Reviews & Comments
Florence, SC
re: Lack of creative restaurants and fine din
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1/5/2024I agree that it is "not a good town for foodies", but disagree that it "is a great place to go out for BBQ", unless you love vinegar.
Florence, SC
re: Florence is much larger than you think
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1/5/2024For all the tax revenue being generated off those traveling I-95/I-20, Florence should offer far more than it does.
Florence, SC
re: Keep looking
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1/5/2024I'd like to see some replies from those who disagree with Kevin's comments, because from the past 2.5 years of being here, the facts directly support him. From a 'cost of living' analysis, Florence is not nearly as inexpensive as suggested. Due to much of what Kevin called out, transportation is significantly higher than many other locations due to exorbitant vehicle registration fees and having to travel three times as far as better-appointed cities, increasing fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, and vehicle insurance rates that exceed Los Angeles, CA.
The service/hospitality industry here could use a complete overhaul. Service with or without a smile is the exception here. In light of the education level, racism from all sides, and low wages in the area, perhaps it shouldn't be too surprising. Additionally, sales tax on dining out is 10% on top of the 3%+/- 'convenience fee' for credit card use added on by some restaurants. And, did I mention the 1% grocery tax that many other states don't have?
Having lived in eight different states from east to west, north to south, and in between, and having traveled to all 50 states I've learned that you have to look much deeper than what's presented on this site to truly understand what to expect in any given area. Every place I've lived is going to get their pound of flesh from taxes/fees, etc. Some will get you on income tax, others on property tax, others on city tax, others on school tax, others on waste/wastewater fees, others on grocery tax, others will tax your pre-tax retirement savings, others will introduce levy after levy (a tax), and some will do a little of all these things and more (death by a thousand cuts). Sure, Florence is a place to live, but I'm guessing anyone who sings high praise of the area likely has not been many other places.