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11/1/2022
The short version: high humidty+high temps+mosquitoes, high crime, terrible schools, poor dining choices, no outdoor activities, very few entertainment options, horrible shopping, did I mention the humidity?
Thorough version: I lived in Florence for 25 years growing up and go back a few times a year to see family and have traveled extensively all over the country for my job.
There is a lack of shopping (mall is horrible) and dining is really really bad to the point that you can barely keep a Thai or Indian restaurant open. They have done a good job recently trying to revitalize downtown and there are a few new breweries and restaurants but still lacking compared to cities of similar size.
High crime, crime index is 1 out of 100 with 100 being the safest.
High schools rated 3/10, middle and elementary 5/10
Not much for entertainment options compared to similar cities. They do have 5oclock Fridays downtown and a couple of festivals but again lacking.
Outdoors activities there are no lakes and this part of SC is flat with no hills. Lynches river is nice but polluted. There is the rail trail (5 miles) but otherwise no bikeway or bike lanes and very little hiking. Myrtle beach is 1.5 hours away but has its own problems (high crime, crappy dining).
The population is very red except the African American population which is mostly blue. This area is very religious but in general does not practice what they are preaching. They do not want to help thos less fortunate as the bible teaches and racism is definitely still a problem. People are very unhealthy with lots of obesity and smokers (26% when national average is 12.5%)
Weather is very hot and humid, many days in summer greater than 90° with a heat index greater than 100°. It rains a lot, like 30% avg chance of rain all year and that goes up to 40+% for the summer. All this is a perfect breeding ground for bugs, especially mosquitoes.
I just can't imagine anyone looking at all the negatives and thinking this is the city for me. Numerous choices that offer much more for the same cost of living
Kevin | Timmonsville, SC