Florence has a thriving economy as a transportation and distribution center with manufacturing and agriculture added to the mix. The main transportation routes from the north and east split at this point, continuing inland to Atlanta and down the coast to Savannah and into Florida. Manufacturers include Honda, GE, Maytag, DuPont, and Southeastern Steel. The town is typically Southern with a simple grace and slow pace. The downtown business district is plain and has some historic interest.

While it’s far from big-city services and amenities, the town does have a modest set of local arts assets. The McLeod Regional Medical Center adds a significant health care presence. Darlington Raceway 5 miles north is an active NASCAR track, and a series of state parks offer some recreation in the piney hills to the northwest. The area is strong financially with an attractive Cost of living Index and healthy recent job growth.

Florence is at the edge of the Coastal Plain where the land begins to rise to a wooded, rolling terrain. Predominant vegetation is pine forest with sections cleared for agriculture. The temperate climate is influenced by mountains to the northwest and the Atlantic 50 miles to the southeast. Warm, moist air and low elevation keep summers hot, sticky, and wet. Winter weather is typically cool and damp but not excessively cold, although nighttime lows frequently drop below zero.