly say that this is not for everyone. The schools are horrible and we are paying a private school for the same level of education that is offered in public schools in the Upstate of SC. Gang violence is prevalent, particularly in the north side where murder seems to be a common event. The infrastructure of the city is terrible with roads that needed to be paved years and years ago continually being ignored. Downtown is downright ugly although they are working hard to revitalize the area with the new Little Theater and plans for a new performing arts center. Unfortunately, the progress is at a snails pace due to what appears to be the class warfare going on at city council. You can't just put up nice new structures in the midst of a junk yard and expect the whole area to shine. As far as the people, I've seen my share of both kinds but there is a somewhat closed mindedness in the city because I guess they were never used to having people relocate to this area until bigger businesses started moving in. The best thing about Florence? You are only an hour away from the beach.
P.S. If you are swayed by Lyles' positive comments, she worked for the city's business development department.
Brad | Florence, SC